b'Eric BibbNot so many years ago (although it feels like a lifetime) I remember making regular trips to the pawnshop with a guitar to raise the rent money.These days, I feel like the King of Troubadour with my very own Court Luthier named Sir Roger Bucknall! Indeed, Sir Roger of Fylde Guitars has treated me like a king from the very start. It turned out Roger had been admiring my music and thought my way of playing suited his instruments.How right he was! We worked something out.I believe Roger has built about ten guitars that I cherish beyond words.Weve collaborated on a signature model and the cedar-top version has been my constant companion on journeys all over the world.Its simply become a part of me.Like many guitarists, I own quite a few guitars.Never, however, in my wildest pawnshop day dreams, did I imagine I would be able to call up a famous luthier and say: I know its short notice, but I really need a great 12-string for a big TV show next month.And then, actually have a great handmade 12-string delivered in time to take it to Stockholm and use it to perform Tell Riley for B.B. King and the Royal Family of Sweden on live television!Some years ago, backstage with Habib Koit, the great guitarist/singer from Mali, my Godin-playing West African brother asked if he could try my Fylde. I handed it over and was delighted to see the look on his face as he played my favourite guitar. Habib let me know, in no uncertain terms, that such an instrument would be greatly appreciated!As the saying goes: The hinge that squeaks gets the grease.Anyway, years later when Habib and I were touring the album we made called Brothers In Bamako, I made one of those I know its short notice calls to my dear friend Roger.The result was twin guitarsone for Habib and one for mewith cedar tops and African timber back and sides.All I can say, at the end of the day, is this: Sir Roger & Lady Moira of Fylde guitars, along with their trusty Town Cryer, Mike English, have made my kingdom a very sunny place indeedchiming with the sound of the finest lyres youll hear anywhere, near or far.Words can never express my gratitudeso Ill just keep playing!17'