Lot Essay
Having been introduced to Tony Zemaitis through his friend George Harrison, David Gilmour commissioned Zemaitis to build a half size guitar for his daughter Alice, later adding a fretless bass guitar to the custom order. An accompanying letter from Zemaitis to Gilmour’s guitar technician Phil Taylor, dated 17th May 1978, reads: Tell Dave I remember him from George H’s place… The bass is now on the list and I’ll do it soonest. Can’t jump the queue with this as the other clients are all known to Dave!! (Stones, Donovan etc.) Zemaitis started building the bass at the end of June 1978, advising on 11th July: Have used one of my 7 yrs old fronts put by for specials! On 14th August 1978, Zemaitis declared that the finished bass was strong and clear… can’t ask for more than that!! Gilmour mentioned this guitar in a 1978 interview for the US radio show King Biscuit Flower Hour, telling DJ Bill Minkin: He’s [Zemaitis] making me a fretless bass guitar at the moment, an acoustic bass guitar, and a miniature acoustic guitar… for my daughter but I don’t think I’ll let her touch it for a few years! The custom bass was kept at home for private use.