Holly Mack, Daughter of Lonnie Mack Passes Away

 

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I find it amazing and I am honored by the number of friendships I have through social media. A few of these folks are with well-known people, generally musicians, that I had seen in concerts, and purchased their records when I was a much younger man. All are sweet, honest, approachable people that seem to take interest in my reminiscence of those earlier days. 

I have developed a special friendship with a handful of these folks. I am not going to be pretentious and drop names. Although I will mention this young lady that I befriended.

Lonnie Mack

In 2016 I wrote a blog article about Lonnie Mack. His music was very special to me during the days when I began playing guitar. 

The Wham of that Memphis Man

At age 12 I purchased his LP, “The Wham of that Memphis Man”, and slowed the turntable to half speed so I could pick up each line of what Lonnie was playing (only it was an octave lower). I learned to play guitar, note for note this way. And I was able to learn Memphis, and most of Wham. 

The Jockey Club

Back in the mid 1960’s there was a local night spot called The Jockey Club in Newport, Kentucky. It opened on Sunday afternoons for teen dances. As a 13-year-old kid I had the pleasure of seeing Lonnie Mack and his band play there. Lonnie made his home in nearby Southern Indiana. 

Fraternity Records

Lonnie's first recordings were done on Fraternity Records based in Cincinnati, Ohio. The actual studio was at King Records in Cincinnati.  Lonnie worked there  as a session player. When one act that he played guitar for was done, they still had 20 minutes left, Lonnie and his band used that time to cut some tracks.  These tracks became Lonnie's first recording.

Lonnie Mack Band 1963

While he was hustling gigs on the road, this album made it to number 4 on the R&B billboard charts. Guitar players from all over the world purchased this record and began to take notice his style. 

Lonnie said didn't listen to the radio, he just played clubs from Cincinnati to Miami and was unaware that he was becoming famous until a DJ told him his record was climbing to number one. 

Lonnie died of natural causes on April 21, 2016.

Holly Mack

About five years ago I met Lonnie’s daughter, Holly Mack, on Facebook, and struck up a friendship with her. She set me straight on a few points regarding her father’s history. 

Lonnie with #7

Holly had become the keeper of all things Lonnie Mack. She owned his iconic Gibson 1959 Flying Vee, serial number 007, or as Lonnie called it “Number 7”. Holly also owned his original Magnatone amplifier. The “True-Vibrato” on that gave Lonnie his unique tone. She was the proud owner of Flying V Music publishing company, and Flying V Records.

Lonnie with Great Grandson
and daughter, Holly

I found myself fortunate to write back and forth to Holly. So, I was devastated to learn that she passed away this past Monday, June 22nd. I knew Holly was facing some health problems. But she did not talk about them. She had cancer. 

Holly passed away at 12:31 pm at her home. 

Holly and Lonnie Mack

Holly Mack was beloved by many folks, especially those that knew her and lived in Nashville, where she made her home. She was only 56 years old, a wife, mother, and grandmother. Her biggest heartache in life was the loss of her son, James Featherman III.  

Holly Mack Obituary

Holly Christine McIntosh Featherman's life was a testament to love, resilience, and kindness. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered in the hearts of those she touched. I personally will miss her sassy attitude, humor, and knowledge. 

She must have known her end was near. Her last Facebook post was done on Father's Day, June 16, 2026. She said, "See ya soon Dad. Happy Rockin Father's Day Asshole. LOL".  May her memory live on and not be forgotten.

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God speed Holly. May you Rest In Peace.

Dean Guitars

 

Young Dean Zelinsky

Dean Guitars are perhaps one of the most interesting guitar stories that I have run across in the past 16 years that I have been writing these articles. The company was started by Dean Zelinsky while he was still a teenager. 

His father, Robert Zelinsky, owned a company that manufactured custom industrial fasteners. When young Dean was only 12 years old his father was killed in a plane accident. 

Dean had always been curious about how things work. He took apart radios, he even took apart a Gibson Flying Vee guitar and sawed it in half, hoping to make a better instrument. 

Young Dean Zelinsky

After graduating from high school, Zelinsky got a job at local Chicago music stores repairing guitars and doing custom paint jobs. He had toured Gibson’s Kalamazoo factory and learned what he could about their process for building electric guitars. 

Matt Lynn

In 1977 Dean started his own company building custom guitars. His first model was called ML. The initials were a tribute to his best friend, Matt Lynn, who had passed away from cancer when both were in high school. 

Dean ML Guitar

This unique instrument combined the sharp lines of a Flying Vee and an Explorer. A number of well-known Rock and Metal players soon took up this instrument as their choice on stage. 

ZZ Top Dean Guitars

Dean continued to build custom guitars for artists, such as the spinning fuzzy guitar and bass used by ZZ Top. Zelinsky also created a V shaped guitar, and what he called a Z shaped guitar, that was based on a Gibson Explorer. Both instruments had the Dean unique headstock. 

Dean Zelinsky

Dean Zelinsky was only 20 years old when he started his company. Through his dealings with music stores, and well-known artists he became adapt at marketing his instruments. 

2004 Dean NAMM Booth

Within a year at age 21 People Magazine did a story about him. To promote his guitars at NAMM shows, Zelinsky hired Playboy models to hang out at his booth. 

In 2008 Zelinsky left Dean Guitars. By then corporate advisors had entered the scene, and Dean felt he could no longer be in control. 

Dean and Suzi Zelinsky

He sold his company, married a Playboy model, and had a family. He left to spend more time at home. 

Elliot Robinson

The corporate take-over began way back in 1997 when the Dean brand was sold to a Florida businessman named Elliot Robinson. In his younger days he played bass guitaf for Michael Schenker, Uli Jon Roth, and Michael Angelo Batio. His company was called Armadillo Enterprises. The headquarters was moved to Florida, and Robinson recruited several artists to play Dean Guitar. 

Dimebag Darrell Abbott

These artists included Dimebag Darrell, Leslie West, and Dave Mustaine. 

After a 3 year absence, Zelinsky returned as a consultant in 2000 to design new instruments. Most notably was the “Razorback” guitar played by Dimebag Darrell Abbott. 

Evan Robinson (left)

In 2017, Robinson unexpectedly passed away. Control of the company went to his son Evan. 

In preceding years, Dean continued to produce guitars in the USA, carving out a niche among the heavy metal guitar community, and diversifying into Asian-made budget instruments. 

Gibson vs Armadillo

In 2019 Gibson Guitar filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against Armadillo Enterprises/Dean Guitar inferring they had used Gibson’s proprietary shapes (the Vee, the SG, and the Explorer). In 2022 the court found in favor of Gibson, however Dean continued producing and selling these instruments. 

Dean Guitars were found in contempt and ordered to pay $4,000 in damages, and the entire cost of Gibson’s legal fees, which amounted to well over $100,000. 

Dimebag Estate vs Armadillo

More legal problems occurred in 2021 when the estate of Dimebag Darrell sued Armadillo Enterprises for using the Razorback logo. 

Evan Robinson left the company in 2022 leaving his mother in charge.  

By 2023 Dean Guitars had a debt of 4 million dollars and filed for foreclosure. 

Dean Files Bankruptcy

Recently Dean Guitars filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The current owner is Pamela Keris-Robinson, mother of Evan. 

Chapter 11 allows the company to create a plan for restructuring and settlement of its debts. You may recall Gibson Guitars, and Guitar Center filed for Chapter 11, and came back stronger. Dean Guitar sent a letter out to its dealers advising them that orders are being fulfilled and the company is sill in business.

Dean Zelinsky Private Label

As for Dean Zelinsky, in April of 2012 he launched Dean Zelinsky Private Label Guitars. These are custom boutique instruments made in the USA.  

These are beautiful, well designed instruments, with remarkable features including the Z-Glide neck, and custom pickups. Price range is $2,200 to $7,000.

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Gay Guitars

 Gay guitars!!!?    Yes, you heard me right.

And this article has nothing to do with Pride Month. Although I got to say, these guitars are rather flamboyant.  

And why isn't there a National Guitar Month?  But I digress.

We are going to take some time to acknowledge the creations of Canadian luthier Frank Gay.

Frank Gay's Personal Guitar

Luthier, guitarist, composer, and watch maker Frank (Francois) Gay at one time was very popular with famous country singers of the 1950’s and ‘60’s. His elaborate designs on the guitars went well with the artist’s Nudie suits.

Frank Gay guitar

Frank Gay was born to French Canadian parents in the town of Marcelin, which is a small city north of Saskatoon, on April 23, 1923.

Frank Gay

I first became interested in Mr. Gay when a friend posted a picture of a Webb Pierce album cover on Face Book. Pierce was holding this guitar that was all decked out in fancy inlay and binding and heart shaped sound hole. I had to find out about that guitar, which started me on my quest.

Webb Pierce

Pierce's guitar pickguard was clear, and the binding was very unusual unlike other guitars I have come across. I did a little research and discovered that not only the body was elaborate, but the neck and headstock were exquisite. The headstock was like something I have never seen. This acoustic guitar had a six-on-a-side elaborately carved headstock.

 It was then I set out to find more about the builder.

Frank Gay studied music at the New York School of Music. He was already a qualified watch maker, but his interest lay in music. Frank moved to Toronto to further his music studies under the tutelage of guitar instructor Norman Chapman, who later became his partner in a duo.

R.S. Williams & Co. Piano

For a day job, Gay apprenticed at R.S. Williams and Co. which was the largest workshop and Canadian manufacture of pianos and other stringed instruments. Frank spent two years working at this company, before setting up his own studio and shop in Edmonton. This was in the year of 1953.

Johnny Horton with Gay Guitar

It was then that Mr. Gay set forth building the fancy steel string guitars that became so popular with country musicians. Johnny Cash, Don Gibson, Hank Snow, Carl Smith, Ferlin Husky, Webb Pierce, Faron Young, and Johnny Horton all owned at played Gay guitars.

Carl Smith's Gay Guitar - CMHOF

Three Gay guitars, owned by the latter three musicians, were once on display at the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville Tennessee.

Ferlin Husky

Perhaps the most unusual Gay guitar was made for country star Ferlin Husky. It currently resides in the Mac Yasuda collection. Many who have seen it, mistake it for a Gibson J-200 that was painted with unusual inlay designs that were not just on the head and neck. 

This guitar included floral inlays on the instrument's body.

The sound hole on this instrument is almost triangular, similar to the one found on a Gretsch Rancher. The 3-on-a-side headstock is much different from any Gibson now or of its day.

Unfortunately some of Gay’s early models did not hold up well due to the glue and bindings he used. Subsequently some of the instruments fell apart. Country stars like Husky and Carl Smith had relationships with big name guitar manufacturers.

Husky's Gay Guitar

In the case of Ferlin Husky’s guitar, it was repaired by Gibson guitars and upon finishing, they slapped a Gibson logo over the Gay crest.

Carl Smith's Gay Guitar

Carl Smith’s Gay guitar was repaired by Sho-bud. When the guitar was returned, the headstock featured a “Customized by Sho-bud” logo.

It was in the mid 1950’s Frank was approached by someone from Canadian radio station CKUA.

Frank was living in Edmonton, Alberta and building guitars in his garage. Word that a somewhat famous luthier lived in the same town as the radio station prompted an interview.

Upon meeting the fellow from CKUA, Frank Gay put on an impromptu concert and played various genres of music, using a different guitar for each. The show's producer was very impressed.

1960 Gay Acoustic

Frank was supposed to just do an interview for the show, however due to his talent he was asked to do a program on the station. This proved a blessing for the tiny radio station. Not only was Frank Gay a gifted luthier and guitarist, but he had a lot of friends in the music industry that he invited to be on his show. His show on CKUA lasted from 1958 to 1963.

Carl Smith

Frank Gay went on to make appearances on CBC and do pop music recordings. He has played concerts and coffee houses. In 1959 Frank Gay founded the Classical Guitar Society, which is possibly the first in western Canada.

Frank Gay Guitar

By the early 1960’s Frank had moved on to building classical guitars, using a Ramirez flamenco guitar (given to him by Carlos Montoya) and an Esteco classical guitar as models.

Gay Flamenco Guitar

Gay went on to build guitars for Montoya and Alirio Diaz. Gay has also built folk guitars, a small five course (10 strings) renaissance guitar, lutes, mandolins, banjos and even a few solid body electric guitars. Gay was noted for his fine inlay work and unique designs.

Frank Gay Triple Neck

To this day, the late Frank Gay is recognized as an innovative artisan and a major figure in the history of Canadian stringed-instrument making.  Here is a rare triple neck electric guitar made by Frank Gay and owned by "Cadillac Bob".

(Photo by Jim Hilmar)

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Aspen Guitars

 

Aspen AD18

During the 1980’s my wife decided she wanted to learn to play guitar. We were shopping at a local department store and in their audio department, and I spotted a guitar for only $80. This was odd as it was there among the stereos, and speakers. 

Swallens

However the store was Swallens in Cincinnati, Ohio which sold a number of unusual items, including Gretsch guitars in the store's furniture section.

The $80 guitar even included a soft case. I picked it up, played it, and thought yeah, she would probably like this guitar. So, I bought it. 

Aspen Guitar

The brand name on the headstock said Aspen. It was a knock off version of a Martin D-18. The soundboard looked solid, but was probably laminate. The back and sides were definitely laminate. The neck was probably maple. The tuners were basic, but they worked just fine. 

I tried to teach my wife a few chords, but she lost interest. But heck, it was only $80. 

Brass Nut & Saddle

I decided to experiment on that guitar. First, I took it to a music store and had a brass nut and saddle cut and installed. This gave the guitar a very bright voice. I sanded down the top to bare wood and then put stain on it. I thought it would change the color to a faux mahogany finish. However, the wood soaked in the stain giving the guitar a very rustic look. It was a nice instrument, never my favorite but nice. 

When my daughter was in her teens, she picked it up and played this guitar for a while. I was happy to give it to her. However she gave it to her boyfriend, and I never saw that guitar again. 

Aspen Guitars

Over the years I have always wondered about Aspen Guitars. At the time I purchased the guitar I came across some literature regarding Aspen. They did offer several very nice instruments. These were mostly copies of Martin guitars. 

At the time I assumed the guitars were built in Asia. But there was not much information back in the 1980’s. 

International Music Corporation 

I later learned that Aspen Guitars was a trademark of a distribution company called International Music Corporation that was located in Fort Worth, Texas. The guitars were built by the Tokai Company of Japan and branded with the Aspen logo.

Conn F-100 Acoustic

From 1970 to 1973, Tokai also produced the Conn line of acoustic guitars under contract with C.G. Conn. Conn was an American musical instrument company known mostly for their horns and saxophones. One of my instructors at my college owned a Conn guitar that he loved. He said it sounded better than a similar Martin.

In fact in 1972, Tokai entered a joint venture with C. F. Martin & Company to supply acoustic guitar parts and build Martin's Sigma electric guitars. 

Tokai Cats Eye CE-500

In 1975, Tokai launched its own Cat's Eyes line of acoustic guitars, which were replicas of C.F. Martin guitars. International Music Corporation contracted with Tokai to supply guitars already branded with their trademarked Aspen logo. The original Aspen guitars were offered in two tiers. 

Dealer's List

The A series featured laminated tops and bodies, and had a retail price range between $200 and $570. Aspen's high end Aspen Luthier (or AL) series had solid wood tops, and a retail new price range between $790 and $1,500. Aspen A-Series guitars carry a used price between $100 and $150, depending on condition; the AL-Series rates a bit higher, between $300 and $500. 

Hondo Guitars

Initially Tokai built instruments in Japan. Later production move to Korea.  Instruments previously produced in Korea between 1987 and 1991. International Music Corporation discontinued Aspen in 1978 when they began importing electric guitars under the Hondo brand name. These instruments were also built by Tokai. 

1980 Robin Ranger

IMC later imported electric guitars under the Tokai brand name. In 1981 IMC imported guitars under the Robin trademark. Robin later became a boutique guitar company.

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