Roy Buchanan

He can be seen using a Vibrolux Reverb from around 1:15 to 1:30.

Early in 1979, Buchanan switched to a Fender Stratocaster for a few years. He vacillated between guitars until 1985, when he permanently retired his ’53 in favor of a 1983 Tele loaded with Bill Lawrence pickups and a Gibson 30th Anniversary Les Paul goldtop. During this period Buchanan explored a variety of amplifiers, including Peaveys, Mesa/ Boogies, and Marshalls, before eventually settling on a Roland JC-120. He also began experimenting with a Boss DD-2 delay pedal.

While hanging out with a band called The Sidekicks, guitarist Mike Burke and I would visit Roy when he played at another club in Wildwood. The three of us would play instrumentals like “Honky Tonk,” by Bill Doggett and Billy Butler. I usually used Roy’s ’53 Telecaster and his 4 X 10 Fender Bassman amp. After ’66 I was touring and was usually out of town when Roy was playing. I’d hear stories from friends about some new technique Roy was doing, and I missed seeing him. When I’d see Roy at jam sessions, I’d sit with his wife, Judy, and his kids. We’ve been friends since those days. Roy was a guitar hero in Southern Jersey and is the reason many of my old guitar buddies play a Telecaster today.