T UNING UP
Evolution to Revolution, Acoustic Style
My parents bought me my first acoustic Many of you also provide for your kids’
guitar in 1974, when I was 10 years old. It musical aspirations unconditionally every
was quite a financial sacrifice for a family day, and encourage them to play guitar. My
of modest middle-class means with four guitar was a Yamaha nylon-string acoustic,
kids and a car with no muffler. I’ll never and I can still recall the price tag of $100.
forget it, and will forever honor such an That was a lot of money back in 1974. We
unconditional act of love and generosity. couldn’t afford the chipboard case, so I
TRENT SALTER
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
