The backstory: my first jazz guitar hero was Wes (like a lot of you, I’ll bet.) But then I got way into Howard Roberts, whose credentials as a jazz player were under-appreciated (he was a stellar studio player in LA, and a member of the legendary Wrecking Crew.) Howard played an Epiphone (later Gibson) that he designed. It featured an oval sound hole instead of traditional f-holes, and an unusual extra tone control (for mids.) I always lusted after the guitar, but it was not to be…until I went to the NAMM show in Anaheim in 2001 or so. Some of us went to a club called Steamers in nearby Fullerton, to hear Joe Diorio. Tiny tables, crowded club, so you make friends. 🙂 As I was chatting with the guy sitting next to me, we found that we were both huge HR fans. I mentioned that I always wanted that HR Custom. “I have one” he says. “But it’s not for sale.” I gave him my number anyway, just in case. A year or so later, he calls and says he’s going to sell it after all. Him: “I’ll send it to you. If you like it, send a check. If you don’t, send it back and you pay for the return shipping.” Me: “wow, sure! You trust me that much?” Him: “I work in the LA district attorney’s office…I’ll find you.” Cracked me up! I kept the HR, of course. I always feel like I am channeling Howard when I play it.
