‘A bit rough around the edges’ but still precious

Everyone’s got a story to tell, but some of them are locked away, or hard to access. Our cadets have tracked down "the key" to some of their subjects’ most interesting yarns.

It would be hard for any musician to see a guitar case with their name on it and not buy it.

For Riversdale artist Kayla Martin that is exactly why she brought her Martin acoustic guitar and its case 14 years ago.

"I thought it was pretty cool to have a guitar with my name on it," she said.

Throughout the years, the case has done the job, carrying and protecting its melodious cargo.

"She’s a bit weathered now, a bit rough around the edges.

"It’s the same with the guitar. "

The guitar’s looking a little bit more worn but that tells a story, and it shows you actually play it."

The guitar has been used to write her songs and teach music lessons to her classes.

"I wouldn’t be an entertainer and do what I love without this guitar and this case going with me everywhere I go."

They have travelled around the globe with Martin — to Norfork Island, Australia and Norway.

The guitar and case also went with her to Nashville when she visited in 2015.

However, on a return trip earlier this year to record her album, they were left in Southland.

"You really think twice about getting on a flight with your guitar. So, the last trip to Nashville I actually didn’t take it for that reason.

"I was scared that it would get broken, it’s that precious.

"I’d had it lost before on connection and it’s every musician's nightmare to lose your most precious possession."

By Ben Andrews