ALS signed “Gilby,” one page, 5.75 x 8.25, The Ritz-Carlton (Double Bay, Sydney, Australia) letterhead, February 1, 1993. Handwritten letter from Guns N’ Roses guitarist Gilby Clarke sent to guitar luthier Tony Zemaitis, in full: “Sorry it has taken so long to get back to you. I received the Z the day before I left. It is wonderful! Plays great, sounds great, incredible workmanship, thank you so much. I’ve been on tour since I last spoke with you (Japan, Australia, New Zealand) I will be home for one week in February then touring America through May. Then back to Europe. Will be in London in June. Already have an idea for another Z. I will keep in touch, send my best to Anne, x.” Clarke adds a postscript: “P.S. Ran into Ron Wood in Japan, showed him my new Z. I think he was jealous!!!” Included with the letter are four glossy 8 x 10 publicity photos of Clarke, each signed in black felt tip, a family Christmas card sent to Zemaitis by Clarke, who adds an inscription to the inside, and a copy of a letter from Clarke to a guitar enthusiast looking to trade for a Zemaitis, to which Clarke replies: “I could never part with my Zemaitis’s. It took me 10 years to locate Tony and then have him make me two guitars they are the best in my collection.” In fine condition, with light show-through from some old mounting residue on the back. Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Tracks.
According to Clarke's personal website: 'I had the wonderful opportunity to meet Tony and his lovely wife Anne, when GNR was performing at the Freddy Mercury Tribute Concert in London 1992. I had always wanted a Zemaitis since the first time I saw Ron Wood and James Honeyman Scott play one in the late 80's, early 90's. It took years to find out what kind of guitars they were, let alone how to get one. I went to the Zemaitis home and had tea and snacks with Tony and his wife. We chatted about old English guitarist's that we both admired, the blues and cars. Tony then hand-made me my first Z, mostly derived from Ron Wood's…The silvertop is my favourite guitar I have ever owned, and it will never leave my side. I played them a lot during the GNR years, and in some videos, and photo shoots.'
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