LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2007 Oct. Sig. Entertainment Memorabilia #648  / 

22312

Mamas And Papas John Phillips Fender Musicmaster

Currency:USD Category:Musical Instruments / Guitar Start Price:9,000.00 USD Estimated At:36,000.00 - 54,000.00 USD
Mamas And Papas John Phillips Fender Musicmaster
<B>John Phillips' 1962 Fender Musicmaster Guitar, Used During the Formative Days of The Mamas and the Papas.</B></I> The late "Papa John" Phillips will forever be remembered for his groundbreaking work as leader of the Folk Rock vocal group The Mamas and the Papas. This beautiful 1962 Fender Musicmaster was by Phillips' side during the humble beginnings of the band on the island of St. Thomas. It has recently been displayed at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum (The Mamas and the Papas were inducted in 1998), and comes with firm provenance from the guitar's current and only owner since it left Phillips' hands in 1965.<BR><BR>The Mamas and the Papas' hit song "Creeque Alley" chronicles their time on St. Thomas Island, where the group officially formed. John and Michelle Phillips had moved to the island along with friend Denny Doherty to form a new group. Cass Elliot arrived shortly after, and the four began to perform regularly at a bar called Duffy's. Poor attendance and audience response (possibly due to the fact that Johnny Cash was performing regularly at the club next door) prompted Phillips and Doherty to purchase electric guitars to add some attention-grabbing Rock and Roll to the act. It was this 1962 Fender Musicmaster that ended up in Phillips' hands.<BR><BR>Phillips had the guitar refinished to match what Doherty was playing, and the group spent time developing their sound at Duffy's with this guitar in the mix. A run-in with St. Thomas <I>gendarmes</B></I> forced the band to leave the island, and Phillips sold the guitar to friend Nicky Russell who has kept it to this day. Less than six months after their return to the States, the band hit with "California Dreamin'," and the rest is Rock and Roll history. Phillips would later go on to organize the legendary Monterey Pop Festival.<BR><BR>The guitar is in superb condition, and features all original hardware and electronics. The blonde finish has been replaced with a natural wood stain as mentioned above. Before his death earlier this year Denny Doherty signed a letter of authenticity for this guitar, which is included. Also included is a St. Thomas newspaper article that pictures Doherty with the guitar and its current owner at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. The article contains a wealth of information about the group's time on St. Thomas and mentions this guitar several times. The guitar comes in its original Fender case, which has seen plenty of use. A unique and important piece of Folk-Rock history! <B>Condition Report:</B> Normal signs of wear as appropriate with age. Finish has been sanded and restained, work that was comissioned by Phillips himself. Guitar is fully playable and solid. Guitar case is very worn, and almost non-functional. It is being included as part of the history of this lot rather than as a protective case.<BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Musical Instruments, Large (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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