Contact: mikeaguitarman@blueyonder.co.uk
Here's some photos from the dim dark past: We'll start with one of my brother Dave and me (left) when I was about 15. The guitar I was playing was a Hofner Congress which cost me the princely sum of £19. I delivered a lot of newspapers to get that but it was worth it at the time. By today's standards it was like wrestling with a tree trunk, the action left a lot to be desired, but I always seemed to manage to get a tune out of it. (Click picture to enlarge)
The picture right shows me with a Framus guitar.
It's a shame it's only black & white because you can't see the gorgeous sunburst colour.
At the time I thought it was the biz, but what do you know at sweet 16.
(Click picture to enlarge)
Pictured left, the Blackjacks. In the late 50's/early 60's it was one of the most popular groups in Plymouth. I'm third from the left and the guitar was a Hofner Committee, the guitar at that time. Once again, I wish I had a colour pic because it really was a work of art. Pretty to look at but, by today's standards a pig to play. (Click picture to enlarge)
Here's me (right) doing my Elvis bit in a group called the Hepcats. Again a very popular group who's name is still spoken in revered tones by people of that era (early 60's). The guitar was a Harmony slimline and by this time the action on guitars was getting a lot better.
(Click picture to enlarge)
Unfortunately, from that era to this one there's a sad lack of pics. When I was playing Jazz and Dance Band nobody thought about cameras, we were all too engrossed in the music, so here's a couple of recent ones.
First, another one of my Gibson RD Artist
(Click picture to enlarge)
Next right, one of my trusty Westwood Accoustic. It's a copy of an Ovation at about a third the price and plays like a dream.
(Click picture to enlarge)
I'm afraid the years have taken their toll and the thick mop of black hair has turned to a distinguished silver grey, and a trifle thin at that!
Next, a more recent picture (left) shows a longer-haired specimen (it goes with the hat) proudly holding his new toy, an Ovation Celebrity. When I tried it out I wasn't over-impressed with the nut spacing especially on the top three strings, so I had a new bone nut fitted to my specifications and now it plays a treat. Nigel, the guy who owns the Music Shop commented that although it didn't look right it certainly played right!
Another piece of impressive kit on the |Celebrity is the OP30 module (pictured right) which gives plenty of graphic control to the user. There's even a built-in tuner !
I always keep my word so Gwyndaf here's the photos I promised.The first (left) at the tender age of 6 months, king of all I surveyed!
The picture right was sent to my great aunt by my mother when I was 13, I think there ought to be a law against it!
A picture of me (left) giving it hell in the early days. I'm not saying I'm old but look at the mics, remember the old Reslo's, if you touched it with your lip you got a belt. Still it kept you on your toes!
While we're on the subject of the dim dark past, how's about the picture right that I dug out of the archives. It was taken in 1957 on the beach in Looe, Cornwall where we gave people there an impromptu session of Skiffle and Country Music. I never did know what happened to the Stetson but back then it was my pride and joy!
Recently I met a couple of friends from long ago, Ann and Brian Brownlow, who were stalwart fans back in the good ol' Rock'n Roll days. I was shown a photograph of our band The Blackjacks playing at a their wedding reception in 1960! Although I couldn't remember the actual gig, it brought back a flood of memories of the great era. and we spent some time talking about one thing or another back then. Left is a thumbnail of the photo for those who suffer from the nostalgia bug now and then, which shows us playing our hearts out, those were the days!
