40+ years. Bugged the parents for a guitar and got two! Had to pick between the Framus or the Epiphone acoustics. Started lessons with local jazz player, Bill Landrum, using the Framus just a year or two before the Beatles were on the Ed Sullivan show. Grooved to Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, Santos and Johnny, and Hank Marvin, etc. After the British Invasion of the 60's, really got into the Stones and the Yardbirds. The switch to electric guitar was done.
What was the first concert you ever went to?
In 1964 (or 5) saw the Dave Clark 5 at Municipal Auditorium in Oklahoma City with my best buddy (and future lead singer of our band) Mike Kyle. The screaming fans obliterated the music. Pitiful lighting obscured the group. Overall impression, not good.
What gear do you use?
Several Fender guitars, mostly Stratocasters through Fender amps. As for favorites... It's a tie between my Yngwie Malmsteen Artist Series Strat and my highly modified Deluxe Player Strat through my G-DEC 3 "Country Edition" amp.
Who was your biggest musical influence growing up?
Heard Jeff Beck's "Jeff's Boogie" with the Yardbirds. Watched Roy Buchanon play "Sweet Dreams" on Public Television. Heard Ritchie Blackmore in Deep Purple's "Machine Head" Each one blew me away, and changed my approach to playing guitar music.
Are you in a band? Have you been in bands?
Played in a band as a kid in Oklahoma City. Moved to Kansas City area in 1968 and never did more than jammed with friends. These days, just experimenting with YouTube videos and jamming with friends whenever our schedules will allow.
If you could jam with anyone, who would it be?
Jamming with Mark Galloway would be great. His tastes in music runs similar to mine. I like the mix of acoustic and electric guitars complementing each other. Logistically impractical, unfortunately.
What's the biggest audience you ever performed to? What's the smallest?
Largest was a private party at some hall in OKC. No idea how many. Smallest? Just me and my friend Don Reed, jamming over the internet via webcams. Our wives wondering what in the world is making all that noise.
You're stuck on a desert island and only get to bring one album with you. What do you pick?
Yngwie Malmsteen's "Trilogy" I bought a copy when I saw a record store display. Had read some articles in Guitar Player and Guitar World, but never heard his music. Still blows me away every time I play it.