Tom Burch
Hi, I'm Tom, Thomas, Tommy, Moonpie, or Hey You.
Tell me about your history? How did you get where you are now?
Well, ya see, I got my first guitar when I was 13.
It was a Silvertone from Sears. $21.00. Brand spanking new. Came with a record (remember those 45 rpm plastic records????) Anyway, my brother sat on the record and broke it, so I had no idea how to tune or play the guitar, but I tried, to the rest of the family's chagrin, I tried.
A couple years later, I bought a Silvertone archtop at a pawn shop on Okinawa, where I attended Kubasaki High School from Aug 21,1967-Aug 21,1969. I remember the dates because I was 15 on that date in 67 and 17 on that date in 69.
Have you performed live in front of an audience? Any special memories?
No
Your musical influences
I would have to say JOHN VASCO would have to be my biggest influence, not only on my playing, but my outlook on life. John took me under his wing when I was but a homeless waif and shared his love of guitar with me. He told me of the greats: Eric Clapton, Otis Rush, Buddy Guy, BB King,
Roy Clark, Chet Atkins, Mark Knopfler, Vern Gosden, Randy Travis, Travis Tritt, Buck Owens,
Johnny Cash, Wayne Newton, Tiny Tim, 1910 Fruitgum Co, and Topo Gigio.
What equipment do you use?
Gibson Les Pauls and Fender Stratocasters.
Copies of Gibson Les Pauls and Fender Stratocasters.
Fender Telecasters.
Fretlight 400 Series.
Hammer
Crow Bar
Fork Lift
Anything else?
If you leave the house, you're just asking for it.
