OK, a little bit of whining here. The Guild 12 string that I bought when I was 25 (it was my second) was "that" guitar! I took it into the shop and had the fingerboard bound with mother of pearl and Gold tuners installed. Took it home and three days later someone (I found out who, but couldn't prove it) broke into my apartment and stole it. Through the grapevine I learned that a person who frequented the pub next door to me had overheard me talking about my wonderful guitar, and when he knew I'd be out working in a club, jimmied the lock and took it. (along with a tape recorder and 300 bucks)

In those days I played a lot at a place called Steel's Tavern which was frequented by the foot soldiers of the Volpe "family". Don't ask me why lesser mobsters and hit men would want to be in a bar that had folk music...but they did. One of them (I think even though it's been many years since then, I shoudn't be telling names) had taken a liking to the music I played and often said "if you ever need a favour, just let me know". For weeks I contemplated asking him to get my guitar back. (and if the thief got seriously hurt , or even killed, I'd have been ecstatic) The only thing that stopped me was that "Godfather thing" about eventually having to "repay" the favour. I was chicken.

But I still think about that Guild. Hold onto it Mick my friend.

Rick