“Loralie” by David Wren

This Guitar-just few words about it.

I have played many guitars in my lifetime, but as electrics go, for me, nothing will come close to the versatility of this instrument.

This particular piece has its share of scars and knocks, and just like its human female namesake, it is the most beautiful, yet most frustrating thing…I can’t live without her.

She has a tiger maple neck with incredible inlay on the headstock.

Featuring an ebony nut, string trees, and through-body (ash) string anchoring.

When the weather changes, so does she-about 6 times a year, due to seasonal or humidity changes, the neck needs adjustment.

This is one of six electrics (so I’m told) built by David Wren, who now resides at the twelfth fret music store in Toronto.

This guitar was built in the early 80’s, a custom order for someone in London Ont., and brought to the Millwheel.

I am about the fifth owner of this instrument. (And last).

The pickups are all wound to 7.5 K., with three three-way on/off/on toggles make up all the various tone configurations (a total of thirteen) vs. a normal five for a Stratocaster, or three for a common Telecaster.

When I first purchased this from John Carlton of the Planet People after having seen it a few years earlier in Play it Again on Stanley Street, the neck radius was so severe I couldn’t bend notes on it.

I then took it to Don Carter at Midtown music in Sarnia, where he flattened the radius for me, and refretted it with Dunlop 6100’s.

The figure of the tiger maple in the back of the neck, sans “fender skunk stripe” always draws a gasp from purveyors of fine wood.

When I play this guitar live, there is transference of unrequited love through the performance, if the neck allows.

You can hear this beautiful instrument anytime I do the electric show anywhere in Southwestern Ontario.

- gary