We Had To Make The Call
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Reluctantly, we had to.
It was not something that we were planning, but because of the allure of the Wolfhound, it left us with no viable alternative. “Wolfie"seems to have that kind of effect on so many unsuspecting guitar lovers. Yes, it’s a good thing…usually.
Josh Namba, such a fantastic person, a really good player, and one of our wonderful Anderson Artists. He stopped by on his way to a trade show for a visit and to check on an Icon Classic that we were building for him. Of course, we welcomed him with open arms. It was fun to have him.
We jumped aboard the mono-tube transport and took him for a tour around the Anderson Guitarworks campus.
Our second-to-last stop was in Final Assembly, where he could see his Icon Classic as it was preparing to come together.
And finally, with a top security badge scan, we took the turbo lift to Area W of Level 9, where classified Wolfhound and DireWolf development and testing are done.
Walking through the sealed doors, he spied a prototype Wolfhound Mutt hanging on the wall, radiating in Sparkle Burgundy Mist, and exclaimed, “Ah, there is a Wolfhound in person. The first one I have ever seen. Everyone’s talking about how great they are. May I touch it?”
“Of course you may,” and we handed it over to him, knowing he would love it. But we just did not realize how much…he would actually love-love it.
“Ah, Josh…buddy…it’s been several hours now; would you like to move on with the tour?” With a very contented smile on his face, he just shook his head and kept right on playing. So understandable, but the day turned to evening, and evening became late night, still with our very happy player completely immersed in Wolfhound Mutt. A blissful situation to be sure, but what were we to do? We were slightly concerned that he might even faint from lack of food or water over such a long period. He just wouldn’t put the Wolfhound down.
And so, we were left with no other choice when a Wolfhound Mutt musical emergency like this arises…
We had to call…his parents.
What else could we do? Fortunately, they were in the area and rushed right over. They were very experienced in Anderson Guitar playing matters such as these since Josh has several Anderson Guitars at home, and the allure can be the same for all of our models.
Once these marvelous people had worked their loving parental magic, all was well again.
And now…as a reward for “enjoying” that account of how Josh abounded with a Wolfhound around, we will continue by curtailing the fairytale part of Guitar Tales in favor of the real-world tale of Josh Namba, the artist and the guitar player.
What follows is just the Josh Namba facts (most likely):
Josh set out on his musical adventure, as do many in the wonderful Hawaiian culture, by taking up the ukulele. He began in the 3rd grade. By the 6th grade, he had expanded to also embrace the acoustic guitar, but a fascination for the electric guitar loomed large in his psyche. He could not stop fantasizing about it.
Finally, in the 8th grade, he got his first electric guitar. Oh yay! He was so stoked and plugged it into a keyboard amp that did not have the capability of distortion. He thought to himself, this doesn’t sound much like an electric guitar.
But like a lightning bolt, everything changed for Josh in the 10th grade when he saw FunTwo play — coincidentally, another Anderson Artist.
FunTwo was so fun and his mastery so impressive that Josh inspirationally became resolute in the pursuit of excellent guitar playing.
He was off to Azusa Pacific University to study music, but it did not take long until he was gigging out so much that he was more than realizing what he came for, so he dropped out and headed back home.
Touching down in Hawaii again, Josh began playing local Island Reggae — Polynesian Reggae music. It is a super popular style. All of the Pacific — and beyond — seems to enjoy it very much. Super cool.
The number one artist in the entire South Pacific area is Maoli. And guess who plays guitar with Maoli?
Yep. That’s right, your friend and ours.
Maoli is a unique artist, a cross between country and reggae, so the first guitar Josh felt he needed for this gig was a T-style instrument — but one with more comfortable body contours. As such, Josh opted for the contoured version of our T-Icon, traditionally dressed in Olympic White.
And no, you just can’t stop at one. They say once you have played an Anderson, there is no going back.
Following a flash of Shoreline Gold over 3 Color Burst, an Angel Player appeared before him to become his new, other best friend. Funny how things can step up and into the light just when you need them most.
And we know from the Tale above what number three has to be. It is a party all around with an Icon Classic laid out in Fiesta Red.
Maoli and his band are loved and play all around the world. They just finished playing Red Rock in Colorado and the Bourbon and Beyond Festival in Louisville, Kentucky.
Look for them to appear early next year at the Stagecoach Festival in California, the largest outdoor country music festival in the world. It is held annually at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California.
And you have just got to check out these videos — some of the most fun you can have viewing and listening.
Enjoy.
These are the first Maoli music videos with Josh and his Andes:
Josh Namba Performance Videos:
GUITAR SPECIFICATIONS:
