A Moment In Time With Albert Collins

[drumbob]

I always like the blues guitar playing of Albert Collins and decided to try and get him onboard for a Guild endorsement, depite the fact that he always played a Telecaster.

His management advised me to bring a guitar to the Bottom Line in NYC for Albert to try. I enjoyed Albert's show, which ended with the guitarist playing an extended solo on the sidewalk in front of the club. Albert used a 100' cable, as I recall, as he snaked his way through the crowd and out the front door. It was a great performance. He was a magical player and showman.

I went backstage after his set and introduced myself. I brought an S-70D, which was our version of the Telecaster, in that it had a similar pickup configuration. Albert oohed and ahhed over it for a minute, retuned it, plopped his capo on, and gave forth with some of his famous "icey" licks. He loved the guitar. I could see it in his eyes.

"Oh man, I really like this! This is a beautiful guitar, and it sounds really fine, but you know, they call me "The Master of The Telecaster," and it would be hard for me to use anything else now. Damn! I really wish I could use this, but I think my manager might shoot me if I switched guitars. Thank you for bringing it over. Did you like my show?"

"Albert, I love your playing and your set tonight was great. I'm sorry we can't help you out with a guitar."

We shook hands, and he snapped his thumb and second finger at the same time.

"What was that?" I asked.

"That's my way of shaking hands, man. Just snap your fingers at the same time."

Albert was a warm, friendly man and a killer guitarist. I wish we could have worked together.

[kenposurf]

The best! Saw him many times at The Whiskey...did the same move ...off the stage and out the door..what a showman!

[winston]

Albert was one of the best. Simple as that. Great story Bob. I can sympathize with his decision though and it would not have been quite the same if he was not playing a Telecaster whenever we had a chance to see him in concert.