Hi there! Those of you who know me well know that I, like many, are a fan of musical instruments of all types but especially of guitars. For the past several years I have been very keen on aluminum neck guitars like Travis Bean and early Kramer.
I have been playing a TB for a few years now but in 1996 at the Touch & Go 25th anniversary/Hideout 10th anniversary block party I saw the Band Uzeda (if you have not heard them you should check them out) play. Their guitar player, Agostino Tilotta, played an instrument that appeared to be of all aluminum construction and needless to say I was more than intrigued.
Fast forward several months and I now know that the guitar was built by Electrical Guitar Company of Pensacola Florida. Kevin Burkett, the owner and chief designer/machinist has been making these guitars for a veritable who's who of the indy music scene including not only Tilotta but also Buzz Osbourne of the Melvins and memebers of Torche and one of the most well known keepers of the aluminum flame, Steve Albini.
Now fast forward a few more months and i finally contact Mr. Burkett about having a guitar made for me. I have to tell you, not only is Kevin Burkett a very nice person and very easy to talk to, he has the patience of a saint. Again, as those of you who know me can attest, I am the pinnacle of obsessive /compulsive and when I am obsessing I can be more than a little one-track and annoying. Kevin worked with me over the phone and email for a number ow weeks to hammer out exactly what I wanted in my EGC and he never once said "boo" about my numerous questions and ideas.
Now we fast forward to today, I received my EGC on Saturday and it is one of the most wonderful instruments I have ever had the pleasure of playing. Whether you are in the market for a new guitar or not, you really should check out his website (which is currently in the process of being revamped and updated) or his MySpace page and have a look at this mans fine work...