...and mostly recently, thirty years after that first guitar, I certainly did not "choose" Rick's Lowden. There was no process of selection whatsoever. I of course like to think that I know how to shop for a guitar selectively and carefully now. In this case, I was enjoying the cool of Fielding's basement studio, and noticed a battered dreadnought with no apparent maker markings, one of many nice instruments adorning the walls there. "What's this?" I inquired, casually but avariciously reaching for it. "That's a Lowden," he replied to my astonishment (I have a thing for them and never thought I could afford one). I didn't look inside the soundhole, didn't even cannily sight down the neck. Just hung on for dear life and played like I was getting paid by the lick. Doubt Rick could have pried it from my cold, dead fingers, so we made a business transaction instead. (Some transaction--he just named a figure which I thought so reasonable that I plumb forgot to dicker! I always dicker.)

After considering this matter, I am positive that this guitar was getting bored with semi-retirement and (possibly afraid that Rick might lend it to Ani DiFranco again) decided to hitch a ride out of Toronto with me.

Just call me lucky.

Willie-O