Clayton Torchia
"The Renaissance Man"
GUITARS
VW-RED
Dated: 2007
Story: I purchased this guitar from the 8th Grade teacher at my elementary school who had recently bought a new Volkswagen Beetle. The car came with the guitar, gig bag, picks, and chord. It is manufactured by First Act Custom and is has some surprisingly useful features for a free guitar. It came equipped with an overdrive switch as well as signature VW Tone, Volume, and O.D. Control knobs. Take a closer look and you will also notice I took the liberty of getting this guitar signed by the famous Rockford natives Bun E. Carlos and Rick Nielson of Cheap Trick.
DG-Replica (Black Strat)
Dated: 2009
Story: This guitar was purchased at an antique shop in Downtown St. Charles and has since become my "Project Guitar." Shortly after getting this guitar I fell madly in love with the sounds, lyrics, and most importantly the guitar riffs, of Pink Floyd. I immediately began work on making this guitar look, and sound just like David Gilmour's famous 'Black Strat' and started using this as my go-to for performances and recordings. This guitar was used primarily in the recordings of the album Renaissance Man and will continue to be my main guitar in future endeavors.
STAGG- PJ20
Dated: 2001
Story: This was my first guitar I ever played and is manufactured by Stagg Guitars. It is the one I learned all of my blues, jazz, and classical songs on. Not only did the fact that it was electric make it very difficult to learn classical songs on, but it also made it difficult to practice them without being plugged in or bothering others in the house. I have yet to make any modifications to this guitar but hope to do so someday and really make it pop.
ETUDE
Dated: 2006
Story: This guitar was my first acoustic guitar. It is a classical guitar made by the French-Canadian company "La Patrie."
It has done wonders for helping me learn to play softer, more intricate songs and was used primarily in the performing of "Wish You Were Here" by Pink Floyd for a talent show at the Boone County Community Building. It has since become my go-to for late night recording due to the fact that the nylon strings, make it quieter. It has a beautiful inlay around the soundhole but no pickguard or finish, which has caused it to become scratched from so many years of playing.
MARTIN-DRS1
Dated: 2013
Story: This is my newest and most recently purchased guitar. Manufactured by Martin. Made in Mexico. It features an all-Sapele wood finish with a black pickguard. This guitar was the main guitar used when writing the songs for Renaissance Man. It may be my favorite of my collection and it surely will not be the last time I buy a Martin.
STRAPS
(In order of straps pictured)
STAGG- PJ20: "Jaque's Hawaiian" (Blue)
VW-RED: "Joe Satriani Signature 'Skeleton'" (Red)
DG-Replica (Black Strat): "Dean Markley Leather" (Black)
Martin- DRS1: "Martin Owner's Club Custom Strap" (Brown-Distressd Leather)
AMPS & EFFECTS
MAKE: Fender
MODEL: Princeton Chorus
YEAR: Unknown
MAKE: VOX
MODEL: Pathfinder 10
YEAR: 2012
MAKE: DigiTech
MODEL: "Jimi Hendrix Signature Wah"
TYPE: Fuzz-Wah
YEAR: 2009
MAKE: DigiTech
MODEL: "DigiDelay"
TYPE: Digital Delay
YEAR: 2012
MAKE: DigiTech
MODEL: "Whammy"
TYPE: Whammy
YEAR: 2012
Misc.
MAKE: Shure
MODEL: SM58
YEAR: 2006
MAKE: Meinl
MODEL/TYPE: Cajon
YEAR: 2013
MAKE: CT Original
MODEL: "Monster Bow"
TYPE: Diddley Bow
YEAR: 2011
PICKS & STRINGS & SLIDES
I use all types of picks and strings but Jim Dunlop Picks, Custom made picks and slides are my favorite, and I predominately use Ernie Ball and Martin strings.
MAKE: Hohner
MODEL: Pro Harp
YEAR: 2012
