Mel came down Friday and we had a good visit, then Saturday we were off to Front Porch Music where we got a chance to play Artie's #1 reissue side jack. It's sound and feel was incredible. Tried out the new Ranger and although not in the same league as the side jack, it is still a great guitar. Actually the neck feels a little wider and chunkier and should appeal to Strat and Jazzmaster players. Also the pickups don't quite have the same sound as the hand wound pups by Dana, but they definately have that Mosrite sound.
Next we headed out to Bill Gruggetts house. I had never met Bill, so it was very nice to meet him and have a look around his shop. Mel got to see his three pickup custom Mosrite that Bill is building for him via Bob Shade of Hallmark. Mel will post some pictures of it when he gets home tonight or tomorrow. Also Bill showed me his silk screen template and how it is made and used for applying logo's, so I'll be getting that made up for my custom builds instead of using water slide decals. Adam was there picking up his Gruggett guitar which Mel photographed.
When we arrived at Trout's we learned what a true gentleman of character Bill Gruggett is. Originally the ideal was to raise money to help Bill with medical expenses, but after he learned of that he asked there to be no cover charge as he was managing fine and was just pleased to have such a show of support turn out for an event honoring him.
I took my '64 Ventures model to the show for display and got a treat by meeting Racine Sessions, the lady that did all the assembly work at the P Street factory from late 1963 to the last date of closing. I asked her about photo's of the inside of the P Street factory. She said she had them somewhere and would try to locate them and give me a call so I can post them here on the forum.
There was a nice display of Gruggett built guitars as well as other brands of guitars that he had worked on as seen in the photo's posted by Deke. Both Mel and I took a lot of pictures and will get some of them posted shortly.
Arties band was the first up. I had never heard him play before and was surprised to learn that being a world class Mosrite collector, he does not play guitar but is a drummer. So no more drummer jokes guy's.
His band was playing classic country and did a great job. Artie is also a singer. Hearing them play and being in Trout's made me feel as if it were 1966 all over again.Next up was Ventures Mania with Deke and Garret. These guy's were doing Ventures cover tunes to perfection. Phil Hernandez blues band was great as always as was Brian Lonbeck and Deke's 'Joe Maphis' cover set. There was lot's of great entertainment and naturally a lot of socializing. Unfortunately Ed Elliott was not able to be there. That certainly would have been a added treat.
For those that missed the event, obviously you missed a great time but that's what this forum is for. We try to bring it to you vicariously. Hopefully some of you can make it out to California to the next Deke's Geek Guitar Fest and we can all meet up and place faces to names.
Also I should add that Bill Gruggett says he visits the forum as a guest and reads here often. I invited him to join the forum and participate. He reassured me that he would. So, I holding you to it Bill.
Photo's forth coming.
AMENDED: Unfortunately my camera was acting up and I just found out that my photo's were all blurred.
Danny's picture came up first so he has the honour of being the first to be seen on the forum wearin' it I guess!