SINSULL - I once place a Takamine guitar (in its case) on the rear deck of my car outside Don's Coffeehouse. I then got into a lengthy talk with a friend about something. She eventually headed out, and I got in the car and started driving home. About 3 miles down the road I thought "Where is the guitar?", and looked over my shoulder at the back seat. It wasn't there.

I felt this horrible rush of adrenalin hit me. Where was it? I chanced to look up at the rearview mirror and saw the guitar case, which was by now a couple of inches away from sliding off the back of my car, which was going at about 90 kph (55 mph) down a country road. I very gingerly slowed the car down and eased it off to the side of the road.

I have never more sincerely thanked God for anything in my life. I had actually made it around 2 corners and several sharp turns without losing that guitar.

I now have a rule. When approaching any vehicle with your guitar, prior to opening said vehicle, place guitar firmly on top of the hood against the windshield. I recommend this practive to one and all.

A few weeks ago a friend of Don Bray's backed his car directly over the case of his Martin guitar, breaking the neck in two. This again, happened after he had been distracted by a conversation.