Frank Vignola's Guitar Night with Al Gafa, March 6, 2024.

Frank Vignola, Al Gafa (guitars), Ted Rosenthal (piano), Gary Mazzaroppi (bass), Vince Cherico (drums). March 6 2024.

[@angelodinogiaccari]

Frank, grazie per avermi fatto scoprire Al, un bravissimo chitarrista. Bellissimo concerto. Un saluto dall' Italia.

[@godbones]

Wow. He’s 83 and still kicking butt. I bought Leblon Beach, Al Gafa’s only solo album, back in 1976. Still have it. Great record. Thanks so much Frank for your reaching out and bringing so much talent to Birdland AND to Birdland for recording the shows. So fantastic!

[@user-qc2gj6gw6e]

Al Gafa, you are just as amazing to listen to as when I was a kid listening in the basement. I was in awe of you then as I am now!

[@alg4943]

You are still as beautiful as you were then. I'll call soon. Thanks. Al

[@alg4943]

You made me realize that after 60 years I'm still playing in a basement.

[@brianledukesongwriter7366]

Fantastic set! I enjoyed every note played and the whole band sounds absolutely amazing! What a wonderful instrumental treat this is! Thank you Frank and Al! 👏👏✌️😃🎸🎶👍

[@tonypusa]

Al Gafa always amazing

[@alg4943]

Thanks Tony. Al

[@hrbeta]

Hello All, good to see you are well and still around. Thanks Frank.

[@fredskolnick1183]

Beautiful! Nice Birthday Concert!

[@antolsta]

Al Gafa is a guitar poet

[@edadpops1709]

Never heard of AL Gafa. Hope I can find more on him

[@thfa1841]

Great channel!!

[@edadpops1709]

Love ALS melodic phrasing so nice

[@Plekteret04]

Looks like Al Gafa plays a Gibson Johnny Smith model. Wondeful playing!

[@alg4943]

Yes. Bought it in 1964 but was manufactured in 61 or 62.

[@pjjmsn]

@@alg4943 Hi Al, amazing lyrical playing! It is strange that your guitar does not have inlay around the A position. I have never seen that before. And it sounds amazing!😊

[@pjjmsn]

@@alg4943 Al, I am curious how many times you have had it refretted since you bought it in 1964?

[@alg4943]

@@pjjmsn I've had the guitar refretted about 3 or 4 times. I didn't want anyone touching this instrument but the intonation from the worn frets was making me crazy. The first time I had it done was by Jimmy D'Aquisto. When I got it back from him it played better than ever. When he passed away, I found a highly recommended repairman. His first time was good, but the 2nd or third time required the fretboard to be reshaped slightly and the inlays near the 5th fret were knocked off during the work. He seemed uncomfortable putting them back on and I was starting to feel uncomfortable with his work. I just left them off. You are right about the sound. It is great. You can feel the guitar vibrate when you play it. It's been with me since 1964. Thanks Al

[@pjjmsn]

@@alg4943 Yes it sounds and looks awesome! I think it looks very cool without the 5th fret inlay. I wonder if other people have also said they like the look of it without the inlay, like me. Yes, I figured you have played the heck out of it necessitating several refrets since 1964. I know it is tough to find a master luthier to work on something as precious as that. You can't find a Jimmy D'Aquisto around every corner.

[@williamreeves8426]

Frank plays The Eastman Frank Vignola Model

[@DougB-pg1tf]

Frank seems to be playing an Eastman again. Anyone know what model that is?

[@conradgittins4476]

An ar480ce John Pisano model as far as I can tell. I have an ar372ce. Both are very nice instruments.

[@DougB-pg1tf]

@@conradgittins4476 Hmm could be why Sadowsky is clearing 3 Frank Vignola models for $1000 off.