by stephen » 19 Dec 2010, 13:18
Just read JimN's comments mentioning Rushworth & Draper's in Liverpool. I have fond memories of that shop............
Back in 1962 or'63 (I was 13 or 14) I remember a Fiesta Red, Rosewood board Strat, having pride of place in one of their windows. It was there for what seemed ages (well it was 168 guineas!....a lot of money for a scouser in those days!). My mum & dad would occasionally take me with them to the Chanticleer Chinese reataurant in Tarleton Street (near that great toy shop, Hobbies) and would park our Singer Gazelle at the back of Rushworth's. After we'd eaten, they'd sit in the car having a cigarette, whilst I looked longingly through Rushworth's windows............especially at THAT guitar.
I recall Jim Gretty at Hessy's as well. There was another salesman called Samuelson (forget his first name). He sold me a new, AC30 'Bass' for £115 guineas, back in '63/64. Turned up at the shop, with a school mate from Rock Ferry High, both in our uniforms and mandatory caps (!) and he was incredulous when I brought out this wad of notes and asked to buy the amp! Unbeknown (for a short while at least!) to my parents, I'd withdrawn the money from savings that had been bequeathed to me from a grandparent.
My mate and I lugged this weighty beast, all the way from Hessy's, onto the underground at James Street, through to Hamilton Square. We were knackered! Fortunately, I had a bit of money left, so we got in a cab for the final part of our journey to my mate's home in Woodchurch, where the amp. was to be secretly 'stashed'.
Great days..........
Stephen.