I got my 1st guitar for Xmas in '73. Start taking it seriously in '76 & joined my 1st band in '79, mostly singing. Played with & started various bands throughout the '80s & early '90s. The main reason I stopped building models. I had a lot of great times, wrote a lot of songs, but couldn't handle the "baggage" that comes with playing in R&R bands. I wouldn't call it a living, but I survived along with construction jobs here & there. I finally had to give it up when the kids started coming. I still at least touch a guitar every day. I got rid of most of them through the years, but maintain 2 6-string acoustics, a 12-string acoustic, 2 6-string electrics, & a bass. various harmonicas, tamborines, maracas, etc. It's very cool when I get a chance to play but have no one to jam with, it's just not the same.