Unlocking the Hidden Treasures: Chris Stein of Blondie Reveals His Wildest Guitar Shopping Adventure!
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Blondie’s Chris Stein: A Legendary Guitar Quest
In 1980, Blondie was riding high on a wave of unprecedented success, a well-deserved reward after years of hard work. The band had spent countless nights performing in the gritty atmosphere of New York City’s iconic CBGB, where they honed their craft before breaking into the mainstream with the chart-topping hit Heart of Glass in 1979.
Despite the disco influences of their breakout single, Blondie remained rooted in their identity as a guitar-driven band. Guitarists Chris Stein and Frank Infante were reveling in the newfound financial freedom that allowed them to expand their collection of instruments.
From Humble Beginnings to Rock Stardom
Reflecting on his early days, Stein shared with Guitar World in a 1980 interview, “When I first arrived at CBGB, I was broke and had no gear. I relied on an old Supro Ozark guitar that I had borrowed from someone who later wanted it back after undergoing a sex change.”
By the end of 1980, those challenging times were behind them, and the band was enjoying the spoils of their success. When asked about a unique Burns Ampeg guitar that was casually resting on his couch, Stein had an unforgettable story to recount.
A Pawn shop Adventure
“We were in Indianapolis, staying at a hotel right across from a massive pawn shop,” Stein recalled.”Frankie or someone from the band went over and returned with an intriguing tale. The pawn shop owner claimed he had a room upstairs filled with Les Pauls, but he wouldn’t let anyone see them.”
Debbie Harry and Chris Stein of Blondie performing during their early days at CBGBs in NYC(Image credit: Roberta Bayley/Redferns)
“We decided to check it out, and the shop was filled with guitars everywhere. The owner confirmed there was indeed a room upstairs packed with guitars, but he insisted on selling them only as a complete lot.”
“We returned, waving stacks of hundred-dollar bills, insisting, ‘Let us in, and we’ll buy them one by one.’ We were on tour with Rockpile, and we had the crew ready to make the purchase. eventually,he relented and allowed us into the room,which was brimming with guitars.”
A Dream Come True
“It felt surreal,” Stein reminisced. “We spent the entire day unboxing dusty guitar cases that had been stored away for years.many were in pristine condition, and I ended up acquiring six guitars.While not all were Les Pauls, I found some vintage Epiphones and a Gibson Trini lopez custom model, along with that Burns ampeg.”
The unique Burns guitar resonated with Stein’s punk ethos. “I had primarily used Strats before, and I still do,” he noted.”But I was drawn to Burns and the beliefs behind it.”
“The design reminded me of a telecaster I onc modified with horns and painted black. I had to sell it due to financial struggles. Burns has faced significant challenges in the industry, and he describes this guitar as a rebellion against the system, calling it ‘the devil’s guitar.’”
Unlocking the Hidden Treasures: Chris Stein of Blondie Reveals His Wildest Guitar Shopping Adventure!
Unlocking the Hidden Treasures: Chris Stein of Blondie Reveals His Wildest guitar Shopping Adventure!
The Legendary Guitarist’s Journey
Chris Stein, the iconic guitarist of the legendary band Blondie, has had a storied career filled with unforgettable moments. One of the most remarkable tales from his journey is his wild guitar shopping adventure that took place during the height of Blondie’s fame in the early 1980s. This experience not only highlights Stein’s passion for music but also showcases the thrill of discovering hidden treasures in the world of guitars.
A Chance Encounter in Indianapolis
While on tour in Indianapolis,Stein and his bandmates found themselves staying at a hotel across from a massive pawn shop. Intrigued by the prospect of uncovering rare guitars, they decided to explore the shop.Stein recalls, “frankie [Infante] or someone went over there and came back with this really weird story. He said,’This guy in the pawn shop says he has a roomful of les Pauls upstairs,but he won’t let me see them.’”
The Allure of the Unknown
The idea of a hidden room filled with Les Paul guitars was too enticing to resist.The band members were persistent to gain access to this treasure trove. Stein vividly remembers the moment they approached the pawn shop owner, waving stacks of hundred-dollar bills, insisting, “Let us in, and we’ll buy the guitars individually.”
Inside the Treasure room
After much persuasion, the owner finally allowed them into the secret room. What they discovered was nothing short of a dream come true for any guitarist. The room was filled with dusty guitar cases,each holding its own story and history. Stein described the experience as surreal, stating, “We spent the whole day opening up these dusty guitar cases. They had been saving them up for years.”
What They Found
During their exploration, Stein and his bandmates uncovered a variety of guitars, including:
Six guitars in total, including vintage epiphones and a Gibson Trini Lopez custom model.
Several Les Pauls,each with unique characteristics and histories.
A Burns Ampeg guitar that notably caught Stein’s eye due to its offbeat design.
The Significance of the Burns Ampeg
The Burns Ampeg guitar stood out to Stein not only for its unique appearance but also for its connection to his punk roots. He explained, “I was immediately attracted to it because it looked like a Telecaster I once carved up with two sets of horns and painted black.” This guitar represented a blend of creativity and rebellion, aligning perfectly with the ethos of punk music.
Why Guitar Shopping Matters
For musicians, guitar shopping is more than just acquiring instruments; it’s about finding pieces that resonate with their identity and artistry. Here are some benefits of engaging in guitar shopping adventures:
discover Unique Instruments: Each guitar has its own character, and finding a unique piece can inspire new musical ideas.
Connect with History: Vintage guitars often come with stories that add depth to a musician’s journey.
enhance Your Sound: Different guitars can bring out various tones and styles, allowing for greater musical expression.
Practical Tips for Guitar Shopping
Whether you’re a seasoned musician or a beginner, here are some practical tips for your next guitar shopping adventure:
Do Your Research: Familiarize yourself with different guitar brands and models to know what to look for.
Set a Budget: Determine how much you’re willing to spend before you start shopping to avoid overspending.
Test Before You Buy: Always play the guitar to ensure it feels right and sounds good to you.
Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to inquire about the guitar’s history,condition,and any modifications made.
Trust Your Instincts: If a guitar speaks to you, it’s worth considering, even if it’s not the most popular choice.
Case Studies: Other Musicians’ Guitar Adventures
Many musicians have had their own memorable guitar shopping experiences. Here are a few notable examples:
Musician
Guitar Found
Location
Year
Jack White
1950s Airline Guitar
Detroit
2000
Dave Grohl
Gibson DG-335
Los Angeles
2015
John Mayer
Fender Stratocaster
New York
2018
First-Hand experience: Chris Stein’s Reflections
Reflecting on his adventure, Stein emphasizes the importance of these experiences in shaping a musician’s journey. “Finding that burns Ampeg was not just about the guitar itself; it was about the thrill of the hunt and the stories behind each instrument,” he shared. This sentiment resonates with many musicians who view their instruments as extensions of themselves.
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