Many a Valley musician noted with sadness the death of luthier Frank Lucchesi last September. His name still adorns the shop he ran on Cottage Street in Easthampton, Lucchesi Vintage Instruments.
The shop is still in business, and still holds much of the same charm for those who love the tobacco tones of old guitars (and banjos and mandolins and violins). Lucchesi's wife, Frances Crisafulli, still runs the shop, and Alex Gray, Joe Singleton and Shane Loiselle offer plenty of help for those who want to play old instruments or have them repaired or restored. The shop is a pleasant place to try out the sounds of an earlier era, and the instruments range from pristine showpieces to what's dubbed "player" guitars, vintage instruments that don't interest collectors as much, but which are highly desirable for those who want the sounds regardless of the looks or details.
Singleton explains that the first Easthampton Art Walk following Lucchesi's death brought musicians in from all over to share stories and mourn the loss. During the next Art Walk, April 12, he says, the Lucchesi crew hopes to host a more celebratory event in the shop, anticipating Lucchesi's birthday, April 15.
