I have mentioned Dave's Gibson J200 12 string on several occasions, but not for a very long time now.

As a short recap, that instrument had a big, booming sound and was allegedly the first of its kind that Gibson ever made.

When he received the jumbo from the manufacturer, Dave opened up the case and had to chuckle. The placement of the 12 strings on the neck was equidistant. Only a person with very, very skinny fingers could have played it. He returned the guitar to Gibson, advising them that they were supposed to pair the strings on the neck in E-A-D-G-B-E coupling. They did so, sent it back to him and Dave cherished the instrument until his death.

I may have noted previously that the instrument as supplied had a sunburst colour on the front.

I understand that during the production of Dave's TV show, Dave had placed the guitar temporarily on the floor.

Big mistake. One of the performers on the show stepped off the stage and on to the guitar. The damage was repaied but the guitar then became black.

I was told by someone that was there at the time that Dave's self-control when that incident happened was legendary.

I can not post pictures here but I will send some to Ken when I check what I have.