James Mastro and Guitar Bar: an addendum -- outtakes from my Georgia Straight interview

So as wide-reaching as my current Straight interview (here) with James Mastro is (sideman to Alejandro Escovedo, Patti Smith, Ian Hunter, Richard Lloyd and many others, official website here), who, having released his first full-length solo album under his own name (after a nearly 50 year career!), is also opening act for Alejandro Escovedo this Sunday, I did not (besides a quick mention of the place) get to explore his guitar shop, New Jersey's Guitar Bar, much, or squeeze in questions about his gear. 

This does not mean I did not ask them. Here are two questions and their answers, for all you guitar geeks out there. I also asked a bit about Alejandro's gear (do understand; I emailed Alejandro first about press, and pitched a feature on him for three magazines; it was not to be. Thanks to David M. -- more on whom in the Straight piece -- on alerting me to how cool Mastro is! (I didn't know of him until this week).

James and Alejandro by Dennis DiBrizzi 

Allan: I am not a guitar geek, but people might be interested to know what guitar you will be playing and its history? Incidentally, do you know what guitar(s) Alejandro is playing, and what their history is? 

James: The main guitar I'm using on this tour is a custom-built replica of a Silvertone 1446 (the Chris Isaak guitar), made by famous luthier Tony Nobles. Both Alejandro and I own the original Silvertone models, but this one is more roadworthy. I'm also using an Eastwood Sidejack Deluxe Baritone guitar, that I absolutely love, and a Collings acoustic guitar. Alejandro is using a new Gibson Goldtop Les Paul that he's done some mods to, and a Nobles acoustic guitar based on an old Gibson J-45.

Allan: As a guitar-shop owner, do you take advantage of touring to visit other guitar shops, luthiers, etc? Does the Guitar Bar have a lingering effect on what you do on tour? Do you have any shops you want to check out, guitarists you admire, etc. in Vancouver? (Anyone I can introduce you to?).

As a guitar shop owner, I am my best customer, and when I visit any town, if I have time I usually try to visit the local shop and do my part to help the economy! I'll take any suggestions you might have for who or what to check out in Vancouver, though sadly our time there is going to be limited.

Guitarists of Vancouver: who should we alert Mr. Mastro to? I'm thinking Paul Pigat, for starters...

 James Mastro's bandcamp here.

Alejandro Escovedo's bandcamp here. 
Tickets still available for Alejandro Escovedo and James Mastro, here.