My journey into guitar playing was ignited by Nokie Edwards and the iconic tunes of The Ventures about half a century ago. While mastering his level of guitar skill remains a dream, I’m incredibly proud to say I had the privilege of meeting the “Maestro” himself, the man who sparked my musical passion.
In 2007, I had the distinct honor and pleasure of meeting Nokie at his 72nd birthday celebration in Florence, a charming town near Salem, Oregon. This initial encounter blossomed into numerous subsequent meetings. Our first meeting marked a turning point, inspiring me to begin collecting some of his personally owned guitars.
Throughout his illustrious career, Nokie Edwards displayed a fondness for experimenting with various guitars and basses. While he favored a Telecaster when playing lead with other bands or his own projects, he transitioned to a Fender P-Bass upon joining The Ventures. By the time I met him in 2007, many of his earlier instruments were no longer in his possession. However, I was fortunate enough to acquire a few remarkable guitars directly from him.
During our meetings around 2007, Nokie was deeply immersed in his own guitar design, the “HitchHiker.” When discussing Nokie Edwards’ HitchHiker guitar, the image that often comes to mind is the electric guitar he is seen playing on stages and in concerts today.
However, the HitchHiker guitar encompasses a broader range, actually existing in three distinct types:
1) Electric HitchHiker Guitars:
This category itself has evolved through three generations of production. The initial models were crafted by Chavel Custom Shop before their acquisition by Fender. Production then shifted to Rock Creek Guitar Company in Oregon, and currently, these guitars are manufactured in Japan by Aria. The precise number of HitchHiker electric guitars produced remains uncertain, but estimations range between 50 to possibly over 100 instruments.
Chavel Model (S/N #002): These early models represent the original vision of the HitchHiker electric guitar, built with Chavel’s renowned craftsmanship.
Rock Creek Model (Prototype): This iteration showcases the evolution of the design, reflecting refinements made during the Rock Creek production period.
While I personally do not own an Aria-made HitchHiker electric guitar, I had the opportunity to play one. I was particularly impressed by the model equipped with a whammy bar, noting its smooth playability and expressive capabilities.
2) Steel String Acoustic HitchHiker Guitar:
These acoustic models were produced by Santa Cruz Guitars, renowned for their high-quality acoustic instruments. Based on the Santa Cruz FS model, the HitchHiker acoustic guitars are distinguished by a unique HitchHiker headstock design. It’s believed that only three of these steel-string acoustic HitchHikers were ever created. Nokie Edwards owned one (though its current status is unknown), I possess one myself, and another was reportedly sold to an individual in Japan. Nokie frequently utilized this acoustic guitar for recording sessions, appreciating its warm and resonant tone.
3) Classical Nylon String HitchHiker Guitar:
This exceptionally rare classical model was handcrafted by Roger Stuckless, a Canadian luthier. It is believed that only a single nylon-string HitchHiker guitar was ever made, making it a truly unique instrument.
To get a sense of their sound, I encourage you to listen to these examples:
Santa Cruz FS HitchHiker:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mrd7tfDL30g
Chavel Electric HitchHiker:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QD7Pp- … ARfw2htuCe
Here’s a photograph of Nokie playing the Rock Creek prototype, although unfortunately, no recording of this particular performance exists.
I am uncertain whether the HitchHiker guitar Nokie played at Mark Moseley’s recording studio was a Rock Creek model or a newer Aria Japan version. It’s plausible it was a recent Aria. Mark Moseley, related to the late Semie Moseley of Mosrite guitars, provides studio space where Nokie often records his music.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHg5qijLFK8
HitchHiker Nylon Classical:
It’s unlikely Nokie ever performed live with the Roger Stuckless HitchHiker Classical guitar. Its intrinsic value would make it too risky to transport on tour.
The guitar is crafted with very old Brazilian rosewood, a highly prized and increasingly rare tonewood.
Even the guitar case itself is a work of art, reflecting the bespoke nature of this instrument.
For nylon-string classical performances, Nokie often used a 1980 Gibson Chet Atkins Custom Shop classical guitar, which I am fortunate enough to own.
Here are a couple of Ventures concert clips from Japan in 1984 featuring Jerry McGee, showcasing the timeless Ventures sound:
Ventures Concert in Japan 1984: “Yesterday” with Jerry McGee
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=p … -QAByOpjjo
Ventures Concert in Los Angles 1984: “El Bimbo”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KU6PunMlr2Y
Stay tuned for more insights into Nokie Edwards’ other personal guitars in future posts.
