Good morning Mesa/Boogie,

As I sit here on a cold and blustery Thursday morning, new snow threatens my little community here in Minnesota. So I fired up the furnace last night and spent the better part of my evening perched in front of my new amplifier. My smile was as genuine as I ever remember it being… I am blown away at the new piece of art that now adorns one side of my living room.  The job that Mesa performed on my amplifier far exceeded my wildest imagination. 

As a matter of fact it took me a bit to plug in… I felt like I wanted the moment to be perfect... It was.  You see, something else happened yesterday, something for me that has life changing potential.  I also found out yesterday that this aggressive form of cancer in my body has decided to set up shop again.  I was found to have a large tumor on my kidney and a few others behind my spleen that have made it a bit difficult to breathe.  We found it by accident, checking on what I thought was a sports hernia. 

You see, without the incredibly kind gesture of your company I would have had nothing else to think about but the upcoming possibility of further treatments, really not knowing if there is anything else they can do for me.

So what did I do last night?  I played until my fingers could play no more. Within minutes of my first "sesh", I found that sweet sustain that I had always dreamed of.  I cranked up Europa and matched Carlos note for note (well, you know what I mean).  Then...during one of the lines he goes way up and holds a note for...45 seconds or so.  My friend sitting on the couch broke out into a huge grin as he noticed my note holding itself right there with what he was hearing.  I got goosebumps and the most profound sense of peace.  The moment was in fact priceless. 

Thank you for that.  I had written to you trying to explain what this meant to me, this purchase, I found out last night it was even more special than I could have hoped.  I imagined all the people who had blessed this amp with their skill, craftsmanship and their soul.  I looked at the initials on the card enclosed with the amp and wondered if they knew what a profound effect they had on one man’s life.

The timing on this whole thing seems that it could have only come from a higher plan than anyone here on this earth could scheme.  In essence, you guys enabled me to handle what might be the eminent news of my own death. How can a person get through that kind of stuff?  By bearing his soul to the world with a guitar and an amplifier.  Everything you wrote about is true. I felt like I had never played as well in my entire life.  Your instrument truly is magical...I know because I was immersed in all it's glory last night.

So if Randall or anyone else ever wonders if it was "worth it" to rush one F-50 thru the manufacturing process, don't even hesitate for a minute...IT WAS!  Like I said previously the timing is still kind of shocking to me.  I had mentioned in my last letter that if and when I was able to play my guitar thru my new amp, my life would feel that much more complete.

It is true.  I will never be able to thank you and your company for what you have done.  You have made a dying man's dream come true.  Just how cool is that!?  YOU GUYS/GALS ARE AWESOME!  From my perspective you just banked as many karma points as heaven can hold.

Thank you for really being who you say you are.  A company that cares, a company that treats every artist with respect, whether it be a professional or just a living room player.  I am so grateful that words can't do justice to my experiences from yesterday.  From the highest high to the lowest of lows....but not for some wood, some wiring, some tubes...and some compassion from a group of people 2 thousand miles away...for one night and possibly more -  You saved my life.

Thank you,
Thank you,
Thank you,
With much respect,

Thornton Carter Fairfield