It was October 1987. Walked into a local music shop for something else- I don't even remember what- and saw an amazing guitar behind the glass in their showcase. It had a flamed top, a gorgeous sunburst finish, and inlaid abalone birds diving down the fretboard. I couldn't take my eyes off it and had to ask the guy what it was. The reply was right out of Spinal Tap, "No, no, don't even look at that one." Someone had custom ordered and waited for months; it had arrived that morning and they'd only just unpacked it. He told me it was one of a kind and I'd have to order in advance and wait till the next year if I wanted one. Then another fella passing by mentioned, "Y'know, another box came off the truck when that one did. Let me pull it out."
I watched them cut the packing tape and take out a case. They opened it and inside was this sleek, beautiful plain black axe. No curly maple or fancy inlays, just simple perfection of form. At the time I'd been using pretty flashy instruments (a korina Moderne, a blue '63 Strat, a headless hot pink Kramer Duke, a tangerine gold Floydcaster, a flametop Les Paul, all of them were "look at me" guitars) and this one was so completely different... Understated. Wicked. Perfect.
I picked it up to play a few notes and have never been the same. That's not hyperbole; it was a genuine epiphany for me. I knew before I even plugged it in that this was something very special. It honestly felt as if the guitar had awakened and was speaking to me through my fingertips. I think only another player can really get what I'm trying to put into words here. I was an instant convert. Then I tried it through an amp. I couldn't believe the tone, and the feel, and the sheer range of sounds, even at low volume on an unfamiliar rig. When I looked up again, hours had passed. I wrote a check on the spot to hold it, and came back after my next paycheck to bring it home.
They say that sometimes the best things come into your life when you aren't looking for them and don't expect them. That's been true for me on several occasions. This guitar was one of them.
After more than thirty years together that axe is still a favorite. It sings like an angel, has a ton of personality, plays wonderfully- supernaturally lively, great neck feel, incredible versatility from the T&B pickups, perfect trem with no tuning issues, and just rock solid stability all around- hasn't needed any adjustment for decades.
It's the first axe I ever was inspired to give a name to, and one of the very few guitars in my stable that hasn't been modded at all. I wouldn't change a thing.
