Julian Tharpe’s Sierra 14 String 10X6 1984
This is the story
of Julian Tharpe and his custom built 14 String Sierra.
I’ve had this for a little while now.
I’ve been enjoying its presence very much.
I picked it up on a whim unknowing at the time of who it belonged to. I didn’t have many pictures to go off and bought it almost blindly. I was just told that a family member had passed some time back and his belongings were to be moved on.
Upon arrival and unboxing I had that feeling…
Something seemed extra special about this one.
I just figured it was because anyone who takes on a 14 strung Steel guitar is a cut or two above the rest.
It’s the first and so far only 14 string I’ve seen in person.
The size of it is surprising. It’s easily as big as most double neck steels.
I contacted Sierra right away hoping for some specific info.
The response back was full of excitement.
I had Julian Tharpe’s actual steel!
I mean there aren’t many so the chances were pretty good but it's still amazing.
One of two built for him back to back in 1984.
It still has the strings on it that Julian played.
I just couldn’t bring myself to restring it. The last player to touch those strings being Julian himself!
I eventually got my hands on the original paperwork.
Including his copedent sheet.
On the back there seems to be what looks like settings for an Evans amplifier. Quite possibly in Julian’s hand writing, including his phone number, but it’s hard to say.
Along with the massive steel came the original case and volume pedal. The volume pedal is unlike any other too. A loaded Goodrich/Sierra.
(When you’re finished reading this story,
come back and tap here for more photos within its Sale listing)
Julian’s amazing and innovative musical abilities are said to be unmatched.
He played and recorded with the greats. He was a musical genius. Receiving an
induction to the Steel Guitar Hall of Fame in 2008. You can immediately hear it with great solo albums such as “The Jet Age” and “Southern Fried Steel"
Julian Tharpe was Born in Skipperville, Alabama in 1937. He passed away, unfortunately, in 1994. Much too soon.
His cause of death is a very sad subject.
Many people inquire about the topic but most would rather we all enjoy the thought of Julian and the man he was.
Like many Steel players…….
Julian is remembered by those who knew him as a wonderful and kind human.
Thank You Mr. Julian Tharpe.
Your life and contributions to music are alive and well.
More on Julian here:
danburnham.com/julian-tharpe
and here
