I started playing guitar when I had just turned twelve. My father bought me my first twelvestring for a birthday present, and boy did I love it. I'll always thank my father for giving me my first guitar.

For me, being a musical performer is not nearly as gratifying as being a songleader (check out my songleading page here. To paraphrase Debbie Friedman, an excellent songleader and an insiration to many in the reform Jewish movement, when you're sonleading, it's not about you; the kids (or the other people) that sing are the stars. 

Over the years I've bought and sold several dozen instruments. My present collection of guitars is pretty permanent.