That beautiful 12-string was built by Pietro Carbone who had a very tiny little shop called "The Village String Shop" (I think) in the Village (New York, that is). I used to drop in and chat with Pietro regularly. He always invited mt wo stay for dinner, often some of his wife's great lasagna.

Walt told me about getting that guitar. He said Pietro made him play it and sing over it, to be sure he had enough voice to be heard over the voice of the instrument, before he agreed to sell it to him. Knowing Pietro, I have no doubt that he would have told a lesser talent, "No, my friend, that guitar is not for you!" My memory tells me that Walt paid $400 for it, a HUGE sum in those dark ages, and then strapped it on his back and drove across country with it on a motorcycle. The thought of such a risk being taken with that instrument sent chills along my spine!

We all were learning songs from Walt at that time -- good, basic folksongs of America. And Walt had some good old radical songs, too. The kind that worked when we played at the Longshoremen's Union hall for Harry Bridges' boys. I've no idea where Walt had picked them up, but I learned them eagerly. What a lasting influence that man had on many of us!

Sandy