MAKING THE CONNECTION
Don mclean is a true icon and pioneer of modern folk music who has inspired countless musicians over the decades . A four-time Grammy Award nominee , Songwriter Hall of Fame member , and BBC Lifetime Achievement Award recipient , his contributions really cannot be overstated . Moreover , McLean ’ s music has proven culturally consequential : his era-defining anthem “ American Pie ” was named by the Recording Industry of America ( RIAA ) a top 5 song of the 20th Century — a classic well-deserving of its position in some pretty tall cotton .
But he didn ’ t do it alone . Not to be overlooked are McLean ’ s many partners in his craft : the impressive array of Martin guitars that have passed beneath his calloused fingertips over the past 50 years . The word “ partner ” is not hyperbolic : McLean chooses his instruments not only for their inspiring feel and tonal qualities , but for their ability to “… caress my voice and make the guitar and voice become one .” That is the holistic experience of flow . And for McLean , that experience manifests almost exclusively with Martin guitars , about which he concludes , “ Every player should know it .” There is a complex interplay of psychological and physiological mechanisms at work that makes instrument selection so very personal . A deep emotional connection to a certain guitar may spring from a life experience , tradition , the influences of a favorite artist . McLean , for example , credits Piedmont blues and folk revival artist Josh White for getting him hooked on the Martin 00-21 .
For McLean , the elements converge most compellingly through the medium of the Dreadnaught . McLean plays hard and his guitars don ’ t seem to mind , delivering the goods with no compromise to tone . He strings them with
“ The way the guitar feels in the guitarist ’ s hands , the shape of the neck , the string spacing , its response and resonance in a particular style of playing - even its smell - contribute to creating a special bond between artist and instrument .” medium gauge , set up with a rather high action , much like that preferred by bluegrass players . A bone nut , ivory bridge pins , and bone saddle with extra width coaxes more sound from the Thinline pickup he prefers . But something you won ’ t see on any of his guitars are tone controls — or anything else , for that matter , that might alter the instrument in any way . Ever the purist , McLean even designed his own straps out of a single long piece of leather two inches in width and fitted with a concho on the headstock with a two-foot-long leather saddle string which he ties in a slip knot so that there is no hardware to ding the guitar . He may play his guitars hard , but he also shows them the love .
Whether it ’ s the driving rhythm he lays down on American Pie — on a 00-21 no less — or the evocative fingerpicking accompanying Vincent — on a D-41 !— McLean has a rare knack for tapping an instrument ’ s full potential , revealing its surprising and sometimes counterintuitive sonic possibilities , and then unleashing its magic in song . It is something to behold . Learn more about how he does it in his engaging video , Legendary Tips and Guitar Tricks with Don McLean - YouTube
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