Thanks for the prompt info James. I have always admired Larry myself, and needless to say it would be very unusual seeing Larry play something different.
His low E is a .60, wow, that's incredible, I bet he's the only one that can play it. Especially the breaks he comes up with.
Ive also heard that Larry doesn't change his strings much. Makes me wonder how it still rings out so well. Mine usually sound deader than anything after a couple weeks.
Also James, Is there any recordings available Of Larry with the Clinch Mtn boys? I have a more recent copy of Ralph and Larry singing "All the Love i Had is Gone." Id like to hear more.
Thanks again James, and God Bless!
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: BG: Larry Sparks Martin Guitar Date: Mon, 28 Jun 2004 01:08:57 EDT
Willie,
I don't have the chance to post much on this list because I'm always so
busy, but I'll try as best I can to give some information on Larry Sparks'
guitar. Larry's guitar is a 1953 D-28 Martin, and over the years it has become as
much a part of his stage personality as his singing. I think he told me once
that the big pickguard was on there when he got it, but I'm not positive on
that. I think he got it in the 60's when he was working with Ralph. He has had
it braced heavy to be able to take those heavy gauge Mapes Strings that he
uses (I think his low E is .060 compared to .056 that most of us use). Also,
Larry seems to prefer old strings to new ones. That's how he gets that low and
lonesome bluesy sound.
As a side note, I made the strap that he has used for years with his name on
it. Larry has always been very cordial to me, even back when I was just a fan
coming to his shows and I have a lot of respect for him and his music. He
has his own style of playing and sinking and being unique is what it takes to
be successful in this business. I would consider him a friend and one of the
best lead singers and guitarists in the business.
By the way, I spoke to Larry a few days ago by phone and he is coming back to Ralph's festival next year on Saturday May 28, 2005.
Sincerely, James A. Shelton
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