Roger McGuinn

Back in ’83, a close encounter with none other than Byrds founder Roger McGuinn was the highlight of a relative rigorous Spring performing schedule.  I was playing out four or five nights a week during most months.  Also there were some special occasion gigs which would come up now and then when the schedule would permit. 

One such occasion was at the Canal Street Tavern in Dayton, Ohio with the opportunity to open the show for Roger McGuinn.  He was touring around the Midwest playing some moderate sized clubs that catered to well known and some soon to be well known artists. 

He was performing on his modified Martin D-35-12 string, I believe it was.  During the later part of his set, he had broken several strings.  How do you stop the performance and start re-stringing your instrument mid set?  Especially if it's a 12 string.  He played a couple more songs but was laboring with tuning and fingering problems.  But then he remembered that his opening act had just come away from playing a set on a D-35 and a D-28-12.  Next thing I know, I hear him call out over the mic,  “Hey, is that other 12 string still around?”  Naturally I said yes it was, but I only allowed experienced players, or close friends to even touch it.  OK then, I guess Roger McGuinn would fit category number one on that note.  So I ducked backstage and grabbed my 28-12 and delivered it to Mr. McGuinn, in tune, and with all 12 strings.  He finished the set on my Martin with the skill and expertise only a former Byrd, and highly skilled player could do.

The memory of that night is one highlighted by a close encounter with a famous artist who is not only a Martin player, but a player of my Martin which made it all the more special.  And I got to ‘help out’.  By the way, I have met a few famous performers in my time, I can tell you that this man is a genuinely kind hearted soul whose qualities as a musician clearly spring forth from his qualities as person.  Now if I could just get him into that ‘some of my closest friends’ category. 

If you have a Famous Martin Encounter story, please share with us if you're so moved.

Thanks for dropping by and keep exciting the soundboard.  

www.MartinsGuitar.com    We are not associated in any manner with C.F. Martin & Co.