TRIBUTE TO GUITAR BUILDER
GERARD MELANCON
by Scott Bernard
I first met Gerard in 2002 or 2003 at a Summer
NAMM. I walked by the Melancon booth and
being from South Louisiana, the name Melancon
caught my attention. It’s a very common Cajun
name. I walked up to him and asked him where
he was from because I was curious if it was, in
fact, a South Louisiana company.
Well, we talked for a while and seemed to
hit it off. His guitars were amazing, but I was
immediately drawn to the man. Gerard was
very kind hearted and soft spoken. His Cajun
accent was quite welcoming and reminded
me of home. Turns out that they were currently
listening to a record in the shop that I had
played guitar on.
After a while he told me that he felt lead to build
me a guitar. It’s been my #1 since. I’ve bought
two others. Completely satisfied.
The last guitar was delivered to my house on
a Monday and on Tuesday I received a text
from his wife that Gerard was hospitalized. He
passed away a few days later. Heartbreaking.
I truly believe it was God’s timing and God
ordained for me to get this guitar when I did.
Getting the details together for it was my last
real contact with Gerard. I am so glad to have
those conversations with him.
My guitar was one of the last guitars that he
worked on, if not the last.
I will cherish this guitar, not because it’s a
phenomenal instrument - which it is - but
because it reminds me of a friend who I had
great respect for personally and professionally.
Scott Bernard / Guitarist – Kenny Loggins Band
He will be missed.
112
November 2019
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