This is a take-off from an interesting discussion in the UF2, which I am taking the liberty of sharing in this forum in the hope that information will be easier to access in the future.

The discussion started when I remarked that “Gandy Dancer,” which appeared in the LP “Going to the Ventures Dance Party,” to my ears was a mystery.  It sounded like Bob Bogle on a Jazzmaster, but the style didn’t seem to match Bob’s or Nokie’s music of that era.  I couldn’t figure out which of the two played lead on that, and was then advised that Nokie, not Bob, played lead for "Gandy Dancer,"
and that Nokie's recollection, as personally recounted to one of the UF members in a car ride two weeks ago, is that he probably did so on a Telecaster.

I was hoping to find more information to confirm that and remove all doubt, but came upon the following from Del Halterman's book “Walk on’t Run.”

Del Halterman writes that Bob Bogle said, "Nokie [in 1962] was also doing his own thing; it was all we could do to get him to a session." 

Del Halterman then writes "In June [1962], Bob and Don returned from their tour of the Orient. The next Ventures album release was scheduled for August, but with demand high for public appearances, they decided on two men in the studio and two on tour. This time, Bob and Mel; stayed behind to work with Billy Strange and David Gates while Nokie went out with Don on a tour of the Pacific
Northwest."

"With Billy Strange as second guitarist, Bob Bogle led the first recording session for ‘Going to the Ventures Dance Party’ …"  The only recorded and circulated version of "Gandy Dancer" appeared in that album.

Del Halterman's fine book includes recording session sheets that show which musicians were in the studio when certain pieces were recorded.  These show that "Gandy Dancer" was recorded on August 9, 1962. The musicians listed are Bob,Mel, Billy Strange, and David Gates.

Could it be that Bob or maybe Billy Strange played lead on the recorded version?

It sounds like a Jazzmaster was used, albeit with somewhat thinner strings than original. 

In August this year, then, "Gandy" will be 50 years old. Regardless of who played it, it remains one of my favorite pieces. But, for historical reasons, it sure would be good to know who played lead on what guitar. The Shadows guys never have this problem!

Regards,

Andy

One of the members of UF2 spoke to Nokie already, Walt, and very kindly contributed what I noted above.  Nokie thinks perhaps a Telecaster.

The only problem is that session sheets show he and Don were not in the studio the day the "Dance Party" version was recorded.  That was about the time they were on tour, as Bob Bogle recounts.

To my ears, that version, the version we know, doesn't have the brightness and "bite" of a Tele.  It sounds more like a Jazzmaster to me.

Apparently, the entire Ventures band did record at least two trial versions of "Gandy Dancer," including the one you posted that sounded like a backing track.  Both times, Bob Bogle played lead.

I am sure Nokie can play the tune very well.  I hope he records his own version.  Don Wilson was supposed to have written the piece,

Best,

Andy

The toon that "we" really should be discussing isn't GD, it should be COUNTERPOINT.

How was that one done (way a hed of it's time) and who played what on THAT one and how was it recorded?

It's actually not that bad.  It's just cleaver interaction with the cords, bass and lead geetars.
Maybe we'll try recording this one sometime.
I'm sure it's not been done since the V recorded it.
Another great Ventures orignal.

Thanks, Andy...good idea to post for posteriority.

Honestly, lisning 2 GD LP the only Venture it actually sounds like is Mel.
But I no that Nokie nose how to play GD, Moto, Come Sept, because he's either played on tour OR with OUR band...GWG.  Don't think he's ever play nite drive live tho, even tho his is the ONLY named author of the toon...Nole Edwards.

http://wstagner.com/band/oldsit/dvd/nitejive.wmv

Thanks, Kanad...I was skinnyier then 2!  The drum set was a mid 1960's Slingerland.

The original 8mm vid tape was better 2 but the guy in Japan who did the xfer for me used low quality mode for the DVD he made.  I'm gonna see if I can extract a li'l better vid.

Follow the link above Kanad's posting.

May b it was Don, since only he is credited as the peperpetraytor of the toon on the LP.