G.E. Smith Jams on the Guitar That Killed Folk!

G.E. Smith (be)holds - and plays some prime Michael Bloomfield licks on - the '63 Fender Telecaster used by Bloomfield in the '60s, including when he appeared with Bob Dylan at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival. Bloomfield used the guitar to record the self-titled first album by The Paul Butterfield Band and Dylan's "Highway 61 Revisited." For Smith's turn, the guitar is plugged into an early-'65 Fender Concert and a Fender reverb unit. READ THE COMPLETE STORY OF THE GUITAR (including why it has that bizarre second cutaway), IN THE SPECIAL FREE Digital October '15 issue of "Vintage Guitar" magazine here www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/vinta.... Very special thanks to John Peden, Taylor Peden, Dan Erlewine, and Mr. Smith.

[@guitarheel99]

One of the few guitarists on Earth who can say "This feels like 1 5/8ths to me" and I totally trust him.

[@yogamoshi567]

Nah hes chatting absolute shit there. hahaha

[@babayaga1767]

looks like that late sixties chrome

[@matthewhorizon6050]

One of the underrated guitarists of the 80s and 90s. Being in Hall & Oates probably didnt help him in terms of being remembered as a beast.

[@johnshinal6369]

It's not that hard to tell actually. It's how far in it fits in the web of your thumb and forefinger. You prefer one or the other (1&5/8 or 1&11/16) and they don't feel the same at all.

[@ilpatongi]

Dan Erlewine noticed that on the neck it said "Agust 1963, B" B means for 1 and 5/8" instead of the normal 1 and 11/16 so he's right

[@A.M......]

Whoever decided to ask G. E. Smith to do this video deserves a medal

[@rmp7400]

🏆

[@drifterman319]

124th thumbs up on that one.

[@OneNumerologistKelz]

Facts! Gratitude

[@PhilGarrett-et3fz]

Fuck yeah. I'm actually in awe of him just talking about this Telecaster lol

[@benlogan430]

I just didn’t realize what we had when G.E. Smith was the band leader on SNL. A treasure of a person and musician!

[@sholland42]

I realized and loved every minute of his playing.

[@shawnglass108]

G.E. Smith is an American treasure. One of the coolest, greatest, most humble, guitar legends that ever lived. A worthy guitar hero for anyone that plays the instrument.

[@dmer7635]

Stfu this dude is a shriveled up overrated crackhead

[@ssapp72]

@@dmer7635 You'd never play on a level with GE Smith on the best day of your life and his worst. Not even in the same league.

[@PetePapadakos]

@@dmer7635 We all get old, asshole. Show some respect - or you'll never get any respect. This man is pure legend. Learn before you speak -or write- or simply grow up!

[@bh8365]

Shawn. You're so right.

[@shawnglass108]

Pete G. Papadakos , There’s obviously no use replying to that loser. He probably isn’t even a guitar player. He’s an internet troll. Anyone familiar with G.E. Smith and his playing and history know that he is exactly what he said he wants to be remembered as..One of the real Cats.

[@LesAtlas]

I'm old enough that I got to see Bloomfield playing with the Paul Butterfield Blues band live. It would have been well over 50 years ago. He had a special sound that I never heard duplicated since. That is, until this video, when G E Smith got to play Bloomfield's guitar.

[@Five0Music]

The smile on G.E.'s face says it all. It's refreshing when a musician who has been in it this long can still get that childlike grin going when getting the opportunity to rediscover something so formative to his playing. Honest musician joy there.

[@dragoslav3859]

It is so rare that such great talent is combined with such great humility. This man is a gem.

[@Shananaginns1887]

The way he found the output jack on the first try was the most impressive thing I’ve ever seen done on a guitar.

[@jjs8426]

This is easily done by myself and my roommates we play guitar daily and this isn't that difficult.

[@gonzothompson8118]

JJS shut up bitch

[@jjs8426]

@@gonzothompson8118 lol what? I guess you don't have a creative outlet, you should pick up a guitar sometimes it's fun!

[@gonzothompson8118]

JJS I do play guitar lmao. just have to laugh at how pompous you sound

[@dennisg69]

Of all the things in this video to be impressed by...

[@Dackycat]

The best part of this video is NOT the guitar, but watching the look on G. E.s face as he plays it! He looks like a little kid opening the best birthday present ever. After all these years, G. E. is clearly still enthralled by the magic and power that music can have in our lives.

[@BCDanno63]

So very true .... The only other guy I see with that blatant look of joy is Tommy Emmanuele... And they both have major excellence in common..

[@johnjacobs1625]

@@BCDanno63 Hope you guys have seen Taj Farrant.... Kid is Great!

[@gregorydifrank1924]

I took a weekend class taught by G.E. a few years ago at Fur Peace Ranch (Jorma's place). G.E. is a walking encyclopedia of knowledge on guitar playing, music, music theory, rock and roll, etc.... The dude has a million stories, and has played with everybody ( Dylan, George Harrison, Roger Waters, etc...) And a wonderful human being as well, a true prince of a man. I agree he is way under recognized for his contributions......

[@deborahchmura1903]

Always loved that Jorma.. good shepherd.. feed my sheep.

[@connorobrien8776]

Been watching GE for a million years, but his diligence and appreciation of other guitarists is the very definition of respect and how to be a good person.

[@AlbertGarzonProducer]

I did my internship with G.E. in 1984 ! It was for a TV show called "The New Show" and the internship was in a studio at 1619 Broadway, NYC. Lorne Michaels was the Producer, Howard Shore was the Music Director - and G.E. Smith was the Assistant Music Director. My internship involved working on an instrument called a 'Synclavier' to come up with cool sounds and sound effects for the show - and I spent many hours with G.E. He was awesome in every way - very funny, supportive... and just a great person to do an internship with.

[@phish1]

Albert Garzon that’s awesome

[@joewagner4593]

Damn, that's cool! Great gig

[@texasbelle6111]

That's way cool. That wonderful memory will be with you the rest of your life.

[@JustK009]

Ah The Sinclav..

[@RogerSteinbrinkh2oBrother]

So glad that someone is at least mentioning Mike Bloomfield. He seems to have been all but forgotten these days. Back in the mid to late sixties, he was The Man. America's first Guitar Hero. God bless you Mike. R.I.P.

[@patcoughlin3104]

ooh I'm deed I've seen the vidio, we're Dan erlivine is working on this pup, to me its like finding a Egyptian mummy, I'm a lefty, and couldn't carve up one of mikey,s guitars at gun point..I was present at levon helms barn when the film docu, on Bloomfield was premiered, then al kooper, Jimmy Viavano, and son Gabriel butterfield, played a great show tribute, to the man, Bloomie still cuts to the bone..thanks G.E.!

[@frontbum420]

+Pat Coughlin What date did you view it? Is there a release date ?

[@RogerSteinbrinkh2oBrother]

KZbin has a good one. "The Michael Bloomfield Story." Very nicely done.

[@abradfordajb]

+Roger Steinbrink Bloomfield's still remembered, by all the guitarists that he influenced.

[@unabonger777]

he's forgotten because he sucked.

[@buymeskittles2719]

His happiness at playing this guitar is super infectious.

[@saltykrug]

I can't get enough G.E. Smith videos. If he picks up a yard stick with 1 string on it and says it's a guitar with an inch & 5/8s neck on it, IT DAMNED WELL IS A GUITAR WITH AND INCH & 5/8S NECK ON IT. Man honestly, the way he honors history of music and the people that made it. Listening to him, I've learned a lot about what was going on and what went on.

[@ogopogo1397]

all teles are 1 5/8ths .... wow, the ignorance and worship vs fact is getting way to thick in the world.

[@southerncross4956]

I am 75 and remember some of this stuff but was not a real fan. I do not know who Mr. Smith is but his genuine enthusiasm and love of that time and that guitar was wonderful to watch every second. Thank you.

[@rockinredneck57]

He was guitarist and bandleader on Saturday Night Live for many years. Many other things too, but probably best known for SNL. No small potatoes gig.

[@sblack48]

His first bug gig was as lead guitar for Hall and Oates, then SNL, the lots if others

[@ronaldlogan7983]

He also played for Hall n Oates

[@jtekguitars]

I remember GESmith while in high school at Stroudsburg. After school we would march down to Mainline Music and listen to him play Jay Cameron's new guitars. Amazing. Still going strong! Jimmy E. J-Tek Guitars.

[@effsixteenblock50]

Stroudsburg Railroad! I think Dave Liebman lives there too.

[@ronnie5129]

Mr. Smith, Thank you for the demo of this famous Guitar, and The Man, Mr. Mike Bloomfield, R.I.P. Mike . This is Very Special to me to see and here this Guitar now. I am A Huge Fan of Mike's. I have worn out the album that he played this on , and had to buy another copy of the Album.. Most younger people today do not even know Who Mike Was, And that is A Cryin Shame, thanks again, Cousin Figel

[@LeoHMIII]

It's so fun watching someone as passionate as him, talk about a musician and his guitar.

[@rmp7400]

Passionate and purely dedicated (not needing to sacrifice chickens or whatever....)

[@ER-me1ii]

He knows Bloomfield changed the game. Two humble masters.

[@michaelbritton4119]

There's this beautiful moment when he first starts playing it. He disappeared. He's not playing it. G E is off somewhere else and he's listening to the guitar. He's back home as a kid sitting on the floor listening to his butterfield albums again. That was magical, man.

[@vccancerkill5047]

Anony Amos I assure you he was playing it. Fricking tool

[@barden6275]

I assure you he was using a figure of speech to describe the emotional response from playing something that figured so largely into his life. Gosh dang hecking fricking tool.

[@VirtualWoodshed]

Man you are absolutely right! I noticed the same thing. And then at the 3:50 mark, I'm pretty sure he's actually channeling Bloomfield, just for a moment; or at least channeling the same cosmic forces that spoke to Bloomfield. Either way, his mind is definitely in a different time and place. It's amazing that music has the ability to "transport" us like that. GE seems like a sincere and beautiful soul. Cheers brother.

[@BreadandFaxes]

Anony Amos well said.

[@mosneedly3751]

"Not every Telecaster does that thing... only the really good ones"

[@pamelakehoe7083]

G.E. is the coolest. The best thing ever about SNL was the brief sublime moments when G.E. would be playing some amazing blues lick just as they were going to commercial or coming back. They should put out a collection of him just playing those tunes with the SNL band.

[@christophertaylor1671]

Ah, yes... recalling too the days long gone before SNL became a propaganda machine.

[@RobMacKendrick]

@@christophertaylor1671 And which days would those be? Cos I've been watching since year one and don't remember one when it wasn't political.

[@michaelclark9762]

@@RobMacKendrick Yeah, but they used to satirize both sides.

[@michaelclark9762]

@@timbeverly5747 Do you mean those photos of children in cages that were actually taken during the Obama Administration and then passed of as being from the Trump era?

[@christophertaylor1671]

@@timbeverly5747 the zoo animals in California are getting more nervous

[@samfosdick9874]

G.e. Smith is one of the most talented guitar guys to ever pluck a string!!!!

[@AZ-kr6ff]

3:43 "Whoa! Go on baby...go on back to school! C'mon!" That's a Real Cat right there.

[@jrpipik]

Al Kooper tells the story of warming up in the studio for the "Like a Rolling Stone" session, playing his five guitar licks over and over. Then Bloomfield walks in with his guitar -- this guitar -- no case, just dripping wet from rain. He wipes it off, plugs in, and starts playing. Kooper just put his guitar away and slunk off. (Later, in desperation he jumped over to the unoccupied organ and the Dylan electric sound was born.)

[@effsixteenblock50]

I had the record called "Super Sessions" (I think), with Bloofield, Kooper and Stills....played the crap out of it.

[@67826782]

Fortunately, the musician from the previous session had left the power in the on position on the organ, because Al had never played one and he didn't know how to turn it on. I read the Al Kooper book, and he is the Forrest Gump of rock and roll.

[@alessandrorossini8704]

Ha! Ha! Nice story!

[@carlschumacher3257]

hahaha, my mother and i were watching a pbs show when al kooper said that. that was funny.

[@leicesterblackthorne9699]

G. E. Smith is perhaps the most underrated guitarist of his time.

[@jaya.0069]

Oh, for sure!

[@bertbregdenz2756]

Jack Pearson same

[@RumbleFish69]

G.E. Smith is a legend himself! I also feel fortunate to own a copy of that wonderful album. Like Smith, that album changed my life. It's what got me playing blues.

[@archiguitarchi]

G.E., a true journeyman and fine person. He could play with and for everybody, and they loved him. In my advanced years now, I so wish I could jam with him. It would be a life changer.

[@johnmenfi1965]

I recently had the opportunity to sit down with G.E. for a guitar lesson . I met him while shopping locally, and he accommodated me with the lesson just because I asked . He is an amazing , humble dude. His love and passion for this instrument is dripping off of him and yet I read moronic comments on here from idiots. I'm happy I watched it but wish I didn't read the comments from assholes.

[@patrickhennessy4970]

Agreed! Thank you 🍀

[@ESmithStringSlinger]

In the eighties, I was listening to the Highway 61 album a lot. To hear that guitar solo by Mike's biggest fan is something else. The real deal.

[@BCDanno63]

The Joy on his face when he did the Concert with McGuinn ,Clapton ,Dylan,Young and the rest speaks volumes to the beauty of his soul.. PS did you ever notice all great blues guys have Big Meaty Fingers.. and here I am with stubby little lock pickers...Damn the fates..

[@frankzima7998]

He's a part of guitar history! On SNL you could tell he loved what he was doing.

[@MrJuliesguy]

Did he inject you with PCP?

[@codyfoster17]

This has gotta be one of the most amazing, recognizable and iconic tones ever. Unbelievably good.

[@chriscunningham6362]

I've seen a lot of people bag out G E Smith. I don't know why, I think he's great and I promise, after a lifetime of playing guitar, I will never be that good and I always admire someone who can teach me something.

[@kripvorlund7849]

We can't let this music die. We all need to get guitars and learn to play awesomely!

[@mordantvistas4019]

I could sit and watch people authentically experience and enjoy their passion all day. I feel as though I am watching Christmas morning. Its as though his life's work and passion has come together for this very moment, as to say, "It was worth buying the ticket."

[@pfflyers1]

Far out man

[@ZiddersRooFurry]

Well fucking said.

[@InnerWorlds]

Whoa... reading your comment from a month ago ON christmas morning! Dooooood.... far out.

[@mordantvistas4019]

Merry Christmas

[@frankzima7998]

Very nicely said. He's giving us a piece of music history... I'm gonna sit back and listen...

[@BabyBoomerChannel]

The thing I most respect about Smith is he's like a regular person, and a virtuoso at the same time.

[@herbie747]

Virtuoso?

[@njbaldman]

yes, virtuoso...

[@herbie747]

***** lol

[@fretbuzz59]

+BabyBoomerChannel +Michael Lee You guys sure have a funny of spelling "hack."

[@BubbaZen10]

Yes, virtuoso. You would have a very tough time finding someone who plays guitar better than this gentleman.

[@davidmartin7081]

I saw G.E. Smith one particular S.N.L. show, he was sitting and he had a indescribable look on his face! As the camera panned back, sitting in the chair next to him was Johnny Winter!! I FELL outta my chair!

[@ClassicalJams]

From the first moment I saw him play on S&L, I felt the joy and soul of this man and his mastery follows his joy everywhere he goes and with everything he does. When he plays, he reminds me of a little boy that just opened up the best gift he ever received. This guy is the real deal and there is no substitute for passion :-)

[@TomasLonga]

I love the joy on his face when he touches her for the first time. Priceless

[@charliedee9276]

I loved hearing G.E. play on SNL than several years later I saw the Smithsonian film called "Electric Revolution" about the history of the electric guitar and Mr. Smith was the narrator. So cool to hear and watch him play all the significant electric guitars since day one.

[@Violetcas97]

I love hearing this man, how passionate and knowledgeable he is

[@EdenTrain]

So great to see you with his guitar. You're the right guy to share this with us all. We all grew up listening to these same records from the our heroes of the day!

[@chopsddy3]

I can't believe what I'm seeing. We are the same age .Those two albums are literally part of me, and we were both in Pennsylvania. When Dylan got booed at Newport for "going electric" I was so pissed that I bought a cherry v- necked , three position selector switch Stratocaster. It was part of a polka band project that never happened and had been stored in the case under a bed since 1963. I paid the princely sum of $100 for it. I've been kicking myself for letting that slip out of my hands for 40+years. I really appreciate this post. Thanks. Rock on Blues Daddy. That Tele is part of my consciousness.

[@rodmcdonough6111]

Come for Bloomfield's guitar... stay for G.E. Smith

[@W4RD1N8ER]

This man knows his stuff I love when he pulls out a real treasure of a guitar and plays it while he tells you about it's history. He has played some of the most iconic guitars ever! A real collector and historian and he is badass on guitar! G.E. Smith one of my favorite guitarists in the world among many others.

[@mikemichaelmusic09]

G.E. Smith is a underrated Guitar Player He is a Master Guitar Player, more people should learn from him. Thank you Mr.Smith.

[@richardcameron4843]

it's just neat to hear and see a fellow that is just so in love with music - so completely sold out to it, so full of the joy of it. That's always been my sense about him.

[@doylesinclair4499]

wow, he really puts it into perspective when he says (rightly so) that this is one of the most listened to guitars of all time

[@brianburke808]

This video made me far happier than I expected. You can see the joy on his face.

[@andrewz4537]

I wore out my first copy of the original Butterfield album, bought another, and I still listen to in on CD. Bloomfield was the man. I have an early copy of Highway 61 Revisited which has a different version of Like a Buick 6. It's always strange for me to hear the other on the air, which is seldom. What a pleasure to see a master recreate and break down some of Bloomers licks. I'd sit up front on the floor in the old Fillmore and watch but never caught any of the subtleties G.E. points out here. Thanks so much!

[@MrFender64]

Another G.E. SMITH video that I've totally enjoyed. Thank You my friend, if you are reading this.

[@51scouser]

the love, passion and admiration just shines through, thanks G.E

[@davidtrindle6473]

My 9 year old grandson has been playing guitar for 3 years. I want him to see the pure love of good music GE Smith emanates when he’s playing or even talk about the music. “It doesn’t matter what you do in life, only how much Love you do it with!”-anon

[@stby_outdoors]

I've never seen someone so excited and knowledgeable about a single guitar.

[@Gardner0871public]

If they make a movie about GE Smith he should be played by Willem Dafoe

[@MistaSCARY]

Agreed 😂

[@davidfarris894]

verryyy interesting.I could see it

[@mbmrip11]

Lol no kidding, it’s in the voice big time.

[@denisrichardson3260]

He’s about the same age ..hate to ruin the likeness thing but I’d hope he’d play himself ..he’s got it all ..communicator muso extraordinary &..walked the walk..☮️

[@carlschumacher3257]

or star with him as twin brothers.

[@Paul_Lenard_Ewing]

I'm 70 I had all those records too. My biggest mind blower was buying the Beano album at a tiny tiny record store that only sold cool Brit imports. They would not let you hear the records so you had to follow your gut. ...but you ended up with a lot of classics for your gamble.

[@rodparsons521]

I bought my first copy of the Butterfield album in '65 as an import from Dobell's in the Charing X Road, my introduction to the Elektra label. It was also a tiny shop. You have to love GE's enthusiasm.

[@franklmac]

I ran into the beano album myself a year after constantly listening to the first Butterfield album. I could tell that Clapton was listening to that first album as much as I was. I loved both albums as they both had very innovative blues playing; far surpassing any blues players of the time. Clapton took some of Mike's guitar licks but was able to make them all his own. I respect Eric for crediting Bloomfield as his guitar idol. Don't respect Hendrix for not crediting his style to Mike Bloomfield, although, I know, he was listening to Bloomfield as well. When I first heard Hendrix on the radio, I thought it was Bloomfield playing guitar. I said, "wow, Mike finally made it on the radio charts but.......It was Jimi.

[@maduroholdings]

This made me smile I love telecasters this guy is incredible

[@ShawnaGraham50]

He knows his shit dam! And that smirk when he’s playing too. Always enjoyed listening to him

[@rmp7400]

Confidence.

[@redjet4810]

Gotta love GE remembering Bloomfield.

[@jameslighterGTR]

Man congratulations on being able to actually play the literal guitar that meant that much to you. Thank you for this video too what a great watch and listen.

[@randysandford4033]

One of the greatest guitarists of our time bar none! He has played with and for everybody who is anybody in the rock/blues/jazz arena. This was so educational! I even loved the fact that he talked about Highway 61. Except for the Beatles it is certainly one of my favorite albums of all time. I was about 12 years old when I bought it and I still have that same copy. Great post!!!

[@jeffsReed]

Thanks GE for remembering Michael in such detail. He was special and most of today's world missed him. Great musician gone too soon. Always enjoyed your work too and the job you did on Dylan's birthday celebration. Hope all is well.

[@GUMNUT.]

I am in awe at how happy this man is playing that guitar. That's a beautiful thing.

[@neilcrowesongs9768]

Absolute gold. Bloomfield was a monster of a player, he WAS electric. For a great player like G.E. to connect with the guitar that created so much iconic and groundbreaking music is just... a whole lotta wow.

[@MUFFINHEAD1985]

I never get bored of this video. What a dude.

[@austinknowlton1783]

What a great guitar player. I remember watching SNL in my early teens and being so impressed with him. I wondered why he wasn't more famous, and why I hadn't heard of him before.

[@synchronicity492]

I just want to say thank you to Mr. Smith for sharing this great guitar story and a bit of music history and his love of Mike Bloomfied's playing. Not to mention Sir, you're playing this classic guitar sounded pretty fine, too.

[@musicbruise]

This is so rewarding to watch. This video went pretty over my head (no idea who either Smith or Bloomfield was) , but I saw someone who got to hold a piece of their personal inspiration and history. Really cool stuff, no worthier hands to be in, I doubt.

[@tefenstrat]

Wow wow...Thanks so much GE. I agree with a ton of these posts I am reading tonight . I am a relatively new fan of yours. I have been playing for over 50 years myself. And IMO you are one special cool dude! Thanks again man!!!!!!

[@ChristiaanHartNibbrig]

I stumbled across this video and it blew me away. What a neat experience for this guitar player. Thank you for posting.

[@AP-ui7oi]

Met GE about ten years ago. he was absolutely a cool cat. Fabulous player.

[@truckerkevthepaidtourist]

Aaron Prince GE is great..From time with Hall and Oates thru Saturday Night Live a cool cat..Lot's of his Ytube stuff where he geeks out like many of us are awesome.

[@mykull666]

He really is a nice guy. I used to work for this place called S.I.R. in NYC and we supplied the backline for SNL, Letterman, Conan etc. as well as rehearsal rooms. I mainly worked with the guest musicians on those shows but got to know all the house band members pretty good. He was always very cool. I saw him a few years back on Roger Waters The Wall Tour and he was amazing. He is a great player that has an amazing ability to duplicate other guitarists. He doesn't just play the song he damn near duplicates the nuances of the original guitarists. He has to be one of the top session and touring musicians out there.

[@RicCrouch]

I love how he's like a little kid at Christmas playing this guitar! He's such a pro and such a fan of music in general that he's a blast to listen to.

[@janpolubinski3989]

Aaron Prince G.E. SMITH ,STILL IS GREAT GUITAR PLAYER !!! HE WAS Stage Director on 30 years aniversary of BOB Dylan in New York, I was lucky to see G.E Smith and speak with him on E train in New York ,some place on Lexington Ave.He is great guitar man and my Hero. CHEERS Mr.Guitar Man ,Mr. G.E.Smith. I hope to see you again and say Hello.

[@janpolubinski3989]

By the way G.E. SMITH is the man with great sense of humor. Please , keep going with your guitar music.You are really great. !

[@sullyb23511]

The twinkle in his eye when he says, "Let's plug in!" at 1:31 made me smile.

[@burkehorner7104]

I have been a Mike Bloomfield fan for nearly sixty years now, and G.E. brought it back like it was yesterday. Fantastic commentary by a present great, surviving some of the most amazing licks in guitar history!

[@dkstryker]

GE is so humble he just is so happy to do what he does. Always loved him on SNL.

[@keithkrey5996]

I get excited that GE gets excited about the man/guitar that got me excited about the blues. Thanks GE!!

[@melvin151515]

I was at this small get together for Whole Foods employees in San Gregorio, California in the late 90's. They had hired some no name bands to entertain the crowd. Then there was a stir. Well, out comes G.E. Smith and busts out the lead guitar to play for the hundred or so people at the event. Then the Tubes came out and played a set accompanied by several members of Jefferson Starship. What a day.

[@dagnabbit6187]

Vintage Dude discusses and plays vintage guitar. Let’s hope they stick around for a long time !

[@rickpotvin5984]

The first time I heard this album was in a friends kitchen jamming with my bring brand new 1963 Telecaster. A young Bruce Cockburn had just bought it and wanted all of us to have a listen. We were blown away! Still have the Tele and the album. 😎

[@DesrochersBob]

Well done G.E. I enjoyed your enthusiasm and tribute to Mike Bloomfield!

[@bb1111116]

My favorite album with Michael Bloomfield on it is Muddy Waters’ “Father’s and Sons” which also had Paul Butterfield, Donald "Duck" Dunn, Otis Spann, and Sam Lay. I can hear the guitar from that album in my mind that GE is playing on this video. Great stuff.

[@guitarblanket9129]

Not only I could but I will watch this material over and over again. LOVE IT! THANKS GUYS!

[@babyfactory587]

one of my favorite videos on youtube Ive been re-watching it for a few years.

[@machia-mw1lm]

G.E.Smith is quite the historian . Intelligent observations . I enjoyed this . Thank you . New Jersey , USA

[@keithgardner5818]

I love that, "I'm not sure if it's even a full 1 11/16", it feels more like 1 5/8" to me!" So cool.

[@Ahmadkz]

The smile on his face while playing the guitar :")

[@williamshafer1996]

I love G. E. Smith! I have probably heard him playing live more than anyone else. Every Saturday night. Loved his style. Made me pick up a guitar and learn to play! Awesome.

[@drumsNstuff79]

That tone!! This guitar is a real sweet one! Minus it's historical significance and the added cutaway, it is still just a sweet vintage classic guitar and G.E. just makes it sing! G.E. knows the Tele well and makes this one sound great. Plus when you think of the time frame you understand why it was modified. It was turned "lefty" before you could really get a lefty Tele from Fender without it being an expensive custom order, before anything aftermarket, and before the words "vintage" and "valuable" existed in the guitar community. A lefty player did what he had to. Bummer it got changed but it still sounds just as nice as anything. And I love seeing G.E. Smith of all tele pickers play it.

[@TucsonBillD]

Guys, like G.E., I also grew up listening to Mike's playing on the Paul Butterfield Blues Band L.P.... almost as many times as G.E. did. While I no longer have the l.p. (a sordid tale of woe and misfortune) I do have the CD... and I still listen to it. Maybe someday I'll even learn a couple of Mike's licks...

[@overlook77]

"I'd love to saw a giant chunk out of a telecaster. This one Mike Bloomfield owned that was on those famous Bob Dylan albums should work fine."

[@j_freed]

Never let a Lefty near a vintage guitar.

[@MonotoneCreeper]

j freed Apart from Hendrix

[@SirHeadly84]

I wonder who cut it up. It was obviously a lefty..so not G.E. Smith.. but who?

[@wamgoc3637]

Chris Holcomb Chris Stein famously sawed a set of horns into the bottom of a white guard custom color top loader Tele but he was always clammy about where it wound up. It turns out that this was one of “The Stolen Guitars Hurt Me More” guitars.

[@AB-vn2jc]

j freed never let a righty near a left handed vintage, malcom young had a lefty vintage that he fucked up. You’ve got a bunch more vintage stuff, leave it alone for us, would ya?

[@MechaJoezilla]

I love hearing him talk about this stuff. I could listen for hours.

[@dmer7635]

Because you're a pathetic loser

[@ngirabedechal]

of all the music i liked growing up, watching GE smith play on saturday nite live made me want to play. I think it's the way they filmed him in the band letting us see what he was doing--front and center.

[@AbsurdistAgent]

A true master. What a cool guy...just exudes a good energy.

[@franklmac]

G. E. that lick at 3:44 is one of the licks on this album that knocked me out the most. Although it has an element of country and rockabilly it most reminded me of a jet engine : taking off especially when he would slide down on the high E to the open E. I thought it was one of the most amazing licks I had ever heard! I know many people compare Bloomfield to his idol BB KIng, but his amazing lick was pure, pure Bloomfield; no comparison to anyone before or since. Sometimes I couldn't tell if he was using a slide or just his fingers. Thank you pal for this;

[@GuitarisGreat1]

wow what a special moment in time. ge smith is the straight up real deal dude you are awesome

[@WreckinWalker]

I'd listen to this all day. All this was really before my time, but it's epic. Respect

[@wanderingsurf2842]

This was sweet. One of the best parts of SNL was watching Smith with the SNL band.

[@jaya.0069]

GE is one of the great ones that has played with the best at one time or another in his career. Always humble and always in the background making his beautiful music!

[@catherinecrow5662]

What a great video. I didnt realize who G.E. was until SNL. I pretty much followed his exposure, as did many of us, to Butterfield, Bloomfield and the explosion of Dylan going electric at Newport. Thanks for this

[@aa64912]

GE Smith is one of those great musicians who has that rare talent of being able to make the people he plays behind shine. I have a couple people I would enjoy jamming with and he is one.

[@joerodriguez8272]

What a beautiful instrument! What crisp, easy sound it belts out.

[@gastondeveaux3783]

I always love seeing G.E. jamming out.

[@golflre7179]

I love GE’s guitar playing. Thanks GE for a great walk down memory lane.