30 PREMIER GUITAR NOVEMBER 2009 www.premierguitar.com
LETTERS
One more of Les Paul’s close friends ...
I just finished reading Gabriel Hernandez’s
article on Les Paul [Oct. 2009]. No article of
this nature should have ignored Les’s long
time soundman, luthier, guitar tech, driver
and confidant of over 40 years—master
luthier Tom Doyle. Tom was as much a part of
the Les Paul Trio as any of the folks on stage
yet, since Les’s passing, he has been ignored
not only by your magazine but even by
Gibson themselves. Tom is a master guitarist
in his own right, builds his own amazing
guitars and pickups, and is a repairman to
the stars. He also restores priceless guitars
for some of the best musicians in the world.
You should check out some of the stories
on You Tube and on the internet and give
this multi-talented artist the recognition that
is long overdue. I’m proud to have been a
customer and friend of Tom’s for over 35
years now, and know first hand what a genius
he is. Thanks for listening.
John Zimmer
Thanks for taking the time to write us, John.
And rest assured that Tom Doyle’s name did
come up quite a few times in our interviews
with the members of Les Paul’s band—all
of whom spoke very highly of his abilities,
and of his close relationship with Les. Since
the article was limited in scope to just the
“members of the band,” an editorial decision
was made to contact only Lou Pallo, John
Colianni and Nicki Parrott. We promise,
however, that Tom’s work and legacy will
not go unnoticed, and we have put his
name on our editorial calendar to revisit at
a later date. Again, thanks for enjoying our
magazine, and keep your eyes peeled for a
future article on Tom’s brilliant contributions
to the industry, and his enduring relationship
with the incomparable Les Paul.
Guys Dig Chicks Who Play Bass
Say it ain’t so! No Tal in this of all issue
themes? I waited a whole month for the
promised Tal Wilkenfeld interview (she’s my
new musical crush after I watched her hold
it down and tear it up on the Jeff Beck Live
at Ronnie Scott’s DVD).
I know that stuff happens and scheduling
snafus arise, but I leafed through the
new September mag three times before
accepting there was no Tal. (I sure hope
it wasn’t due to something like she or her
management were jerks.)
I sure hope you can
fit her into one of
your coming issues.
I’d love to know more
about her Sadowsky,
her rig, philosophy,
and projects. Hook us
up. She’s too cool a
presence on
the scene...
Eric Townsend
Neither Tal nor her management are anything
like jerks, rest assured! In the mixed blessing
department, your new musical crush (and you
are definitely not alone in that) is the new
“hardest working woman in show business.”
Great because we love her playing and
want to hear more, which is exactly what’s
happening, but not great because we all
would love to learn more about all the things
you mentioned. We are still in contact with her,
and as soon as she’s able to stay in one place
for a little while, we’ll bring you the interview.
Heroes
Much thanks for the Bob Wootton feature
in the September issue. I know it may
sound strange coming from a heavy metal
player, but Bob and Don Rich were early
guitar heroes of mine. I learned note choice
and bends from Don when he was with
Buck Owens, and the most important thing
from Bob, finding your own tone. Thanks
again and keep up the great work.
Ironman37662
We couldn’t resist the chance to bring
this largely unsung hero to the attention
of our readers. Influence and inspiration
is a matter of having open ears. We hope
we’ve inspired some more folks to open
theirs to Bob Wootton.
You Saw it Here First
I was watching a reality show the other
night and this guy had a guitar that the
neck had a hinge where it meets the guitar
body. Didn’t you guys review this guitar?
Kenny Ross
Ah, yes, Shark Tank, on ABC. The Voyage-air
Guitar was featured on Week three, but we
reviewed it way back in January 2009. Go
online to revisit the review and watch the
video review at premierguitar.com. You can
also see more of builder Harvey Leach’s work
in our July 2009 issue, in “ 5 Inlay Artists You
Should Meet.”
Keep those comments coming! Please send your suggestions, gripes, comments and
good words directly to info@premierguitar.com. You can also send snail mail to
Premier Guitar, Three Research Center, Marion, IA 52302. Please remember
to include your full name. Selected letters may be edited for clarity.
Keep those
comments
coming!
www.prem
ier
guitar.com
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The Acoustic ISSUE
