I'm new to surf/instro, (and LOVING IT! thank you very much) and was wondering about D.D. It seems people either love him or hate him. What's his story? Is he a polarizing personality?
Thanks

Gandy Dancer

Dick is like a force of nature ... his staccato picking and heavy use of reverb were keystones of the instrumental surf sound. Dick ain't known as the King of Surf Guitar for nothin'. There is a competing thread in early surf guitar, I think it's known as the South Bay sound, which is exemplified in The Chantays "Pipeline." Anyway, Dick is polarizing because he tends to claim a lot of surf music history for himself ... not without legitimacy. For instance, he helped Leo Fender develop the blackface era amps (especially the Showman) and the adoption of the 15" JBL D130F speaker, which had heavier voice coils and cones to handle Dick's loud sound. Also, he encouraged the development of Fender reverb, which he originally used for his voice but found worked well for his guitar sound, too. Dick can be abrasive and egotistical, but he can also be very kind and giving. He is a man not without flaws, but a mighty, mighty guitar hero nonetheless.

IMO, Dick Dale is THE essential surf guitar influence. you could get away with not listening to other bands, such as surfaris, lively ones, or the astronauts(as great of an influence they may be) and still be a good surf guitarist, but i feel you will get nowhere being a surf guitarist without DD.

im not putting down any of those other 3 bands, im just saying those 3 particular bands are not nessesarilly an influence to everyone. i used then as an example because they seem to be the most popular among the first wave.

again, this is my opinion. you don't have to agree. hmm...maybe someone should make a thread about surf guitar influences and why...that would be nice.

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He isn't the best guitarist, but then he doesn't claim to be. In fact, he doesn't even claim to be a guitarist but a multi-instrumentalist.
Keep in mind that Dick Dale is a character played by Richard Monsour, and the character can be boastful and egotistical. We expect that from him and it seems to be working.

Stormtiger
Keep in mind that Dick Dale is a character played by Richard Monsour,

That's a cool perspective.

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Dick Dale is the place to start when listening to traditional surf instro, check out The Belairs, Eddie and The Showmen, aformentioned Original Surfaris, Livley Ones. You'll notice more of surf style from the others, Dick doesn't do some of the stuff that the "other" surf bands do (trem arm)

If you like the Dick Dale check out Jim Messina and the Jesters, they do a similar style.

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Here's the humanitarian side of DD from one who knows:

Saturday, June 23, 2007
Dick Dale's heart is as big as his talents
King of the surf guitar is more than a musician.
CORKY CARROLL Register columnist SURF'S UP

I recently did a piece about the "Surfin' Sundays."concerts in my Thursday column for the Huntington Beach Wave and I mentioned I loved the press release the gal sent out. I got an e-mail from Linda and it was so cool that I felt like it was a "must do" to share it.
Here it is:
"Hey Corky, I'm the person who writes the 'official' press releases for the HBISM Surfin' Sundays. First of all I want to say you are my writing idol and I love reading your articles. To have you publicly declare in writing that you personally loved my 'official' press release was a real shot in the arm. I was very pleased that you understood I am a real person and I do have a great passion for what I do. Here's how I got started as events director for the museum and why I am so passionate about it...
"It all started with my best friend and a dear friend of yours, Dick Dale, and his passion for my son and my well-being. My son Scotty was an avid lover of surf music, I think, from birth because I used to listen to it when I was pregnant.
"Scotty was born perfectly healthy, or so we thought, until he was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Scotty was 4 1/2 at the time and able to do most of the things kids normally do, but that would be short lived.
"As he got older he became more disabled, eventually winding up on life support, and more involved in surf music. One day his respiratory therapist asked me if I remembered Dick Dale, to which I responded that Dick died from colon cancer years ago. Then I was told he was playing at the Crazy Horse, and I said it had to be an impersonator, not Dick.
"Well, Scotty got on the Internet and found out it really was Dick Dale alive and well and back on stage performing next at the Roxy in Hollywood. Of course we went and were blown away by his performance, but more amazing was his interest in making a fuss over Scotty in his big wheelchair in the audience.
"He came and played right next to Scotty's face, gave him a 'King of the Surf Guitar' salute, a 'God bless you, son' along with a pick and when the concert was over we went home. To make a very long story shorter, that was the beginning of a beautiful forever friendship and my passion for Dick Dale.
"Over the years Dick was there for Scotty and me every time I needed him and when my world was walking out he walked in and saved me. My husband and I were at great odds with each other in dealing with Scotty's care, so I was grateful to have Dick's help and advice.
"At the Endless Summer Jam at the Hyatt Newporter in June 2001, Dick dedicated his latest CD 'Spacial Disorientation' to Scotty, which included his diagnosis and e-mail in the liner notes. Scotty went to every Southern California concert Dick played and he either introduced him or told everyone he came in contact with on tour about his pal Scotty.
"In so doing we developed friendships in person and through e-mail with hundreds of surf fans and fellow musicians, many of whom play for me on Surfin' Sundays.
"Scotty passed away at the age of 22 on June 30, 2002, but through his friendship with Dick and others, I was asked to take over as HBISM events director in 2005. ... This came at another point in time when I was reaching rock bottom, suffering from not only the loss of Scotty but my own battle with muscular dystrophy and my husband's battle with diabetes. ... Dick had also saved my marriage and become my best friend during this time, so at least I had something positive going for me but seemed to need more.
"Taking on the volunteer job as events director, working with all the musicians who either knew Scotty or knew of Scotty through Dick Dale has given me the passion to do what I do.
"Dick continues to be my Rock of Gibraltar and has helped me to develop marketing strategies and the knowledge of understanding what makes a great show and how to stay on a positive. You can verify this with Dick if you like. It's a true and wonderful life story that continues to grow and flourish.
"Dick has been helping thousands of families just like ours over the years since he survived his frightening bout with cancer. He firmly believes, as I do, that he survived because of his ability to reach out and help others through his music.
"We at HBISM are actively campaigning for Dick's star on the Walk of Fame in H.B., hopefully next year. ... I personally think he deserves it not only for starting the surf music craze, but the passion instilled in this gentle giant's compassion for humanitarian acts."

I'm a lover not a fighter, a hugger not a handshaker and I take friendships very seriously...Love the life you live, live the life you love.

Thanks for all the info. This is a great site.

Gandy Dancer