Hey guys, just a heads up to say the shop will be closed for two and a bit weeks while we head off to the USA for business again.
The reason? I was given a dream commission... but I could only take on the job under certain conditions:
A flim crew must be present at all times for a documentry
I must hand deliver it to Las Vegas for the owner
It must include some cool features never seen before
I have to use as many hand made parts as possible (except tuners and bridge)
Must be an eight string bass (4 + octaves)
It has to be "blue"
It must has an inlay like never seen before
It must be a tribute to his best friend.
Ive got four weeks to build it.
The client is Mr Kelly Garni of Quiet Riot. Someone who I spent my teenage years admiring, as he played with my favourite musician Randy Rhoads.
Kelly's best friend was Randy Rhoads, prior to passing away in 1982. After a band scuffle, Randy lost his thumbnail, and they jokingly kept it. Randy went on to join Ozzy's band, and within 18 months had died in a plane crash. Not long after, Kelly and Kevin DuBrow (Quiet Riot vocalist) found Randy's thumbnail. After all these years, it was kept safe and sound, and was sent to me to inlay into the bass. Randy is not only my inspiration musically, but inspired me to start building guitars. It was because of my Polka Dot V replica's that I was given the opportunity to take on this job.
To work on a tribute to one of the best musicians in hard rock/metal, is probably my dream come true.
Anyway, the bass was finished at 6pm tonight, and the flight leaves at midnight. Ive got a couple interviews to do before we leave, and then more in LA and Vegas. I think everyone will have to wait until I get back to see the photos, no time to upload them before we have to leave.
Kelly Garni is meeting us at the airport with a film crew and Randy's brother. After Vegas we travel back to Los Angeles and do a presentation for Mrs. Rhoads at the music school were Randy used to teach guitar.
On top of all that...
We are also finalising the details for US distribution of Ormsby Guitars with one of the largest guitar stores in the world, so hopefully that works out too.
Fingers crossed!!