Each of has an "origin" story of how we came to play the guitar. Some are humorous, accidental, or full of long-suffering grit. I love stories, and would enjoy hearing yours and more about you. Email me your story and a photo of yourself with your guitar. When able, I will feature your story on the website!
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David's Story
I have played guitar for over 30 years, starting as a young boy. Since my arms couldn’t reach around a full size guitar, I began with a ½ size (the kind that used to be found in the Sears catalogs). At that early age, I decided that I would travel the world, and chose the acoustic guitar over the electric to avoid those pesky power outages one experiences in remote corners of the globe.
A few years later, someone gave me a used Lyle 6-string. Boy, that guitar developed major issues over time, including a warped body, unglued bridge, buzzing strings, and muted volume. But, it was mine and I played it constantly, earning many callouses in my attempt to subdue the high action! Some years later, I purchased a 12 string Martin Sigma, which had a beautiful, full sound and really helped me appreciate the challenges of getting around the robust neck and string combinations.
My pride though, is a 6 string Morgan. I was introduced to Morgan guitars in a Seattle, WA guitar shop in the late 1990’s, and quickly fell in love with the quality workmanship and incredible tones. I didn’t have enough money to purchase one at the time, so I started saving my pennies. At one point, I was working two jobs while going to school full time. I may not have had enough gas money or sleep, but by George, I would get that Morgan.
By Christmas, 1998, I finally had enough money socked away, and visited David Iannone’s shop near Vancouver, BC, where all the magic happened. David gave me a full tour, showing me the wood he had just brought back from Hawaii, his guitar-making process, and some of his finished guitars. It was a real treat! I bought a C-series (concert) with a Venetian cutaway, and it is still my favorite guitar today. What wonderful tone! Makes me cry. And then my guitar gets extra humidity.
I had numerous guitar teachers through the years, including those with backgrounds in country music, pop/rock and even classical. Each instructor gave me new insights into the guitar and how it could be coaxed into emanating all kinds of styles and sounds. You really begin to appreciate the chameleon-like nature of the guitar when moving from a 3/4 time John Denver ballad to a piece by Beethoven!
As I grew up from a young boy, through the teenage years, and on to adulthood, music provided creative outlets and learning opportunities I never would have otherwise had. The distinct disciplines of learning to read (and even write) classical music, as well as timing my power chords with the rock band, gave me an appreciation for music as precision, personality and sheer power.
Since I made the decision to be a globe-trotter as a young boy, I have now visited 13 different countries. Sometimes, my guitar has gone with me for long stretches. As time progressed, I married, and started traveling with my wife. Now, we are a family of five. Parents tend to pass along their most important things and values to their kids, and we are no different. Our 4 year old will break into a song and dance routine, perfectly staged and (imperfectly) executed, and our eldest is getting into the joys and frustrations of piano theory. Living in a few different countries together makes us wonder where our next destination will be. Life is an adventure, so we keep going, keep traveling, and keep learning!
A few years later, someone gave me a used Lyle 6-string. Boy, that guitar developed major issues over time, including a warped body, unglued bridge, buzzing strings, and muted volume. But, it was mine and I played it constantly, earning many callouses in my attempt to subdue the high action! Some years later, I purchased a 12 string Martin Sigma, which had a beautiful, full sound and really helped me appreciate the challenges of getting around the robust neck and string combinations.
My pride though, is a 6 string Morgan. I was introduced to Morgan guitars in a Seattle, WA guitar shop in the late 1990’s, and quickly fell in love with the quality workmanship and incredible tones. I didn’t have enough money to purchase one at the time, so I started saving my pennies. At one point, I was working two jobs while going to school full time. I may not have had enough gas money or sleep, but by George, I would get that Morgan.
By Christmas, 1998, I finally had enough money socked away, and visited David Iannone’s shop near Vancouver, BC, where all the magic happened. David gave me a full tour, showing me the wood he had just brought back from Hawaii, his guitar-making process, and some of his finished guitars. It was a real treat! I bought a C-series (concert) with a Venetian cutaway, and it is still my favorite guitar today. What wonderful tone! Makes me cry. And then my guitar gets extra humidity.
I had numerous guitar teachers through the years, including those with backgrounds in country music, pop/rock and even classical. Each instructor gave me new insights into the guitar and how it could be coaxed into emanating all kinds of styles and sounds. You really begin to appreciate the chameleon-like nature of the guitar when moving from a 3/4 time John Denver ballad to a piece by Beethoven!
As I grew up from a young boy, through the teenage years, and on to adulthood, music provided creative outlets and learning opportunities I never would have otherwise had. The distinct disciplines of learning to read (and even write) classical music, as well as timing my power chords with the rock band, gave me an appreciation for music as precision, personality and sheer power.
Since I made the decision to be a globe-trotter as a young boy, I have now visited 13 different countries. Sometimes, my guitar has gone with me for long stretches. As time progressed, I married, and started traveling with my wife. Now, we are a family of five. Parents tend to pass along their most important things and values to their kids, and we are no different. Our 4 year old will break into a song and dance routine, perfectly staged and (imperfectly) executed, and our eldest is getting into the joys and frustrations of piano theory. Living in a few different countries together makes us wonder where our next destination will be. Life is an adventure, so we keep going, keep traveling, and keep learning!
Image courtesy of bugtiger at FreeDigitalPhotos.net