• macg1
  • BONAMETAL
  • Offline
  • From: St. Petersburg, FL
  • Registered: 2010-01-21
  • Posts: 1,019

Topic: NGD: Owning a Hero's Guitar

Hi all,

I am the proud new owner of a 1973 Les Paul Custom that used to belong to my hero, Kim Simmonds of Savoy Brown! Short story long, during a trip I found the guitar and HAD to have it. Stevie B. of Stevie B's guitars and Guitars on Central in St. Petersburg FL even went in on his day off and opened the store just for me so I could play the instrument, and eventually buy it! I was so nervous to hold one of Kim's guitars that I could barely play. But she is home with me in Houston now and wow, what a player!

http://imgur.com/a/RHC2q

Amp: Firebird Musical Amplifiers
Guitars:62 LP SG , 02 FB VII, JB FB I, 76 Electra Omega, 64 Firebird V, 73 LPC, 61 Custom Tele, 59 and 60 Melody Maker
Effects: Mythos Chupacabra, Strymon Deco/Flint
  • From: Canada
  • Registered: 2013-01-17
  • Posts: 74

Re: NGD: Owning a Hero's Guitar

That is very cool indeed! Congrats on a one of a kind and remember .. don't put it in a display case but play it .. in other words, really enjoy it smile

1998 Ovation CS247 Celebrity Deluxe
2010 Fender American Deluxe Stratocaster
2015 Epiphone Joe Bonamassa Les Paul Standard with Bigsby (Signed)
  • Registered: 2006-05-08
  • Posts: 1,996

Re: NGD: Owning a Hero's Guitar

Wow and congrats!  That is super cool.  Love it and squeeze it every day.

Gibson 60th Anniversary 1959 Les Paul Reissue, Gibson LP Standard Faded CSB, Gibson Gary Moore LP Standard, Epi Joe Bonamassa GT LP, Epi Zakk Wylde LP, Dean Michael Schenker Flying V, Jackson Randy Rhoads V, ESP/LTD George Lynch Kamikaze, EVH Striped Series R/B/W, Fender/Squire John 5 Telecaster, Fender Joe Strummer Relic Telecaster
  • DougH
  • DougH
  • BONAMETAL
  • Offline
  • From: Toronto, Canada
  • Registered: 2011-04-01
  • Posts: 1,689

Re: NGD: Owning a Hero's Guitar

a Guitar Safari..

---------------

(If only I had 1% of Joe's guitar talent)
  • macg1
  • BONAMETAL
  • Offline
  • From: St. Petersburg, FL
  • Registered: 2010-01-21
  • Posts: 1,019

Re: NGD: Owning a Hero's Guitar

HA! A safari indeed! Unplanned but yet fruitful.

I actually payed a pretty decent price for it. I totally did not need to buy another guitar. Now I am trying like the dickens to sell some other gear to try to break somewhat even.

Anyhow, I just thought it was "meant to be". Even my girl who was with me was egging me on. She said "how many people your age (38) KNOW of Savoy, LISTEN to it nearly, daily, AND is influenced by Kim's playing? AND how many of those people have walked into this tiny guitar store in St. Petersburg? That guitar belongs with you!" Financially it made no sense, but it DOES make TOTAL sense.

So after this guitar left Kim's hands, it went to a roadie who used to work with Johnny Winter (another hero who I got to hang with before his passing) and Bad Company. He amassed a good collection of gear, and now that he has fallen ill and needs money, some of it is moving into the public. I am worried about affording this awesome piece but I am so happy to have it!

Amp: Firebird Musical Amplifiers
Guitars:62 LP SG , 02 FB VII, JB FB I, 76 Electra Omega, 64 Firebird V, 73 LPC, 61 Custom Tele, 59 and 60 Melody Maker
Effects: Mythos Chupacabra, Strymon Deco/Flint
  • Registered: 2006-06-30
  • Posts: 2,835

Re: NGD: Owning a Hero's Guitar

Congrats....a very cool story indeed....is that the sunburst one from many years ago?

And so castles made of sand melts into the sea, eventually.........
  • macg1
  • BONAMETAL
  • Offline
  • From: St. Petersburg, FL
  • Registered: 2010-01-21
  • Posts: 1,019

Re: NGD: Owning a Hero's Guitar

airportdon wrote:

Congrats....a very cool story indeed....is that the sunburst one from many years ago?

Well, it is the only Custom I have ever seen him play. He owned and played it from 88-94. If you click on the link on the first post, one of the pics is his letter of authenticity. He details the times and albums he used the guitar. If you own their Bring it Home record, supposedly it is the only guitar on that record.

Amp: Firebird Musical Amplifiers
Guitars:62 LP SG , 02 FB VII, JB FB I, 76 Electra Omega, 64 Firebird V, 73 LPC, 61 Custom Tele, 59 and 60 Melody Maker
Effects: Mythos Chupacabra, Strymon Deco/Flint
  • macg1
  • BONAMETAL
  • Offline
  • From: St. Petersburg, FL
  • Registered: 2010-01-21
  • Posts: 1,019

Re: NGD: Owning a Hero's Guitar

dknight16 wrote:

Wow and congrats!  That is super cool.  Love it and squeeze it every day.

I am still beside myself. It will be getting a much needed setup on Thursday and it will be ready for action.

Amp: Firebird Musical Amplifiers
Guitars:62 LP SG , 02 FB VII, JB FB I, 76 Electra Omega, 64 Firebird V, 73 LPC, 61 Custom Tele, 59 and 60 Melody Maker
Effects: Mythos Chupacabra, Strymon Deco/Flint
  • macg1
  • BONAMETAL
  • Offline
  • From: St. Petersburg, FL
  • Registered: 2010-01-21
  • Posts: 1,019

Re: NGD: Owning a Hero's Guitar

Jem 777 wrote:

That is very cool indeed! Congrats on a one of a kind and remember .. don't put it in a display case but play it .. in other words, really enjoy it smile

It's going to work right away after a setup. it will make its stage debut with me on the 21st of May!

Amp: Firebird Musical Amplifiers
Guitars:62 LP SG , 02 FB VII, JB FB I, 76 Electra Omega, 64 Firebird V, 73 LPC, 61 Custom Tele, 59 and 60 Melody Maker
Effects: Mythos Chupacabra, Strymon Deco/Flint
  • From: New Hampshire, USA
  • Registered: 2010-12-21
  • Posts: 3,650

Re: NGD: Owning a Hero's Guitar

Awesome congrats
Cheers Ron

"Joe B saved my soul, forever grateful Ron"
"Some people dream of worthy accomplishments while others stay awake and do them"
Skinner #1,JBLP 145(aged),252, (unaged),#285HM, Bburst #026, Joes 052 BCC black LP, Strat> RT,EC Gilmour,Beck,Lenny LP> PK 83,CC#2,3,4,9,Amps>Carol Ann RAH JB-100 SN 001,JB100 Red SN02,OD2, OD3,Tucana 2&3 Triptix,Twinkle land, Plexi ,JB Jub, Jubs,Plexi,Satch,Two Rock>others
  • Registered: 2006-06-30
  • Posts: 2,835

Re: NGD: Owning a Hero's Guitar

macg1 wrote:
airportdon wrote:

Congrats....a very cool story indeed....is that the sunburst one from many years ago?

Well, it is the only Custom I have ever seen him play. He owned and played it from 88-94. If you click on the link on the first post, one of the pics is his letter of authenticity. He details the times and albums he used the guitar. If you own their Bring it Home record, supposedly it is the only guitar on that record.

.
Yes
I have all of the albums/cds.... huge Savoy Brown/Kim Simmonds fan...thx for sharing this..........:)

And so castles made of sand melts into the sea, eventually.........
  • rpic
  • Titanium
  • Offline
  • From: Sonoma, Ca.
  • Registered: 2006-08-16
  • Posts: 852

Re: NGD: Owning a Hero's Guitar

Awesome story and nice looking Paul, naturally aged from years and years of road wear. Sweet!

  • macg1
  • BONAMETAL
  • Offline
  • From: St. Petersburg, FL
  • Registered: 2010-01-21
  • Posts: 1,019

Re: NGD: Owning a Hero's Guitar

Indeed on its own it is a killer guitar. Sounds and will be playing really great soon. Action is just a bit too high for my tastes. I am not a low action guy and do need to play some slide but this is super high! But yeah, this guitar has been played! I will take better pics once it is all setup.

I would never buy signature gear, that is just not my thing. I wasn't in the market for another vintage LP (having bought one for a killer price not long ago). When I thought it was just an autograph it did nothing for me. But when I found out it was Kim's old guitar, one that I had seen live and heard on record, well it took me 24 hours to make a decision and a very supportive girlfriend to "bro cup" me. I also had to play it to make sure that I could bond with it. Someone's guitar that I cannot play or make a sound on is of no real interest to me. So seems like the stars were all in proper alignment.

Amp: Firebird Musical Amplifiers
Guitars:62 LP SG , 02 FB VII, JB FB I, 76 Electra Omega, 64 Firebird V, 73 LPC, 61 Custom Tele, 59 and 60 Melody Maker
Effects: Mythos Chupacabra, Strymon Deco/Flint

14 Reply by RickB (edited by RickB 2016-05-08 10:18:49)

  • RickB
  • RickB
  • BONAMEGAMETAL
  • Offline
  • From: San Diego
  • Registered: 2009-10-30
  • Posts: 12,198

Re: NGD: Owning a Hero's Guitar

We are seeing him and his band headlining here at a local Montain Bluesfest in June. 50 years of Savoy Brown music will be celebrated. I'm really looking forward to it. Sweet guitar! I'll tell him the story if I have the chance.
http://www.robb-bowerpresents.com
Rick

Free download from Vienna! http://mbsy.co/bNLR
Lots of unique videos of Joe http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwd5vL8fXTw
Buy Joe's merchandise here. http://www.jbonamassa.com/affiliates/id … hp?id=1381

RickB's Website

  • macg1
  • BONAMETAL
  • Offline
  • From: St. Petersburg, FL
  • Registered: 2010-01-21
  • Posts: 1,019

Re: NGD: Owning a Hero's Guitar

RickB wrote:

We are seeing him and his band headlining here at a local Montain Bluesfest in June. 50 years of Savoy Brown music will be celebrated. I'm really looking forward to it. Sweet guitar! I'll tell him the story if I have the chance.
http://www.robb-bowerpresents.com
Rick

That's cool. I am planning to go up to Seattle in late July to see them. They haven't been in TX in quite some time. I did send a message to his management, but not sure if it will reach Kim or not. Anyhow, this is a killer guitar and as my guitar tech told me "Your Les Paul made me hate my Les Paul."

Amp: Firebird Musical Amplifiers
Guitars:62 LP SG , 02 FB VII, JB FB I, 76 Electra Omega, 64 Firebird V, 73 LPC, 61 Custom Tele, 59 and 60 Melody Maker
Effects: Mythos Chupacabra, Strymon Deco/Flint
  • RickB
  • RickB
  • BONAMEGAMETAL
  • Offline
  • From: San Diego
  • Registered: 2009-10-30
  • Posts: 12,198

Re: NGD: Owning a Hero's Guitar

macg1 wrote:

Indeed on its own it is a killer guitar. Sounds and will be playing really great soon. Action is just a bit too high for my tastes. I am not a low action guy and do need to play some slide but this is super high! But yeah, this guitar has been played! I will take better pics once it is all setup.

I would never buy signature gear, that is just not my thing. I wasn't in the market for another vintage LP (having bought one for a killer price not long ago). When I thought it was just an autograph it did nothing for me. But when I found out it was Kim's old guitar, one that I had seen live and heard on record, well it took me 24 hours to make a decision and a very supportive girlfriend to "bro cup" me. I also had to play it to make sure that I could bond with it. Someone's guitar that I cannot play or make a sound on is of no real interest to me. So seems like the stars were all in proper alignment.

I saw him and Savoy Brown yesterday. What a great show and nice guy. I didn't have a chance to say a word but had a great spot at his feet on the rail. Here's my first clip. https://youtu.be/QMXkIRlof7E

Free download from Vienna! http://mbsy.co/bNLR
Lots of unique videos of Joe http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwd5vL8fXTw
Buy Joe's merchandise here. http://www.jbonamassa.com/affiliates/id … hp?id=1381

RickB's Website

  • RickB
  • RickB
  • BONAMEGAMETAL
  • Offline
  • From: San Diego
  • Registered: 2009-10-30
  • Posts: 12,198

Re: NGD: Owning a Hero's Guitar

RickB wrote:
macg1 wrote:

Indeed on its own it is a killer guitar. Sounds and will be playing really great soon. Action is just a bit too high for my tastes. I am not a low action guy and do need to play some slide but this is super high! But yeah, this guitar has been played! I will take better pics once it is all setup.

I would never buy signature gear, that is just not my thing. I wasn't in the market for another vintage LP (having bought one for a killer price not long ago). When I thought it was just an autograph it did nothing for me. But when I found out it was Kim's old guitar, one that I had seen live and heard on record, well it took me 24 hours to make a decision and a very supportive girlfriend to "bro cup" me. I also had to play it to make sure that I could bond with it. Someone's guitar that I cannot play or make a sound on is of no real interest to me. So seems like the stars were all in proper alignment.

I saw him and Savoy Brown yesterday. What a great show and nice guy. One of those players you know from the first note.
I didn't have a chance to say a word but had a great spot at his feet on the rail. Here's my first clip. https://youtu.be/QMXkIRlof7E

Free download from Vienna! http://mbsy.co/bNLR
Lots of unique videos of Joe http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwd5vL8fXTw
Buy Joe's merchandise here. http://www.jbonamassa.com/affiliates/id … hp?id=1381

RickB's Website

  • macg1
  • BONAMETAL
  • Offline
  • From: St. Petersburg, FL
  • Registered: 2010-01-21
  • Posts: 1,019

Re: NGD: Owning a Hero's Guitar

RickB wrote:
macg1 wrote:

Indeed on its own it is a killer guitar. Sounds and will be playing really great soon. Action is just a bit too high for my tastes. I am not a low action guy and do need to play some slide but this is super high! But yeah, this guitar has been played! I will take better pics once it is all setup.

I would never buy signature gear, that is just not my thing. I wasn't in the market for another vintage LP (having bought one for a killer price not long ago). When I thought it was just an autograph it did nothing for me. But when I found out it was Kim's old guitar, one that I had seen live and heard on record, well it took me 24 hours to make a decision and a very supportive girlfriend to "bro cup" me. I also had to play it to make sure that I could bond with it. Someone's guitar that I cannot play or make a sound on is of no real interest to me. So seems like the stars were all in proper alignment.

I saw him and Savoy Brown yesterday. What a great show and nice guy. I didn't have a chance to say a word but had a great spot at his feet on the rail. Here's my first clip. https://youtu.be/QMXkIRlof7E

Thanks for the video! I got m tix to go see him on July 31st! I am taking the guitar with me to see if he would like to take her for a spin again.

Amp: Firebird Musical Amplifiers
Guitars:62 LP SG , 02 FB VII, JB FB I, 76 Electra Omega, 64 Firebird V, 73 LPC, 61 Custom Tele, 59 and 60 Melody Maker
Effects: Mythos Chupacabra, Strymon Deco/Flint