Playing Since: 1961
Experience Level: Expert/Professional

Interests:
[Socializing] [Helping]

Occupation: retired

Gender: Male
Age: 81

My Instruments:
1965 Martin D-28, slightly customized; 1966 Guild D-40, customized; date unknown Japanese D-18 clone sold by Martin; ca. 1850-1868 Martin 1-21; unknown vintage parlor guitar

Favorite Bands/Musicians:
Too numerous to mention, but I learned to play from Pete Seeger's book/record; learned flatpicking from listening to Doc Watson; and I really like Tony Rice's work, plus that of the late Clarence White.

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Profile Info:
Visible to: Public
Created 8/27/2008
Last Visit 1/23/2017

Born in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Got blisters at early age trying to play old banjo with only two strings, found in attic. Got guitar at 14; got serious about it at 17. Other instruments came later. Played in various old-time, bluegrass, and rock bands. Very involved in the 'sixties folk revival. Worked at New York and Newport Folk Festivals, where I met many of the old-timers who were still around then (for instance, Sam McGee, Maybelle Carter, Carter Stanley) and also younger musicians (Doc Watson, John Herald, New Lost City Ramblers). Moved into rock with the 'sixties culture. Got married. Went back to bluegrass. Played guitar with Last Fair Deal, Tasty Licks (one album), The Robin Kincaid Band. Some commercial studio work. Raised two kids. Got involved in theater: acted, directed, wrote, teched - even played music, both onstage and in pit orchestras. Got divorced. Got remarried. Currently play clawhammer banjo, flatpick and fingerstyle guitar, fiddle, mouth harp, autoharp, though not regularly. Have also done some instrument repair. Own a nice old Lexington parlor guitar that needs repair and refinishing; also, all of my other guitars, although playable, need work. Can't afford it. Would also really like a good mid-sized (00 or 000) guitar, as well as a round-neck resonator. Can't afford them, either. So it goes. Maybe I'll win something on the hangout! Update: I play very little now, though I try to practice every day, and learn new songs (I'm primarily a singer). All my guitars except the Japanese one are out of commission now - but that one's a beauty!