Just saw that 'one in a million' axe!

Subject: Just saw that 'one in a million' axe!
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 27 Jan 01 - 09:53 PM

Forgive me, non-guitar nurds!....but I gotta tell my Mudcat friends about THIS one.

Went over to a music store this afternoon to help a friend make some tough choices and I saw (and played) THE BEST GUITAR I'VE ENCOUNTERED IN 30 YEARS. It's a 1950 Gibson Southern Jumbo and it literally EXPLODES with sound. I tried some three finger picking and some bluegrass flatpicking on it, and I was amazed at how "fast" it played. Did a couple of slow tunes (Patsy's "I Fall To Pieces") and it just filled the room. When my friend (who's not an experienced picker YET!) played it, you could just see her light up.

We've had discussions here about whether a certain instrument can make you play better or not, and as usual I tried to look at both the pros and cons of such a proposition..... after all, I've probably owned fifty or sixty guitars, and they all had "something" special to offer. But I think I've now seen my own personal "Holy Grail".

Oh...and no, I'm NOT buying it. I've developed an excellent personal relationship with "Woody", my little 51 year old Martin 0-18. I'm hoping my friend gets it.....'cause then I'll get to play it now and then (and record with it!)

Ahaaaah, that feels better. Glad to get that off my chest.

Rick

Subject: RE: Just saw that 'one in a million' axe!
From: MarkS
Date: 27 Jan 01 - 10:00 PM

Rick - Better think twice. Are you sure you wont be remorseful if you dont buy it? Hate to come up on a guitar thread some time in the future only to hear you fret about the one you should have bought!
Mark

Subject: RE: Just saw that 'one in a million' axe!
From: catspaw49
Date: 27 Jan 01 - 10:07 PM

Hey Rick.......Glad she found "THE" guitar!! Sounds like one helluva' an axe.

I've had a great time piddling around searching the web for guitars that met her "cowboy" criterion. Its like I sad, a bit like pawning, but you miss that critical playing part. In the process, something else occurred to me and if I can think of a thread title, I may yet start a thread about it. I'm sure you have, but I wonder how many other people have had this crazy, irrational, illogical.....just flat DUMB.....craving for a certain guitar for a long time? No, I don't mean some wonderful thing that we may all have dreamed of....No, more of a "I know these are stupid, overpriced, ridiculous, guitars (or any other instrument), but I'VE ALWAYS WANTED ONE AND AM EMBARASSED TO ADMIT IT!!" Wish I could think of a thread title, because I don't think I'm alone here.

Tell Tuck to buy the damn thing before it walks away without her!!!! Sounds truly like a lifetime axe.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Just saw that 'one in a million' axe!
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 27 Jan 01 - 10:45 PM

No, Rick, you must have it. Lie, Cheat, Steal, whatever. You and that axe were destined to be together. You've followed your personal path, just as the guitar has followed its own, until your paths at last converged at that music store, just as it was meant to happen. Don't defy fate. This piece of musical hardware is your musical soul-mate, and you know it. If you don't, it would be like Bogart without Bacall, Rogers without Hammerstein, Simon without Schuster, Crosby without Stills (or maybe Nash, but not Young). Do it, dammit, do it.

Subject: RE: Just saw that 'one in a million' axe!
From: katlaughing
Date: 27 Jan 01 - 10:49 PM

Yeah, what he said, Rick! Sounds like you and the axe (? where did that expression come from?!) were made for each other, like two peas in a pod, Porgy & Bess, Pamina and Pamino, Rhett and Scarlett, etc.....{*_*}

kat

Subject: RE: Just saw that 'one in a million' axe!
From: catspaw49
Date: 27 Jan 01 - 10:58 PM

Y'all some real nasty cats!!! Now you know that Rick wouldn't buy it if Tucker wants it....he'd have a helluva' time living with himself and BOTH OF YOU TURKEYS KNOW IT!!!!!

On the other hand, if Tucker has even the slightest change of heart......................

Spaw

Subject: RE: Just saw that 'one in a million' axe!
From: Big Mick
Date: 27 Jan 01 - 11:36 PM

Rick, if Tuck doesn't buy it, let me know...........I might come over and get it and piss every one off........hahahahaha. I am curious, what were they askin'?

Mick

Subject: RE: Just saw that 'one in a million' axe!
From: Metchosin
Date: 28 Jan 01 - 01:13 AM

Spaw my husband just admitted that he wants a blonde 1960/61 Gibson Byrdland with a Venetian cutaway, but says it will never happen. Then again he was given as a present, out of the blue by a friend/grateful client, a 1952 Martin D 18, which was also just a dream once upon a time, so you never know.

Rick my husband says you can pick up a guitar and tell if it was played by a good guitar player or a bad one. He says the guitar doesn't necessarily develop a big heart all by itself. Maybe the stellar qualities of the Gibson Jumbo were just enhanced by a previous good picker who brought the thing to life. Then again he could just be a crack pot.

Subject: RE: Just saw that 'one in a million' axe!
From: Metchosin
Date: 28 Jan 01 - 01:20 AM

He just admitted he was full of s**t because of two 1938 or 39 sequential serial no. D 28's (The Twins) that he also played. One had been played constantly and one had not been touched since WW2. Both sounded identical looked identical and played the same. And yes, they were both cannons. He also still stands by his first statement.

Subject: RE: Just saw that 'one in a million' axe!
From: katlaughing
Date: 28 Jan 01 - 01:31 AM

Mets, Elizabeth Scarborough would say he was right the first time!**BG** (Have you read her Songkiller Series?)

Subject: RE: Just saw that 'one in a million' axe!
From: Metchosin
Date: 28 Jan 01 - 01:53 AM

No, I'm not familiar with her or the series kat, any more info?

Subject: RE: Just saw that 'one in a million' axe!
From: Mooh
Date: 28 Jan 01 - 09:03 AM

Rick, buy that guitar! Resisting guitar karma is futile. If after all your experience with six-string razors (thank you Ian Hunter) one actually is capable of affecting you this way, it must be yours. I still dream about one of my own...Mooh.

Subject: RE: Just saw that 'one in a million' axe!
From: Jeri
Date: 28 Jan 01 - 09:45 AM

Well, Mr Rick I-found-the-holy-grail-and-left-it-lying-in-the-dust Fielding, it doesn't look a little bit like this one which I found on this page, does it?

You know you want it...
(hehehe)

Subject: RE: Just saw that 'one in a million' axe!
From: Willie-O
Date: 28 Jan 01 - 10:20 AM

My gosh, that link certainly lists a lot of great deals in great looking guitars...think it's time I made another trip to Toronto (before Yankee carpetbaggers beat me to it). Ah christ I'm dreamin again.

Rick you're dodging the question a bit. Obviously you wouldn't trade an O-18 for a Gibson SJ--you need a big guitar and a little one. So it's interesting that you didn't mention your "bank-loan" D-35 by way of comparison...don't ya still have it?

I sure like the look of that '56 D-18. And the 94 D-18 and the 90 000C-21 for that matter. And I bet that David Wren is a killer too.

It's Sunday morning, after all--I feel like I just went to church and worshipped at the altar.

The Church of the Vintage Flattop!

W-O

Subject: RE: Just saw that 'one in a million' axe!
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 28 Jan 01 - 11:11 AM

Smart gal Jeri!

Nope, I highly recommended that my friend buy this gem, 'cause she's got that "life spark" in her that I so admire, and I think music is going to be HUGE in her future.

Interesting theory "Met". Considering that Heather and I attribute human qualities to our cats, it's not much of a stretch to do the same with instruments. Rod Serling would approve.

Oh...and she DID buy it! Maybe she can share that moment with the Mudcats.

Rick

Subject: RE: Just saw that 'one in a million' axe!
From: catspaw49
Date: 28 Jan 01 - 11:21 AM

That's great news Rick. Tell her we want to hear all about it!

And Willie........Are you there Willie??? Have you left for Toronto yet?......Down boy, down..............

Spaw

Subject: RE: Just saw that 'one in a million' axe!
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 28 Jan 01 - 11:28 AM

Oops, sorry Willie-o. Regarding the "bank loan" D-35. It's in the process of being re-sold. It just hung on my wall, not being played enough. Seems I use the "little one" for damn near everything now.

Sheesh, what a hobby! Oh well, some folks collect stamps, Spaw probably collects 56 Chevvies,(in his front yard) my friend Tony collects frogs, and Heather collects cows (or is it pigs).

Hmmm, that might make an interesting thread.

Rick

Subject: RE: Just saw that 'one in a million' axe!
From: Metchosin
Date: 28 Jan 01 - 11:34 AM

congratulations!!!!!

I don't think Jim was being entirely metaphysical Rick....

Subject: RE: Just saw that 'one in a million' axe!
From: Big Mick
Date: 28 Jan 01 - 12:22 PM

Shit...........there went my justification for a quick trip to Toronto............Now I got to come up with something different......Thanks a lot, Tuck!!!!!!

All kidding aside, enjoy that critter. When one finds an instrument that it seems they were born to own, they should treasure and treat it like the friend it will become. My Guild 12 is like that. And in the custom of the old ones, give it a secret name and tell no one what that name is. Think I am kidding? It will help you develope the relationship needed to play wonderfully together.

All the best,

Metaphysical Mick ;-)

Subject: RE: Just saw that 'one in a million' axe!
From: SINSULL
Date: 28 Jan 01 - 12:46 PM

OK Rick. I am going to make it easy for you. If the guitar is not in your possession by noon Monday, I am going to buy it and tuck it away in a corner with the rest of my musical abortions (my fingers just don't work). It will die of loneliness and warping and it will be all your fault.

Subject: RE: Just saw that 'one in a million' axe!
From: kendall
Date: 29 Jan 01 - 09:59 AM

I searched for the perfect guitar for all of 50 years. Found it for under $900.00 with a new hard shell case. I know I would have kicked myself forever if I had not grabbed it.My motto is: Dont fight temptation, GIVE IN! Since then I have only met one guitar that impressed me more, and that was $3000.00. There is comfort in knowing that that other axe is not three times as good as mine!

Subject: RE: Just saw that 'one in a million' axe!
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 29 Jan 01 - 10:27 AM

Wise words Kendall. You DON'T have to pay a huge amount to find that "special" guitar that just "speaks to you". But you DO have to hunt for it and keep your eyes peeled. One Mudcatter e-mailed me asking whether I thought the Gibson that Tucker bought was superior to his axe (which I'd raved about). The answer was "yes and no". If I played instrumentals and did not sing, then I'd probably be looking for a narrow neck low action Martin (or Taylor, or Collings). Since I sing on 80% of what I play, the way a guitar responds to chords (from almost inaudible to crashing loud) is important to me. If I'm playing with a band that has a bass player, I'd be looking for something different than if the band was "bassless". If I was playing lead AND rhythm, I might go for a cutaway (although I don't like the "look" of them)

So it all boils down to compromise, and that "great fun search" (for me, anyway). Bottom line is that Wilf Carter made great music on a fancy Martin 000-45, and Sam McGee recorded his masterpiece "Buckdancer's choice" on a 3 dollar Stella. When Sam got his expensive Martin, he may have played better....but not 100 TIMES better!

Rick

Subject: RE: Just saw that 'one in a million' axe!
From: kendall
Date: 29 Jan 01 - 01:54 PM

It was a great honor for me at the age of 16 to be allowed to play Wilfs guitar.

Subject: RE: Just saw that 'one in a million' axe!
From: Peter T.
Date: 30 Jan 01 - 10:27 AM

(Sound of tinkly guitar. Smoke fills the late night.)
SAM: Mr. Rick, let's get out of here. She's no good for you.
RICK: Sam, you know I've developed an excellent personal relationship with "Woody", my little 51 year old Martin 0-18. But, but -- of all the guitar stores in all the world, she has to walk into mine. And she belongs to another! (glass crashes to the floor)

SAM: Boss, forget about her.
RICK: What year is it, Sam?
SAM: 2001, I think.
RICK: No it isn't. It's 1950. Somewhere in America they are making Gibson Super Jumbos, my Super Jumbo. They're all asleep there, except for the few, the lucky few who have -- sob -- Gibson Super Jumbos. Did I tell you I had my hands on one, once. It was Paris [camera dissolves into flashback, Arc-de-Triomph, camera dollies into "La Belle Aurore. Rick is on a chair by the bar, playing "I Fall To Pieces" on a Gibson Super Jumbo)
RICK: Oh, SJ, I never knew it could be like this.
GIBSON: Strum me baby, strum me!!!
RICK: Who were you before, and where did you come from, who did you know, and what did you do?
GIBSON: Oh, Rick, we said, no questions, no questions, ever. Explode me, Rick, explode me." (They embrace, camera fades to black, we open again at the fogged in airport. A big car drives up. A plane is revving up in the distance. Rick, the Gibson, and Tucker get out, followed at a discreet distance by Claude Rains)

RICK: Louis, put on the exit visas the names of Tucker and -- Gibson, Southern Jumbo. It is 1950, she will be able to carry it onto the plane.
GIBSON: But, Rick, what about last night ---"
RICK: SJ, we said a lot of things last night. Look, SJ, I don't know much, but I do know one thing. The problems of a folk singer, a guitar, and a woman who wants to start a k.d. lang-type band don't amount to a hill of beans in this crazy world. You are now a part of Tucker's work, part of what keeps her going, part of what will make her a good, maybe great player. If you're not on that plane when it takes off, you'll regret it, maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but soon,and for the rest of your life.
GIBSON: But I said I would never leave you.
RICK: And you never will. We'll always have Paris. We didn't have, we'd lost it until you came to Casablanca. And I got to play you one last time, last night.
CLAUDE RAINS: Better hurry.
(Gibson looks adoringly at the noble self-sacrificing Rick).
RICK (Holding back tears): Here's looking at you, kid.
Tucker and Gibson go off onto the plane. It takes off. Claude Rains looks at him admiringly if sardonically.
CLAUDE RAINS: Rick, you look like you need a drink.
RICK: One question, Louis.
CLAUDE RAINS: Yes?
RICK: Do you think they made more than one Holy Grail?
CLAUDE RAINS: I am not a theologian, but I wouldn't be surprised. But I do know one thing: it is better to drink champagne out of a champagne glass than out of a grail.
RICK: You surprise me, Louis. I think I could use a little champagne right about now. Maybe at that free French garrison in Brazzaville you are always talking about.
CLAUDE RAINS: I heard a rumour that there is a Martin once owned by one of the Delmore Brothers floating around down there.
RICK: What are we waiting for, let's get moving!!! (They walk out into the fog. The camera lingers for a moment on an empty bottle of Vichy water in the trash can. Music swells up and the sound of a heavenly Gibson can be heard in the distance).
THE END

Subject: RE: Just saw that 'one in a million' axe!
From: English Jon
Date: 30 Jan 01 - 10:46 AM

Oh for Gods sake just buy the bloody thing.

I've just blown a grand or so on a guitar that should last me to the grave. Assuming I get my allotted three score and ten, that gives me fifty years in which to learn to play the bugger. Quite cheap really, when you look at it like that? Buy it Rick, if it really is the one you want. Just make sure you lend your Martin to someone who will play it a lot, but treat it with due care and attention. Like me... ;)

Jon

Subject: RE: Just saw that 'one in a million' axe!
From: GUEST,New York Times Book Review
Date: 30 Jan 01 - 11:14 AM

Brilliant Peter! What do you do in real life? If you aren't a writer you should be.

English Jon. Too late. Tucker bought the Holy grail ten posts ago.

Subject: RE: Just saw that 'one in a million' axe!
From: GUEST,Roger the skiffler
Date: 30 Jan 01 - 11:17 AM

Brother Rick, BUY IT!
Even if you have to play Lola and Happy Birthday and My Way in bars for a few months to pay for it!
I'm holding back on those CDs on my "wants" list because I know I'll need to get another CD rack as well so if you weaken... then it gives me an excuse to go on a buying spree as well!
Trade in the squeeze box if you have to!
RtS(can't stand the suspense!)

Subject: RE: Just saw that 'one in a million' axe!
From: GUEST,Roger the skiffler
Date: 30 Jan 01 - 11:23 AM

Doh! Too late!
Damn!
RtS (barking up the wrong tree again)

Subject: RE: Just saw that 'one in a million' axe!
From: Justa Picker
Date: 30 Jan 01 - 11:48 AM

(Little bit of thread creep) but I also happen to be looking for a one in a million axe as well, although I'm a little more specific about the one I seek. I started another thread about it. Thanks.

Subject: RE: Just saw that 'one in a million' axe!
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 30 Jan 01 - 11:58 AM

Oy vay! Well this is my morning smile! great Peter.

Down Roger! Down boy! As the literary critic said..the guitar went to a most deserving young player last week. End of story.

well maybe not.....

"Beyond the Valley of the Maltese Casablanca Goon Dolls, part the deux"

Scene: Rick and the invisible man walk through the fog, considering orientation choices, and Vichy water vintages. From the darkness, the weasely form of Peter Lorre appears...

PL: Mr Rick, Mr. Rick, I've got something you should see. It's right here in this brown paper parcel.

R: Didn't I break your arm in another movie Joel? What's in the parcel?

PL: First I'll have to be paid Rick, you know, shipping and handling charges. I think ten million Francs will do nicely.

R: The Fat man told me you drive a hard bargain Joel, but here's a photograph of a five million franc note, and a small statuette of DeGaulle carved in butter. That should keep you quiet.

"PL greedily grabs the statuette and bites off De Gaulle's huge appendage. he hands the brown paper parcel to R.

I.M.(invisible man): Don't do it Rick, it will only lead to another adventure, another broken heart, another film that you'll have to fight Ronald Regan for the lead role. Come up to flat and look at my collection of erotic Nazi bully beef cans. You can have the Eva Braunshweigger one!

"Rick greedily tears open the package, fingers the peghead, and pulls his gun out".

R: Why this is nothing but a (very early) Takamine, Cairo! I'm going make a few soundholes in you!

PL: No, no! Please don't Rick...the Fat man assured me it was a Martin 000-28! We're not all nurds like you! It had six strings and a hole....I thought that was good enough!

R: You've got a lot to learn, Cairo. (turns to I.M.) Ok, let's go look at your salami.

They walk off into the future. Strains of "Idiot Wind" can be heard in the background.

Subject: RE: Just saw that 'one in a million' axe!
From: katlaughing
Date: 30 Jan 01 - 01:45 PM

You guys are BRILL> Thanks for the great read!

Sorry, Mets, I forgot I'd mentioned her. here's a bit:

Elizabeth Scarborough wrote the Songkiller Saga, light and dark, fun with an underlying message about society & what the loss of folk music would bring about.

Phantom Banjo, Songkiller Saga Vol. 1

Picking the Ballad's Bones, SS Vol 2

Strum Again?, Vol. 3

Can't recommend them enough! If you put her name in the super search there are several other references. Really EXCELLENT books.

kat

Subject: RE: Just saw that 'one in a million' axe!
From: Peter T.
Date: 30 Jan 01 - 02:33 PM

SYDNEY HARBOUR: I don't mind telling you, Rick, that Casablanca will be a duller place without you.

RICK: And Sasha, and Spaw, and all the boys, and the girl playing the Marseillaise on a guitar I can't remember the make of, but certainly not a Gibson SJ?"
SYDNEY HARBOUR: Rick's wouldn't be Rick's without them.....
RICK: And what about Hoagy Carmichael and Walter Brennan?
SYDNEY HARBOUR: As the woman who taught you how to play the pennywhistle said, all you have to do is pucker your lips and blow."
RICK: Pheewweetphoooo.....
yours, Peter T.

Subject: RE: Just saw that 'one in a million' axe!
From: catspaw49
Date: 30 Jan 01 - 07:25 PM

...........frickin' unbelievable...................

Spaw

Subject: RE: Just saw that 'one in a million' axe!
From: Big Mick
Date: 30 Jan 01 - 08:13 PM

............Would you please stop???????...........I now have tea in my sinus cavities and have to change my britches............I can't take anymore

Subject: RE: Just saw that 'one in a million' axe!
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 30 Jan 01 - 09:36 PM

After 60 years....here it is...the MISSING scene from....

"Return of Beyond My Green Valley of the Maltese Casablanca Goon Dolls" (Director's cut)

Claude Rains (the invisible man) surveys the human wreckage festooning Rick's Bar.

I.M.: Sergeant, round up the usual suspects.

Sgt: Verra good Mon Capitaine. By gar, hit looks like de dregs du humanity ici ce soir. Mon Dieu, look at de big one hin da corner!

Camera focuses on a huge disheveled stevedore with Earl Grey pouring out his nose. He's softly mumbling an exotic melody to himself........

Grande (pronounced like "Spaw") Mick:....arghhh, There be green aligators and long necked geese, hic, hack,...humpty back camels and chimpanzees..spit, hic...arghhh....

Sgt.: Excusee moi mon good fellow, but you seem to ave, ow shall I put this...soiled votre pantelons.

Grande Mick: arghh...oh Danny..hic, boy...hic..

Three attendants appear with mops and boxes of Depends, but the large man crushes their skulls with a vintage Guild 12 string. Suddenly, the owner of Rick's notices the scuffle, and comes striding over.

Rick: Mick, do you remember that song you used to play back in East Lansing?

Grande Mick: Mon Dieu, faith and begorrah, oi can't play THAT one ever again..it's too feckin' sad!

Rick: Ya played it for her. Play it!

Grande Mick: arghhh....tooralooraloora..sniffle..hic....

Somehow this scene got deleted completely and they replaced it with some piano guy.

Subject: RE: Just saw that 'one in a million' axe!
From: katlaughing
Date: 31 Jan 01 - 12:11 AM

BRAEFFINGVO!!!

Subject: RE: Just saw that 'one in a million' axe!
From: Peter T.
Date: 31 Jan 01 - 08:33 AM

(Same bar....)
BEAUTIFUL WOMAN(Slight Irish Accent)(sits down at Rick's table. He is working on a chess problem, which is interesting since the board is covered with checkers): Mr. Rick, you are a man, more or less.
RICK: I don't stick my neck out for nobody, sister.
BW: No, I am wondering about Captain Mick. You see, Sergei and I are both Irish, and we thought we were going to America, but we somehow took a wrong turn, and we seem to be in Casablanca.
RICK: Perhaps you were looking for the uisquebaugh, whatever the hell that is, don't you think Gaelic speakers should figure out how to spell, acushla machree?
BW: Captain Mick says that, well, if I hand over my Guild and certain portions of my anatomy to him, he will be able to procure exit visas for us, not to mention three choruses of Galway Bay. And--
RICK: Yes?
BW: Will he keep his word?
RICK: Hard to say. He always has in the past. You see that naked woman over there, the one hiding behind the Martin 0018 that has had the neck refinished?
BW: You mean she had a face lift?
RICK: We are talking guitars, sweetheart. Anyway, he told her some story about how he was a famous Irish spy, how the Germans -- a Count von Susato -- was making a low D pennywhistle with the help of Werner Heisenberg that would destroy the whole Irish pennywhistle industry, and that she could help him. Nothing left, she is, dare I say it, now clean as a --
CLAUDE RAINS: This place is now closed, by order of the Prefecture. I am shocked, shocked, to find Celtic music being played here. (Waiter comes up and hands him crock of gold).
RICK: Louis, before you close us down, this lady has an interesting story to tell. What did you say your name was?
BW: Sinead. Sinead O'Connor.
(Mass rush for the exits. Men cower under seats. Papal medals are hurriedly stuffed under shirts. In a corner, Captain Mick turns shamrock green with something akin to envy or horror, runs out. Claude Rains turns invisible.)
RICK: Well, Sinead, I guess it is just you and me. Sam, do you know any banshee wails?
SAM: I don't know boss, what do they sound like?
RICK: Interesting you should ask, Sam. Interesting modal qualities. Did you ever hear the Folkways record of Bulgarian blues, put out in oh, 56, I think it was? Wait, I have it here, on vinyl of course, and then there is this......... (fade out)