Ted's Last Interview BY: GREG PREVOST

When Greg Prevost contacted me about interviewing Ted, I was unsure at first since Teds health wasn’t good.  I knew Greg had written the book Rolling Stones Gear and was also well respected for his Rolling Stones knowledge. Most of my discussions with Ted were guitar-based and I wasn’t sure if Ted wanted to revisit those Stones stories.  But I asked Ted and he was happy to do so.  So, we conducted the interview just weeks before Teds passing. This is the perspective of Greg Prevost. Hope you enjoy.

-Jeff Smith

 Greg Prevost

Here it goes: --After a number of years of trying to track Ted down for an interview for my book, Rolling Stones Gear, the wish was finally granted by Jeff Smith of Newman Guitars weeks before Ted’s passing. Although the book had already been published, I felt Ted’s story should be told, and the story of his guitars be known. The interview did take place and ultimately appeared in Ugly Things magazine during that same year. I was both thrilled and saddened at the same time hearing his voice for the last time. Even though he knew he was not long for the world, he answered questions with enthusiasm and detail, and at times fondly reminisced the best years of his life, which was both heartfelt and touching. I only wish I could have connected with him earlier on in his life so I may have gotten to know him.

 I came up with the questions after looking at 1000's of photos and analyzing what guitars Keith used on and off stage. I also read every article about Ted and his involvement with Keith and the Stones and how he technically became the "first guitar tech" before there was such a thing. I know the Stones had Ian Stuart take care of their equipment prior to Ted's entrance, but he didn't go to the level Ted did concerning the guitars. The Micawber Telecaster was another guitar that I noticed from its distinctive markings and saw the metamorphosis where the pickups were altered from one year to another in photos and in film footage (Montreux 1972 sessions). When Ted explained some of the things I asked, he really took me to that time with his wonderful commentary.