What first drew you to playing guitar, and how has that relationship with music evolved over the years?
I started playing guitar when I was 12 or 13, because my best friend had also started playing guitar. Pretty soon we were in a neighborhood garage band. We were terrible, but we had a great time! Not long after that, I heard my first Wes Montgomery album, and that was it for me. I put myself through school playing in cover bands five nights a week, but my heart wasn’t in that music. I knew that I should only play the music that really speaks to me, and so I became an educator. For me, that was the perfect solution. I spent almost 30 years as Director of Jazz Studies at Fresno City College in California, and so I was able to make a living and continue to play the music I am passionate about.
What made you choose a Rocca guitar over other options you were considering?
When I started doing a lot of international performing and teaching, it became clear to me that traveling with a nice arch top was just too stressful. I found a solid body that I liked, and that I could get “my sound” on, but even that was an issue for some airlines. I loved that the Rocca was so small, and you can make it even smaller by detaching the neck from the body. And, I was able to dial in a nice jazz sound with it as well. Problem solved!
Describe the moment you first played your Rocca guitar. What did you notice first — the sound, the feel, something else?
Coming from an arch top jazz guitar place, a smaller guitar took a little getting used to. And the lighter gauge strings were also a little different for me. As far as the playing feel, it was different, but still comfortable, and very playable. Once I got used to using a little lighter touch, I was very happy with the sound I could get.
Which Rocca model do you own, and what’s your favorite detail about how it’s built?
I have the Model 1, one of the first ones. My favorite detail is it definitely the detachable neck. I did have a small gig bag made to carry the guitar when it is assembled, but I was still worried about it getting beat up in the overhead bins on long flights. It’s very easy to pack into a suitcase when disassembled, and I have even fit it into a carry-on for shorter gigs.
How would you describe the sound of your Rocca guitar to someone who’s never heard one?
It’s a very clean and transparent sounding guitar to me. And it’s very flexible also… I can dial in some super crunchy sounds when I need to, but also come up with the clean, warm jazz tones I normally use. I’m a big believer in the idea that the best tone control ever is the player’s touch!
Is there a song, riff, or piece of music that feels like “your song” on this guitar?
Not a specific song… but I do find myself drawn to different styles or groups when I pick up different instruments. The lighter gauge strings seem to lead me towards a little bit funkier, bluesier sound.
Tell us about a memorable moment you’ve had with your Rocca guitar — on stage, in the studio, or just at home.
The first trip I took with my Rocca guitar was to Lebanon and Cyprus. I spent a week in each country performing, teaching, and doing community outreach with an organization called Jazz Education Abroad. I remember getting “the look” from my fellow instructors and bandmates when I pulled out this very small guitar. I could tell that they were skeptical about how it might sound. Gotta say, they weren’t skeptical after they heard it!
What’s changed in how you play or write music since getting your Rocca guitar?
I don’t think that has changed much, really. For me, the guitar I am playing is a means of expression, a tool I guess. I don’t want to have to fight with the instrument to get the sound I want. And I also like to eliminate as much stress from my life as I can, and the ease of travel with this guitar really helps with that.
If a friend were shopping for their first (or next) guitar, what would you tell them to look and listen for?
I would tell them to get the best instrument that they can afford, and to remember that just because they have the same guitar as their heroes, that does not mean that they are going to sound like those heroes. And I would remind them that different guitars are well-suited for different styles of music. This is not a hard and fast rule of course…Some Jazz guys play telecasters, some rock guys use hollow bodies.
What surprised you most about owning a Rocca guitar?
I think I was the most surprised at how easily I was able to dial in the sounds that fit my music, the sounds that I hear in my head.
Where do you see your music going next, and what role will this guitar play in that journey?
I’m very fortunate that I’m able to make my living playing and composing music. It’s what I dreamt about when I was a kid, just starting out. My first album (the Mike Dana Jazz Orchestra, “Farther (still)” will be released on Origin Records in September 2026. And that’s super exciting too! I’m also very fortunate that music has taken me all over the world. It’s nice to have a great instrument with me, no matter where I may be.
What’s one word or phrase that captures what your Rocca guitar means to you?
That’s easy! The word is “easy.” Easy to play, easy to travel with, easy to get the sounds I want. And Pablo is a super easy guy to work with, too.
Thank you Mike for sharing your time with us! We are proud of you being a Rocca Artist!
Check out Mike at https://www.mikedanamusic.com/ and https://www.mikedanamusic.com/rocca-travel-guitar/
His latest CD will be available at: https://originarts.com/originrecords.php
