timsgear2

Although not a dedicated collector of guitars, recently I've spent hard earned money on the guitars I've always wanted. Never had any cash in the music-working years!

My 70's pro-touring years were spent playing my old guitar 'companion' a sample Japanese Les Paul copy made by Greco for Summerfield - then marketing CSL guitars. (It's pictured below..) I've owned it from new in 1970 and the only original bits are the neck and body. It's just be re-vamped into working order by my trusty PA man JF. It has a new pickup now and the Bigsby is on the Explorer (must change the pic!!!). My family will hang this one on the wall when I'm gone! It has my DNA entrenched in it and I've literally worn the neck flat! My second tour of the US saw me take over custody of my guitar partner in 'Aaron' - Ed Phillips' Fender Telecaster - I can't remember where that went..!!

Today my more musical or beefy rock songs benefit from my Gibson BB King 'Lucille' - a classic guitar and always starts 'geeky' conversation whenever it comes out of its case! Click back to the 'Gallery' and check it out!

The most recent acquisition, which is eminently suited to my blues approach, is my prized posession - my 'Rory Gallagher' Tribute Stratocaster. Christened by me as 'The Flabbergaster' . Pictured here, this guitar seems to transfer the Rory force and magic into whoever slings it round their neck. I bring this into play with for my Rory tribute stuff and it features in the TJ Band set material. It loves 'controlled abuse' and I'll probably die with it in my posession!

As repayment for a car loan...my youngest son Matt presented me with his trusty Gibson Explorer - an axe which loves hard rock. I've now pressed back into action for the blues rock stuff.

(Matty-son is front vocal man for Stafford based 'Obzidian'...For all you fans of serious heavy metal...www.obzidian.co.uk Older Danny-son is drummer with popular funk/soul/jazz outfit 'Whitmo Deans...www.whitmodeans.co.uk)

My main amp has been a Marshall JCM 2000 TSL122 Combo a beast of a 100w amp that can mix it with the best of them! A ton of brute force when needed but with lots of vintage quality . It's now up for sale to the highest bid over £450. This amp was sold to me by my buddy guitarist Mike Chandler who bid for it at an auction where Jim Marshall himself had donated the amp.