MUSICAL  "INFLUENCES"

My Musical History began in 1965.  I was 14 when my older brother John (who is still a very multi-talented musician) and his friends formed a band.  They desperately needed a drummer, so I weaseled my way into the band by offering to play drums (very badly).  Then in 1967, I started playing bass and found my niche. 

1969 - Me at

bottom right

I attended an art college in 1971, but lost interest, as I couldn’t see where to apply my talent.  The intervening years were spent working as a machinist & quality control manager; raising a family; and playing occasional gigs with musician friends. 

For over 35 years, I’ve played both lead guitar and bass in various local bands.  During that time, I was also infected with the dreaded G.A.S. (Guitar Acquisition Syndrome), and devolved into an equipment-holic.  Like many guitar players, I started dreaming about “building my own”.

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Kenny Bailey, the drummer for our band “Paradise”, had been a friend of Paul Reed Smith when he had lived in Maryland.  So in June 1987, Kenny arranged a day trip for us (& our bass player, Bobby Craighead) to go up to Annapolis  and see “Paul’s shop”.  Seeing all those gorgeous curly-maple bodies hanging from the ceiling was another milestone in my guitar-building evolution. 

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In 1995, I heard about A.S.I.A. (Association of Stringed Instrument Artisans) and attended their Symposium in Easton, PA that summer. 

I was amazed to find answers to all my questions on how-to’s and materials sources from helpful and encouraging folks like Don MacRostie of Stewart MacDonald Co.  I got to work right away and produced my “Main Squeeze”.  After hearing the guitar, the band forbade me from using my old Fender again!  Over the next few years, I continued building and learning more.  Especially experimenting with different electronics, tone woods, and finishes.

Then in 2000, I attended another A.S.I.A. Symposium.  Again, the atmosphere was one of willingness to help the “new boy” (even a solid-body electric builder such as myself).  Bob Taylor of Taylor Guitars was particularly kind and encouraging.  Shell inlay classes were being conducted by Dave Nichols and Grit Laskin, renowned masters of their craft.   I asked Dave, “Isn’t it tedious?” He replied, “Would I be doing this nearly 40 years if it was tedious?”  I was immediately intrigued…..and committed. 

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At last, I had found the perfect marriage of my artistic & musical interests, plus my years of experience working with hand-tools of all types and sizes (from microscopic-precision instruments to a huge Bridgeport milling machine).  Since our kids were grown and doing fine on their own, I decided to push forward with the Fuquay Inlay & Guitar Company endeavor full-time.  Gradually, sales and custom-inlay orders picked up. 

Exhibit in Waynesboro, VA - July, 2002

I also want to mention Warren Dovel, owner of Guitar & Amp Center in Harrisonburg, VA.   In addition to being an honest businessman and all-around nice guy, Warren’s my electronics' wizard.  Also, he let me apprentice a few years ago to learn repair techniques; is a ukulele and vintage guitar collector; AND he hooked me up with Victor Cabas.

Victor keeps me in bread & butter doing restoration work on his vintage "beater" players.   If he’s got a few extra minutes, he might  stay for spaghetti, or play a little Delta blues.  Even our dog (black lab, “Jack”) looks forward to Victor’s comings & goings. 

Please, allow us to provide that special guitar or inlay project

you've always dreamed of.

Charlie Fuquay

July, 2003

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A  NOTE  ABOUT  MY  "SHOP"

Nestled in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, is my Shop and Home. 

By utilizing the entire large walkout basement for the business, I can truly be said to "live over the shop".  The basement has heat & AC, doors & windows for light and ventilation, and is always dry, even in rainy years. 

Appropriate areas are designated for exotic-wood storage; large machinery; a well-lit workbench; drafting table; and music area with amps, effects, and piano.  The supposed "relaxation area" consists of a sofa (usually stacked with guitars), a table (usually covered with drawings), and a pool table (Did you know that the low-hanging, bright lights over pool tables are excellent for close instrument inspection?!).

And of course, the shop is the favorite hangout of "Jack" (the dog).

Come visit sometime........