"Earl Klugh bought two of your guitars."
This was how I became aware of Earl when Jerry Roberts sold two used McGills to Earl in 1989. I was unfamiliar of his history at that time.
"Earl Klugh recorded a solo record on your guitar." I thought that was great but I still didn't really know what impact this would have on my creative life. This was the start of a series of CDs with Earl recording on McGills -- "Solo Guitar", "Whispers and Promises", "Midnight in San Juan", "Sounds and Visions" and his latest "Naked" -- which is his recorded history on my classical guitars, but his influence was much more dynamic with what was to come.
Klugh CDs with McGill guitars:
The early 90s was a difficult period. If I had not known Earl, things may have turned out differently. Building classical guitars seemed impossible.
In that lull, Earl brought up a project: "I want you to build me one of those resonator guitars like Chet plays. That's the greatest steel string guitar ever made." For most of a year I foolishly made excuses like not knowing anything about resonators, which I didn't, but in the end I could not refuse. Like a spoiled child not liking the dinner on the table, I made the guitar which truly made a difference in my life. The guitar was first honored on the cover of his "Move " CD and has since been included in a number of coffee table guitar books as well as articles.
I made resonators only because of Earl Klugh. I'm honored that he is still using McGill guitars today after so many years. Earl Klugh inspired me to be better, an experience that was unobtainable on my own, and for this I am eternally grateful.
Thank you, Earl.
Paul McGill
