Hanks Guitars

[hankb56]

Hi all

A query that occasionaly comes to mind is, does Hanks Guitars really mean anything to him sentimentaly or are they just mearly work tools? The reason I ask is Bruces Strat, the original, Hank never seems to make any or many references to it exept ina small way in interviews & certainly not on stage. The Sunburst that Ben uses had apparently been Hanks Black 70s Strat and the fact that he gave the Scotsman Strat to a charity auction which was a fantastic gesture leans me to the feelling that they are in fact just that work tools
Also do or did any of the fiesta red Strats that were used in the Hank Solo tours & the Shads final tour & the ones used in the reunion tour actualy belong to Hank or were they supplied to him?

Hope someone will be able to shine a bit of light on my query

Regards

Ian

[Didier]

In the early years, Hank didn't own much of his guitars. He got rid of his Antoria when the first Strat arrived in 1959, but this Strat belonged to Cliff, and he gave him back when JMI lended the Shadows rosewood neck Strats in 1961.
Hank bought the famous Gretsch in 1961, but didn'k kept it. In 1964, he started using the Burns until it was stolen.
As far as I know, he still has the 1958 Strat he bought in 1980 from Patrice Bastien in Paris, but it was Polydor who paid for the guitar, not Hank himself !
I believe that the Strats he used for the Final and Reunion tours are his "signature" models.

Didier

[Tone]

Hi Ian

I was told by someone in the know that Hank does indeed regard his guitars as "tools of trade" and they show plenty of signs of use - unlike many of us who try to keep our guitars in pristine condition and have a hissy fit when they get a ding or a scratch!

Cheers.

Tony

[GoldenStreet]

I suppose celebrated professionals, unlike the rest of us, can afford to buy, or have supplied, as many instruments as they need or take their fancy at the time!In those circumstances, it's doubtful that the wear and tear of everyday use will be an issue for them.

On a similar topic, I often wonder what happened to the Jazzmaster that Bruce used (or owned) c.1960-61 and, indeed, if it is still in his possession.

Bill

[BrianD]

There was also the Strat that Fender presented to him just before he emigrated. This was documented in the book "Stratocaster Chronicles" and shows Hank with the guitar and surprise guests including Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Dave Gilmore and several other notable players. Wonder what happened to that example.

Brian

[Martin Page]

I suppose celebrated professionals, unlike the rest of us, can afford to buy, or have supplied, as many instruments as they need or take their fancy at the time!In those circumstances, it's doubtful that the wear and tear of everyday use will be an issue for them.

On a similar topic, I often wonder what happened to the Jazzmaster that Bruce used (or owned) c.1960-61 and, indeed, if it is still in his possession.

Bill

He sold it to Brian Parker of The Hunters.

Martin.

[GoldenStreet]

Thanks, Martin.

Mention of the Hunters reminded me of a Portsmouth group from the same period who backed singer, Frank Kelly, who also recorded for Fontana.

I understand Brian Parker died about 2000.

Bill

[ecca]

You'd think Hank would do something charitable with his old guitars like give one to me .

[Fenderman]

I wonder where that Antoria is now, if it still exists it would be worth a fortune.

[Lesley Bartholomew]

Thanks, Martin.

Mention of the Hunters reminded me of a Portsmouth group from the same period who backed singer, Frank Kelly, who also recorded for Fontana.
Bill

Approximately 8 years ago (give or take a couple of years) Frank Kelly was living in Bournemouth & doing an occasional gig. Does anyone on here know if he still gigs?