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Passin' Down My Martin D-18....
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Subject: Passin' Down My Martin D-18.... From: Bobert Date: 21 Oct 08 - 07:52 PM Well, never thought this day would come but... ...back in 1966 I bought my beloved Martin D-18 and it has been a loyal friend thru thick and thin but over the last few years I've kinda moved away from her and it's gotten to the point where the poor thing just goes months without getting so much as a look outside it's hardshell case... So, I figured that seein' as my great neice has turned into one fine young acoustic guitar player that the least I could do was let her have it now... Okay, in my mind it's a loan but in my heart I know that I'll see it from time to time but after 41 years it's time to go to someone who will enjoy it the way I used to enjoy it... Yeah, kinda sad but, on the other hand, it is a loan, gol danged it... Plus, I'm sendiong it off with a new hardshell case so I've still got the original with 41 years of stickers on it... That's cool... Sniff... Bobert |
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Subject: RE: Passin' Down My Martin D-18.... From: Amos Date: 21 Oct 08 - 07:53 PM Bobert: If you put it back in the original case, and send it to me, I'll play blues on it!! Honest!!!!!! A |
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Subject: RE: Passin' Down My Martin D-18.... From: Leadfingers Date: 21 Oct 08 - 08:07 PM ME TOO !!! |
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Subject: RE: Passin' Down My Martin D-18.... From: Desert Dancer Date: 21 Oct 08 - 08:12 PM Boys, you'd deprive the great niece of a family legacy?? Shame on you. |
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Subject: RE: Passin' Down My Martin D-18.... From: Leadfingers Date: 21 Oct 08 - 08:14 PM Not Really D D - I play MY Blues on Whistle , with a TEENY bit of Mandolin ! Just Kidding Ole Sidewalk Bob a bit ! |
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Subject: RE: Passin' Down My Martin D-18.... From: Lonesome EJ Date: 21 Oct 08 - 08:30 PM Yeah, Bobert. The guitar'll be happy, she'll be happy, and you'll only miss it for a week or two. I think it's a good plan. |
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Subject: RE: Passin' Down My Martin D-18.... From: Bobert Date: 21 Oct 08 - 08:47 PM Tahnks, E-Jay.... Yeah, it ain't easy but it's the right thing to do... Her dad, my newphew, also plays a little so it's gonna get apprerciated... Not that I ain't ever not appreciated it... Hey, the two of us go way the hack back to playing cofee houses in the late 60's and 70's... I mean, I was like a Byrds kinda guy back then so it workeed real well but over the years we have grown apart... As sad as I am to see her go I am more than equally happy that she'll have a better life in the future... That is the main thing... B~ |
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Subject: RE: Passin' Down My Martin D-18.... From: Melissa Date: 21 Oct 08 - 09:14 PM That's definitely a Good Uncle kind of deal and a lot nicer than leaving the guitar tucked away. It'll be neat to hear her pulling some new songs from that old Martin. |
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Subject: RE: Passin' Down My Martin D-18.... From: ClaireBear Date: 21 Oct 08 - 09:23 PM Just a thought: Is your great niece large enough in stature to play a dreadnought? I ask 'cause, at 4'11", I'm certainly not. I tried, but a single O is my size. It's really a lovely idea you've got. but it could be frustrating for both of you if your beloved D-18 didn't fit her frame. Cheers, Claire |
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Subject: RE: Passin' Down My Martin D-18.... From: Bobert Date: 21 Oct 08 - 09:36 PM Not too worry, Claire... She's 17 and about 5'10"... She has been playin' dreadnaughts since she was 13... She'll be just fine... |
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Subject: RE: Passin' Down My Martin D-18.... From: jeffp Date: 21 Oct 08 - 09:37 PM I think it's a wonderful thing you're doing. It will enjoy being played. |
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Subject: RE: Passin' Down My Martin D-18.... From: ClaireBear Date: 21 Oct 08 - 09:48 PM Good onya then, Bobert. I know you'll enjoy the giving as much as she'll enjoy the getting. |
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Subject: RE: Passin' Down My Martin D-18.... From: GUEST,Bob Ryszkiewicz Date: 21 Oct 08 - 10:02 PM Hey...It's still in the family! Not to worry...bob |
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Subject: RE: Passin' Down My Martin D-18.... From: jimmyt Date: 21 Oct 08 - 10:15 PM Bobert, that is the right thing to do! I am proud of you! AQ good instrument with a great owner like you needst pass it along to someone who will appreciate it for the greatness it brings. She will remember you more than the D18! jimmyt |
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Subject: RE: Passin' Down My Martin D-18.... From: Beer Date: 21 Oct 08 - 10:16 PM Bobert, that is great what you have done. And you did it with your heart. Not to take away from this thread in any way , but about 20 years ago I bought a Gibson J-45 Sunburst from a drunk. I said to him,"come and see me when your sober and will talk". A few days later he came back and made the same offer. He was sober and remembered. I payed $300.00 I gave it to my brother Storming Norman as a Xmas gift with the only stipulation that he would never sell it. The guitar is still in his possession and he makes it sound great. Back to you Bobert. and once more "Good for You". Beer (adrien) |
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Subject: RE: Passin' Down My Martin D-18.... From: catspaw49 Date: 21 Oct 08 - 10:31 PM Bobertz, we've known each other a fair piece now and I've always noticed that like myself, you are a man of class and taste......all of it low. But tonite Ol' Spaw got a tear in his eye as I read your opening post. That's a far out thing to do Man.........good job! Spaw |
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Subject: RE: Passin' Down My Martin D-18.... From: Amos Date: 21 Oct 08 - 10:35 PM Yeah Bobez, ya know I was funning with you. I gave my old parlor Martin from prewar days to my Barky, and it melted me right down when she came back from school and sang a couple of songs on it she had written, which were puredee good stuff andbeautifully played, too. Ya done good, buddy. Never mind what I said before, I was just passin' G.A.S. atya. A |
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Subject: RE: Passin' Down My Martin D-18.... From: Genie Date: 21 Oct 08 - 11:03 PM 'Tis a fine thing yer doin' there, Bobert and bless ya! I plan to do the same kind of thing with my 00018 when I'm too old or too arthritic (or too dead) to play her any more. More than anything else, I want her in the hands of someone who will play her and appreciate her. Clairebear, as for Dreadnoughts being too big for small hands, I dunno. A while back I had the chance to play a D-35 that a patient (in the mental hospital where I worked) was talking about selling. I'm happy to say she changed her mind about needing or wanting to sell that wonderful instrument, but when I played a song for her on it, I was amazed and delighted what great action it had and how easy it was for my short, stubby, "wimpy" fingers. Genie |
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Subject: RE: Passin' Down My Martin D-18.... From: ClaireBear Date: 21 Oct 08 - 11:12 PM Not so much fingers as arm length, Genie. Can't wrap myself around 'em, and I have tried. But that's OK...my old Washburn suits me fine. |
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Subject: RE: Passin' Down My Martin D-18.... From: GUEST,Greycap Date: 22 Oct 08 - 02:48 AM Jeez! Sainthood still exists. You are a true gentleman, I hope she appreciates this noble gesture. |
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Subject: RE: Passin' Down My Martin D-18.... From: Richard Bridge Date: 22 Oct 08 - 04:19 AM What supplanted the D-18? Just curious. I will one day have a similar problem but no similar solution. After years of GAS I ahve a number of guitars, some good, and my daughter never ook to the guitar - she tried for a while on a Sigma I set up for her and which is quite a nice easy instrument) but now just sings. So what do I do in my will about my guitars? |
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Subject: RE: Passin' Down My Martin D-18.... From: Wesley S Date: 22 Oct 08 - 09:11 AM I was going to ask the same thing. What are you playing now that makes the D-18 sit in it's case? One other thought. Christmas is just around the corner. It would be a memorable event to find that under a tree on Christmas morning. |
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Subject: RE: Passin' Down My Martin D-18.... From: kendall Date: 22 Oct 08 - 09:16 AM Bobert, if you give it to me I will trade it for a Taylor hehehe Seriously, that is a great thing to do. I know how much that old axe means to you.Your are not giving up music, are you? Don't tell me you are going electric!!! In 1956 I got a new Gibson J-45 as an anniversary gift from my first wife. Played it for many years and was quite happy with it until I ran across this Taylor 810. Love at first sight. The Gibson went under the bed and lived there for years. Dave Mallett comes by now and again, and he has always loved that old Gibson, so he would sit and play it. Much better than I ever could, so I told him, when I'm done with it, it's yours. One day, he called to suggest we get together for lunch, so we met and I handed him that guitar. He asked why I was giving it to him, and I told him I just wanted to make sure he was the one who got it. You know what he thought, he looked at me and said "Why now? are you ok"? I said "Yes, I'm fine, why"? He was relieved, and said <"Damn man, I was afraid you got a bad pap smear." |
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Subject: RE: Passin' Down My Martin D-18.... From: Bee-dubya-ell Date: 22 Oct 08 - 10:16 AM Bobert, you have obviously lost your mind! You cannot give a 1966 D-18 to a kid! It's an abomination! 1963 was a much better year! Keep that '66 piece of junk under your bed and get the poor girl a real Martin! |
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Subject: RE: Passin' Down My Martin D-18.... From: Midchuck Date: 22 Oct 08 - 10:47 AM I did the same with my '61 00-18, to my daughter, in '01 or so. Of course, my motives were not as pure. The thing was a mess, structurally, and only marginally playable after decades of abuse, taken winter camping, etc., in a cardboard case. I figured my daughter wanted it for sentimental reasons, so I might as well give it to her. But I sent it first to Bryan Kimsey in New Mexico, and told him to do what he could with it, then send it along to her in Montana. When I was out there the following summer, I got to play it for the first time since he'd worked on it. It was not only structurally sound, but while the tone was as sweet as ever, in power it could blow the average dreadnought out of the room. You could not believe the volume in an instrument that small. I'd regret letting go of it, but it still has that narrow neck, which is no longer comfortable as my fingers get older and stiffer. And I get to play it whenever I go out. And it's safe. She has a Baby Taylor for whitewater rafting trips and such. Peter. |
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Subject: RE: Passin' Down My Martin D-18.... From: kendall Date: 22 Oct 08 - 11:01 AM Why? is it a substitute paddle? |
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Subject: RE: Passin' Down My Martin D-18.... From: GUEST,leeneia Date: 22 Oct 08 - 11:13 AM I don't think you should send it off, Bobert, I think you should take it to her. That way you can make sure she knows the basic rules of guitar care. Keep it in the same conditions where a person is comfortable. Never in a hot car, in the winter cold, in the garage... How to change the strings. What strings to buy. How to tune it. Relative vs. absolute tuning. Never stand it upright and unsupported. It can tip over. Advice on airline travel. This stuff should be taught in schools, but sadly, it is not. |
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Subject: RE: Passin' Down My Martin D-18.... From: kendall Date: 22 Oct 08 - 11:59 AM Taught in school? Hell, they don't even teach proper English or geography in schools these days! |
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Subject: RE: Passin' Down My Martin D-18.... From: Duke Date: 22 Oct 08 - 12:44 PM I'm in that position as well. My old D-18 sits and stares at me but I never seem to pick it up and play due to problems with my hands. The only nephew I could leave it to has lots of instruments and they spend as much time in the pawn-shop as they due being played by him. I am forced to consider leaving it to one of my nieces who plays a little and would not appreciate the martin. |
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Subject: RE: Passin' Down My Martin D-18.... From: PoppaGator Date: 22 Oct 08 - 02:11 PM I think it's commendable to give a good instrument to someone who will play it rather than to have it sit idle. Way to go! I can certainly understand being attached to a guitar you've owned for that long, and which is that good, but since you don't play it any more, better you should let it be put to good use. (I have a certain amount of disdain for guitar collectors, for one reason only: that they tend to keep good instruments out of use. I just hate to see anyone hoarding more guitars than he/she can play.) Like a few others have already expressed, I am very curious about whatever other guitar(s) you've acquired in the meantime that you play in preference to that one. Will you let us know, or do you enjoy keeping us in the dark? ;^) None of my kids play, so I sometimes wonder what will become of my D-18 after I'm dead and gone. My kid brother, who took up guitar after many years as a professional drummer, could appreciate it and be able to play it, but he's only ten years younger than I am and therefore wouldn't be having it for very long himself. I suppose I could pass along the problem/decision about who'll be the next owner along with the guitar... |
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Subject: RE: Passin' Down My Martin D-18.... From: Bobert Date: 22 Oct 08 - 10:25 PM Well, the deed is done... Sniff... I bought that geetar in 1967 and my parents co-signed a loan... I paid $17 a month forever but... Hey, it's where it is supposed to be... Yeah, it's a tad sad but it will give me joy when I hear my great-niece playin' it... Once that happens then all be well... Hell, I got plenty of geetars that I do play.... We'll all be fine... B~ |
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Subject: RE: Passin' Down My Martin D-18.... From: Bobert Date: 22 Oct 08 - 10:40 PM Just reread this thread... Richard Bridge, I have three resonator geetars that I perform with... I have a cigar box geetar that I also perform with.... I have "The Back Porcher" which is a 5 string electric Bo Diddley style geetera that I perfrom with... Plus I have a fine acoustic Hohner which plays and sounds great... I'll be fine... It was the right thing to do... B~ |
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Subject: RE: Passin' Down My Martin D-18.... From: GUEST,number 6 Date: 22 Oct 08 - 10:44 PM It's an act of great honour for a guitarist to pass on his guitar. curuious Bobert ... what kind of resonators do you have. biLL |
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Subject: RE: Passin' Down My Martin D-18.... From: Bobert Date: 23 Oct 08 - 07:49 AM Well, biLL, my absolute favirite is a Washburn ES10, spider bridge... I've played Beards and this reso plays and sounds as good as any Beard out there... My second favorite is an Oscar-Schmidt puck style with an electric pickup... I perform mostly with it because of the ability to plug in... My third reso is a "National Style" Regal metal bodied reso... It plays okay but I'm really not into the metal reso sound these days... I go thru phases though... As for the D-18 I'm having some memory lapses on when exactly I purchased it... It is definately a '66 model and I bought it from a dealer at a guitar show but it might have been the winter of '67 or it might have been late fall of '66... Either way, it is still under Martin's warrenty so technically I've told my newphew and his daughter that it I won't be notifiying Martin of the ownership vhange so that if in a few years it needs any work they can have me take it to the closest authorized Martin lutherer... B~ |
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Subject: RE: Passin' Down My Martin D-18.... From: GUEST,misty-eyed lurker Date: 23 Oct 08 - 08:18 AM This thread reminds me of the actions of a friend of mine here in the States... he is fairly well-to-do with a successful business. Over the years, he has purchased many fine instruments and has given several away to those he thought would benefit. There was a family of Christian missionaries to the Philippines on furlough in his hometown back in the late 60s. The daughter of the family was a young teen, no more than maybe 13 or so. She was a budding guitarist who had a lath-and-glue monstrosity to play on. My friend gave her a D-28 of then-recent vintage. At last report, she is still working to educate the poor and needy in the islands, and still playing that same Martin. Bobert, well done, indeed. I have had the privilege of being the uncle who gifted several relatives with their first (or first really good) instruments. She has been blessed by both the gift AND the giver. |
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Subject: RE: Passin' Down My Martin D-18.... From: PoppaGator Date: 23 Oct 08 - 10:38 AM That Hohner must be awfully good! |
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Subject: RE: Passin' Down My Martin D-18.... From: Bobert Date: 23 Oct 08 - 05:20 PM Yeah, P-Gator, it's a purdy good geetar... No Martin but what is??? (That question ain't for you Capt'n...) And the nice thing about the Hohner, other than its playability and sound is that I bought it new for right at $250... B~ |
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Subject: RE: Passin' Down My Martin D-18.... From: GUEST,Bobert Date: 23 Oct 08 - 07:24 PM The story gives me a warm feeeling Bobert. I have a 21 year old niece who now has custody of one of my banjos because she showed a real interest and willingness to put in the practice. |
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Subject: RE: Passin' Down My Martin D-18.... From: GUEST,Jim Date: 23 Oct 08 - 07:26 PM Sorry Bobert, I wrote your name instead of mine in the previous post. |
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Subject: RE: Passin' Down My Martin D-18.... From: Guy Wolff Date: 23 Oct 08 - 07:44 PM What a great story .. Im glad I stopped in .. I know she will feel all those years of your playing supporting her learning on your guitar .. Just great .. All the best , Guy Those D 18s have such a soft round sound.. Fits the story .. Thanks |
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Subject: RE: Passin' Down My Martin D-18.... From: Bobert Date: 23 Oct 08 - 07:57 PM Yeah, thanks, Guy... Yeah, I had a good run with that geetar... We each have a dents to show for it... I'll always love that geetar for those experiences that we lived thru... I just hope that in 41 years my great niece will look at her and think to herself, "Geeze, what a journey we've gone thru together"... That would be a wonderful thing... Yeah, I remember learning Fylans songs afetr Dylan songs on it... Then it was Crosby, Stills and Nash... And then it was the Byrds... Then the 70's country rock bands and the my own stuff and coffeee house performances.... And backyard picnics... And house parties... And, and.... Yeah, I hope she get half as much outtta that geetar as I did... B~ |
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Subject: RE: Passin' Down My Martin D-18.... From: JennieG Date: 24 Oct 08 - 02:16 AM Bobert, that is a great thing to do - you aren't just passing on the guitar, you are passing on its heritage too. Several years ago a friend had a songbook that I admired. She said "I won't give it to you, but you can have it on permanent loan." I still have it. Cheers JennieG |
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Subject: RE: Passin' Down My Martin D-18.... From: GUEST,Richard M Date: 24 Oct 08 - 04:40 AM What a shame that all these D18s are being neglected. I have one as well, purchased in 1978, and having seen better days after many a bash and knock in the pubs of England and Scotland (hasd a great patina...), that I have lent to a friend in Whitstable!! Maybe we should hold a vintage/veteran Martin D18 rally and get them all together for a massive jam sosmetime... Richard |
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Subject: RE: Passin' Down My Martin D-18.... From: DonMeixner Date: 24 Oct 08 - 01:22 PM The best gift I ever gave was my 1963 Guild F-30 to my son Greg. He needed a bit of up lifting at the time. I had a Martin guitar as well, and the Guild stays with the family. He got the better of the deal obviously as the Martin will never be as old or as good as a Guild. But I still play the F-30 every day and Greg is now twice the guitarista that I am. But then he has all his fingers and two good ears. Good on you Bobert. |
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Subject: RE: Passin' Down My Martin D-18.... From: gnu Date: 24 Oct 08 - 02:41 PM Sniff... sniff. Me too. Last time my guitar was played was August 17, 2007, by Beer when he visited. Last time my Hrans were beat was during a snowstorm. Last time my whistles were blown was... nevermind. I have finally given up all hope. Early morn today, I spilt a cup of tea when I lifted it from the kitchen counter (sorry for all the yelling and swearing). I was so angry, I decided I would DO it. I got the second cup of tea almost from the kitchen to the office (sorry... you know). I just tried to peel potatoes and ended up using a brush on them. So, the Seagull, the Santa Rosa, the whistles... gotta go. As for my Hrans, the REMO can go to a student that shows promise... I have one in mind. The others all bear my family crest, so I would have to find someone with my last name to give them to or to sell them to. (My relatives? Those ungrateful Irish pricks? Not likely!) Besides, they look so nice over the fireplace. *&$&%&(*)&%#(_*&*%^#@$!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I just splashed carrots, turninp, onions and stew beef on my stove. That there Arthur Itis must be Irish. Of course, it coulda been God, I suppose. I deserve it. Bobert. No way any of my stuff has anywhere the meaning of your old companion, but I kinda know how you feel. Well, except for one particular Hran with a very special memory. My ex, Whassername, gave it to me for my birthday years ago. I burnt that bridge.. A bridge to Far? A Bridge To Fire. Must go crank up the wood stove and have a sip. The heat from both help to settle the pain... from the arthritis. Sniff. Ya done a good turn, Bobert buddy. I hope she plays well for you. Gary |
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Subject: RE: Passin' Down My Martin D-18.... From: olddude Date: 24 Oct 08 - 03:40 PM Greatest thing you could do. I gave my brother my D-35 12 string after I blew out my neck. My old 28 stays with me until a grand kid comes around and shows me they can play ... That was a wonderful thing you did. You gave her a part of your heart and your soul ... she will cherish it ... Unlike my brother who probably has already sold my 35 12 string for beer money. What was I thinking. |
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Subject: RE: Passin' Down My Martin D-18.... From: open mike Date: 24 Oct 08 - 03:52 PM NOTHING HAS INSPIRED ME MUSICALLY AS MUCH AS MY OLD MARTIN.. I HOPE IT HAS A POSITIVE EFFECT ON HER, AND THAT THE MUSIC CONTINUES TO FLOW!! GOOD CHOICE... |
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Subject: RE: Passin' Down My Martin D-18.... From: Bobert Date: 24 Oct 08 - 05:05 PM Yeah, folks... I sho nuff hopin' that she just continues to play and play and that one day she will be famous and have a CD out and my ol' Martin will be on the cover of the CD.... Yeah, that would be real nice... B~ |
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Subject: RE: Passin' Down My Martin D-18.... From: Cluin Date: 24 Oct 08 - 05:12 PM Hey, Bobert! Wanna adopt me? |
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Subject: RE: Passin' Down My Martin D-18.... From: Art Thieme Date: 24 Oct 08 - 10:42 PM My old D-76 Martin resides now with our son Chris and his family. It was hard to give up for a few years, but finally it sank in and the "old ghost" of what I once was musically finally saw the obvious, that it was truly The banjos went the same way. All I have is about 20 Jew's harps and a nose flute. Such is life in limbo --- waiting... Art |
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