Drums were my first choice, inspired by "Wipeout," by the Surfaris (I guess that dates me). It also seemed a practical musical instrument for someone who had no talent for music, i.e., melody, notes, etc. (See musician jokes thread some time ago, re: what do you call someone who wants to hang out with musicians? A drummer).

Only thing was, drums were bulky and noisy. You couldn't take them to the park very easily to pass the afternoon; neighbors complained; pictures vibrated off the wall.

About then my dad came home with a Gretch "Tennesseean" electric guitar (big, orange solid body with painted-on sound holes and Bixby tremolo system) and a Fender amp, and began fingerpicking Chet Atkins style. He showed me a couple of chords, then bought me a cheap box from the pawn shop with quarters he'd saved from quitting smoking. I wish I could remember the name and what happened to that guitar.

The rest, as they say, is inconsequential. Wouldn't be without an accoustic guitar, even if I quit playing.