My parents bought me my first acoustic guitar in 1974, when I was 10 years old. It was quite a financial sacrifice for a family of modest middle-class means with
My parents bought me my first acoustic guitar in 1974, when I was 10 years old. It was quite a financial sacrifice for a family of modest middle-class means with four kids and a car with no muffler. I’ll never forget it, and will forever honor such an unconditional act of love and generosity.
Many of you also provide for your kids’ musical aspirations unconditionally every day, and encourage them to play guitar. My guitar was a Yamaha nylon-string acoustic, and I can still recall the price tag of $100. That was a lot of money back in 1974. We couldn’t afford the chipboard case, so I proudly hauled it out of the music store wrapped up in my dad’s CPO jacket.
I still have this guitar and proudly display it in my collection. I’m a sentimental cat. When I look at this guitar, it reminds me of my parents sacrifice; it gives me an appreciation for a supportive musical upbringing. As many of you already know, sharing music with your kids is one of the most fulfilling and rewarding gifts you will ever give—and believe me, they will remember. Very few of us start out playing a pre-war Martin, so somewhere in all of our relentless pursuits, there is a starter acoustic. I firmly believe that the happiest people in this world do not necessarily have the best of everything, but they learn to make the best of everything they have.
As PG pays tribute to the continuing evolution of the acoustic revolution with our annual acoustic issue, we marvel at the incredible acoustic builders who continue to raise the standard. They are committed to building us better instruments. As I’ve said before, many of history’s best acoustic instruments are being built right here, right now, and we are the beneficiaries. What I really dig is how so many of these builders respect the designs of traditional acoustic predecessors while embracing modern technology, alternative materials, and forward thinking to create a new level of quality. So give it up for the builders who through their perspiration provide us with the gift of inspiration.
PG’s acoustic issue pays a well-deserved tribute to the builders who lead us through the evolution of the acoustic revolution. We hope you join us in doing the same.
Nuff Sed,
Trent Salter, Publisher
trent@premierguitar.com
888.247.2009