I was so sad to hear this news. Kirk was the nicest guy ever. I used to drive the canyon from Aliso every Saturday to go to the Shoppe for lessons. Kirk always had a smile on his face. Kind man. You are missed Kirk. God bless your family, friends and may the Guitar Shoppe always remain a legendary guitar haven. ❤
Good Gracious !! JOHN KNOWLES aka "Helicopter FIngers" IS BRILLIANT... but like a soft light bulb.... but full of tiny details tomake you sound more musical.
Perfect! Wonderfully explained. I teach this one too. And Goodnight Ladies in the key of A because all the melody notes are in the chords. Nothing extra to do with the left hand.
Very nice playing John and a well deserved tribute to a great guitar maker. Your very fortunate to have one of his lovely instruments! Thanks for sharing.
John, one can run out of superlatives when describing your playing, but your communication skills are incredible. I've steamrolled through this number so many times that I've neglected the subtleties, and I clearly need to go back to the drawing board. Thank you.
Hope this reaches you John. Are your Custom Guitars still available and since Kirk has passed could you reach out to some guitar companies to continue your custom guitars and continue to honor his name. I am thinking PRS as they do not currently has a nylon string line and perhaps Taylor.I suspect you may probably get a better response from a Japanese company like Ibanez or even a top Chinese manufacturer. Best wishes reaching out from Barbados
Kirk was a great man. I am thankful to have spent many Saturdays as a young man getting to know him in that wonderful place, The Guitar Shoppe. A legend in the industry and a wonderful human being. He will be missed 😢
I've spent the last 20+ years living in the same building as The Guitar Shoppe. Kirk was the first person I met when I moved in. He was not only my neighbor and friend, he was a constant in my life. The sounds of him making guitars has been the soundtrack of my life and I didn't realize it until he left us. He was the tent pole, the glue, the mayor of our little building. I miss his so much. I hope you having fun where ever you are my friend....
Thanks, John. He was the salt of the earth and a kindred spirit and just a great guy. When I reach for my KS guitar I can still hear his voice. Damn, it hurts to know he's gone.
Thanks john your one awesome thoughtful brother ,your kindness got me in to see Andre Segovia in Houston i remember chuck he was exceptional student you guys led me on my journey and the joy of music hope all is well and thanking and praying for Kirk’s love ones
I have always wanted to have a Kirk Sand guitar since I first became acquainted with his work only a few years ago. I loved the work he did for John and especially the signature guitars .I have my desire on either model full bodied or thin line. Truly a loss to humanity RIP Kirk and may John Knowles continue to have a long life. In tune from the Caribbean
For many years Mr. Kirk Sand would showcase his guitars at CAAS. Though they were always unatainable for me, it was a dream to possibly own one some day. That dream is now gone with the man whom so many revered as the ultimate maker. RIP Mr. Sand and God Bless. Don Van Deuson.
Attended CAAS years ago after having a mild stroke. Kirk taught me exercises to help regain my left hand. The best concerts were in his booth at CAAS. Thanks Kirk.
I assume this means the worst and I am sorry to hear it. Years ago while traveling in SoCal I visited his shop. I was obviously not in any position to buy one of his guitars but I was welcome, and he let me play several guitars. It was quite affirming to be welcomed by a legend in music. I am sure many others were made to feel the same.
Mr. Knowles - I am so glad I stumbled across your channel. I used to subscribe to your Fingerstyle Quarterly back in the early 90s when I lived outside Tulsa. I found a copy of one of them the other day (Fall 1991) searching for something in my music room disaster. Great memories and good times. The tune I remember struggling to learn, memorize and nail was "Down Home" by Jerry Reed. Hardest thing I'd ever attempted up til then, but eventually got it all in the pocket. Anyway thanks for all that early influential material and your contributions to our beloved craft.
Always good to hear from a someone who is learning and playing the music. I'll revisit "Down Home." Becky and I published 40 issues of Fingerstyle Quarterly. johnknowles.com/archives01.htm
Lovely! My first Guitar Player Magazine (Oct. '75; Dave Mason cover) had your ad for Christmas tune arrangements. I was a kid and didn't have enough money to order such things, though😬! Wish I had!
Guitarmeister, thanks for a beautiful memory. That was my first publication. I edited arrangements done by the other teachers at 'Fret & Strings' in Dallas, TX. No computers yet so I did it with a pen & ink… and a couple of bottles of white-out.
@@johnknowlescgp Sure thing - glad you liked the memory!!! Impressive, esp. when you had to do things by hand! I got that Oct. '75 Guit. Player mag. at Arthur's Music Store (Indianapolis). That's where your fellow Mel Bay author, Tommy Flint, was teaching at that time! Your ad for the Christmas tunes also mentioned you were co-author of the book, 'Chet Atkins: Note for Note,' and an ad for that book appeared in that same GP mag issue a few pages prior to your Christmas ad!
