The Hunt was on

[rockabilly]

My wife (Lynne) and I went over to the U.S.A. in April 05 for a long awaited holiday - the mission....... to pick up a Gretsch White Falcon (amongst other things!!). This turned out to be the best project going as we went to places we probably would not have visited otherwise. San Fran - none in the city stores, none in the long walk to the Mission area pawn shops...... Took a train to Berkeley - no luck but did pick up a double bass stand .
Next stop Vegas - No luck again but at Sam Ash's terrific store we got chatting to the sales guy who was a terrific guitarist (gave me a CD) - went through the whole range of their 'custom' guitar range - Carlo Robelli and settled for a Setzer looking orange beauty (my favourite one now) but unable to locate a Falcon at any of the stores - later got a email saying they could get one, but likely to wait 9 months! Onwards to Nashville, Memphis and New Orleans with similar results. finally, last stop LA, the famous guitar centre on Sunset Bvd came up with one at a store outside the city (this turned out to be another adventure) - picked up a Gibson Explorer 76 reissue for my son from the store and then went and picked up the glorious Falcon.
The prices, although a bit indulgent, were about half the price of I would have paid in Oz and the trip had it's memories around the searching - At least I can now say that I've played in Vegas, Nasville, Memphis, New Orleans and LA....... even if it was in the hotel/hostel rooms!!
The Carlo Robelli is a fantastic players guitar with rich tones and controls with an excellent finish - modelled on the Setzer Gretch (like a 6119 MODEL). The Falcon is probably one of the nicest pieces of art that can be played. I have other guitars that I get out and give a 'road test' but the Carlo and An Epiphone .335 provide me with most of the sounds I need for the current styles of music I play - Thanks for reading - Music and the pleasure it brings is a great gift to others and yourself

[dixon]

Hi How are you? It sounds like you had a really goo time over here, I have traveled through out the USA always working though. When I got to another city I always checked out the music stores and pawn shops, I found some good deals and some ripp offs. The next time that you're over here let me know and I'll steer you to some good places that you can pick up some equipment. You want a wide varity of selection go to www.musiciansfriend.com I have been ordering from them for years, they also have a outlet store in Kansas City.

[themd21]

Hi Rockabilly

What I would call an adventure and a half. I would be exhausted doing the same trip via the net, but it will an experience to remember. Nice one and a great post.

[rockabilly]

Hi Dixon - had a great time in the States - Unbelievable talent playing for tips in Nashville and Memphis - great guys to chat to and even offered a Jam with a band in Nashville. Friendly and helpful people all the way - we met an Elvis Tribute Artist in the Vegas Sam Ash Store (Steve Connelly) who saved us a front row table and a chat backstage after the show - have to say he was brilliant (not the White Suit version but full blown 50's).

[rockabilly]

Hi Themd21 - Yep it was a great adventure - we never make plans so after deciding to live the dream, we booked the flights and a place to stay in Frisco and 2 weeks from there it was "take it as it comes" with a plan to do the Music Route (pity we couldn't make St Louis (Chuck Berry Territory) or Lubbock, Texas (Buddy Holl[e]y) but had to let "her Indoors" fulfil her dream of seeing New Orleans). Did the lot - Amtrak, Greyhound, Flight and Minibus (Lynne didn't want me to drive otherwise Route 66 would have been on the cards!! - whole trip took 5 weeks. Cheers for the reply guys