"If I knew then what I know now...."

[Willie G. Moseley]

I stumbled across this while doing research for a book on a famous shopping center, of all things. I'd almost completely forgotten about it. It dates from March 1989 in the Montgomery Advertiser. The Harmony guitar that's missing the logo turned out to be a short-lived Stratotone variant called the Roy Smeck model; it dates from 1961.

 

This Missus had just gotten pregnant back then, and that same month I went to the first Atlanta guitar show (at the Omni) figuring my collecting jones was going to be tapering down.

 

But  picked up a small tabloid called National Music Trader, and I sent them an article I composed about the Roy Smeck. That tabloid turned into Vintage Guitar Magazine, and the band imploded instead my collecting adventure

 

Almost 37 years later it's interesting to note what was notable about collecting evolved in the ensuing decades. I think most of what I said herein still holds up. Comments?

 

 

 

Edited December 4, 2025 by Willie G. Moseley

[The Shark]

My buddy Tony Meier found an early sixties "Smeck".  It was blonde and flamey.  I remember thinking it was a "dressed up pig".  A buddy in Lakeland owns it now.  It's just the coolest guitar.  I offered him two grand and he said I'd have to buy it at his estate sale.  

The first Atlanta Guitar and String Expo was so much fun.  I had Gil Southworth across the aisle from me.  He was next to some "retail" store with a triple-wide booth.  They had keys and drum machines.  And their booth was so loud and obnoxious, Gil took matters into his own hands.  I've told this story many times.

I saw Gil become frustrated with the constant noise from the keys, drum machines and guitar amps being played by the locals buying nothing.  He picked up a 1958 Korina Flying V that he was displaying.  He was straight as an arrow.  He walked the guitar to the bar.  He flipped it over and the bartender put four cocktail napkins on the wings.  Two on each side.  Then, she poured four drinks and placed them on the guitar.  Gil seemed to stagger around coming down the aisle.  He tripped and spilled all four drinks into the keyboards in the booth next to his.  The Flying V was never in danger.  He smiled at me and Tony.  The "salesman" from the store (I think Atlanta Discount Music or something like that) came running.  Gil smiled and walked away.  It was great.  Many of us commented to the sales guy that he needed to limit the demo time for the people and turn everything down.  

That show was large and really cool.  The jam session at Harlow's featured Tinsley Ellis.  His band was the Heart Fixers.  I got up and played with Barry Richman.  His band was the Visitors.  He smoked me.  Good times.

 

 

Edited November 30, 2025 by The Shark

[cmatthes]

I truly miss Gil’s shop being right down Old Georgetown Road from my house.  I spent way too many hours - and money - in there over the years!

[Willie G. Moseley]

How come I can't get the jpeg of the 1989 newspaper story to come up on here?

 

[Steve Haynie]

Are you linking to the jpeg or trying to upload it?

[Willie G. Moseley]

Upload; I've tried several times with "edit".  After "insert" the jpeg shows up under the original text but when I hit "edit topic" it doesn't come through

[The Shark]

4 hours ago, Willie G. Moseley said:

Upload; I've tried several times with "edit".  After "insert" the jpeg shows up under the original text but when I hit "edit topic" it doesn't come through

Kizanski to the service desk!

[RobB]

On 12/1/2025 at 10:16 AM, Willie G. Moseley said:

Upload; I've tried several times with "edit".  After "insert" the jpeg shows up under the original text but when I hit "edit topic" it doesn't come through

Make sure you click the cursor in where you want the picture inserted. You can also just drag the jpeg into the text field and click, “submit reply”, and you’re done. 

Edited December 2, 2025 by RobB