jackassworld

As some of you already know, back in January of this year Hisao Shinagawa’s guitar was crushed under a fruit crate after performing at the Hollywood Farmer’s Market. As some of you may also know, that particular Martin 0-18 acoustic guitar was given to him 28 years earlier by his friend and Texas song-writing legend  Townes Van Zandt. It’s bad enough it was Hisao’s only one, but to have it given to you by a close friend makes it doubly heartbreaking. That the friend was none other than Townes Van Zandt makes it damn near tragic. Hisao didn’t see it that way, though. Of course he was saddened by the incident, but he said he was just appreciative for the music he got to make with it. He also commented that he looked forward to the good that would come from such a trying episode. All I can say is Hisao is a better man than me, because I almost started crying when I heard what happened and it’s not even my goddamn guitar.

Well, some good did come Hisao’s way in the form of a brand new, gorgeous Martin 000-28 acoustic guitar. After we heard what happened we cold-called Martin, told them what happened with Hiaso, and asked if they could help. An absolute angel of a man named Chris Thomas said that they would be happy to help Hisao in his time of need and proceeded to give him a real peach of a deal on a brand new Martin. What a kind and valued gesture Mr. Thomas and the good people at Martin gave Hisao. Upon receiving the guitar, Hisao was so ecstatic that he actually recorded a brand new album with the instrument the first day he got it! This particular Martin has sentimental value to Hisao as well, as this is the guitar he brought to the States from Japan in 1974.

Anyway, what a damn happy ending. Thank you Martin guitar, thank you Chris Thomas, and thank you Hisao Shinagawa. Your music and positivity is an inspiration to us all.

Sincerely,

Johnny Knoxville

(Martin 000-28 acoustic guitar made by: The Martin Guitar Company)

(photo by Naomi Nelson; Los Angeles, CA; 2009)

more hisao shinagawa:

watch one bourbon, one scotch, one beer with hisao