William Fitzsimmons and his 1965 M-20
http://www.gearwire.com/guild-1965m20-williamfitzsimmons.html
Dave
http://www.gearwire.com/guild-1965m20-williamfitzsimmons.html
Dave
M20 Article
- Thread starter dapmdave
- Start date
bluepen
Member
Nice article.
I've heard some say that Drake didn't actually play an M-20, that he only had his picture taken with it.
Can anyone verify or refute this?
I've heard some say that Drake didn't actually play an M-20, that he only had his picture taken with it.
Can anyone verify or refute this?
jp
Senior Member
I don't think anyone really can bluepen. I once dug around on the net a bit, but there are conflicting testimonies from different people who were close to him--studio techs, producers and such. The truth went into the void with Nick. There's a bit of discussion about it at the nickdrake.com forums.bluepen said:
SmithfieldFair
Member
You know - no offense intended by ANY means - but I've never seen the attraction to Nick Drake. Every few years, there's a big surge in his music and interest never truly seems to wane. That's a testament to the fact that people ARE drawn to his music - expecially young people. I've just never been part of that club.
However, a few years back - nearly a decade now, I purchase a 2000 Westerly-made M-20 for my wife. She wanted a small bodied guitar after seeing a small Martin owned by Guy Gillette of the Gillette Brothers. Guy had that 1950's model guitar reconstructed (it had been crushed) and set up for his young daughter. It was TINY - but playable and interesting - but it still sounded like a cigar box with strings. A very close and limited sound.
But, I looked around and found the M-20 - which was a re-visit to the earlier model. I've since played some of the original models from the 60's and they are amazing guitars. This guitar, however, has grown into its boots. I was completely unconvinced at first, but over the years, it has matured and mellowed into an amazing guitar - especially for its size. The warmth and breadth of strong tone is tremendous and it works well when Jan plays it with me on mandolin or one of my small jumbo or dreadnaught guitars and Bob's B-50. It fits in so well, but isn't overwhelmed.
It's certainly made me rethink small guitars some, but I believe it's only this model and I agree with William Fitzsimmons that the mahogany is the perfect compliment in this size. All the best...dbs
However, a few years back - nearly a decade now, I purchase a 2000 Westerly-made M-20 for my wife. She wanted a small bodied guitar after seeing a small Martin owned by Guy Gillette of the Gillette Brothers. Guy had that 1950's model guitar reconstructed (it had been crushed) and set up for his young daughter. It was TINY - but playable and interesting - but it still sounded like a cigar box with strings. A very close and limited sound.
But, I looked around and found the M-20 - which was a re-visit to the earlier model. I've since played some of the original models from the 60's and they are amazing guitars. This guitar, however, has grown into its boots. I was completely unconvinced at first, but over the years, it has matured and mellowed into an amazing guitar - especially for its size. The warmth and breadth of strong tone is tremendous and it works well when Jan plays it with me on mandolin or one of my small jumbo or dreadnaught guitars and Bob's B-50. It fits in so well, but isn't overwhelmed.
It's certainly made me rethink small guitars some, but I believe it's only this model and I agree with William Fitzsimmons that the mahogany is the perfect compliment in this size. All the best...dbs
jp
Senior Member
I've also been really curious with the attraction. I like his tunes and recording performances, but I don't think he merits idolatry. Maybe its the "so talented and died so young" mystique. I'm also always intrigued, by what the younger generation of musicians chooses to dredge up from vinyl or from my musical coming of age--the 80s and 90s.SmithfieldFair said:
I guess it's what my contemporaries did with 60s and 70s music before we knew about the turbulence of the era. We interpreted the music completely out of context of the social climate, gut-level reactions to tunes on the radios. On one hand, I think it was a pretty pure appreciation of the music. Later as we learned more, we romanticized and stereotyped so much of it, as do all younger generations. It's pretty evident at any 60s, 70s, and 80s costume parties. :lol:
On the other hand, some of the fanaticism seems a bit over-the-top. I know that some bands I grew up with and loved like the Pixies get really uncomfortable when they're referred to as legends. Dylan seems to feel the same way. Sir Paul seems to take it in stride, and I guess he deserves to.
jgmaute
Member
GardMan said:
Well, he had a new pickguard put on...maybe he had the chesterfield done at the same time?
Bobby McGee
Member
Good timing, one just showed up on Ebay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Guild-M20-M-20-Vint ... 7C294%3A50
Bobby.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Guild-M20-M-20-Vint ... 7C294%3A50
Bobby.