time for teenagers

[abstamaria]

Indeed, Noel. It is just that his name and influence never crossed the seas and continents to our little island, as the Shadows did, even if they never visited. I first heard of Bert years ago on this forum. Thank heavens for Shadowmusic.

Best,

Andy

[Allclaphands]

Bert certainly was a inspiration to a lot of young aspiring guitarist some who went on to be in bands/groups.
I don't know if any of the learned members on here knew if Bert had a Band ect. He must have had some sort
of support as he did many concerts ect.I would be interested to here any information.

Regards
Pete

[bazmusicman]

I did meet him once in the 70's............ he had a organist and drummer with him. I don't know if they were his regular backing or if they were just brought in for that show.

Regards,
Baz.

[GoldenStreet]

Later on, Bert's SA model Yamaha was modified with a Gibson vibrato unit- rather than a Bigsby...then some time later he used a Strat (in a strange reddish brown finish) and a Parker Fly, along with lighter gauge strings than in earlier days- easier to play as you get older! (lighter weight guitar and easier string action)

Bo Winberg is featured with the Spotnicks in 2012, playing a Strat (with the larger CBS-style headstock) similar in colour to that nondescript red-brown finish, which no doubt has an official name!



Bill

[Pol]

Quote:...nondescript red-brown finish....

In Bo Winbergs own words:
"I play on a Fender Stratocaster from 1965 that I bought in Hollywood California USA. The guitar was in the original sunburst color, but because I did not like the color I burned the paint and put on ten layers called polishing lacquer."

spotnicks.net/about/bo-winberg/

Cheers Pol

[GoldenStreet]

Thanks, Pol, for the link. I suppose it could be described as a sort of 'Brazilian rosewood' colour, as result of the modification.

Interestingly, Bo is at odds with the widely held view that post-1965 Strats were of inferior quality.

Bill

[Derek Mowbray]

I only saw Bert once,he came over to Malta in 1969 to play in a Forces show in 1969 at the cinema at our barracks I didn't take much notice of which guitar he played or what musicians he used memories fade after forty odd years .I seem to remember a photograph of him playing a white Hofner Committee guitar .Tony Meehan did some drumming for him soon after he left the Shadows.

[Allclaphands]

Thanks Derek
Although Bert did not quite get the Stardom of groups like "The Shadows" he was in his
own right a extremely good guitarist and a generally alround nice guy and anybody who
as listened to his playing would agree he had mastered playing the guitar outstandingly
well.Its just that some of the arrangements of his tunes seemed to lack a bit of dynamism
unfortunately somewhere between the interpretation and the recording of them.

Pete

[cockroach]

Peter,

Sorry to disagree, but for great dynamics etc, have a listen to Bert's Ghost Train from 1961...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLSuIrw-2FM

[anniv 63]

And of course there is Bert's Night Cry, a superb piece of pulsating guitar!!!!
Hands up all those who are going to have a go on this number that is featured
on the excellent new Backin Fashion CD from Roger Allcock?

Mike