Homeskoolin’ Bonus “Original Owner”

Uncle Larry does a bit of guitarcheology on the eve of America’s birthday…
Just throwing up a Hail Mary here that someone out there might happen to recognize the young fella in the black and white photo holding what I affectionately refer to as the “Mailbox Letter Burst” (serial number 8 6785)
This video also shows Larry Lee, the fella who I believe might be the original owner of my 58 Gibson EMS-1235, (the 50’s doublenecks oddly did not have serial numbers)…and Darrell Ellis, the fella that might be the original owner of my 57 Les Paul Standard Goldtop (serial number 7 3293)
Happy 4th my dear friends…and like I say every year, don’t blow your fingers off ferchrissakes

[@501chorusecho]

well friends, ask and ye shall receive....thank you guys for all the help...both mysteries solved...and QUICKLY obits.al.com/us/obituaries/huntsville/name/larry-lee-obituary?id=11959074 southerngaragebands.com/dynamicsauburndale.html www.theledger.com/story/news/2020/09/26/polks-hit-making-country-musician-composer-carl-chambers-dies-73/3546106001/

[@thisperfectworld]

From Carl's outdated reverbnation profile: Carl Chambers' musical career includes working as lead guitarist in the studio and on the road with the Bellamy Brothers in the late 1970s, during which time he recorded 2 albums with them, containing 5 "Billboard" singles (4 of which went #1). During the 1980s, he charted a single under his own name, wrote 2 top 5 country hits (one of which went #1), accepted a major award on national television, was a featured songwriter at "Fan Fair" in Nashville, was a staff writer for a major Nashville publisher (Welk Music Group), and ended that decade playing 3+ years at the Boardwalk & Baseball theme park in Central Florida. Today, Carl continues to write, operates a small home studio, and has played guitar for the retro-rock band, The Rogues, for over 18 years.

[@imarobotrocker]

The OG Larry?

[@godawg1023]

I love the “guitarcheology”!!

[@houndjr40]

Another mystery solved possibly... That padded Les Paul case you love is a Travelite TL-75 no longer made.

[@MNGuitars]

Truly amazing!

[@stringlocker]

This shit is way better than pedal demos

[@GraceKellydocuarrombado]

And here's the clean signal....

[@ibaneztubescreamer]

Too funny that the OG owner of that doubleneck is Larry! Man that's some destiny shit right there.

[@501chorusecho]

hahaaaa never thought about that

[@bzerob7362]

Uncle motherfucking Larry.. nice

[@tedgay8427]

Too cool.

[@JerboFotius]

I too, noticed that. It seems that doubleneck has also chosen the name "Larry"... 'Double Larry' perhaps lol

[@uncleremus64]

Uncle Larry, BCR Greg (Platzer) chimed in in the comments here. You should have him as a guest on Homeskool. He's one of the first people that that I can remember who was successful at fixing headstock breaks. It would be great to interview him about your burst. Thanks

[@user-ks6up1vi5t]

One of the coolest things about vintage stuff, "The story" behind it, whether it's guitars, amps, cars, high end furniture ,jewelry, etc, posters, t-shirts.......it's endless.

[@ryangunwitch-black]

If you use that to write some stuff, that could be called the “Mailbox Money” guitar! ❤

[@TheJTish]

Greg Platzer... former owner of BCR music and sound.

[@garyj6006]

That occurred to me too, since those Gibson's were right up his alley.

[@GregPlatzerGuitars]

I miss this one.

[@hughdemann1]

@@GregPlatzerGuitars hey Greg - remember you from the early days of the LPF. Don't go round there much these days but good to see you pop up here.

[@GregPlatzerGuitars]

@@hughdemann1 I just put my stuff up on Instagram and I don’t really involve myself in the forums anymore. @gregplatzerguitars

[@Tsak112]

BCR would be the very cool Greg Platzer!

[@501chorusecho]

that's right....thank you

[@lionelmandrake785]

Eternally fascinating looking at these ghosts, yet the guitar survives. I see a palm tree in the background. It feels like Los Angeles. Love these existential videos.

[@beachcomber4141]

Those old guitars do better than talk! They scream and moan and tell stories and in the right hands, inspire.

[@thisperfectworld]

The book is called "Calling Me Home: Gram Parsons and the Roots of Country Rock", by Bob Kealing, 2012. Chapter 9 opens with an interview with Carl Chambers!🎉

[@thisperfectworld]

When you go to Google to see excerpts of this book, note that you'll only be allowed to look at pages once! So take screenshots to tide yourself over until you can order the Bob Keating book, which thankfully seems to be widely available still.

[@BlugubriousMusic]

If these old guitars could talk, they'd say something like, "I heard there would be a guitar heaven where someone would appreciate us and play us to our full potential, and we arrived." At least that is what those two LP's would say. I can't imagine them ever finding a better home.

[@501chorusecho]

thank you mate

[@Beguiler65]

I couldn't make them out when you've had it out prior. Such an amazing collection Tom.

[@datkinson31]

Amazing stuff. Really fascinating- and so cool that they found their way to you!

[@seangillen920]

Very cool stuff Larry!

[@kolbymorgan7802]

So incredible! Very moving! Thank you for being such a great mentor. You've left such a positive mark on the world and I wish you many years of love and peace brother you deserve it!

[@Timtime67]

That thumb nail made me laugh out loud heartily. Thanks Larry!

[@philroselle1514]

Man this is so cool to see these pics!! The double-neck photos are priceless. Must be incredible to see those old pics and hold those instruments now, but hey, they're in the right hands now!

[@Drew_Gliebe]

Mailbox Burst has a ring to it

[@501chorusecho]

totally...and so it shall be henceforth

[@Drew_Gliebe]

@@501chorusecho honored

[@gbarge4]

Hey Tom, didn’t you wind up with another significant actual mailbox? Was it from Glaser’s?

[@wilhelm9883]

Thanks for this man, I saw a picture where Don Rich’s band had their mics sitting on top of a cream fender head

[@MichaelAntus]

Hope your move is going smooth. Happy Forth...

[@sevenpoundsalad3878]

Nice! Amazing research! And recording your desktop is a nice way to tell the story.

[@fodiddlediddle5015]

Once again. Thank you uncle Larry, for the wisdom and all for the low low price of free. 🙏

[@joshellyson]

Totally love this Uncle Larry. Old Guitars are like old sages, telling the stories of all those who touched them and drew out the music that the players loved to play. Like you, wish they could talk to us in our language, but they sure do talk in their own language when the next player in the lineage picks them up and makes music. Great archeology lesson.

[@sylvierudinger6523]

Bonjour,Tom j'ai bien apprécié cette petite vidéo 👍💯🎸🎶🎵🎶 Bonne journée

[@stratsouldier]

Unc is king of the mailbox money. 💴 Best channel on the tube. So cool you have all the history on those guitars.

[@albietzaesthetics1064]

Came from Rick Beato and of all the videos I could’ve clicked, I clicked the absolute coolest one I could have lol THIS IS MY FAVORITE kind of stuff, these things are like a window 🪟 into the past that I feel connected to that just warms my heart especially things like this because these guys didn’t make it big time, if you didn’t find this and put it out they would be lost in the sands of time but your pulling out the proof that the guitar and its owners have a story to tell and it’s such an awesome thing to get to see and you and them share a bond which is a love for THESE SPECIFIC guitars

[@jimmyray_hawkins]

Wow! The Homeskoolers Interweb of Things. Awesome!

[@RussC123]

Right up my alley- this kinda stuff gets me going. Would love to trace my 68 tele back to its original days. It sure looks and smells to have a story or two..

[@jessefillmore]

Thanks for sharing ! I'll do my best to share this . My Dad had a 50's Gibson Les Paul Jr given to him by my grandpa back in the late 60's/early 70's . Grandpa found it at a yardsale for $5 lol . Sadly it was stolen . I live in Greenfield Ohio (Hometown of Johnny Paycheck) and I know someone here knows what happened to it . Dad took the finish off of it , that's about all I know . Dad is 72 and he is still pissed about it lol .

[@BenJBrandt]

Thanks for the shout out man!

[@dirtcreature1]

How F@cking to know the history, and have some photos! Man that's cool as hell!

[@pauldaniels6158]

I love this $hit! Happy 4th to all y’all

[@lupcokotevski2907]

I love this stuff. Look at the size of the lad's hands. Made for the guitar.

[@GregoryTanner-ut8zk]

HAPPY 4 LITTLE TOMMY

[@aharry63]

Apparently the guys name was Carl Chambers who was in a band called the Dynamics in Auburndale FL in the early sixties. I tried to post a link but it gets deleted.

[@caseyhooper4779]

I googled “Carl Chambers dynamics” and boom Buk’s pic of the kid with the mailbox burst popped right up! So cool!

[@thisperfectworld]

Carl passed away in 2020, but he looks to have had quite the career, having wrote songs with at least one big name even I recognize!

[@thisperfectworld]

Gram Parsons being the name.🎉

[@501chorusecho]

wow...really? holy shit thank you

[@user-nx3ub1eh3l]

The internet is undefeated

[@MNGuitars]

Man this is SO friggin cool

[@GraemeCampbellMusic]

Beautiful. The closest I’ve ever got to a real, old burst was seeing Bernie Marsden’s “Beast” (59). I love it when guitars have stories attached to them. Hope the move goes well. All the best from Scotland

[@Deliquescentinsight]

I have always wanted a '58 vintage guitar - same as my year of birth!

[@petedunning_SG]

The story is everything...instrinsic value...

[@stuntkiwi]

When I can make the kessell run in less than 12 parsecs.... then I'll be happy

[@Nozmo_King_NJ]

Now .. THAT is cool!

[@FiftyNinerWinder]

Love this kind of stuff. The stories those three guitars will have in another 75years… not gonna get that out of a pointy ‘93 Ibanez RG

[@501chorusecho]

hell man you never know....that pointy headstock ibeenhad might end up being a beloved family heirloom...an heirloom with coil tapped humbuckers haha

[@FiftyNinerWinder]

@@501chorusecho well shit, I guess I’ll keep mine until the market heats up on those! How about those necks though? Pretty much just a fretboard with strings. They were the shit back in the days of “knowing everything”.

[@stringlocker]

I want to know what happened to my Japanese Domino Californian

[@misteranderson59]

I love this stuff. I tried to find Larry Lee of Keetie and the Cats on the interwebs, and it sounds like he unfortunately passed away in 2011

[@rhodrillewellyn5127]

Love the clickbait photo, also love the Catalina island desktop photo

[@PhilsArtDotCom]

I have always enjoyed the fact that we an guitars ultimately live in structured coffins.

[@tbluesboye]

Way cool Tom!

[@KENMAN1357]

Tom - found this on the interweb regarding Larry Lee. It matches up because of Keetie and The Kats Larry Lee Obituary Aug. 31, 1939 - Jan. 15, 2011 Larry R. Lee, 71, of Huntsville passed away Jan. 15 at Crestwood Medical Center. He was born in Indianapolis to Roy Lee and Mildred Bain Lee and graduated from Mooresville High School in 1957. After graduation, he became an original member as guitarist of Keetie and the Kats. The band played many times at the Whiteland Barn and were extremely popular in central Indiana in the late '50s and early '60s. After serving in the Army, Larry traveled across the United States and abroad playing in many different bands. He performed with popular stars such as Kenny Rogers, Ike and Tina Turner, Jackie Wilson and Wayne Cochran. He settled in Huntsville and played for 13 years with Rudy Mockabee. He also played with former members of the Drifters and Steppenwolf and at the Switzerland Jazz Festival in 2004. He is survived by his wife, Kathy Robertson Lee, and son, Max, both of Huntsville; brother, Rick Lee and wife Julie; and nephew, Jeffrey Lee, all of Mooresville, Ind.; as well as other in-laws, nieces and nephews. A service will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday at Rocket City Dance Club, 2614 Artie St., Huntsville.

[@FaithHopeLove77]

Forgive me if already posted. The Dynamics, Auburndale, Florida two brothers, a cousin 1960 time frame. Soutnern Garage bands has the image shown in this video posted with the band.

[@andersestes]

From Larry to Larry

[@georgebaader9817]

What an amazing history lesson!! The pinned links were so interesting to check out. Would it make for an interesting video to have someone on the Homeskoolin' network talking to Uncle Larry about their knowledge of the musician and guitar. Joe Spann comes to mind with regard to Carl Chambers. Does Joe not work at Gruhn's? Thanks for this great journey!!

[@peterpoirier269]

About those Gibson double necks, how about the one Robbie Robertson play with The Staples from The last Waltz!

[@Rizzie_prods]

hey tom, fellow Clevelander here except I'm westside which is way better. Trying to catch up on tons of old episodes and in episode 256 you had a mini rant about remastered records... I too hate them, but if you didn't know sometimes if you scroll below the track list of a record apple music will show you other versions of the record where you can listen to the original master.... like that silly dark side of the moon remaster they did for the 50th anniversary with all that commentary in it. Just thought I'd leave a comment here instead of 100 videos ago also thanks for the reminder about how good rollin rocks are, my friends have been wondering why I've been drinkin them for the last year. Another note, my kid yoinked my youtube account and changed the name to this monstrosity

[@kevinafflack]

So cool! Is there an autograph or writing on the Burst near his forearm? I was amazed at how acoustically loud this guitar is when you were playing it unplugged. Same with the double neck. Just singing away. Happy Birthday ‘Merica!

[@JerboFotius]

Not really into naming myself, but seems that "Mailbox Burst" and "Double Larry" have chosen their titles 😎

[@evalonious]

501 has 105k subscribers 🙌🎸

[@cellmate6]

Those 3 letter stickers on the burst will light up like a christmas tree under black light- would be fun for you (or scary!) to take a look. Just a suggestion

[@teleman929]

50 years from now someone will say “There’s my guitar! Who’s this Uncle Larry fella?”..

[@501chorusecho]

totally

[@cantyouhearmeknocking1961]

I think the world will know who Uncle Larry is. He is on thousands of songs/albums. He is already famous!

[@Only1Feckitt]

50 years from now that Mailbox Burst will be well into 7 figures! And hopefully still in the family

[@JTB75]

I think your burst looks the best in the condition it’s in now. It’s crazy to think of the price difference between then and now, the more faded it gets the more it’s worth.

[@jeffreyboswell1085]

DAMN!!!!

[@ijursic]

That looks like a 55 Pontiac. My dad bought one in 1970 for fifty bucks.

[@chrisa7498]

man that little kid is seriously grabbing a chord!

[@lucasvalentin3077]

I'm sorry but uncle Larry needs to up his wallpaper game.

[@ccaputa]

This stuff fascinates me. I have a few of my own, unfortunately, I only know the history of three of them. Fun stuff Larry.

[@trevormekelburg3773]

Like finding Joe Dirts Parents.

[@janbay4119]

I wonder who wound up with my '60 Jazzmaster and '61 P-Bass. I was 15 years old when I traded them.

[@JerboFotius]

Omg I want a 60s P bass so badly. Maybe you will get it back one day. Thatd be wild

[@1950s_Guitar]

Did you notice that Joe Spann (of Gruhn Guitar staff) knew Carl Chambers!

[@grantandrews4826]

This stuff is cool as shit

[@BrockDouglas99]

Kinda looks like the MB Burst was signed at one time, right above the dude's forearm. Could be part of the story. Also not sure those letters line up. Flat top buzz cut is definitely 60s.

[@stringlocker]

Guitar archeology. I love it

[@1011010100011]

Guitarcheology

[@stringlocker]

Mine is correct yours is just a play on words

[@1011010100011]

@@stringlocker it's a proper portmanteau

[@stringlocker]

Ah a portmanteau.

[@6969jezabel]

Looks like a palm frond upper right. SoCal/Florida?

[@501chorusecho]

right...maybe so

[@davidturner9266]

Guinness book on the most recorded songs on what guitar⁉️

[@Jbird1978]

The history and mystery is why I love the old ones. I really want to find out who played the shit out of that whooped dot neck i got from you….that has a story to tell and i always wonder….

[@TheNohcim]

Bukie Burst!

[@rsullivant]

Larry, you know what ‘BCR’ is a secret code acronym for? Big Cans Rock!

[@501chorusecho]

i thought it was Blessed Christ Revival?

[@GregPlatzerGuitars]

Actually it was Black Coffee Rules.

[@gtrzrus]

Burst Clearwater Revival

[@gtrzrus]

​@@GregPlatzerGuitarsLove it! ☕️🎸

[@TheMujiFuji]

I love old guitar stories!! What’s the craziest guitar story you ever owned?

[@angryshoebox]

Well, "Move-Part One" is online, just a rather basic slightly rocked up ga-dunk ga-dunk shuffle in E. I wonder if K-Records was the band's label, or what. Apparently the band released several singles.

[@mikewren7532]

Hey Tom! As a session man do you get “points” on any of the records you play on or performance royalties? Or is it just your rate for the session?

[@stratchoker8765]

👍

[@rickp.6251]

Chords E to Amaj7 then G to Cmaj7 then Bb to Ebmaj7 then Db to F# maj7 then resolve to B, A and back to E to Amaj7 Add your own funk and other spices. Eees flat 3d is G , Gees flat 3rd is Bb , Bbs flat 3rd is Db, D flats flat 3rd is E . Therefore you resolve back to E with whatever you want, like 5=B 4=A then back to E to A maj 7 or A∆ . By the way I'm the janitor I learned this watching You Tube videos on Music Theory. Not this specific idea 💡 it just dawned on me 2 days ago. Wanted to give something back. Pay it forward ⏩

[@jeffgardner288]

Try BCR Sound & Music Leymoyne, Pa.

[@danielj_music]

I'm putting my guess on Louisiana or Alabama!

[@501chorusecho]

are you saying that because of the palm trees?? yeah thats a dead giveaway fir alabama or louisiana hahaaa

[@danielj_music]

@@501chorusecho lol yeah and the stern mischievious look on their faces hahaha

[@cantyouhearmeknocking1961]

@@501chorusecho We have palm trees from Gulf Shores Alabama to the FloraBama bar and grill! ! Don't sell us short man!

[@snoopywalker1881]

Who agrees they feel Larry is just Like an old friend?

[@501chorusecho]

Not me

[@paulstephan3350]

Technically you're the first person to meet yourself.

[@chuckbouscaren3898]

And of course, the 4th grader who won the 6th grade spelling Bee knows how to spell archaeology correctly, hehehe. This is great stuff man!

[@501chorusecho]

Oh come on man, that’s child’s play

[@CGlover113]

I wonder if your case belonged to Darryl Ellis, but not the guitar? Is there evidence of the Bigsby on the case lining?

[@Mpcoluv]

BCR Greg? he is active on the internet guitar forums.

[@michaeldavis4969]

I'm active in a certain collecting space where the provenance of the item is nearly as important as the item itself, so I totally get the fascination. Any way you could sharpen the photo of the original Mailbox Letter LP owner (using photo software) to make out the initials?

[@stevev8079]

Sorry why does the burst look nothing like it didn’t the 80’s? Was all the paint taken off?

[@bzerob7362]

Those other stickers by the og's forearm on burst?

[@gfunkk]

im pretty sure thats a young Forrest Gump

[@robertlewis8024]

It seems like I've come across the name Larry Lee somewhere. Maybe in some old literature I hopefully still have. I'll dig around and let you know.

[@501chorusecho]

there was a fairly well known nashville bass player in the 70's named Larry Lee that was apparently QUITE the character....he played with Mel Tillis

[@cantyouhearmeknocking1961]

@@501chorusecho He had to be a character to play with Mel Tillis. That guy was nutz!

[@robertlewis8024]

@@501chorusecho Thanks. That's got to be the Larry Lee I was thinking of. Good luck with the move. Moving always sucks, but what a feeling when it's done!

[@2dazetake]

Dude look a the lower bout on the gold top, Florentine cut away.

[@501chorusecho]

no its not man

[@houndjr40]

Uncle Larry did you see the comment Darrell Ellis's son left on your video "Darrell Ellis Blues"? Just mentioning it in case you didn't. Enjoy your weekend!

[@yurikochguitar]

all guitars should have a kind of car mileage, but instead with hours played

[@claytonjohn6473]

imagine that youngster had to mow a few lawns or work at the local diner to save up and get a les paul. How much new back then? $150.00?

[@501chorusecho]

285.00 new in 59

[@jrdubay1169]

Does a refinish impact value of vintage guitars, would the value be less by x %? I would have thought that your finish was the original since it looks so great!

[@501chorusecho]

It is the original finish

[@jrdubay1169]

@@501chorusecho shit man I thought the markings were all on the same guitar and that it was refinished at least twice…I guess this guy put the marking on all the guitars he sold….

[@501chorusecho]

@@jrdubay1169 no man, the sunburst finishes on the late 50s Les Paul’s fade over time…all the red eventually goes away

[@thisperfectworld]

Can you make out what the 3 mailbox letters were or are?

[@bilray114]

We do not own these guitars: We are just their stewards. Consider yourself blessed, Tio Lorenzo. The universe has deemed you worthy of said stewardship. Also, judging by the background flora in the photo, that pic was taken on the southern coast or maybe Cally-Forn-Eye-A. YMMV.

[@501chorusecho]

i have said these exact words a thousand times mate...it's just our job to keep them in one piece

[@lw1391]

​@@501chorusechoand occasionally get them refretted, right?

[@501chorusecho]

@@lw1391 best gift we can give them

[@cantiguitar]

Hey tom, how about flashalienfingers, did you see him?

[@jefffisher6709]

Greg owned BCR. I used to visit his store in PA when I was in college, circa 1993-1995.