Rush’s Alex Lifeson is reunited with his first-ever guitar
Back when he was a kid, Alex Lifeson desperately wanted an electric guitar. On Christmas Eve 1967, , it arrived: a red Canora semi-hollow body Japanese import. He’d go on to play that guitar for years, including during Rush’s early period.
But then he and the guitar got separated and for decades, it was as good as lost. However, it turned up one day in a box, mostly in pieces. The body was dinged and had been repainted no fewer than four times. But still that treasured first guitar.
Alex gave the scraps to Garren Dakessian, an Oakville, Ontario-based luthier and owner of Loucin Guitar Co., who had already crafted a couple of gorgeous acoustics for him. (I’ve heard them; they’re among the best-sounding guitars I’ve ever heard). Alex wondered if Garren could bring the old guitar back to life.
And he did. The whole thing was lovingly restored to better than new quality. And when Alex picked it up, I’ll bet he shed a tear or two.
Here’s a great picture: It’s Alex on that Christmas morning so many years ago with the new Alex ‘shopped in next to his younger self.
Can you clarify how the box of pieces arrived, and when? Sent by someone known to Alex, or anonymously? The “how” and the timing are the crucial details begging to be fleshed out.