Early Gear

My first significant amplified gear was a Music Man 412 head and speaker cabinet combination.  I purchased it from Strait Music when Strait was still downtown Austin and just a few months before the big Memorial Day flood of 1981. 

As far as I can remember Strait had always been cool to my family.  Several times my mother would accompany us into the store and I'm sure, co-sign for equipment that we couldn't afford straight out.  We liked and bought gear from Ray Hennig's Heart of Texas Music too.  

A few days after I bought the Music Man rig Strait called with a remarkable request.  Chuck Berry was coming to town to play a gig with Joe Ely.  They were scheduled to play at the Paramount, March 14, 1981.  The way it was explained, at the time, Chuck Berry only played through Music Man amps and typically, rented the gear in whatever city he was booked to perform in.  Mr. Berry's people contacted Strait Music only to find Strait had sold the last one to me.  Would I be willing to lend my equipment to Mr. Berry for his Austin, TX gig on the 14th of March? 

Now I was a huge fan of Mr. Chuck Berry.  My brothers and I covered "Johnny Be Good" at the time and I could both play it on guitar and at the time, sing it too.  Sure, it would be an honor!  

Next thing I recall, I was in contact with Mr. Michael Dunham of Fantasy Productions.  He typed a letter on Paramount letterhead guaranteeing the safe return of my new gear and provided my entire family and I with tickets to the show!  

Agreement signed by rock-n-roll music legend Chuck Berry, 1981

So that my new gear wouldn't get mixed up with other gear on the set, I chalked "G E R A C I" all over the cabinet and head prior to delivering it. 

Sure enough, when we got to the show, there was my new Music Man gear, emblazoned with "G E R A C I" and on stage with Mr. Chuck Berry himself.  It was out of this world!  Afterwards, my entire family and I were escorted backstage and we got to meet Mr. Berry.  Although exhausted from the show, Mr. Berry thanked me and autographed the Paramount guarantee letter from Michael Dunham.  Not bad getting to assist one's all time favorite musician during his gig!