Jet Harris-bass or guitar

[TheSavage]

You know, I truly don't know how you folks do it - I have enough trouble remembering the name of the instruments that 'I' have! ....Actually, the only one that I am ever aware of, was my first 'chosen' guitar - before I had even heard a Shadows song, and amidst a vast gallery of options, yep, you guessed it - the red darkwood strat. A Hank Marvin wannabe before I'd actually witnessed the majesty! Still smile at that.

[TheSavage]

P.S. Sorry for my starting a new page with absolutely no constructive input on offer... In my defence, I'm wearing a bulletproof vest.

[anniv 63]

Regarding the guitar that may have been used on Rifka the B side of Big Bad Bass.
The tone of the guitar I.M.H.O. seems to point to something maybe like a Guild or similar,
mainly as it is comparable with the Dakotas The Millionaire ,and of course Mike Maxfield used
one at this time.
As to the origin of the melody of Rifka, I have a distant recollection of maybe trying to learn this
as a piano piece by the classical composer Schumann.?
Although the label credits Michael Farr as the composer, I read somewhere that was a name used
by Mike Leander the M.D. of this session, who of course later produced the Gary Glitter stuff.
Does anyone know any other story behind this recording, or maybe asked Jet himself about it,
other than being the name of his dog at the time!!!!

Mike

[audreyk]

Hi all,

There seems to be some confusion about whether Diamonds was recorded on a Gretsch or Fender – owing to the fact that Jet has given different replies at different times!! Jim, John and Iain are right in that Jet did say that Diamonds was recorded on a Gretsch … but … when Jet asked me to reply to some email questions from fans he said that it was recorded on a detuned Jaguar. In interviews, he also told Roger Newell (and Spencer Leigh) that it was a Jaguar (see the articles on MusicRadar’s site and others).

On Jet’s website, we’ve left the text that was approved by Jet when Paul Rumble first developed the site. This states that Diamonds was played on a detuned Jaguar. Similarly, Jet also gave this info to Nigel Hopkins … it was used to promote 'The Journey' CD and in fact Nigel’s liner notes for the album read, “I asked Jet to record a new version of ‘Diamonds’ and play it on a detuned Fender, as was done on the original single. This is the first time it’s been recorded in D-minor since its release in 1963”.
Jet agreed this text and given how proud he was of 'The Journey', it’s almost certain that he would have flagged this up if Nigel had got it wrong.

If only we could still ask Jet himself … it’s so sad this is no longer possible.

Hope this helps.

Best wishes
Audrey

[kipper]

Audrey the journey was a great cd i really enjoy it still. peter

[Billyboygretsch]

Does it really matter what is was recorded on it can't be changed and it is a great number. Sounds more like Gretsch to me although others I am sure will disagree. What amp was used ?

[Iain Purdon]

If only we could still ask Jet himself … it’s so sad this is no longer possible.

It is sad, Audrey, but if he gave different answers before, he might do so again!
He also said he was on Little B from the Shads second album. But he wasn't, it was Lic.
It was such a long time ago. It's like asking me what pen I used when I sat my English O Level

[iefje]

Jim is right. In the video featuring Jet and Licorice Remembering the 2Is Jet tells the audience that Diamonds was recorded on a detuned Gretsch.

Slightly off-topic, but I'm still looking for a copy (VHS video or DVD) of "Remembering the 2Is". I understand this has been an (low profile) official release in the early 2000's, is that correct? Do you know where and how I can acquire a copy?

[iefje]

If only we could still ask Jet himself … it’s so sad this is no longer possible.

It is sad, Audrey, but if he gave different answers before, he might do so again!
He also said he was on Little B from the Shads second album. But he wasn't, it was Lic.
It was such a long time ago. It's like asking me what pen I used when I sat my English O Level

Jet did of course play on the March 7th, 1962 live recording of "Little 'B'".

[audreyk]

It was such a long time ago....

Iain ... you're right and, as Jet said, it never occurred to him that he would need to remember these things!! I guess I was just trying to explain that it’s a little frustrating with regards to Jet’s website. It would be good to know it was the correct version for the sake of music historians and others! Anyway, like I said, the site contains the version that Jet agreed at the time.

Ivo ... I've sent you a PM

Audrey the journey was a great cd i really enjoy it still. peter

Peter … you might be interested to know that Nigel Hopkins was in Nashville earlier this year and he was invited to run some workshops at the Mid Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro. He told me that he spoke about Jet in part of his talks. The students were really interested to hear about Jet and the music. Also, the centre for popular music (MTSU) is including a copy of The Journey in their musical archives. Nigel said it gave him a real kick to know that his and Jet’s album would be in the history data bank in this prestigious centre. As Nigel said, Jet would have been absolutely thrilled!!

Sorry Ryan … I didn’t mean to hijack your post with this extra info.

Best wishes
Audrey