Jul
11
Written by:
bcleveland
7/11/2011 12:39 PM
When I was first approached to blog for
Guitar Player, my head filled with all sorts of things to write about— interesting angles, approaches, off-the-wall tips n' tricks ... then I thought, "No, let's start at the very beginning. All of us pickers start off someplace, so what better way to begin my blog series than with my own personal story of the relationships I've had with my guitars."
Strardate 1956. A nine-year-old kid (me) gets his very first guitar. It's a Stella acoustic, and off the top of my head I'd guess that it probably retailed for about $14.99. Knowing the incredibly varied demographic of
Guitar Player, I'm sure that some of you are grinning broadly, remembering your own first Stella, and many others have simply never heard of one of those old hunks of wood and wire.
It was a horrible instrument. Once you got past the fifth fret, your fingers (especially if you were a youngster) were on the verge of bleeding. An action that reminded me of the suspension of the George Washington Bridge, a tone that was frankly unmemorable (I can't remember it, anyway). But here's the cool part—I had a teacher who made the experience fun. He kept my interest going, kept my excitement level high, even though my digital extremities were being tried to their limit. My teacher's name was Bill Suyker, and he taught out of his garage in Queens. I found out several decades later that he had at that time been one of NYC's staple session musicians ... so he must have really loved the teaching experience. Lucky me.
I stayed with Stella until my move into Manhattan, and to my second guitar teacher—the legendary Roy Smeck (a.k.a. "The Wizard of the Strings"). By the time I reached my 11th birthday, I graduated to a Harmony Broadway—an archtop acoustic which, while being worlds better than the Stella, and infinitely more playable, was just not the guitar of my dreams. Besides, by this time, the seductive sounds of the electric guitar had me totally in their grip. While I'd already been loving folk music with guitars—like the Kingston Trio, and been turned (very) on by masters including Segovia and Manitas de Plata (I was fortunate enough to get to see them in concert), it was Duane Eddy, the Ventures, the L.A. studio guys doing the Western TV shows that had my rapt aural attention. I needed an electric!
Roy suggested that my parents treat me to one (he endorsed Harmony guitars), so by 1961, I was the proud owner of a Harmony Meteor—a sunburst, single-cutaway with two
DeArmond pickups. Yessiree, I was moving up! I stayed with that one for about two years. I played my first professional gigs on it (by professional, I mean "for pay"). All the while I was eyeing those beautiful Fenders, and watching guys like Buddy Merrill play them (beautifully) on the Welk show made me hunger in my soul for one. But I would still have to wait a while longer, and struggle a little with a neck that could just about double as a baseball bat.
By the time the end of 1962 rolled around, I'd saved up enough gig money to move up another notch in the guitar chain. My mom had a "connection" at Manny's Music Store, arguably the most famous music store on West 48th Street (Tin Pan Alley). I found myself on the top floor with a rather young Henry Goldrich (son of Manny), who talked me into staying with 2" width hollow bodies—this time a Guild Starfire Emerald III. It was a beautiful instrument (I still have it). It was admittedly more Duane than Ventures, replete with Bigsby vibrato handle, and a really beautiful variety of tones. It had the first neck that felt truly playable. It shone like a jewel, and I really loved it. The summer of '63 saw me playing every night in Greenwich Village, backing up groups including the Ronnettes (who were just breaking their first hit "Be My Baby"), and subsequently being asked to be the musical director/bandleader of the Capris ("There's A Moon Out Tonight"). At the tender age of 16, I felt like my dreams and aspirations were starting to come true.
Finally I was in a position to buy the ever-so-coveted Fender I'd been dreaming about. So it was back to 48th street, this time to Jimmy's Music (they were the authorized Fender dealer on the block). I walked out of there with a used-but-new-condition Fender Jaguar. I was in heaven. That state lasted less than a week. While sleek and slim, chromed up, and with a custom Fender color dubbed "coral," it was a dog. Sorry dog owners, no offense meant here ... maybe another adjective? Some solidbody electrics are made of very resonant wood. This one was not. There were too many switches. The rhythm setting (top switch and two control wheels) produced a sound that was character-light. You know when a guitar is right or wrong for you. This was plain wrong. I was soon rid of it, and back to loving my Guild. Besides, by this time I'd begun studying with famous jazzer Sal Salvador, and in his view even my 2" thick hollow body was at least 3" too thin!
But it served numerous purposes well: it delivered a good set of rock tones, looked dynamite, and came reasonably close to emulating some of the sweeter sounds a larger-body jazz guitar could deliver.
There's a 1963 Stratocaster right around the corner, and I'll tell you all about it, and bring you up-to-date with the other fine instruments in my arsenal, in the next installment.
elliott-randall.com
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29 comment(s) so far...
Re: Elliott Randall: Guitars Pt. 1
Elliott, I seem to be jumping in first these days... per the maxim "if you can do it in 3 minutes, do it right away".
So: it's great to read this first instalment. And the funny thing is, learning about these mysteries in no way diminishes their magical power to inspire.
C.
By Charles Ryder on
7/13/2011 12:25 PM
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Re: Elliott Randall: Guitars Pt. 1
I have very fond memories of my Stella also. And my progression thru guitars went to a Harmony bought from the Spiegle catalog. Then I shot off in a dfferent direction. My first "real' guitar was a Epiphone Coronet which was a 'poor man's' Les Paul Jr.
By Rick Burkholder on
7/13/2011 12:25 PM
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Re: Elliott Randall: Guitars Pt. 1
Elliott,
Thanks for sharing your humble beginnings. I learned a lot about where you began and who you played with in the beginning.
Peace,
Ed
By Edward Jennings on
7/13/2011 12:25 PM
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Re: Elliott Randall: Guitars Pt. 1
My first was a 1965 Gretch Korvette , which I am lucky enough to still own. I remember those days playing that guitar, which also has a baseball bat for a neck. I was lucky enough to study under the late Joe Monk who lived in Massapequa, but had a studio in Queens.
By Michael Flaccomio on
7/13/2011 12:25 PM
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Re: Elliott Randall: Guitars Pt. 1
My first guitar was also a Stella acoustic. But, about 10 years newer than yours. With no improvement in the action. Mine had a painted on tiger stripes in pale yellow. Which resembled scrambled eggs. A few years later I performed a "Pete Townshend" on it. May it R.I.P.
By Jason Stewart on
7/13/2011 12:25 PM
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Re: Elliott Randall: Guitars Pt. 1
I know what you mean...it was great when you finally get that first great guitar. I still kick myself in the ass for ever trading it away. Bought a '64 cherry 335 and traded it for a 70s goldtop LP later. Paid 450.00 for the 335 back in the 70s...now I can't get a good for less than 20k. Glad your doing the blog for GP.
By Asher Rapp on
7/13/2011 12:26 PM
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Re: Elliott Randall: Guitars Pt. 1
Fascinating stuff Elliot. Looking forward to hearing how you get your hands on the Strat.
By James Forster on
7/13/2011 12:26 PM
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Re: Elliott Randall: Guitars Pt. 1
This was great- I'm so glad you're doing this. Wow, 18 years old, playing in the Village.... I remeber the Stellas, and the Harmony archtops of that period.
I was so lucky for my mother to have bought a Martin 0017 in the mid 50's at Mannys for $45 for herself which later became mine. It had a nut that was cut low so that it wan't nearly as painful as the other inexpensive guitars around, a problem that often caused my friends to stop playing. It also had pretty good tone, and a shorter scale that made it easier for an 11 year old to play. I played that till I got a Gibson 335 at Mannys in 1968.
By Harvey S. Citron on
7/13/2011 12:26 PM
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Re: Elliott Randall: Guitars Pt. 1
Go, Elliott! Love it. Yes, our teachers tried to keep us from the satanic solid-bodies, didn't they? If they could only see some of the guitars that have come out since then!
By Ira Siegel on
7/13/2011 12:26 PM
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Re: Elliott Randall: Guitars Pt. 1
Wonderful bio of the early days Elliott, I look forward to many more parts covering all the years in music,
All the best
Rob
By Robert Taylor on
7/13/2011 12:26 PM
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Re: Elliott Randall: Guitars Pt. 1
Brilliant, Elz!! If time permits, please add more to the story of the journey you've taken. Fans of your's and fans of the guitar await....!
By John Kormos on
7/13/2011 12:26 PM
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Re: Elliott Randall: Guitars Pt. 1
I want to thank Guitar Player Magazine for publishing this informative essay by the great musician Elliott Randall. There is much to be gleaned here by teachers as well as students. It is clear to me that not all guitar or music students can afford a top of the line student instrument and there is much to be admired about young children whom practice with whatever instrument they can get their hands on and still have a lot of fun with it. Despite the discomfort, such students still learn a lot and when opportunity arises to upgrade to a better instrument, the lucky student musicians transfer their love of music to the next level and their playing just gets better and better.
I see here that Elliott has begun the first chapter of a great book from which students, teachers, those interested in particular differences in different guitars, and the best musicians may enjoy.
By Madeline Felkins on
7/13/2011 12:26 PM
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Re: Elliott Randall: Guitars Pt. 1
Loved the blog. Guess what? My first guitar was a Stella too... "Stella! Stella!" He said. and I'll be waiting to hear "the rest of the story". jc
By Joe Cerisano on
7/15/2011 8:59 AM
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Re: Elliott Randall: Guitars Pt. 1
Hey, great story. I can see a teen aged El walkin around the village, like a kid in a candy store. Guess what? My first guitar was a Stella too. "Stella, Stella!" he said... be talkin to ya'. jc
By Joe Cerisano on
7/15/2011 8:59 AM
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Re: Elliott Randall: Guitars Pt. 1
Els my first guitar was a Silvertone classical with an action at least an inch off the fretboard. I smile when I think of it. Great blog. I look forward to more. BZ
By William Zahn on
7/15/2011 9:00 AM
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Re: Elliott Randall: Guitars Pt. 1
First off, I'm really a drummer, but we all want to play gutiar, eh? My first acoustic was a 1951 Epiphone Triumph f-hole archtop. Bought it in 1970 for $75. Still have it. It is a very cool guitar. My first electric was a Harmony Stratotone. Very cool. There is a photo of JPT Scare Band guitarist, Terry Swope, with the Stratotone on our facebook page. In 1971, Terry and I played in a band named Crank and Terry and the other guitarist, Fred Ermentrout both had 1951 Fender Telecasters that they bought at Raytown Music in Kansas City for $75 each. In thoses days, they were considered to by old beat up cheap Fenders. Terry still has his, Fred doesn't. By the way, you are a major hero of and influence on Terry Swope.
By Jeff L. on
7/15/2011 9:00 AM
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Re: Elliott Randall: Guitars Pt. 1
Very well writ, sir! Looking very much forward to Pt. 2
By Tim Whitsett on
7/15/2011 9:00 AM
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Re: Elliott Randall: Guitars Pt. 1
Beautifully written in a warm conversational tone; I could happily read a book written by you.
By Carl Orr on
7/15/2011 9:00 AM
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Re: Elliott Randall: Guitars Pt. 1
Absolute bliss reading this first chapter. I honestly can't wait for the next one.
Having just had the privilege and pleasure to hold that Guild...it all makes sense.
Keep em comin'
W
By Wes Maebe on
7/15/2011 9:01 AM
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Re: Elliott Randall: Guitars Pt. 1
Hi Elliot, thanks for the headsup on your new blog. Brings us all back to the day, days of moving up to the next guitar. I used to go in and drool at the Fender dealer and tell them of course I can play it. Just let me take it down, OK? I can relate to your teacher as well. I'm teaching a lot of beginning kids these days and love it when one breaks through to the idea that he can produce a chord and sound anything like his hero. I'm a Lesson Coordinator at Sam Ash so I spend a lot of time with the students. Just talkin guitars all day. Thanks again, DC
By DC OLSON on
7/15/2011 9:01 AM
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Re: Elliott Randall: Guitars Pt. 1
My friend and I were arguing about an issue similar to this! Now I know that I was right. lol! Thanks for the information you post.
By writing company on
7/15/2011 2:46 PM
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Re: Elliott Randall: Guitars Pt. 1
I started work in the music business when I was around 21 for Charles Hansen Music Folios' office in the UK, then moved on to work for the best mentor I ever had, Bob Wise, of Music Sales.
I have to mention that I did meet Charles Hansen when he visited his east London office, and he decided immediately that there should be an "Ann's Easy Guitar Book". I did point out to him that I did not play guitar (ex husband did try to teach me, but fingers just wouldn't do what he told them to, although I also have to admit that he couldn't teach me to drive either, a boat builder and a policeman did), but that made no difference. Someone somewhere out there has an "Ann's Easy Guitar Book". There is also a music book, "A jug of Wine and thee" with my face on the front for recorder, which I vaguely learned at school.
What comes through to me from your blog is just how much you LOVE playing music on your guitar, and during a long career in the music industry; which I am about to resume; I always enjoyed watching musicians who loved playing whatever instrument they chose.
I have had the good fortune to meet many fine guitarists and it would be hard for me to choose a favourite performer, however, they all shared one thing in common they love their guitar and they loved playing it.
By Ann Munday on
7/18/2011 8:52 AM
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Re: Elliott Randall: Guitars Pt. 1
Great memories. I came on the scene a few years later but can still remember the feeling of walking into Manny''s with your parents with your Bar Mitzvah $$$ and knowing THIS WAS THE DAY-A REAL GUITAR!!! Even if you were a lefty like me, haha!
By Elliot Easton on
7/18/2011 8:52 AM
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Re: Elliott Randall: Guitars Pt. 1
Very heart-warming to see the responses above. Lots of good memories for many of us ...and then further dialogue in the direction of the "education sector"
i.e. "...does a beginner really need a good quality instrument at the beginning?" [sic] ----->> which could be the basis for a whole 'nother blog, as I'm sure there are some very diverse feelings about this.
Keep 'em coming, folks. And it's lovely to see this amalgam of real-life friends along with brand new folks with whom to dialogue.
Best to all,
E
By Elliott Randall on
8/23/2011 8:55 AM
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Re: Elliott Randall: Guitars Pt. 1
Love these stories..this makes memories that are fantastic.
By James Walsh on
8/23/2011 8:57 AM
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Re: Elliott Randall: Guitars Pt. 1
Great stuff mate ;)
By mark thompson on
8/24/2011 1:12 PM
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Re: Elliott Randall: Guitars Pt. 1
Brought back some great memories! '62 got a beautiful sunburst Jazzmaster (as we've discussed; a dog!). First guitar I bought from Henry was an Epiphone Texan in '63; wish I still had it! In late '60's did a couple of record dates with Billy Sucker; I was on my '54 Tele and he was, of course, on the big archtop with single floating pickup; known in those days as a "combo". Owned so many great boxes over the years, but for some reason they all seemed to play a Lotta WRONG NOTES!!!
Ciao for now, R~F~
By Richard (Dickie) Frank on
8/24/2011 1:12 PM
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Re: Elliott Randall: Guitars Pt. 1
Thank you all for sharing your thoughts and experiences. I enjoyed every singe comment :-)
By Elliott Randall on
8/23/2011 8:56 AM
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Re: Elliott Randall: Guitars Pt. 1
Your Jaguar was better than my first guitar, a Guild Polaris. Notable for it's built- in stand (the bottom was shaped like a frown, and the stand bar came out of the back. Very innovative, but it sounded horrible. And like you I bought a semi-hollow guitar next - a Gibson 335 instead of the Strat I really wanted, because the guys I was studying with at Lenny Franks' school on Long Island said I should have a fat jazz-type guitar. The 335 wasn't fat but hey, it worked. I spent many years in NY studios causing a delay in the "let me hear your level" circle prior to recording while the engineer tried to adjust the eq on my 335 to make it sound more "strat-like". The first session I used my now standard 1972 Strat on they said "let me hear your level", I played one note, and they said "thanks" and moved on. Heaven!! :-)
By Ted Perlman on
4/9/2012 8:35 AM
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