I have a couple of old O size Martins: 1951 O-15 and a 1937 O-28. I love the size, and the O-28 has that dried-out, crisp sound found only in a vintage instrument. I have pictures of Mike Longworth holding this guitar, checking it out.

Regarding Joan's O-45, I remember reading that after she sent the guitar to Martin for some repair/setup work, she discovered some time later that someone had written some negative comments on the underside of the guitar top about Joan being a communist, and what a shame this fine guitar was owned by her.

In my formative years, I listened to a lot of Joan's albums, and hoped I could one day pick the guitar like she did. I'm still working at it ...   -btmp