Just wanted to report I've received the catalog. It's not hyperbole to say I'm speechless -- and breathless. I know my emotional reaction may be unique, and when I look at it I'm looking at ...a piece of Walter. A beautiful piece of Walter that is going to last, that is going to exist, that no one can demand it be "taken down" or erased from the world. It's here. He's here.
But I also see all the care and heart that the Julien's folks put into this, wanting to make it the very best they could. Maybe because I was involved with the process, and saw their devotion and refusal to compromise, but looking at this catalog I find that very moving as well.
More later, maybe, after I wrestle my emotions into a more socially acceptable form`
I got mine, and I agree. It’s massive and beautifully done. Like the WB musical coffee table book I always wanted. My wife saw me pouring over it and commented on how nice it was and how unusual to have that kind of quality in an auction catalog. That’s the truth. It’s more art book or gallery piece than sales tool, and I think that’s something pretty special.
Funny you use "book". I informed all the people at Julien's that I henceforth refuse to call it "the catalog", and will instead refer to it as the "book", because that's what it is.
Haven’t received the catalogue yet, but I’m sure it’s amazing! WB owned so many amps and guitars, it’s almost hard to believe he played them all and used all those amps. D-Mod — besides the WB Prototype 1, which of the Sadowsky guitars did WB own first? Was there a favorite besides the WB1? Thank you!!
https://www.julienslive.com/m/lot-details/index/catalog/312/lot/122122
That one is the one pre-signature series that he played on most of the 2000 tour and appearances around then.
https://www.julienslive.com/m/lot-details/index/catalog/312/lot/122124
That one looks close to the one he used a lot on the 96 tour, but with different pickups and a gold knob.
https://www.julienslive.com/m/lot-details/index/catalog/312/lot/122127
That is the one he played on Letterman in 1995, as well as at the Roseland shows that year. It had a black pickguard that was replaced with a white pickguard at some point.
Harder to identify the basses, since Walter didn't play bass live. I would assume that these did the bulk of the work on 2VN and EMG, probably Circus Money as well.
HI all -- the next bit of time is really busy for me...but I plan at some point well before the auction date in giving you what information I might have to offer about getting a "deal" in the auction.
One major point for now, though; there are dozens of guitars in the $100-700 range that he DID play (hell, he played a cheap Japanese knockoff -- a blue thing -- at Coachella). The things you didn't see on stage were the ones that came home with him (like the headless guitar or the $200 ugly green thing...both of which I just happened to have pics of) or that he played with during his many hours every day at SIR (note Hahn's quote about the practice).
Because I didn't happen to snap a pic of him playing everything is your gain... because most of the world is going mainly by the photographs as "proof" of use. They don't know it, but that's stupid. I'm telling you guys here that some cheap guitar may have been the one he used to teach the neighborhood kids a few chords...or that he kept in the house for casual use. (plugged into the perfect amp, of course!). Another note: he was *as invested* in his amps if not more so than in his guitars
[EDIT/ADD: Having said that, many of the take-down guitars he used casually and with others or in teaching etc were acoustic--of which he had a rather beautiful collection. I don't mind telling you I kept back 2 for myself; our "personal" acoustics -- a Martin and a Guild -- because those 2 were the ones we used when we found some tabs online and decided it was time for another Beatles party :-)]
He really did spend hours a day playing with his collection -- and showing off the weird ones! -- so although you might lust after the famous stage instruments, if you care about what Walter cared about, I want to tell you it will be hard to go wrong, even for what I hope remans pocket change.
(to make this point clear: I really really hope lots and lots of pieces are ignored by the "collectors"...so that the prices remain low, so that they have a chance of going to you--people who value Walter and his little loves -- instead of to the ones who will be posting on eBay in a few months, and all of Walter's precious things start getting traded around like bubble gum cards. The more that go to working musicians AND to his true fans, the more of his collection will be truly valued). .
More later when I get the time...
Home Sweet Home -- the city apartment. All 4 walls of every room had at least this many guitars lined up. Amps were along the foot of the bed, under the dining room table, in the closets, and covering most of the floor space.
Aww, bless your heart D, that's so sweet! You're my kinda girl.. I know that's how Walter felt about it. The greatest music comes from the cool places, the instruments with a story to tell, a Doctorate in character! Yes indeed! Thank you.. Lary
(Writing this as "Slang of Ages" comes on, what perfect timing!)
Tonight's for real, indeed. Well, I have received the cat, er, book, and all I can say is, now that I have a beautiful coffee table book, I guess I'm going to have to get myself a real coffee table!! And I will also need to do some serious pumping of iron to handle this deliciously massive piece of artwork! Man is it heavy!!
But in all seriousness, this book is everything I hoped it would be, and so much more. One of the best investments I've ever made. I see it as important a piece of Walter's legacy as his music, and it will be a cherished part of my collection, right up there with all the CD's, videos, etc. Everyone involved with this project should be proud of themselves; in particular D-Mod, thank you for all of the hard work and heart that you have evidently poured into it. And, speaking as a former journalist, I'd like to add that your "Pit Stop Treasures" story is very well-written, beautifully touching and really fun to read.
Now, back to enjoying my new favorite toy!!
I now have serious book envy as mine is on its journey to me in Europe.
But I am safe in knowing that good things come to those who wait.
.
The funny part (or maybe not so funny for you) is that I believe the catalogs are mailed from the UK -- the location of Julien's graphic shop.
Lol..it's a circular journey.
Turns out it was just about the least circuitous route possible....positively straight and short.
UK to UK in 24 hours.I am picking it up from my son this weekend.