Clarence's Acoustic timeline??

Matt · Joined: 23 Aug 2006 Posts: 145 Location: St Louis, MO

Anyone have an idea of what guitars were used on what recordings/era?

Brian · Posted: Fri May 08, 2009 9:11 pm Post subject:

Hi Matt...

The only acoustics that I've heard that Clarence played were 1950's D-18's and occasionally the '39 D-28 that Tony Rice owns. Seems like is was primarily 50's D-18's for almost all Kentucky Colonels live and studio though. During the Byrds he probably used numerous 60's D-28's and an Ovation (back when those first came out). After the Byrds he owned some custom flattops... a Roy Noble and a Whitebook.

Steve-o · Joined: 25 Oct 2006 Posts: 107 Location: Glendale, CA

Puhleeeeze- the Ovation was just for some publicity thing, and he hated it, rightfully. He played various D-18s for lead work, set up with low action, and the D-28 was set with high action for rhythm playing. Roger would say, "Clarence has to get his other guitar for this one...."

freddairy · Joined: 21 Sep 2007 Posts: 65

Did he own the Noble and the Whitebook at the same time? I know he used two Martins during the Colonel days but I wonder if he gigged with multiple guitars with the later Colonels/Muleskinner bands.

Muttcaster · Joined: 03 Sep 2006 Posts: 122 Location: New Mexico

Murr · Posted: Fri Jan 15, 2010 4:41 am Post subject:

From the recording dates and pics it looks like the Whitebook came on the scene in May. Prior to that, MuleSkinner (Feb) and Guitar Workshop (April) its the Noble. Is that right?

john bodle · Joined: 27 Mar 2007 Posts: 54 Location: crosby,mn

Iasked Roland about the Whitebook after a show, because I had seen it in Russ Barenbergs book and didn't know what the "W" stood for.He said that Clarences' wife had given him the guitar, but didn't mention where Clarence had bought it.There is a cool story about the guitar and David Grier that was published years ago in bluegrass unlimited. This was in Maryland during the last tour. David and Roland were jamming in a hotel room that was adjoining Clarences, David asked Roland if he could play Clarences guitar and Roland said "sure".According to David- w/o thinking about it-He pulled off one of Clarences licks, Clarence throws open the door ,asks David "where did you learn that?"David says "I heard you play at the show earlier today", Clarence says " you mean you haven't practiced it or nothing?"David says" no". Clarence( trying to make David think he was mad) knocked a picher off the tv set, storms back into his room and tells Lamar Grier (who was in Clarences room) that "David should have one of these guitars( Whitebook) and if you can't afford it I will buy it"!! Clarence and Lamar must have been laughing their heads off. Poor David!! Cool

Murr · Posted: Tue Jan 26, 2010 12:33 pm Post subject:

I'd like to know more about the original Martin ..what year, what woods, etc.