I attended Chris Proctor's workshop at the Guitar Center in Tukwila, Washington, and that was an amazing experience for me. He got absolutely the best-possible sound out of Taylor Grand Concert 6-string and Jumbo 12-string guitars. I haven't heard such beautiful music and such a large variety of sounds from a single instrument in a long, long time! Chris is an incredible player, teacher and speaker!
The Taylor guitars were just the best, passing on to us the passion of this musician's instrumentals. Oh, and did I mention that I also picked up some very useful tips and tricks from this workshop on how to play guitar and take care of this instrument? Anyway, I just wanted to express my appreciation for your instruments, the work that you do, and the people who make all this possible. Thank you!
Dmitry Kraskovsky
Kent, Washington
KEEP 'EM SMILING, CHRIS
Thanks to Taylor Guitars and Pioneer Music for the great Chris Proctor workshop in Portland, Oregon. I've read about your workshops and wondered when "someone" was going to come to the Pacific Northwest. Finally, we were treated to a wonderful selection of songs by Chris. I sat there listening, and caught myself smiling most of the night. He was patient with our questions, and did a thorough job of responding.
Mike Dishner
Via the Internet
SYNONYMS FOR PROCTOR
Wow! Chris Proctor. Intelligent, amiable, approachable, confident, articulate. What a sincere pleasure to see and listen to him in action. I will not miss the next workshop, and I can't wait to see Steven King in Westminster, California. Taylor, you must be proud. Thanks!
Hal Aronson
Irvine, California
Via the Internet
FIRED UP IN FRESNO
Chris, I just wanted to thank you for the really neat time you allowed us to share at your November 18 workshop/concert at Clovis Music Center. Although I have played (and sometimes just played "at") the guitar for more than 25 years, I am still amazed when I encounter an artist who has achieved the degree of excellence that you so clearly have. It really gets me fired-up to spend more time with my guitar in my lap, and to force myself to do more of the mundane things (like scales and such) in an effort to better my own skills.
It is refreshing to encounter an artist who, in spite of his considerable talent, is able (and willing) to take the time to discuss any aspect of his art form. Your efforts were very much appreciated. Just seeing (and hearing) you has caused me to re-double my efforts in pursuit of my own fingerstyle playing. Thanks again for your kind manner, your clear dedication to perfection, and for the time you spent with me explaining woods and such. God Bless.
Terry Cairns
Fresno, California
Via the Internet
[Ed. note: In early 1999, Mr. Cairns bought a 914 with an extra-wide neck, based on Chris Proctor's recommendations at a workshop at Clovis.]
FINGER FREEDOM
Chris, thanks for sharing your tunings, both at your workshop in Bakersfield [at Busker's Music] and via your website. It's nice to see open-handed (open-tuned?) behavior in the music world. I've noticed this from the Taylor folks, as well. It quietly undoes the star complex, and puts music and its enjoyment at the center. Social musings aside, with your good advice, I've vowed to divorce my pinky from the soundboard, free my ring finger to join the fray, simplify my chord fingerings, stretch, and see what comes. Much to think about, thanks!
Mary Tulin
Via the Internet
THANKS, AND WELCOME BACK TO THE GUITAR!
Wanted to congratulate you, Taylor, on 25 years [in business]. I am the owner of a new Taylor 414-KCE,
and love it. I have had numerous comments on the sound and beauty of it, especially the koa wood. I have been playing since 1963, and I am
thrilled to be playing again. I attended a Chris Proctor workshop at Bob's Guitars, here in Cedar Falls, Iowa, which is where I purchased my
Taylor. Chris did an excellent job. Keep up the great work. And again, congratulations on 25 years!
Steve Kelly
Via the Internet
SIGNING ON
I own two Taylors, an 812-C and a Baby Taylor, both fantastic guitars. Keep up the
good work. Also, I have attended clinics this year by Doyle Dykes and Chris Proctor. Both of those guys are fantastic. I urge anyone who has
not attended a Taylor Guitars clinic to make the effort. I had never before heard that much beautiful sound come out of one guitar. Sign me,
"another satisfied customer".
Frank Karnowski
Maryville, Tennessee
DAN DELAYIN'
Chris Proctor, I am writing because I attended your [workshop] at Lawrence Music Studio in Pittsburgh a few years ago, and was completely impressed
with your playing. I purchased [Proctor's album] Steel String Stories from you that night. I also would like to purchase Travelogue and the
transcriptions for both albums. I purchased a Taylor 312 today, and simply love it. Thank you for your time and attention.
Daniel A Mackey
Via the Internet
TUNED-IN TO PROCTOR
Dear Chris, I attended your concert/workshop in Fairview [Pennsylvania, at Lynch Music]. Excellent!
You play a quite
different style than I am used to, particularly with the various tunings. (I was brought up on Chet Atkins and Jerry
Reed and use mostly standard tuning.) I play fingerstyle on the classical guitar and have never owned a steel-string
other than electric. I enjoy playing, been at it for 38 years (wow . . . I should be a lot better!). Just a note to let you know you were very inspiring!
Thanks!
Frank Lefebre
Via the Internet
WIDE NECKING IN CHICAGO
Chris, I received my new Taylor 912-C today with the 1-7/8-inch neck and Florentine cutaway. All I can say is, "WOW"!
The wider neck is very nice to play and the sound of the 912-C is absolutely gorgeous! I even took a couple of pictures of it, as
getting a new guitar is like having a new baby! I still enjoy my 710-CE, but I've found each one is worth playing for different reasons.
Thanks for the suggestion on the wider neck. As I play more fingerstyle, it will really make the difference. I also picked up one of the Shubb partial
capos so I can follow along with your instructional video. Hope you will make it to the Chicago area some time in the future.
Nancy Lubecker
Via the Internet
[Ed. note: Proctor wrote an opinion piece,"In Praise of Small Bodies and Wide Necks," for the Winter '99 issue of our quarterly newsletter, Wood&Steel]
NEW FRETBOARD VIEW
Chris, I absolutely enjoyed your workshop at Huber-Breese Music [Frasier, Michigan]! I will never view the fretboard in the same way again. Thanks for the insight!
John Pendell
Via the Internet
NEW ZEAL AND INDIANA
Dear Chris, I wanted to thank you for your workshop in Greenwood, Indiana [Guitarworks]. The time you took to answer questions, and your willingness to share,
were a great inspiration for me. I am going to try and catch your upcoming workshop in Kokomo, Indiana [at Sound of Music], in an attempt to glean a few more tips.
Your playing has raised the standard for me and has inspired me with a new zeal for my instrument and for playing.
Tom Williamson
Via the Internet
PROCTOR REACHES HEIGHTS
Chris, I attended your Cleveland workshop at Heights Guitar and was predictably and pleasantly blown away! This unadulterated fan letter is also a request to be
placed on your e-mail mailing list of appearances (workshops, concerts, etc.). Hope to see you in Cleveland again.
Deb Ing
Via the Internet
AISLES OF SMILES
Chris, thanks [for the workshop]. Nothing but great feedback on this end. Many folks left with smiles. I have received three e-mails of thanks so far, and
several phone calls. Best of luck, and look us up when you come through town again.
Jeff Johnston
Heights Guitars
Cleveland Heights, Ohio
DON'T BLINK
Hi Chris, I was at your workshop at Huber-Breese Music in Fraser, Michigan. It was the greatest thing I've experienced. I am 6'4" with big hands, and
currently I'm taking bluegrass banjo lessons. Watching you pick was breathtaking for me. I'm new to playing music; just started up a short time ago (in a blink, I'll be 50).
I'm a 100-percent know-nothing about music, but I am changing. After hearing your workshop, I am definitely interested in getting a Taylor.
There is so much to do in so little time, but I figure life is too short. Yesterday, I ordered the fingerpicking instructional packet offered in
Acoustic Guitar magazine. I think you are part of that effort. Thank you.
John D. Berendt
Clinton Township, Michigan
Via the Internet
A CRITICAL SUCCESS
Dear Chris, I attended your workshop in Portland sponsored by "KC" at Pioneer Music. I just
wanted to compliment you on a great job. I am highly critical of guitar instructors because I have been studying for years with one of the best — Mark
Hanson. I have to tell you that you were excellent! I have always enjoyed your playing and I particularly enjoyed your version of "Nights In White Satin." I was
inspired to keep learning and enjoying this wonderfully complex musical instrument. Thanks again for a great evening.
PS: I happen to agree with you that Grand Concert-size guitars with slightly wider necks are ideal for fingerstyle guitar players. ["In Praise of
Small Bodies and Wide Necks," Winter '99 Wood&Steel]
Paul Patsis
Via the Internet
