Steve Kirchuk, from Washington, started playing guitar in 1968, inspired by the instrumental “Classical Gas” by Mason Williams. Since then, Steve’s been in quite a few bands, including Jam-Bone. Together from March 2004 through 2014, they gained notoriety for their own spins on music by their favorite artists.

Steve has always enjoyed songwriting and original music, so after Jam-Bone’s break-up, he began showcasing his own songs with a one-man show. About going solo, he noted, “It’s scary and it’s all you. The song is what it’s all about.”

Soon after, Steve built a specialized bass which merged bass and guitar into one instrument. Starting with a generic kit bass, it took him about six months to finalize new pickups and tuners, after which he brought it to his friend Bil Mitchell (certified Martin Guitar tech and owner of Guitar Parlor in Riegelsville), to fine tune the neck and work on the intonation.

Still later, John Hetcher, another friend, lent Steve his Martin guitar. It was March 2017 when Steve and John dropped the guitar off at Bil’s shop for some major modifications, which took about three weeks to complete. As Steve put it, “The magic was all Bil,” who installed Fishman electronics, reworked the bridge for the thicker bass strings, along with adjustments to the nut and the tuners. For now, the D28 guitar is on permanent loan from John. He said it’s Steve’s to keep, but Steve explained, “I always want to keep it his, in my mind.”

Steve’s interest in this unique type of guitar developed as he watched Charlie Hunter perform on his custom-made 7 string guitar, simultaneously playing bass and melody. 

When asked if this particular style of playing has an official name, Steve quipped, “Charlie Hunter style!” For Steve, when playing Charlie Hunter style, “you can’t strum, you can’t use a pick, you have to just use your fingers.” Learning to play bass and guitar together on one hybridized instrument pushed Steve to successfully develop his own new style.

Aside from the surprising appearance of bass strings and guitar strings sharing the same guitar neck, there’s Steve’s choice of vibrant green bass strings. Why green? “No reason. I tried them a few years back and loved their longevity and snappiness. They are DR Neon medium bass strings, on all my bass guitars and the Martin.”

When Steve’s onstage with Jam-Bone for occasional reunion shows, he plays a Conklin 7 string bass with DR Neons. For solo shows and open mics, the Martin is played exclusively. When playing his homemade “Charlie Hunter” guitar, he plays through two amplifiers at the same time, one for bass and one for melody. He also uses a looper, to add layers of sound, and a harmonizer, to add vocal harmonies.

An accomplished musician, Steve is also a successful graphic designer and a talented fine artist. On display in his home’s entry is his 18” x 24” portrait of John Lennon done in black and brown spray paint and black ink. It was created on December 8, 1980, the day Lennon was shot, while listening to radio coverage of the devastating event.

Jam-Bone with singer Caren Kennedy will perform at the Pattenburg House on February 23. Steve’s slated for the Tavern at The Inn at Millrace Pond in March, “a great place for a solo show,” he added.

For Jam-Bone fans or fanciers of wacky whimsy, Steve is designing a series of T-shirts featuring Mr. Bones, the Jam-Bone Guy, called “No Bones About It.” Find them on Amazon by searching “Jam-Bone Tees.” His CDs can be purchased on iTunes, search for Steve Kirchuk.

When it comes to the people and happenings of Warren County, you can count on award-winning photographer Cathy Miller to be there to record the moment.