My first guitar was a Regal that I paid $9.95 for. I also bought a fiberboard case for $5.00. The store threw in a free pick (never used it) and a copy of Nick Manoloff's "How to Play the Guitar" manual (can't remember the exact title—this was back in 1951 or 1952). The manual came with a handy-dandy patented chord wheel. This was a sort of circular slide rule. You could dial a key, and it would show chord diagrams through little windows—the primary and secondary chords and relative minor chords for whatever key you wanted. Very handy gizmo! Later on, I studied music theory, but this silly little gadget was a good start.

I was really lucky with this guitar. By the grace of pure happenstance, the frets were in the right place, the intonation was true, and the action was fairly soft. It sounded like it was made of apple-crate wood and probably was, but it was easy to learn on.

My first really good guitar was a Martin 00-18, spruce soundboard, mahogany back and sides, very nice. I got it in summer of 1954. But about six months later, I decided I wanted to learn some classic guitar. I traded the 00-18 in on a Martin 00-28-G. Spruce soundboard, Brazilian rosewood back and sides, wide fingerboard (ebony), nylon strings. Gorgeous instrument, rich sound!

A few years after that, I became acquainted with hand-made Spanish instruments, which I've played ever since. Can't beat 'em for excellent workmanship, playability, and full, rich tone. Carrying power, too. I currently have a José Oribé classic and an Arcangel Fernandez flamenco. I also have a GO-GW nylon-string travel guitar made by Sam Radding in San Diego. Surprisingly good sound for such a little box (looks like a canoe paddle with strings). Very handy. I keep it close by and grab it whenever the spirit moves me.

I sing mostly traditional folk songs and ballads, but not exclusively. I also play some classic guitar (Sor, Tàrrega, Carulli, pieces written for the lute, etc.), and if I've taken my vitamins and have a good tail-wind, I might take a whack at a bit of flamenco.

Welcome aboard!

Don Firth