The title to this post sounds a little over the top to me…as if I am some guitar god that everyone knows. In reality, I am just a guy who likes playing guitar, but for me the title means something. Playing guitar has ebbed in flowed throughout my life, but in actuality it has probably been one of the biggest constants. It has always been a passion even when months have gone by and I didn’t pick one up to play. The thought of playing and the desire is always there, but like many things, life just got in the way and made finding the time to play a challenge. It was there when I needed something to get away from reality, even if just for 10 minutes every now and again.
Complete with a vintage strap that was part of my dad’s original purchase.
So what is this guitar that I am speaking of? It is a Madeira A-2 acoustic guitar that was handed down to me by my dad when I was in 9th grade. I don’t remember the exact events that led to me wanting to play guitar or why he decided to give trust me with it. I do remember very vividly how much I loved it when he gave it to me and the many, many hours I spent playing for the rest of my formative years.
Quick History Madeira guitars were imported by Guild, similar to how Fender has Squire. They were named after Madeira, a Portuguese archipelago west of the country famous for it's wine, but were actually manufactured in Japan or Korea. The guitars were introduced in the late 60’s during the folk music boom. Based on some of my research my guess is my dad paid about $165 for it at George’s Music, which would be about $750 today!
For years this guitar went with me everywhere, sleepovers with friends, nights out in high school, senior week and eventually college. My best friend in high school and college would constantly bug me to play when there were girls around thinking that somehow it would draw them in. Did it work? Well…yes, it did at least start a few conversation, but that was as bout it. It definitely wasn’t the chick magnet he was thinking it would be (and I was secretly hoping for as well).
Over the years other guitars have entered my collection and a few have left, but the Madeira has always remained a staple. Before writing this post I played a few songs on it, some of which I first learned when my passion was still anew (Babe I’m Gonna Leave You by Led Zeppelin has always been a go to for me) and I thought back again about my dad giving me this wonderful gift. I thought of one of my fondest guitar memories. Playing for him. He was my biggest supporter and probably my only fan early on. He wasn’t a fan of Led Zepplin, but he loved listening to me play Stairway to Heaven (I know, “NO STAIRWAY”). I remember him popping my Zepplin IV CD in his stereo system in our living room and playing along for him.
As much I loved getting that guitar, I think he loved the joy it brought me almost as much, if not more.
Thanks Dad and much love to you!