Hard Rock Collection's Iconic Axes, Part 1
Mike Oldfield’s 1974 Zemaitis Acoustic
British multi-instrumentalist and all-around musical genius Mike Oldfield is a legend in Europe, but U.S. audiences mostly know him for the theme song from “The Exorcist” from his landmark 1973 album, “Tubular Bells.” This album was the very first release by Virgin Records, and its gigantic success put the label, and Richard Branson, on the road to riches. Mike had this unbelievably beautiful acoustic hand-made by Anthony Zemaitis in 1974. It can be heard on his third album, “Ommadawn.” This guitar, with its Brazilian rosewood body and custom inlay work, is quite possibly the nicest acoustic guitar in our collection. It’s hand-signed and dated on the soundhole label by Zemaitis himself.