These are the ladies I play with. They have been featured in countless performances and used on many recordings. They find their names after I have the opportunity to get to know them. Sometimes, like in the case of "Rosie" and "Lulu", I arrive at their names immediately. Other times I arrive at a name after dominating personalities become apparent and remind me of people, animals, or characters I read about. To me, these instruments have unique personalities and qualities. What makes these instruments so special is the life they seem to give once you start playing them. I don't know how other guitarists feel about their favorite instruments but for me... the Art I create would not be possible without their input. Enjoy. |
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This is my "Rosie". She and I have been on many adventures together. She has been featured in almost every single performance and recording I have done since she and I made acquaintance at “Darksongs” at the world renown Holiday Music Motel in October of 2009. She's been to Thailand, Japan as well as other parts of Southeast Asia, England, France, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Austria, and Ireland; all the while strapped over my right shoulder in a soft shell case. "Rosie" was used extensively on "Echoing Endlessly Inside My Head" and "Absinthe Journeys". What’s particularly interesting about her is that people know her by name and often times will request that I perform with her. She's also been held and played by a long list of musicians including many big name Artists. She features a single active EMG pickup and a hard tail bridge. The neck is crafted with wood from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. "Rosie's" unique personality is what started my interest in Cigar Box Guitars. Rosie was used on the following Records: Milwaukee 
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Meet Isabelle, (Izzy for short). She is a 1962 Fender Stratocaster loaded with 3 custom Dimarzio pick-ups that are custom wired into a modified 5-way pickup selector switch, one volume, and two tone pots. A special wiring that I have used since age 15. (*1). Together with her rosewood fret board and Alder body, Isabelle delivers delicious tone and provides a wonderful, gentle playing experience that I absolutely love. Her voice is entirely distinguishable to me and can be heard on every record I have published since 2002. Isabelle is a staple in my concerts and is my most dependable guitar. Unquestionably, I love everything about this guitar! Interesting enough, Isabelle only recently found her name a year ago after going nameless for 10 years. Her personality is so special in how she feels in your hands, sounds, and looks, (she’s HOTT!!), and her unique vibe made it difficult to give a name to her. I had not met anyone, be it a person, animal, or character in a book that reminded me of her. Isabelle is named after one of my very best friends and took over a year for me to make the connection between the two. I still remember the exact moment when it happened. I was talking to Isabelle while gently playing the instrument and then it hit me. They were so similar I knew right there and then that Isabelle was the perfect name for her. Like my best friend, I find Isabelle to be beautiful and special in a nameless way. *1: Many years ago, I stumbled upon the wiring configuration when rewiring a guitar and failed to do so correctly. In fact, I botched it up so bad I couldn’t restore it. In the beginning it used it because I had no choice but have preferred the configuration ever since I realized it’s how cool it is and how much I love it.
This is a very special CBG! Named "BoBo" after an Ex-Girlfriend and an Egyptian Owl God that has a two face head, this CBG features a four-string top and a six-string bottom. The top neck has a square back, which for some reason I prefer and the bottom neck is patterned after an early 60's Fender Stratocaster neck. Both necks were created using wood from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The pick-ups are active EMG's and the hardware is professional grade. All in all this is one badass guitar! It is mainly used for live looping performances but has been known to turn up during live performances with the band as well. This Guitar was used on the following recordings: |
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This is "Ginger". She was named after Ginger on Gilligan's Island. Her box color is a vintage green-ish vibe with red highlights and I've always been a Ginger guy, lol. She is a four string beauty that features a square back neck, (which I prefer), that is crafted with wood from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. She daunts a single active EMG pickup and is wired for tone! She has been used in several performances and is the most readily available instrument I have in my house. She gets a generous amount of playtime. Special Note: In the group picture is fellow Darksongs Writers Melaniejane, Johnny Lowebow, and Charlie Cheney Absinthe Journeys 
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Meet Lulu. She is a very special girl. Quite some time ago I met the most adorable kitten named Lulu. She is a little off kilter after having come close to dying when she was very little. I have known this delightful creature since she was tiny and I keep very close tabs on her. Lulu’s demeanor is so profound and happy. She was and still is a torrent of energy yet she somehow displays class and sophistication. I adore this creature! This guitar was named after her because the box banding is off slightly giving the illusion the hardware on the body is not set straight even though it is. As with the entire signature Mojo Perry models it features a handcrafted neck made with wood from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The hardware is professional grade and has a traditional Vintage Tele Style bridge. The pickups are both EMG's; a double in the neck and a single in the bridge. A three way selector, and a volume and tone knob gets the job done! Lulu is as feisty as the Actress herself who's picture graces the top of this instrument. Lulu is not featured on any recordings as of writing this but she has graced many stages supporting her sister "Rosie" when she breaks a string. More than likely she will wind up on the "Mojo in Milwaukee" album slated for release in 2012. Lulu is one of my most prized guitars!
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