Bobby used the term "experiment" when referring to Nick's 8 strings but I feel there was far more to it than that. If it was indeed an experiment, it was one that lasted seven years, two guitars and countless recordings and live performances starting in 1960. Most folks who post here are pretty aware of the tools that the guys used down through the years. We all know that one of Nick's original tenor guitars was the guitar we see on the early LP covers. He DID own a couple others that early, including an all mahogany body tenor guitar. This guitar doesn't show up in photos too often, but it was there. But let's concentrate on that tenor we see on the early covers. It was a very early Martin tenor, model 2-18T serial number 38023. This guitar became one of the two 8-strings that Nick used for those remaining 7 seven years starting in 1960. About the time the guys were recording the "String Along" LP, Nick had this original tenor guitar converted to an 8 string guitar. Close up photos reveal that the bridge saddle was not even redone and two strings were inserted into single bridge pin openings. No wonder it was a bear to tune! At this point, I am sure it was an experiment. Who know why he had this done. Could it be that the guys were growing musically and Nick felt that he wanted to add something more to the sound? Perhaps Frank had some input. My feeling, although like most all of this article, is speculation, is that Dave may have had something to do with Nick's decision to convert his original tenor guitar. Remember Dave's use of a bazouki on the Christmas LP? Nick once told me that he was trying to achieve a mandolin sound when he did it. While it doesn't sound too much like a mandolin, it most definitely sounds more chimey, has far more sustain and volume and mimics the sound of a bazouki or a mando-cello. See Tim O'Brien's recordings and you will see that his mando-cello is sort of an arch top tenor guitar. This sound is perfect for fast, frantic songs. Nick's tenor guitar could now cut through Bob's D-28 with a driving sound that the little 4 string guitar simply couldn't do. So when did we first hear this guitar cutting through Bob's D28? "The Coast Of California"? Well yes and no. History tell us that this song was actually recorded during the String Along sessions. More than likely, it was the first time Nick recorded with it, although we didn't hear the cut until the last Guard LP. I had mentioned in another posting many years ago that I felt that Bob didn't even play on that cut ... well, I have changed my mind on that, but Nick's unbelievable rhythm on that cut all but drowns Bob guitar right out. Without that 8 string, the song would never have had the depth and feel that it does. From that point on, this guitar would be a staple in the Trio's sound and would make it's way into recording sessions until 1967. Listen carefully to upbeat songs like "Franky and Johnny". You can hear it. It doesn't go thunkety thunk like a four string. It rings. Several years later, Nick once again experimented. He had another tenor guitar converted. This time, another 8 string was built using the standard 0-18T. I don't know if he had this one converted or if Martin built it for him. Martin's records are kind of sketchy and no one seems to remember for sure. This one was a little different however, as the bridge saddle was actually customized with 8 bridge pins. I think Nick may have thought that another guitar that was better built would stay in tune better. This guitar was hardly ever photographed. Has anyone ever seen a photo of it? I know of it because I saw him play it two times in concert. I think there is a major change with his second guitar. The first one was strung in unison as a mando cello, bazouki or mandolin would be strung. His second ... and once again, this is speculation based on the sound of some of the later Stewart Trio recordings and a memory of two concerts in the sixties, was tuned with octave sets on the 3rd and 4th string positions. I have had the pleasure of playing both of Phil Collins' 8 strings. His custom Koa guitar sounds very much like Nick's early 8 string because of the unison tuning. But that little 0-18T-8 ... Wow! It sounds exactly like Nick's guitars on later recordings, like New Frontier and #16. Listen to "Run The Ridges". Nick said that he never really liked the sound of it and ended up going back to the original guitar he had converted. The original 8 string guitar can be seen on the Pickwick LPs with shots of the guys on the beach and on videos from WWMG. The Pickwick shots were taken right after the guitar was converted. "Early Morning Rain" and "Rovin Gambler/This Train were filmed toward the end of the Stewart Trio configuration. Notice the wear pattern from the plastic pick right down on the bridge on these videos. That guitar was far more than an experiment! So, a rule of thumb regarding Nick's 8 strings. He continued to use his 4 string guitars throughout his original tenure with The Trio. He played them on virtually every slower song they recorded, but when he needed some extra punch on a fast paced song, he used an 8 string. Nick's original 8 string has been reconverted back to it's original state. It can be seen on the Bill Bush poster and on any photos from fantasy camps. The other one is on permanent loan to Hard Rock Cafe and makes it's way around the country visiting various locations. Last I heard was that it was in Florida somewhere, but that was quite awhile ago. If you want to see one though, get ahold of Phil Collins. The one he owns is identical to the second one Nick played, and I love it! Phil, have you made out your will yet??? John
Thanks for the invitation to post regarding Nick's wonderful 8-string tenor guitars. The thread below was most fascinating to read. Good to see some familiar names here.
Thanks to Phil Collins for mentioning my name. Our good friend Jerry Kergan has had a couple articles on his site regarding the 8-strings, but as Phil said, his site has been down for awhile. I believe he plans to get the site up and running again, but who knows when? Thanks to Bobby for alerting me about this forum.
Always The Triofan
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