Guitars


	I’ve own several guitars as part of a collection and for my personal use in the groups I perform with. Listed below is a description of each.

1964 Gretsch 6120 “Chet Atkins” model
Gretsch “orange” with a Bigsby tremolo. This
was probably my most prized piece. It was in
quite good condition but I rarely played it except
at home. Not so rare of a guitar except that it
had been signed by Mr. Chet Atkins. I
purchased this guitar in the spring of ‘95 at
Gruhn’s in Nashville and that same summer was
given front-row-seat tickets to see Chet perform.
The tickets included a pre-show back yard BBQ
with Chet and his band. I was able to get him to
autograph my guitar and have photos taken with
him.
I sold this guitar to a gentleman in Italy,
10/25/02

Heritage H-575 hollow body
A great guitar built in Kalamazoo, MI. by some
of the men that originally worked for Gibson
before Gibson moved to Nashville. They are
even built in the same building where Gibsons
were made. The craftsmanship is excellent and
the cost is about the same as a Gibson. I believe
that these will prove to be great investments.
This is the second Heritage I have
owned. I previously owned an H-550 in Amber
finish which was slightly wider and thicker than
the 575. I changed the stock Schaller
pickups with Gibson ‘57 classics and added a
Bixby tremelo. I recently sold this to a friend of
mine..



	Harmony American I have been a fan of Buck Owens since the early 70’s so when I had the opportunity to buy a Buck Owens “American” I grabbed it. If you’ve ever seen Buck on Hee Haw, you’ve seen him play this red, white and blue acoustic. In my research, the only year I can find these were produced was 1969. Not a great quality guitar but plays decent. Just fun to have. RIP Buck.



		Hohner Fretless Bass I purchased this bass in about ‘70 or ‘71. Although I was drummer I got a job playing bass with my brother’s band (he played drums at the time) and I bought a used Hagstom. About a year later I traded it in on this Hohner. Fretless basses at that time were pretty unusual. I just thought it played and looked good so I bought it. Quite a few years later I sold the bass to my brother who began playing bass in a country band. He only used it for a few years. In the summer of ‘02 I bought it back from him. It’s still in pretty good shape, has a few stress cracks in the finish and most of the logo is gone. I traded the bass for a great mid 50s lamp. .



‘75 Fender Telecaster My most recent purchase. This guitar belonged to a friend of mine. He was killed in ‘96 on his way home from a gig at about 3 in the morning. His van was broad-sided by some kids running a stop sign. His wife finally decided to part with some of his things. This is the last guitar he played. The color .was blonde. That’s bar smoke my friends! I use this one regularly with my band the DeVilles..


		I have a new Mexi Classic Player Jaguar Special HH. I am very impressed with this guitar. Not only the workmanship and playability but the diversity it has. The upper roller controls allows you to blend from single coil to humbucker on each pickup It should soon be wearing a new coat of paint....Shorline Gold

	I also have a Taylor acoustic electric that I purchased in ‘96. I use that in an acoustic duo. I picked up a new Mexi ‘60s Strat. I dropped a Demarzio Air Norton with a coil tap on the volume control.