BIG CITY GETAWAY

Frontline Eurosports presents

BIG CITY GETAWAY

daytrip ideas to get out of the daily grind

TINICUM GUITAR BARN

2 SHERMAN ROAD, OTTSVILLE, PA 18942 410-847-2749 • WWW.GUITARBARN.COM

The exact origin of the guitar is still a mystery. The word “guitar” probably comes from the ancient Greek word kithara, a kind of lyre. Mythology attributes Hermes with creating the rst kithara from a tortoise shell, but many likenesses of Apollo show him with this instrument.

The world spins, time moves on and everything changes and evolves.

The guitar, as we know it, and variations of it began to evolve and came into vogue in the 1800s.

The Parlor Guitar was the rage in the late 19th century. These tiny instruments got their name from the room in which they were typically played. In the big band era guitars were seen but rarely stole the show – being more a supportive instrument. Jazz opened up the guitar’s true potential and then men like Les Paul and Leo Fender (who did not play at all) changed the way guitars were perceived. Then came Rock & Roll and things were never the same.

Not far from Nockamixom State Park in Pennsylvania, we spotted a small hand-made sign where Durham Road meets Route 611 that simply said ‘Tinicum Guitar Barn’. Like the rare privately-owned book store, a small musical instrument shop is rarely passed and if it is, we try to make time the next ride in the area.

Thus, we rolled up to the Tinicum Guitar Barn one sunny Saturday afternoon.

Chances are you will be greeted by either the incredibly friendly black Maine Coonish cat Puddy or Karl Huf, who was also very friendly but doesn’t purr like a mourning dove.

Since 1993 Karl has been taking care of guitar enthusiasts from beginners to seasoned pros with a fantastic array of ever-changing guitars that nd their way to the barn on this tiny road outside of Ottsville.

As we rolled up Karl was just entering and he gladly held the door for us and pointed up the bright painted stairs, walls adorned with all things Rock & Roll, Blues, and guitar-related. Reaching the second oor I stopped just a little

stunned, which is something a music lover might do when they see a little slice of this guitarist heaven.

Karl, has a lot, a lot of very cool instruments from many eras and some new pieces as well.

Along one wall are several amps, some almost as old as me, and along one wall above was a row of lap steel guitars. One corner had a oor chockablock with great acoustics – Fender, Gibson, Martin, Epiphone, Taylor and so many more, some of which I had never even heard. Like when a Seagull 12-string followed me home a few years back.

I know, I have a problem.

Karl took a comfortable seat, next to a Taylor 12-string that was calling to me, and told us a bit of how the Guitar Barn came to be.

Well, like most things, it started small, but in the ‘80s Karl was a local musician and, like some af icted with ‘guitaritis’ (a non-fatal ailment that manifests itself with the inability to stop acquiring guitars), he just kept buying collecting, and nding more and more guitars.

Finally, he came up with the thought to move it all to his barn and…okay, that is a b…his wife told him why don’t you just open a guitar store.

And, so here he is nearly 30 years later talking to two motorcycle riders, one of whom feels a bit dizzy and keeps making sure he has his wallet in his Aerostich suit.

Bass guitars, ukulele, and the like are all welcome here and Karl has an ever-changing roster of great instruments that can come or go, depending on who the next visitor to the Guitar Barn is.

Looking away from the 12-string Taylor I picked up the alluring smile and wink from a Fender Mustang. She looked very inviting, but the pink color was a deal-breaker for me. Sorry, Molly, I can’t do pink.

For some reason, Shira has taken a strong affection for Gretch guitars. Yes, she does have great taste. Karl had two parked next to each other; a blue Streamliner and a stunning sunburst beauty. Aye, Yi, Yi… I felt the fever comin’ on! But, there was another… a Paul Reed Smith Santana SE in metallic blue. In my price zone. Oh, oh. I had to get out of there toot sweet. But, the great thing about the Tinicum Guitar Barn is that it is open Wednesday through Sunday, from 12 to 5, or by appointment at other times. I can and will come back. Maybe with the Durango?

The barn is in a great area for riding and Shira’s favorite ice cream joint on the planet, Owowcow Creamery, is a short ride from the barn.

If you are a guitarist, know a guitarist, or ride with a guitarist… take a visit to the Tinicum Bike Barn and say hello to Karl and Puddy.

The guitar player will thank you. ,