I decided to learn to play guitar when I was about 11 or 12. Around this time I was spending quite a bit of time around some local coffee shops at acoustic concerts and shows. In the process I was able to get to know some musicians and learn about the gear I would need and what made the most sense for me in starting out. I met one particular guy who was in a few local groups that I followed. His name was “Bri,” because in the 90’s that was much cooler than Brian.
Bri also worked at the coffee shop. He had an old acoustic guitar that he was willing to sell for $50 that seemed to be a decent starter guitar for me, so I set out to buy it. We agreed on a price and I told him I would work on coming up with the money.
My parents were supportive, but I think they wanted me to show some real initiative before they could justify funding my interest themselves. So, I had been saving up some money I had earned from my chores (I didn’t have much real work at that age yet) and I was able to do some more work to bring my balance up to $50.
I distinctly remember purchasing that first guitar. At the time, I had an old military ammunitions can that I used for my piggy bank. I recall walking in to the coffee shop where Bri worked with my ammo-can bank and placing it on the counter. I remember the distinctive sound of unlatching the lever style latch and pulling out the old bank bag that I kept my money it. I dumped the money out on the counter and Bri gave me the guitar. He also took the time to show me a few basic chords and I think he even threw in a guitar pick or two. I was elated!
As I played with my new treasure across the coffee shop, I vividly remember Bri counting the money because I paid for the guitar completely in change. There was nothing bigger than a quarter and I think there were quite a few pennies in there too. Bri didn’t seem to mind and I think he just cashed it out in the till.
I still have that guitar and all of the fond memories of that first experience.
-JS