Hitchiker guitars.

[Nokie Van Reinhardt]

Does anyone here own one of these or ever played one? I've heard mixed revues of this guitar and I'm curious to see what someone who's actually used one thinks. They sound great when Nokie plays 'em.

[wstagner]

Hi there, Nokie.
I have 2 of them. Very nice guitars.
Feel free to ask questions.

You can here Nokie playing one of them here: http://www.myspace.com/gwg.

They have a very distinct sound I think.
I think there's another thread on this subject around here someplace.

Walt

[Desert Surfer]

First of all, in my opinion, Nokie sounds good with any guitars in his hand.

I have two of his HitchHikers also. (1st generation Natural #002 and 2nd generation prototype in red) I am a collector / Nokie fan rather than a player. Walt can explain better on playability, sounds etc.

To me, HitchHiker is like a jumbo Mosrite body with Jazzmaster neck. Much heavier than regular Mosrite and much wider neck which is easier to play for some people, particularly, if you like jumbo frets. Through neck body is one of its main features. It offers 15 different tones (but I only use two or three of them)

You can go to http://www.nokieedwards.com for specification.

There are a lot good historic and background information about HitchHiker guitars in Del H's Ventures book ("Walk Don't Run") which you may find interesting.

I am writing all these based on my memory, so I can't guarantee the accuracy:

As far as I know, there are 3 generations of HitchHikers guitars. Nokie might have worked with other people for prototypes, but I have not seen actual finished gutiars in the market other the following three:

1) Jackson Custom Shop: Don't know how many were made. A blue one was just sold last week on eBay for $3600

2) Rock Creek Guitar: After Fender bought Jackson / Charvel, Fender stopped HitchHiker's production. Nokie moved the production to a small factory in Oregon called Rock Creek Guitar.

The major changes of the 2nd general was: U neck to V neck, and the modified bridge (I heard the high E string of some of the 1st generation guitars would slide off the neck, might be isolated cases, mine is fien) The production with this Oregon factory did not last too long.

Don't know how many were made. My guess would be less than 1st generation. I did talk to other owner who seems to be happy with the quality.

3) Aria Japan: Nokie moved the production to Japan. After quite long time, they were finally available a few months ago. The neck stays in V shape but a Whammy bar version was added. The quality seems to be excellent.

Hope this help.

[Nokie Van Reinhardt]

First of all, in my opinion, Nokie sounds good with any guitars in his hand.

Amen to that. Is the fretboard angled? I recall reading that somewhere.

[wstagner]

I'd say that description is accur ate....Desert Surfman.

Here's the udder thred:

viewtopic.php?f=8&t=1799

[dorkrockrecords]

Apparently Nokie had Carvin produce at least one very Hitchhiker inspired instrument as well.

[Veenture]

Apparently Nokie had Carvin produce at least one very Hitchhiker inspired instrument as well.

Adam, your finds never cease to amaze me, thanks for showing that!

BTW folks, correct me if I'm wrong but that 'hitch-hicking-thumb' design of the HitchHiker-headstock is nothing more than a carved out "N" ...for "Nole" (Nokie)...and possibly inspired by the carved out "M" we find in the headstocks of Mosrite, I believe

[rog43win]

I agree about anything sounding great when Nokie plays it, lol......I'd love to try one, but personally can't think of any reason to improve on the Mosrite... ....
You guys are amazing with your knowledge on guitars.....it's always interesting to come to the forum! thanks for this thread......

Roger

[Veenture]

I agree about anything sounding great when Nokie plays it, lol......

Hey Roger and others -who perhaps haven't yet heard Nokie's HitchHiker guitar...

ENJOY!

[Dennisthe Menace]

Very Nice!