| "What," you say, "an entire website about one guitar model?" Well, not exactly. This is more a website about Perry Bechtel, how he changed guitar history by asking the Martin Guitar Company to make a custom guitar just like he wanted and how the true story finally came to light 77 years later. To get a better picture of the story, we suggest that you read the article "The 14-Fret Bet" that appears in issue 6 of The Fretboard Journal. We excerpt parts of the article here and fill in around all of the edges of the story. If you have an interest in guitars--and we assume you do or you wouldn‚Äôt be looking at this site--we also hope you‚'ll check out The Fretboard Journal. If you like in-depth articles about fretted instruments, the artists who play them, and the people who build and repair them, you‚'ll love this classy, quarterly magazine. But before you go running off to the Fretboard Journal site, look around here. We have pictures and information including all of the specs on the 000 Perry Bechtel Special. We are adding new content daily so keep checking back! When One Perry Model Isn't Enough Roger McNamee was one of Gryphon's first "walk-in" customers who bought a Perry (he chose #7). Like other guitarists who bought Perry models without first reading about Perry Bechtel and his role in designing Martin's first 14-fret guitar, Roger fell for the unique neck and the sound first. Then, being a history buff, he was intrigued by the story. On September 21, he came back for a second Perry Bechtel model, and after playing several chose #19. Roger has long been active in promoting musician's rights, as well as playing in a number of bands, but currently his energy is devoted to "Moonalice." He dropped off the 5 song sample CD shown here, featuring G.E. Smith, Jack Casady, Barry Sless, Pete Sears, Ann McNamee, and Jim Sanchez (plus Roger, of course). The recording project is ongoing, with T. Bone Burnett producing.
The #7 Perry is being used on tour, and getting lots of use by Roger and other guitarists in the group. We'll be posting some live MP3s of Moonalice, so you can hear another example of what a Perry Bechtel Special sounds like when
Pat Donohue Plays a Bechtel! |
