I began playing guitar when I was a freshman in high school. Coming from a family of classical musicians, I would have never asked if I could learn guitar, especially ELECTRIC guitar. I’m thankful that my mother had a keen insight into my personality and one day, out of the blue, turned to me and asked if I would like to learn. My first guitar was a Kay/Old Kraftsman electric that I bought off a friend (yes, spelled with a “K” – get it?). How I wish I still had it – have you seen what they go for on eBay?!? I got a collection of self-teaching books and learned in secret hoping nobody would find out I could play. I wasn’t driven by the usual reasons people pick up a guitar for the first time (attention, fame, girls, etc.). It was the solace that I felt when I would close the door to my room and play the songs I loved. Nothing in that has changed. Driven by a true love for music is where it began and that is where it will end. Within that frame, I’ve played with too many bands to count – some worked, most didn’t. Had some great moments on stage and had some real trainwrecks. Fortunately there wasn’t enough of the latter to make me give it up.
Playing with the Plumb Bobs has been and continues to be one of the most unique opportunities. To play with people who can read music and understand theory is a humbling experience. Because I can’t – and don’t. And yet they still let me hang around – maybe because friendship within the band rules over everything. A rehearsal will typically consist of noodling around and throwing a ton of ideas at the wall to see what will stick. Many don’t. Being able to play the ones that do, whether covers or originals, is what has me looking at the time during a gig trying to figure out a way we can fit them all in – and it’s always a disappointment when the ending time comes before we can do just that.
As an additional hobby, I like to build guitars, amps, and effects. I almost always use a personal build on stage and I’m happy to let people check them out – so if you come to a show, just ask. Be warned that I might bore you with the technical details.
Still wish I had that Kay guitar.