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Meet Past Winners of Acoustic Guitar Giveaways
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You could be next!
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Andrew Hays
Surprise, AZ
Won the Ultrasound Pro-250 Amplifier (retail value $1,399) in October 2010.
Music has always been something special for me. As a kid I would leave my radio recording the local classic rock station then just dive in when I got home from school. Anything from Grateful Dead, Led Zeppelin to Black Crowes U2 and GNR. As I got older and discovered more genres and more diverse groups, my musical taste changed. Along with that I wanted to be able to play some of the songs I grew up listening to. I picked up a Fender guitar starter set 3 years ago and it's been awesome ever since. I did have to take a break during a deployment to Afghanistan but when I returned I started playing everyday. Even if just for a few minutes I make it a point to practice something. Currently I'm trying to play an acoustic version of “Back To Cali” by Slash feat Myles Kennedy. Great song!!! There is no better feeling than losing track of an hour or two just playing some tunes you love. I started playing with my church group and a co-worker and I have talked about starting a band. Eventually I would like to be at a point musically where I could be a session guitarist. Nothing would please me more than to achieve that goal.
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Brian Kuznia
Rosemount, MN
Won the C.F. Martin & Co. Performing Artist Series GPCPA1 (retail value $3,999) and 12 sets of Martin MSP-4100 SP Phosphor Bronze Light Strings (retail value $201) in September 2010.
I just hit the magical 50 mark in life. I have three wonderful children and a beautiful wife. Our whole family has a musical bent. My wife, my son and I all play guitar. I feel very lucky and fortunate to have won such a beautiful guitar. It will be a welcome addition to our family and future generations to come.
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Sandy Long
Victoria, B.C.
CANADA
Won the Walden Madera CD4040TB-CERT Guitar including hard-shell case in August 2010.
''Wow! Thank you for the awesome prize. I became interested in music very early on, as many people on both sides of my family were gifted musicians and writers and singers. I started lessons at 12 years old and remember playing and singing “Bobby McGee”! I am mostly self-taught and a “by ear” player. I have been writing, playing, and singling for all these years and find the guitar an amazing instrument to have been befriended by. Holding, playing, humming with it has brought me joy, comfort, peace, and a place where my imagination and creativity are given voice, whether alone or in my room or performing in public. I appreciate this prize of the “Madera” guitar and look forward to many more years of “muse”-ic! Acoustic Guitar Mag Rocks. All the best and many thanks!''
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Dave Berry
Marquette, MI
Won the Taylor 8-String Baritone Guitar in April 2010.
''I started out as a lead singer when I was fifteen and immediately fell in love with the guitar. I talked my bandmates into teaching me how to play and have been honing my craft for the past forty years. The acoustic guitar has always been my songwriting partner. It has provided me with income and self-expression during recording sessions as well as performances and guitar lessons. Search YouTube under Marquette’s Dave R. Berry to hear a song I wrote for my first-born daughter.
Playing an acoustic guitar is timeless. It served me well in my youth, and will continue to give me satisfaction for years to come. I can’t wait to get the Taylor 8-String Baritone in my hands. Thanks, Acoustic Guitar!''
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Bob Cavano
San Francisco, CA
Won the Bedell OH-12-G Guitar in March 2010.
''I have been playing for 30 years. My main interest is blues and country. Favorite artists include Mance Lipscomb, Lightnin’ Hopkins, John Jackson, Brownie McGhee, and my brother Pete “Greasy” Cavano, a top-notch jazz wizard from Cleveland, OH where I was born in 1948.''
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Vince Rahnfeld
Cincinnati, OH
Won the Bedell TBCE-28-G Guitar in March 2010.
''I’ve been playing guitar for 37 years. Started in rock bands in Junior High and have played many styles since. Currently playing mostly fingerstyle on both nylon and steel strings. My typical gigs include weddings, parties, pit orchestras and the occasional session. I especially enjoy working with an oboe/guitar/cello trio. I enjoy working as a volunteer, playing solo guitar at a local hospital lobby. Undergrad degree in Music Education/Trumpet from U. Cincinnati/CCM. Taught music and started guitar programs at New Richmond High School and Sycamore High School. Currently a school counselor at Sycamore High School in Cincinnati. Longtime subscriber to Acoustic Guitar—going back to 1992.''
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David Rosenberg
Littleton, CO
Won the Martin MC-38 Steve Howe Special Edition Guitar in January 2010.
''My name is David Rosenberg. I am 49 years old and I live in Littleton, Colorado with my wife and two children. I have always loved guitar music so 5 years ago I decided to bite the bullet, get a guitar and start taking lessons. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Now, playing the guitar is the most relaxing part of my day. In the summer, I sit on my back patio and strum away for hours. Being a child of the 60’s and 70’s, classic rock is really my thing. I started reading Acoustic Guitar Magazine almost immediately and then became a regular subscriber. I enjoy the articles, especially the ones by Dan Apczynski and David Hodge. In October 2008, I played (and sang!) Dan Apczynski’s arrangement of Tom Petty’s Into the Great Wide Open (from Acoustic Guitar September 2008) at my guitar recital and got rave reviews from my family and friends. Both of my teenagers now play guitar as well. I love the fact that it is something we can all do together.
I feel very lucky to have won the MC-38 Steve Howe Special Edition Martin Guitar and the MSP-4100 Light Gauge Phosphor Bronze strings. I am looking forward to playing my new guitar.''
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Alan Patterson
Henderson, TN
Won the DM360 Dean Markley Guitar, the PRO250 Dean Markley UltraSound Amplifier, a set of Dean Markley Vintage Reissue Acoustic Strings, the Dean Markley PT13 Chromatic Pedal Tuner, and the Dean Markley Axe Rack Acoustic Guitar Stand in January 2010.
''I became a fan of guitar back in the late '60s and early '70s and picked up my brother's guitar and learned a few chords to the best of my ability on my own, however, didn't have the resources to continue lessons to reach my full potential. I was involved in band and singing later and have written several songs that I cannot wait to try out with great quality gear.
Although my skill level is rudimentary at best, my influences are top notch. They include Mark Farner, Robin Trower, Tommy Emmanuel, Zakk Wylde, and Edward Van Halen, but there are always things to be learned from up and coming artists such as Rio Wallace, Brandon Clifton (Ruacamole) and the lightning fast fingers of Jeff Caughron (Jasmine Cain Band). I can only hope to moderately imitate their offerings and continually hone my craft, as any discipline is an ongoing process and not just static ability.
Thank you so much for helping me continue my quest for learning the language of music. I am genuinely appreciative. This is the BEST!''
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Tom Denk
Las Vegas , NV
Won a Custom Calton case ($1,000 value) tailored to the exact measurements of his guitar in July 2009.
Tall Tom Denk has been playing guitar for 24 years. Originally introduced to music at age five via piano lessons, he became attracted to the guitar by the heavy metal scene of the 1980's. Later he fell in love with the blues and blues-based rock, which runs deep in his playing to this day. Tall Tom has played in a variety of cover bands in the Cleveland area, including a Tom Petty tribute band, Full Moon Fever, as well as doing fill in work with the Pink Floyd tribute, Wish You Were Here, and boogie-blues legends, The Burnt River Band. Tall Tom has also performed around the mid-West and recorded an album with the jam band Waterband. In 2007 he moved to Las Vegas where he currently plays in the casinos with the country band, Wolf Creek.
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Michael Sabolesky
Salem, CT
Won an all-inclusive 4-day getaway to Breedlove’s custom shop in the resort town of Bend, Oregon including a custom-built instrument on June 15, 2009.
''I am 54 years old. My Uncle George inspired me with his guitar when I was 10 year old. Eight years ago, my new brother-in-law, Dave, inspired me again at a camp fire in the yard. He took my acoustic guitar, a Starcaster by Fender I bought for $179.00, flipped it 180 degrees and played it upside down and left handed. Wow. Very nice. I have never seen anyone play a guitar like that. I am just a beginner and with a few Acoustic Guitar songs featured in tab form and a custom built Breedlove Guitar, I could be the envy of the next camp fire. I can't wait to join and meet the skilled craftsmen of Breedlove Guitar. I'm like a kid on Christmas Eve.''
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Michael Williams
Eagan, MN
Won the Cole Clark Fat Lady 3A guitar on May 29, 2009.
''I'm 55 years old but trying not to get too mature yet. I have my most fun playing guitar and riding motorcycles. I used to play guitar and sing frequently at Twin Cities area coffeeshops. I have a couple of National Resophonic Guitars I like to play slide blues on and a few Martins that get fingerpicked to the best of my ability. I have been involved in organizing community music events and, as a result, have met many excellent guitar players and teachers. I'm hoping that winning the Cole Clark guitar will help reinspire me!''
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Melissa Stinchcomb
Bethlehem, GA
Won a RainSong Black Ice Series Guitar on June 1, 2009
''I am truly a beginning guitar player. My teenage sons are both excellent guitar and bass players. I started trying to learn about 3 months ago which led me to picking up my son's magazine. I saw this contest and entered it. I still can't believe that I won this truly remarkable instrument. Words cannot express my appreciation to Acoustic Guitar magazine and RainSong Guitars.''
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Mike Podewell
Flossmoor, IL
Won a RainSong Concert Series guitar (CO-WS1000N2) on May 28, 2009.
''I am 44 years old and I love playing the guitar. I have been playing the guitar ever since I was 15 years old.''
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Wil Edwards
Nashville, TN
Won the Takamine TF430SS Singer Songwriter model guitar with a Genz Benz Shen Pro LT Acoustic Amp on March 15, 2009.
''I'm a 55-year-old guitar-playing (non-pro) carpenter. I've played since I was 13. This will be my second Takamine; I bought a EF3605 in 1979 (D-28 style). At the time my main attraction was that it was the most reasonably priced acoustic with factory pick-ups. Through the years my opinion of this guitar has increased every year. It's got a solid top, rosewood back and sides; it plays and sounds great!
Thanks so much for your magazine and your contest! I'm looking forward to playing and enjoying my new '2nd generation' Tak.''
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David Mouck
Temecula, CA
Won the Martin Special Edition D-28 Elvis Presley commemorative guitar on December 9, 2008.
''I've been playing guitar since 1963 when I received a Sears Silvertone for Christmas. I'm primarily a fingerstylist playing both steel string and classical guitars with influences from the Beatles to Yes. I'm lucky enough to currently own three Martin guitars, but not a D-28, let alone one this special. Most of my family members are musicians and they are going to be as eager to get their hands on this guitar as I am. Thanks so much.''
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Cathy Wilson
Mt. Enterprise, TX
Won the Gold Tone GT-750 Banjitar on November 7, 2008.
''My parents gave me my first acoustic guitar when I was 13 years old. That guitar was always by my side for many years. Musicians that I was influenced by included Peter, Paul and Mary, James Taylor and Carole King. Many years later, I still have that same acoustic guitar. I am sure that learning to play the banjitar that I have just won, will be a challenge. I am looking forward to experiencing the new sound of the banjitar.''
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Patrizia Baxter
Cherry Valley, IL
Won the Cordoba 14 'Rose' Guitar on September 8, 2008.
''I just play for a hobby, but with a new guitar my kids should like the music better. Thank you very much. I only play a very little.''
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Todd Schmidt
Saginaw, MI
Won the Cordoba 12 'Jet' Guitar on October 6, 2008.
''Several years ago I began playing guitar again after a 15-year hiatus. I don't use a pick anymore and have consequently discovered a very unique and interesting sound and rhythm. It has allowed me to write several of my own songs and somehow enhanced my vocals. I really connect with the guitar now since developing this technique.''
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Greg Davenport
Oregon City, Oregon
Won the Cordoba 14 'RS' Guitar on September 8, 2008.
''I have been playing guitar since my high school days, and designing and building guitars since 2003. I am shown in photo presenting one of my guitar designs at the recent Martin Guitar Design Class/Competition.''
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Kathy and Jim Rakestraw
Won the Third Prize A TA070/LAM Triple Crafter Guitar on March 15, 2008
''I'm happily married to a super guy, Jim, who has always wanted to learn how to play guitar. I'm so excited to have won this guitar to give him so he can fulfill his dream of having a great guitar to learn how to play. Thanks so much for helping make this dream come true for Jim!''—Kate Rakestraw
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Patrick Mahoney
Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington
Won the Baden custom d-style (dreadnought) koa guitar on March 15, 2008
''I've been playing for 25 years, acoustic and electric. This will be my first really nice acoustic. It's a dream come true! Thanks!''
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Joshua and Carrie Dewitt
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Josh Dewitt
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Crooked River Ranch, Oregon
Won the Hohner GM750S acoustic/electric guitar and one Laney LA65C acoustic amp on June 15, 2007
''This guitar is for my son Joshua. Here is what he has to say: I have not played much guitar, but when I do, I have fun. I took guitar lessons a while back and want to take more. Me and my friends are going to start a band. I have a friend that plays guitar and a friend that plays drums.''
—Carrie Dewitt
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Jim Bonnell
Redington Shores, Florida
Won the TRV 23/N Travel Crafter Guitar on March 15, 2008
''I just play mandolin but have been wanting to learn guitar. I'm an amateur luthier as a hobby and have been planning to build a tenor guitar as a crossover instrument. Thanks a lot!''
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JoAnna Petrucci
Truth or Consequences, New Mexico
Won the Hohner OSC Archtop electric guitar and one Laney VC15-110 guitar amp on June 15, 2007
''I started playing guitar about 4 years ago. My husband was my teacher. I play lead guitar, mostly gospel or Spanish music. I also play keyboard, organ, and piano.''
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David Paremske
Won the SA-KB-G Slim Arch Top Crafter Guitar on March 15, 2008
''For the past 10 years I have been living with a series of illnesses, including a stroke that had an effect on my hands. Playing the guitar is an important part of my daily routine that serves as both physical and emotional therapy. Thank you!''
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Maxine Harrod
Burleson, Texas
Won the Blueridge BR-260 and a Travelite TL-50 Case on July 15, 2008
''First of all, I'm 59 years old. For most of those years I've harbored a strong desire to take guitar lessons. (In my youth, I could strum a few bars of Louie, Louie) I just never seemed to have money for an instrument, though. Learning to play is on my list of 'Things to do before I die' and now that dream can be fulfilled. Whoop!''
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Kevin Black
Des Plaines, Illinois
Won the Guild Contemporary CV-1 Sunburst Acoustic on May 15, 2007
''I've only been playing guitar for a couple years, having started pretty late in life. I realized pretty quickly that playing well is much more difficult than it looks, and I really have a lot of respect for great guitarists. A lot of my favorite music is what I listened to growing up in the 60's and 70's, and now that I'm playing, I'm able to hear those same songs in a whole new way and with a new appreciation.''
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Carmela Vecchio
Won the Grand Prize, GLXE-3000 SK Grand Auditorium Cutaway Crafter Guitar on March 15, 2008
''I've been playing guitar for almost 2 years. I work and go to school full-time, but I always try to set aside at least an hour a day to play. The lessons and songs in Acoustic Guitar magazine always keep it interesting and gives me inspiration to play something new.''
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Dave Burkhartsmeier
Elk Grove, California
Won the Guild Contemporary CV-1C Acoustic on May 15, 2007
''I'm a contracting office for the Department of Defense. I'm happily married but I have no kids except for my Martin D-35. I got started late but my college roommate who played in a band, convinced me it wasn't too late to learn. When I started I just wanted to learn enough to dazzle a campfire audience. I used the guitar to help me learn to sing. Although I've written songs, I'm not a professional by any means. The guitar has always been my friend.''
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Jeff Britton
Houston, Texas
Won the Walden G570 Acoustic guitar on March 15, 2007
''I have been playing guitar for about 13 years and currently have 20+ guitars in my arsenal, including a variety of 6 and 12 string Martins, Gibsons, Breedloves, and Lowdens, to name a few. I like playing fingerstyle in open tunings, especially open D and G and DADGAD. I also believe that slide is a necessary part of playing guitar. I like all kinds of musical styles including blues, jazz, folk, CW, classical, and old school rock and roll. I have produced and engineered 4 CDs, including 2 acoustic blues CDs and 2 acoustic piano CDs, which were recorded right here in out home during a live performance. Thank you for the guitar, which will be donated to one of the local charities or schools in Houston, who will have good use for it.''
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Michael Mann
San Jacinto, California
Won the Walden D710 Dreadnought Acoustic guitar on March 15, 2007
''My dad first taught me to play Venture's surf music on an impossible Stella student guitar when I was 8. We'd play 'Walk Don't Run' and 'Miserlou' to name a few. Forty years later we still play these same songs. Lately I have concentrated on finger picking style, folk and some classical. I work and live in Merle Haggard/ Buck Owens country, so if you listen hard perhaps on some warm and quiet Bakersfield evening, you may hear my gentle pawing at the ole-string box on my front porch passing quarter moon.''
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William Parsons
Des Moines, New Mexico
Won the Grand Prize Walden G1070CEQ acoustic guitar on March 15, 2007
''After college I took a few lessons and learned some basics of playing on a less than perfect guitar. Years have gone by and there just weren't enough hours in the day to keep up. Now, at 49, I have a little more time to pursue my hobbies. With this great new Walden, I've got a reason to get back into the swing of it. It'll be a lot of relearning, but I'm looking forward to it. Many thanks to Walden Guitars, and Acoustic Guitar Magazine!''
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Jerry Johns
Oshkosh, Wisconsin
Won the Special Edition OMJM John Mayer Martin guitar and 12 sets of Martin phosphor-bronze light-gauge Eric Clapton signature strings on January 15, 2007
''I'm 56 years old, born in Oshkosh. I have a son, Brian, a daughter, Julie and 3 grandsons. I started playing my brother, Ray's, old Kraftsman acoustic when I was 8 or 9. When I was about 14, four friends and I started a band. We needed a bass player so I volunteered. I did that in the 60's, 70's, and 80's, did several recordings, and played bass, six string and 12 string in a duo. I still play about everyday at home. I'd like to thank Acoustic Guitar Magazine and Martin Guitar for the John Mayer OMJM and strings, it will be played often. Thanks.''
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