tvguit Posted June 17, 2013 Share Posted June 17, 2013 Any Blue Caps fans here? Here is the story of a neat old J-45 I just picked up. There was a guy listing a '52 Gibson J-45 and a '63 Fender Bassman on Craigslist a couple of months ago. They were both priced above retail so I didn't move on them but the ad mentioned that the J-45 had once been owned by guitarist Johnny Meeks. I've heard lots of those stories and they are hardly ever true especially if the name means something. The J-45 was sure nice though. A month went by and the ad was still up so I contacted the guy and made an offer. He was fairly old and hard of hearing and didn't like my offer. We were both polite and cordially went our own ways. Another month goes by and I get a call from the guy. He says I was the only one to make an offer so he agreed to my original price. I hopped in the car and drove 5 hours to South Carolina. They guy had regretted to mention that he was a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer. He was the 2nd bass player for Gene Vincent and His Blue Caps. Bobby Jones (the seller) said that he and Johnny Meeks (Blue Caps guitarist from '57-'59 or so) both had early 50s J-45s but his had been stolen so Johnny gave him his. That is why the case had "JM" crudely spray painted on the alligator tolex. The J-45 is really clean but needs some braces reglued. Bobby was a fine fellow to chat with and also sold me his 1963 Fender Bassman. I don't have great pictures of the pair right now since they are both in the shop. Bobby and Gene co-wrote the song "Baby Blue" (1958). Pictured last is the scrap of paper he used to pen the first verse. I didn't know who the Blue Caps were before I met Bobby but now I am a big fan. Nice guy! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zombywoof Posted June 17, 2013 Share Posted June 17, 2013 Funny you should mention these guys. I just did a program at a local museum on the "bleaching" of rock and roll during its journey from race records. I recall running across a site devoted to Meeks and in particular his triple neck guitar. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fp Posted June 18, 2013 Share Posted June 18, 2013 What a great guitar buying story ! Congrats on the acquisitions. Growing up in the 50's and 60's I heard a lot of Gene Vincent on the radio. I wasn't aware of the Blue Caps though. Thanks for sharing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Moto Posted June 19, 2013 Share Posted June 19, 2013 I think Gene Vincent created the image of the "Rockabilly Rebel" that most people associate with that style of music today. Lots of black leather and totally cooool! There couldn't have been any Stray Cats without Gene and his Blue Caps. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jt Posted June 20, 2013 Share Posted June 20, 2013 What a great story! Thanks for sharing it with us. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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