“I walked over, started playing it and I just had to buy it”: The story of Mike Bloomfield and an unexpected purchase
After Mike Bloomfield’s influence inspired him to start playing the guitar, Robben Ford’s deep connection to the legendary guitarist led him to become an avid Telecaster enthusiast. In a chance encounter in the early ’90s, Ford stumbled upon a cream-colored Telecaster that instantly captured his heart and eventually became a staple in his collection.
The cream-colored Telecaster that found its way into Ford’s possession bore a striking resemblance to the one that Bloomfield famously used while performing alongside Bob Dylan during the iconic Newport Folk Festival in 1965. Recognized as the guitar that marked the end of the folk era and the rise of electric music, Bloomfield’s Telecaster gained legendary status through its appearances on Dylan’s “Highway 61 Revisited” album and The Paul Butterfield Band’s debut record.
Eastwood Guitars paid tribute to this iconic instrument with a reissue, underscoring its enduring appeal in the world of rock music. For Ford, encountering a Telecaster similar to Bloomfield’s ’63 model sparked an immediate connection and a sense of nostalgia. Reflecting on his serendipitous find in a San Francisco music store, Ford recounted how the sight of the Telecaster evoked memories of Bloomfield’s significance in music history.
Driven by an impulse to explore this musical connection further, Ford picked up the Telecaster, strummed a few chords, and felt an irresistible urge to make it his own. Recalling the moment he knew he had to purchase the guitar, Ford emphasized the powerful draw of Bloomfield’s legacy and the profound impact it had on his musical journey.
Upon acquiring the Telecaster, Ford wasted no time in putting it to use in the studio. The guitar’s melodic versatility and unique sound became prominent features on Ford’s 1993 album, “Mystery Sensation,” where it played a vital role in shaping the album’s distinctive sound and musical direction.
Ford’s unexpected encounter with Bloomfield’s iconic Telecaster not only solidified his admiration for the legendary guitarist but also deepened his appreciation for the instrument as a symbol of musical heritage and creativity. The timeless allure of the Telecaster, coupled with its rich history and renowned status in rock folklore, continues to inspire artists like Ford to explore new musical horizons and forge meaningful connections with their musical idols.