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Interesting observations, Brian. I don't have the answer to your question,
and wouldn't venture (no pun intended . . . well, maybe) a guess. I think
that some of guys on the list who were there for the first wave will have
this answer - I was still in diapers.
How much influence did Dick Dale have on the selection of guitars by the
first wave players? I recall reading in some liner notes that he started
out with a C/W band - wasn't the Strat originally marketed as a sort of
"cowboy" guitar for the Country/Western set (I don't recall where I heard
that)?? That would make his use of a Strat natural as he transitioned to
the instro/early-surf stuff . . . and the rest, as they say, is history.
Also, weren't the Jaguar and Jazzmaster "top of the line" Fenders at the
time? That would make it tough for the high school kids to afford - on
E-Bay I once saw a receipt for a Jazzmaster from 1962 or so - I think the
price at that time was about $350 or so. Considering the time-value of
money, that's about $1,200 in today's dollars - about the same as the 62
RI's go for (if my math's correct)! That would explain a lot of the
Silvertones and Danos, as you mention.
Did some the first wave bands start out as instro bands (working musician
types who could afford the "top-of-the-line" guitars) who evolved into surf
bands as the style became more popular? Then, of course, later bands would
adopt the same equipment to get the same sound, etc.??? I don't know, I
just guessing . . . .
On a tangent: you mentioned the Dano Hodad in your post - I've got one of
those, and although the bridge looks a bit flimsy, it's held up well with
.11 flats. The fake "Bigsby" is a different matter - it's sturdier than it
looks (good thing!), but the nut holding the arm in place unloosens easily -
making for a floppy arm. When I change string next, I'm going to try some
teflon tape or Locktite on it.
I'd love to hear from those who were there "in the beginning" - what's the
real scoop? Good question, Brian!
-Dick
