Ha! I drove by the "Unusual" water tower just yesterday on my way to the guitar show! I knew that Ranger Doug once worked for Herb David. My nephew, David Collins, was brought in by Herb to run the 3rd story repair department. After Herb retired and closed the ground floor dealership, David continued on with the repair facility, re named "Ann Arbor Guitar". Eventually getting tired of the third floor walk up, as well as tricky parking around downtown A2, David moved his shop elsewhere , still in the Ann Arbor area. An interesting aside about Herb Davids. A young fella, David Roof, a very fine musician, and manager for the retail HD shop, . Went on to learn the recording business. he know owns his own "Roof Top productions" in Grand Blanc, Mi. A plethora of local artists call on his skills for their recordings. 
Previous Message
Terry - remember some of these?:
the Herb David Guitar Studio, with the genial soon-to-be "Ranger Doug" behind the counter..... Mr. Flood's Party..... (and, "for those of you who 'read'") The Blue Front..... over by Detroit, Ilene's Restaurant..... the Diag..... ....... ....... the 'legendary' Ypsilanti Water Tower?...... Previous Message
Spent the day, yesterday, at the Ann Arbor guitar show. These shows, today are a fraction of what they were back in the day. In the 80's/90's. They were huge. George Gruhn would attend, with his check book, there'd be a line to see him all day long. Elderly and several other vintage dealers as well. All this before the internet changed the world. Covid didn't help either. They're still fun to attend though. If for nothing but the people watching. Today, most "Dealers" wear a uniform. A beard of some sort, a minimum of one tatoo. A T shirt that says something. Large rings on at least one finger of each hand, either a shaved head or lots of hair. All have interesting stories. In fact just about EVERY One you'd talk to has at least one interesting story. So often about the "one that got away".
I rented a table, and had several items to sell. Mainly my 3 year old Martin 000 18 and my 5 year old Taylor 224 Koa model. Several people remarked on how "Pristine" my instruments are. I take care of my stuff. I Shake my head at how so many of the instruments out there seem to have had an abusive life. I don't get it, I don't get as many gigs as back in the day, but still and always have managed to keep my instruments in proper condition. Some people think the "battle scars" are cool. Not for me.
I had a good supply of odds and ends, Song books, guitar cables, amp stand, leather guitar strap. The usual assortment. I sold nearly all of the miscellaneous items , but my three main items, a Marshall acoustic amp, the Martin and Taylor guitar, came back home with me.
I was selling the two guitars for the worst reason. I need the $$$. Funny thing, in a few cases, it looked like the fellas trying out the instruments and asking the right questions, may just be THAT serious buyer. At that point, the voice inside me was saying NO!!!! don't let this guy buy that guitar NO!!! I get attached :>)
This was the Ann Arbor show, (Actually held in Ypsilanti at one of the EMU buildings) A long standing , well run event. (Free pizza at lunch time for the vendors!) But this year much too loud. Back in the day, the better shows would actually have an acoustic "listening" room. Not so much today. One gets easily tired of hearing, what I call the "Guitar Show Lick". Over and over.. If you're wanting a strat, a Tele, or a Les Paul. You're in guitar show heaven. I usually see several instruments I'd want to take home. This year only a few. Still a fun thing to do...once a year or so.
Responses
on 11/10/2025, 6:23 pm, in reply to "