Musings

Articles and thoughts from the mind of Deke

A Frank Gay Guitar…?

A Frank Gay Guitar…?

The jury is still out whether this is an actual Frank Gay instrument or a copy. But it’s a really cool and weird bit of hillbilly guitar history.

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The Strawberry Alarm Clock Guitars

The Strawberry Alarm Clock Guitars

From the upcoming Mosrite book that I’m working on: Here’s the “real” story behind the surfboard-shaped guitars and basses that are always referred to as the Strawberry Alarm Clock guitars.

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Joe Cihla and the Speakatar

Joe Cihla and the Speakatar

A couple years ago, I stumbled on a 1958 newspaper article describing a Cedar Rapids hillbilly performer named Joe Cihla and his new invention: the Speakatar.

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Three New Items of Weirdness

Three New Items of Weirdness

I haven’t bought much new gear in the last few years unless it just falls in my lap and the price is right. This month has been pretty cool in that regard…

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The Untamed Youth Reunite!

The Untamed Youth Reunite!

It’s really happening! My old surf and garage band The Untamed Youth will be reuniting this weekend and next weekend for a pair of shows.

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