there again - Derek was supremely skillfull at talking to the audience and keeping it entertained in an age when guitars were very expensive and digital tuners were a thing of the future. Derek used a lot of open tunings - less as he got older - but I've seen him use four different tunings in four songs. I doubt his audience were even aware his machinations.

back in the 1960's - a good guitar like Derek favoured would cost more than my dad made in a couple of months. so having a couple of guitars would not really have occurred to him.

he started doing all the chat when he was in a band with 17 year old Maddy Prior, and she gave him the job of talking to the audience whilst the rest of the band sorted themselves out for the next number. in the end, the schtick is probably what most people will remember him for - certainly Capstick, Carrot, Harding, Connolly - all at various times have mentioned Derek's way of introducing a song as influential on their own style.

last time I saw Malc Stent, i think he did two songs in the second half.

having said that DErek was a stunning musician in many ways. on the English folkscene, I can only think of young Sunjay Brayne who can handle a set of finger picks in the way Derek did. most of us rely on the transducer to amplify our efforts. but that percussive yet delicate technique that Derek had - it had unique qualities.