Caddie Posted March 24, 2005 Posted March 24, 2005 We have BB King Gibsons & Jeff Beck Strats & Muddy Waters Teles & Brian Setzer Gretsches........Anyone have insight in to why Gibson has not signed up Chuck Berry for a signature model? There certainly seem to have been times in Chuck's life when he could have used the cash. But then if Chuck's legendary crankiness is real, cutting an endorsement deal with him is probably no simple matter. Chuck would probably change the scale length in mid-production like he changes keys in mid song.What's up Chuck?NoonanPS - How's 'bout a Felicia Collins Daytona Reissue ???!!!! Or a Felicia Blue Monaco III Hey... Jol ! Wake up & pay attention over there in CT !! ;-)
Steve Haynie Posted March 24, 2005 Posted March 24, 2005 Would there really be any interest in a Chuck Berry model now? I read Chuck's autobiography and he made it clear that he does not like interviews because he has been misquoted or had his words changed entirely. He did grant an interview to Guitar Player years ago, and possibly a few other guitar related publications. Chuck does not work the press like other entertainers. He is also a very independent businessman who likes things his way. You are right that he may be difficult to deal with, but I think he is smart enough to know when to take the money and keep quiet.Chuck Berry has not really gone outside of the R&B/rock and roll style that he played in the 50's. When music was changing, he was sticking to what he had been playing in the beginning. Instead of becoming a "blues" player he stayed on track with his past. Yes, there are people who want a Gretsch or Rickenbacker to play like George Harrison even though George played a Strat for more years than than the entire Beatles phase. B.B. King has maintained a star status, too. Chet Atkins name still sells guitars. A Chuck Berry model would seem logical if only for his contribution to rock and roll.The question is what age group would be buying the guitar. Those of us who know what Chuck Berry gave us would be up for it, but how much longer are we going to be buying expensive guitars?I have an import CD box set with all of Chuck Berry's Chess recordings. It is nine CDs of Chuck Berry playing what would become Rolling Stones classics. Some of those songs have been covered many times and even Judas Priest did Johnny B. Goode.
pesocaster Posted March 24, 2005 Posted March 24, 2005 Because they won't do the "peeking through the bathroom stall" graphic he was insisting on...... hahhhaha
kizanski Posted March 24, 2005 Posted March 24, 2005 I think it's because every ES is automatically a Chuck Berry model, particularly the cherry ones.There are BB King models, Jeff Beck models, etc, but Chuck didn't have a particularly specific ES that he played more than any other. I"ve seen him use 335's, 345's, and 355's with no defining features - they just seemed to be mostly red.He's such a miserable bastard anyway. Who would buy one?
MCChris Posted March 24, 2005 Posted March 24, 2005 Because they won't do the "peeking through the bathroom stall" graphic he was insisting on...... hahhhaha We sell a CB Signature Model Toilet Cam ...
pesocaster Posted March 24, 2005 Posted March 24, 2005 We sell a CB Signature Model Toilet Cam ... you owe me a keyboard..... hahahahahha
Steve Haynie Posted March 24, 2005 Posted March 24, 2005 Yes, there is that negative side to Chuck Berry.
Brewmaster Posted March 24, 2005 Posted March 24, 2005 I think it's because every ES is automatically a Chuck Berry model, particularly the cherry ones.There are BB King models, Jeff Beck models, etc, but Chuck didn't have a particularly specific ES that he played more than any other. I"ve seen him use 335's, 345's, and 355's with no defining features - they just seemed to be mostly red.He's such a miserable bastard anyway. Who would buy one? Bingo! Could not have said it better myself. For years I was asked by my non guitar playing friends and family members why I don't have one of those "Chuck Berry" Guitars. I can't count how many times I have heard people talk about the scene in Back to The Future where Michael J Foxx turns on the amp and plugs in his "Chuck Berry" guitar and blasts himself across the room.
RJoseph133 Posted March 25, 2005 Posted March 25, 2005 I don't think Chuck sees guitars as anything more than "tools."Whatever he can get, he uses. His fondness for semi-hollow 335 types seems to be his only preference, the model or options mean nothing to him. I seem to remember hearing an interview with him somewhere where he talks about checking his guitar into the luggage bin (seriously) of whatever airline he happens to be flying. The interviewer asked him "Did you ever get one stolen?" Chuck: "Yeah, but so what? I go into town and buy another. They're just guitars. Plus, I get a tax write-off for it..."In addition, he's just plainly a pissy guy. I would imagine even the most patient Gibson rep reaching his mental limitation with Mr. Berry very quickly.
tomteriffic Posted March 25, 2005 Posted March 25, 2005 Having worked with Mr. Berry (It's not something I put on my resume), I can attest to the fact that he's all the foregoing. Chuck's real impressed with himself. He does have a favorite Es-355, though. Worn to hell and corroded hardware. Still plays it once a month for the kiddies down at a new club on Delmar Ave. in St. Louis (I forget the name at the moment).Even if Gib$on wanted to do a CB model, Chuck would probably make it damn near impossible to come to an agreement.
Brooks Posted March 25, 2005 Posted March 25, 2005 his signature model would have a secret compartment for smuggling 14 year old girls across state lines, ha.
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