Guitars Plus Melbournes Leading Guitar Specialist - News
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RIP Bruce Clarke - 03/08/2008
Some sad new just received that Bruce Clarke has passed away. Bruce was a stalwart of the Melbourne guitar scene and many reading this will have come in contact with him. Aside from his status as Melbournes pre-eminent teacher and jazz player par excellance, he was also acknowledged as a world authority on Hawaiian guitar, and indeed has a substantial entry in 'Lap Steel Guitars' by Andy Volk,the leading book on the subject.
Chris, Rob and staff extend their thoughts and wishes to Bruces wife and his and his five sons, all of which are involved at some level in our industry.
April Fool! This was the item - 02/04/2008
Yarra Boy Slim and Big Nose Johnny were a not that well known blues duo who gigged around the blues scene in the pre and post war years. It is not known what they did in their war years, perhaps they entertained the ANZACs in their leave time, or their real names - there is only one known photo. The photo is attached to an article in the 'Peninsula Argus' stating the pair were appearing at the 'Two Dogs' Public House in Old Mornington Road in Mornington on April 1st 1949.
The photo is seen at the right, having been restored, as best as they could, by National Archives in Canberra. Apparently, according to locals, they gigged around the Mordialloc Isthmus and the Maribynong Delta blues scene. Both players reputedly played bottleneck and both sang, it is not known if they sounded any good though.
Here's the rub, Guitars Plus guitarchaeology dept have unearthed what MAY have been these two (sort of) legendary players guitars. The photo has them playing these two guitars pictured at right. The flat top is labeled 'Sampson' country of origin unknown. The arch - top is branded 'Wilson' and stamped 'Made in Holland' at the rear of the headstock. Exactly like the two featured in the (only known) photo.
If they are indeed the instruments used by this duo, they will be donated to the Melbourne Museum, any pictures or articles or any info at all would be gladly received at the store!