George;

I hope to make it to Whil Fest but just got a major project using Cognos, and have been off site for training. I will be off site for the rest of the week.

A story about Martin guitars.

While in the Air Force and Stationed at Orlando Air Force Base, I met a guy from Mississippi who could play the Blues! He ordered a custom Martin guitar and it took almost a year until he received it. When it came he invited me to the bar where he played guitar. I was 17 and looked like I was 12, and did not drink alcohol. In Florida, you are responsible for your self and at that time you had to be 21 to be in a bar. I was sitting at a table in front of the guitarist and enjoying the sounds of the Blue’s on his new guitar.

After about ten minutes of listening to great Blue’s guitar work, the door of the bar opened and in walked three State Policemen. One of them announced, “Take out your ID”s NOW”! They walked over to bald guys who were in their 50’s and checked ID’s. My heart was going through my chest – “good bye world” were my thoughts. The three officers passed by me and did not say a word and then they left. I listened to that great Martin guitar in the barracks from that day on. No more bars!

I did not return to a bar until I was 21 and on that first occasion a policeman in San Francisco said, "Where is your ID”? It was my 21st birthday so I was O.K.

Martin makes some great instruments! I just played a custom Martin on Saturday that belongs to a fellow I met. It was made in 1950 and it "plays itself", if you know what I mean. Very nice!


Tom