Your most prized guitar

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: Amos
Date: 28 May 05 - 12:09 AM

I'm with Poppa -- my '72 D-18 is all I ever need to get me through the day.


A

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 27 May 05 - 08:52 PM

I have only one, a Framus "Nashville", bought second hand in the seventies after giving the guy at the shop severe earache by trying every box he had (about 35 or 40), and I wouldn't change it EVER.

Like Poppagator's Martin, it carries the marks of countless sessions and festivals and sounds twice as good (to me anyway) as it did then.

Don T.

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: Guy Wolff
Date: 27 May 05 - 08:48 PM

Such different sounds for different settings . Most prized by setting :

for my music room and softer studio work : 1949 0 18 Martin
for Dadgad and D tuning studio : new 00018MC heaverer strings
(if only one this is the box)
for slide work in a big room :1932 Dioian National Steel
studio slide work : 193? Kay Professional or 193? Kallamazoo
for travel bright and versitile : 1998 LOO Gibson "Blues-king "
for Electric slide : American standard Teli

All the best , Guy

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: Ebbie
Date: 27 May 05 - 06:24 PM

Like us all, I have my own favorite guitar- but what comes through so clearly in this thread warms the cockles of my heart. Thanks, all.

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: PoppaGator
Date: 27 May 05 - 05:38 PM

How many of these "favorite guitar" threads are there?

Since I haven't posted my customary reponse to this one yet, here goes: (Apologies to those of you who have already seen this too many times...)

I have owned one and only one guitar since June 1969, a Martin D-18. I wouldn't trade it for anything, and I have no desire for another wooden acoustic ax. (I wouldn't mind owning a resonator-type guitar or maybe even an electric, but I'm not scratching and saving for one.)

It's less than perfect cosmetically, showing a bit of wear-and-tear from lots of playing ~ but I'm sure it sounds better than it did when it was new and unblemished.

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: GUEST,Commander Crabbe
Date: 27 May 05 - 05:15 PM

Juan P-B

I also have a Suzuki 3S, it's a model F200 which I bought new in Dubai back in 1978. I think it cost just under £600 but I couldn't be sure as I had been drinking in the english pub and wandered past a music shop wherein there were three of the beasties. I played all three and loved the sound so much I bought the one that fitted best. still have it today along with a Norman and a Hohner which I found in need of TLC in a secondhand shop. The Suzi is however still my favourite and I wouldn't trade it. although I have been asked to a couple of times.

The crabby Commander

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: GUEST,Joanne
Date: 05 Oct 04 - 03:50 AM

I have had many guitars through the years. My first real guitar was a Martin 0-18 made in the Forties. I purchased it from my guitar teacher at the time for $125. Unfortunately is was stolen from my classroom in the early 1970's. I still miss that guitar and its beautiful sound. I purchase a 12-string Martin which was stolen from my apartment while I was away on vacation. I purchased a Takamine 12-string which I had till I sold it and purchased a Big Baby Taylor which I just love. I fell in love with the sound and I enjoy the size especially after the 12-string.

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: Sandy Mc Lean
Date: 04 Oct 04 - 06:23 PM

About 20 years ago a close friend of my father-in -law passed away and he left his favourite guitar( an old Framus 5/45N built in Germany) to my wife's brother. A few years ago it was passed along to me as it was not being used. The neck had a bad bow and the action was high. I tried to tighten the truss rod (bad plan ) and the threads stripped. I took it to a local repair shop but I did not want to spend a great amount of money on it. It was repaired so that I could play it tuned down a note using a capo to ease the action , but the lower string tension did not really make it ring.
I recently decided that it was not much good "as is" so I got a book on guitar repair at the library. I lifted the fret board and replaced the rod. I then straightened the neck using heat, clamps and shims. To test it I strung it with some old strings that I had just taken off my regular axe. I tuned it to concert pitch and the first chord that I struck had a resonance that blew me away. It sounded better with the old dead strings than my other one with the new. I still have some fret work to do before I install new strings, but I can hardly wait. I think this one may be a gem. It will never win a beauty contest but the beauty is in the sound.
               Sandy

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: Juan P-B
Date: 03 Oct 04 - 06:36 PM

.........Number 100!!!!

I have just spent a wonderful evening in the company of the wunnerful Mr Mike Silver at Woolston & Netley Folk Club with my 'prized' Suzuki 3S and the present Mrs P-B.

I sang two songs by Ron Trueman-Border and one by Richard Thompson and drank a few scotches and I am in love with the world.

I also want to apologise to Martin Gibson - If I still had my Martin HD28 I'd probably be very proud of it too.

Hasta Lumbago
Juan P-B

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: Juan P-B
Date: 03 Oct 04 - 06:30 PM

Just treading water here as this one is thread-post 99 and the next one is.........................

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: Terry K
Date: 03 Oct 04 - 03:32 AM

Guest Sam Cloutier - great posts - keep 'em coming! Liked the humour behind the tarheel one too.

cheers, Terry

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: Little Hawk
Date: 02 Oct 04 - 06:35 PM

Ah, yes, you're quite right, Justa. An M-38 is what it was. A friend of mine has another one of those which he got at Elderly Instruments, and it's his favourite guitar without question. He's a darned good fingerpicker, flatpicker, and banjo player.

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: GUEST,Midchuck - just had to reformat, not yet sig
Date: 02 Oct 04 - 03:10 PM

Actually, JP there's a couple of 0000 models in production now, according to the Martin Web page.

Peter.

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: Justa Picker
Date: 02 Oct 04 - 02:50 PM

Thanks LH.
At the risk of being pedantic, you had an M38 not an OM-38 (no such animal.) The M-38 was based on the Martin jumbo body and OM body depth. They ARE fine guitars! (Originally they started out as conversions of old b.r.w. F series of archtops from the 30s, retopped with spruce tops. Thanks to Mark Silber, Matt Umanov and David Bromberg (all who had initially had conversion instruments made) Martin brought out the M-38 (and M-36 with a 3 piece "35" style back) in 1977 - later renamed the 0000 series till the late 90s when they were discontinued from regular production.

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: biglappy
Date: 02 Oct 04 - 02:04 PM

I mostly fingerpick in the living room so I like small guitars. I live in Martin/Gibson country so there aren't any other brands around much. I play a Martin 00-18 and keep a Gibson LG1 with appearance problems for guests and variety. The skinny Gibson neck is good for me cause I have stubby little fingers. The Gibson has a nice treble register, too. It is kind of flimsy. The Martin has a nice feel and a well-balanced tone. Both guitars are 40-50 years old and the Martin seems to have held up quite a bit better.

For kids and folks who carry a guitar around I buy old Yamahas. My son has a very fine FG-160 with bad finish that I bought for $60. My daughter has a FG-180 that I got for $100 and had to put new tuners on. The FG-160 is a much better instrument.

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: Margret RoadKnight
Date: 01 Oct 04 - 08:54 PM

One of Malvina Reynolds' guitars - a Washburn 'parlor", about 90 years old - came from San Francisco to Sydney with me in the '80s.
Apart from its history, it's most prized 'cause I pick it up to play more often than my other full-sized guitars.

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: Mooh
Date: 01 Oct 04 - 08:37 PM

I was thinking about this thread again today when a young student appeared at his lesson with a brand spankin' new Gibson SG. Pro set-up, great tone, and that great SG swagger! Shit, if I'd had that good a guitar earlier in my development I'd have taken it more seriously (not that I'd likely been a better player necessarily, mind you).

Then I got to considering my students' guitars. Several good Strats, a better Taylor, nice Seagull, a new House, two very good Godins, top end Washburn, many solid top Yamaha, S&P, Norman, and La Patrie guitars. Most of the rest are mediocre instruments at best, but the good ones make a big difference to the students...and I bet they end up as "the most prized" someday.

Makes me wanna go guitar shopping again!

Peace, Mooh.

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: Little Hawk
Date: 01 Oct 04 - 07:28 PM

Wow! Pretty guitar, Justa, and I bet it sounds great. I had an OM-38 which I later sold thru the 12th Fret. Same body as yours, I think, but less decoration. It was darned good too. It had previously belonged to Beverley Glen Copeland.

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: GUEST,Scouse
Date: 01 Oct 04 - 02:22 PM

My old 1984 ?japanese Lowden and my dear old 1935 Gibson arched top Tenor.. J.P.Cormier and Tim Robbins went ape shit over the Old Gibbo!
As Aye, Phil

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: Justa Picker
Date: 01 Oct 04 - 01:27 PM

This would be the one I'd grab if there was a fire and I could only grab one.
Custom Martin OM-42

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 30 Sep 04 - 04:12 PM

Well, the one that speaks to my tuning experiments is the Mugen THE78, and I play it most.

When I want to be regarded as "serious" by the likes of Martin Gibson, it'd be the Martin.

If the house burnt down, it'd be my late wife's Hagstrom J-45. I can find another guitar that plays, but not another one that was hers.

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: Little Hawk
Date: 30 Sep 04 - 01:16 PM

I have a Martin D-28H and it's very nice. Also have a Yamaha dreadnought that I like better than the Martin for some reason. It's very comfortable to play and has the perfect tone for my playing style. So the Yamaha remains number one at this point.

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: Juan P-B
Date: 30 Sep 04 - 12:57 PM

Still sounds like "Nair-Nairny-Air-Nair"

Sorry Martine,

Had one - D28H, loved it to bits - had to part with it to fund kids etc - When I could afford to replace it I went for hand-made by the guy who maintains MArtins here in the UK - Lovely guitar!

I still think yer a poseur

Juan P-B

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: GUEST,tarheel
Date: 29 Sep 04 - 11:49 PM

dang!!! sorry,mr offer,but i messed up there...that's my story about the little Stella Guitar and the ole black gentleman!!!thank you always,for straightening this out for me! regards,tarheel

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: GUEST,tarheel!!!
Date: 29 Sep 04 - 11:46 PM

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: GUEST,not prized, but first!
Date: 29 Sep 04 - 11:45 PM

my first guitar was a small sized instrument with the name Stella, on the top of the key board of the neck
it was 1948, and i was 12 years old that christmas morning when i discovered it under our chrismas tree(a real honest to goodness,cedar tree!)oh well, that's another story! anyway, the little stella guitar came with a Bob West, song book that would teach me the chords,etc., and i could be playing within a week or two! simply amazing, the little ads would say, found on the inside back covers of comic books and men's magazines in those late 40's early 50's years! anyway, i tuned the guitar to open "g", or something that i knew sounded like a major chord! then i grabbed a table knife from my mom's kitchen cabinet and used the back part of the solid metal handle to glide up and down the fret board to change keys as i sang all kinds of songs. how i figured that out is beyond me, but i found out that the standard tuning of "e,a,d,g,b,e" sure didnt sound like a chord of anykind to me and how could you sing to a sound like that?
i remember about 6 months later sitting on our front porch steps, playing the fire out of that little Stella guitar in that fashion. suddenly, an old black man walked by on the side walk. he stopped, looked and listened and then asked me if he could play a tune. being stuned that he was even there, i hesitated for a moment, but i finally said yes! he grabbed that little Stella and quickly tuned it to normal tuning and began to play some old blues music! man, did he have rhythmn! he could even hit the "chet atkins" licks! wow, was i impressed! but before he left, he showed me how to play the g, c and d chords! of course my fingers were tender at the time, but i tore into trying to play a few songs that way. my fingers muffled the strings most of the time, but i kept at it all day and, to hear my mom put it, most of the night too! my tender fingers swelled and i remember crying a few times from the pain! to this day, i never knew who the ole black gentleman was, where he came from or where he went! never,ever saw him again. i also sold newspapers on the street corner in downtown Winston-Salem,n.c.,at that time and many a day i saw lots of ole back gentlemen sitting on tobacco trucks as the vehicles left the warehouses downtown. it seems there was always one of the workers playing an old guitar of some kind as the rest of the workers sang in unison while the the trucks rolled down trade and 5th streets of the camel city.(it's nick-name because r.j.reynolds tobacco company,made and sold camel cigarettes in winston-salem,n.c.). each day i was on that corner i looked for the ole black guy but never spotted him amoung the workers singing those ole blues, spirituals,gospel and just good rhythmn tunes as each truck rumbled by carrying tobacco from the warehouses to the factory, downtown!..... so,now you know... the rest of the story!...except for the fact that i still have that little stella guitar,that now tends to sound like an old washboard,but at that time in my life...it was a martin,gibson,you-name-it,all rolled up into one!

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: GUEST,Sam Cloutier
Date: 29 Sep 04 - 08:54 PM

Look, man, if I can afford to take Brooke Radcliffe out on a date once a week or so I can afford any damn guitar there is. Trust me. That girl is expensive.

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: Blissfully Ignorant
Date: 29 Sep 04 - 08:47 PM

I have three and bit guitars- the bit because it is an old nylon-stung classical that belongs mostly to my mother (and unfortunately i haven't been able to 'borrow' it permantly) That was the first guitar i ever played, so it holds a certain sense of nostalgia for me. The second is an acoustic Fender that i saw in a second-hand shop for £60 and stared at pathetically until my mother bought it for me as a combined birthday and christmas present, for which i am eternally grateful! It's old, won't stay in tune for more than a day, and has several bizzare burn-marks, blisters in the varnish and scratches. Those injuries were there when i got it, and i put some stickers on it to cheer it up a bit!
The third, and the one i use the most, is an electric Westfield (no, i hadn't heard of it either...)again bought second-hand, this time by my grandmother, god bless her, at a furniture auction for around £70. It's easier on my tiny fingers and sounds ok even when i play it badly! I swear electric folk shall inherit the earth...
I can't choose a favourite from them, they all mean different things to me and they all sound different. I love them all! :)

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: Once Famous
Date: 29 Sep 04 - 05:53 PM

Well, Juan P-B, sorry your as sensitive as a little girl.

I admitted it was fine with me if the guy liked his Kent. But please get real, it's a piece of Japanese junk compared to "any" Martin or Gibson that he says are way overrated. Saying that they were overrated compared to a Kent warranted some koind of reply. but, I'll say it again, if it is his most prized guitar, that's just wonderful by me.

I play Martin and Gibsons because I have standards that require me to use American quality instruments. Matter of fact was just playing my D-18 with some friends around last Saturday night and was not posing for any pictures. We were just having a good time singing some songs.

So, I hope that one day you save up some dough and experience one of these fine American made instruments before you are quick to criticize what many consider top quality, and who don't pose for pictures or pose with it. We just like playing what many pros play. play.

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: Juan P-B
Date: 29 Sep 04 - 05:31 PM

Ouch!!

Martin Gibson replies to Guest Sam

"If you like your Kent fine, but I suspect that you probably can't afford to buy a Martin or a Gibson"

Jeez! What a twat!! Sounds like a "Nair-Nairny-Air-Nair' moment.

If your old Kent guitar does for you Sam, all to the good

At least you can take yours out and about and have a good time with friends without standing around posing & waiting for someone to take your photograph with it!

Juan P-B

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: wille d. elmore
Date: 29 Sep 04 - 04:22 PM

Well to be perfectly honest,
It would have to be my Epiphone. I it got new in March of 1964 I was 11 years old. I carried it with me on the handle bars of my bicycle and had or should I say still have dillusions of musical grandour. Hey the British invasion. I have a D35 Martin, a F5 style mandolin, banjo(open back),old Regal 12 string and most recently, ahhhh should I speak this ?? a Fender Strat.
Back to the Old Epiphone Its got a great neck easy to finger pick the Blues or flat pick bluegrass. It had a quartz rock dropped on its top, the finger board has divits but hey,put on a cappo it will play in tune. It does'nt get the playing time it once did but its still my first love.

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: Once Famous
Date: 29 Sep 04 - 03:00 PM

If you like your Kent fine, but I suspect that you probably can't afford to buy a Martin or a Gibson.

There is probably good reason why you do not see any pros playing a Kent, but if you like it for the purpose of a crowbar and a life saving raft, it has to be the Swiss Army knife of All guitars!

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: GUEST,Sam Cloutier
Date: 29 Sep 04 - 02:33 PM

Mine's a Kent that I got at the local Woolworth's 25 or so years ago. It's very cool, and it has outlasted the store that sold it. It has a heavy, plastic pickguard that's a copy of a Gibson Hummingbird, I think, and it's a red sunburst color style. The neck on this one is solid as a fence post...I used it to break open the front door one time when I lost my keys. The wood for the sound box is some special kind of laminate, I think, judging by the hole where I put a machine screw to hold on the strap. It's in layers of thin wood, and is tough as hell. You have got to hear the tone of this beauty to believe it! I have played a lot of other guitars, but no other guitar can match this one. It seems to be waterproof too, because I took it on a few canoe trips and got dumped one time on Lake Scugog, and that guitar saved my life! Most people can't get very clear notes out of this guitar, because they've got weak hands. I don't have that problem. I can play this beauty ax like Paul Bunyan. I usually put on a new set of strings about once a year or if I break one. That's kind of extravagant, I know, but I figure it's worth it in the case of a guitar this good.

I would not trade my Kent for the best damn Martin or Gibson in the 48 states. Those guitars are way overrated.

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: GUEST,Don
Date: 28 Sep 04 - 07:59 PM

My favorite one has to be a 1976 Epiphone twelve string I bought in Pensacola, Florida while stationed there in my Navy "A" school. I carried that puppy with me all over Italy and the Mediterranean on a variety of submarines and ships. It made me drinkin' money sitting on a bar stool at Bobby's in Glayfada Square, Athens in 1977, and a whole lot of other memories before and afterwards. I've been through a variety of other acoustic and electric 6-strings since then, but only a 1984 Yari Alvarez that I have now can make me as happy as that old 12-string. It plays good, holds it's tuning well, and makes an old man sound halfway alright.

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: mandotim
Date: 28 Sep 04 - 05:43 PM

Some wonderful instruments mentioned so far. There's a difference for me between most prized guitar and favourite guitar. Favourite guitar is my 20 odd year old Takamine EN20, cedar and mahogany jumbo size guitar. Made in Japan just after the Martin lawsuit, and is sweet and thunderously loud. Gets better all the time, and is a real Martin killer. Most prized is the 1975 Rob Armstrong doubleneck acoustic, built in 1975. Spruce and blonde maple, full of great woods and 'unnecessary workmanship'. I found it in a junkshop in Stoke-on-Trent for £300 or so, complete with a handmade case, also by Rob. It's huge, with a matching voice, but needs to be played sitting down because of the weight! I play mandolin mostly these days though...
Tim

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: Deskjet
Date: 28 Sep 04 - 05:15 PM

A custom built guitar by Derrick Nelson from Dublin. Great stuff.Two years old now, and gettin' better and better.

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: Midchuck
Date: 28 Sep 04 - 04:24 PM

Not my "most prized," but changed a lot of my preconceptions in a hurry:

Ruminations on a "Plastic" Guitar

Peter.

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: GUEST,tarheel
Date: 28 Sep 04 - 10:19 AM

my most prized guitar is the one i own now. it's a Martin D-41.
according to the Martin folks,it was made during the early to mid 90's and was an attempt to help folks own a Martin guitar that wasn't too expensive!
expensive or not,this baby really rings once the new strings on it get broken in ...i mean ,dang! i love it and it's played in performances at least twice a week in mt.airy,n.c.,and several days at home just pickin' and grinnin' around the farm!
i actually bought it with money from my 401k,when i retired in 1999!(my wife said i could!..heheheh)anyway,it's a real gem and wonderful tone! dang,i love that ring it has!i feel lucky to have found it!

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: black walnut
Date: 28 Sep 04 - 10:12 AM

The Larrivee that isn't mine but JeffM's and he plays and I sing and so it's sort of mine, isn't it?

~b.w.

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: Mooh
Date: 28 Sep 04 - 09:23 AM

I just reread this thread, having forgotten about it. I still would have to consider the Beneteau 6 string my "most prized" and sentimental favourite, but it's not the most versatile. The baritone by the same builder is the most versatile because it handles low tunings well with heavy strings considering the 27' scale, yet can be tuned to D easily with medium strings. It's loud and clear and beautiful. Perhaps it would be the desert isle guitar.

Funny, if I still had my first decent flattop I might value it the most. It was a rare solid top Giannini from the early 70s which provided a lot of company and comfort to me in my youth. Wish I had it back.

Peace, Mooh.

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: Juan P-B
Date: 27 Sep 04 - 05:38 PM

.......but it don't have to be financially valuable for it to be 'prized'.

They come up rarely on e-bay for about £400-500 but I wouldn't part with my old Suzy-Whacky for a mint - It's part of me and my history.

The lovely Shirl once said, "I'd never ask you to choose between me and that guitar - I couldn't stand the rejection!"

Juan P-B

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: Neighmond
Date: 27 Sep 04 - 03:44 PM

I guess I have three-none of them real valuable-

Alverez RD 30, an old Ovation Applause, and my Grandpa's Gibson archtop.

The Applause I got on vacation in KY and it is a good reminder of all the fun I had there, and my Gibson is a good momento of Grandpa, even though I never saw him play it. The Alverez is one I got to play out at fairs and that because it has a pickup in it.

First favorite would be Grandpa's, the other two would tie.

Chaz

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: Once Famous
Date: 27 Sep 04 - 02:22 PM

I have many fine vintage guitars, but for "prized" it would have to be the 1962 Gibson LG-3 I bought new in early 1963 after my bar mitzvah with my father.

Though I used it it exclusively for the next 35 years or so, it now is semi-retired but is as sweet a player as ever.

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: Juan P-B
Date: 27 Sep 04 - 02:11 PM

Back in 1976 I went to buy a coupla sets of strings and came away with a Suzuki 3S (copy of a Martin D28) for £126.00 - I sold it once (when I gave up music) and bought it back again soon after.

I have a hand-made 'Vince Hockey; cut-away which is heavenly, two Takamine FP400S 12-Strings (One in open 'D' Tuning') and my original 1967 Eko Ranger 12.

I still love the Suzuki best of all! It played me when I married my Shirley, When my Jenny & my Kaite were born and we played & sung together to my mum the night before she passed away.

It's been all around the world with me and I still love it to bits -

I have only ever seen one other 3S and offered the guy my Top-of-the-range Yamaha and flight case just for the 3S but he wouldn't trade (but he did offer to buy mine)

I've tried (and owned) other Suzuki guitars but none matches the 3S.

When I die it may well be going with me.
Juan P-B

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: GUEST,Scone Fairy
Date: 27 Sep 04 - 02:06 PM

My favourite is a 1982 Martin M38 - the best Martin I have ever heard, but sdaly, and for some unknown reason, no longer made. I think it was based on the body of the old F9 archtop,.

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: GUEST,larry rhindress
Date: 27 Sep 04 - 01:43 PM

I've had a Martin D-28 for about twenty years. I heard so many wonderful stories about this guitar, but couldn't really get that world class sound. Last year I bought a Gibson j-40 (1979), and it has incredable sound quality. The Martin doesn't stand a chance. So sad!!!!!!!!! I love Martins.
Last week I bought a Gibson sj-200. Move over Rover, this is the ultimate axe. No more looking and listening. There ain't nothin better.

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: 53
Date: 04 May 02 - 10:47 AM

Sometimes a pain in the ass is a good one, EJ, just keep on picking. Bob

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: Midchuck
Date: 04 May 02 - 10:03 AM

Guest Fogie: Here is pretty conclusive proof that guitar makers are not the real problem with the Brazilian rain forest.

Here (if it works) is a small picture of my most prized guitar - A 1993 or thereabouts Collings D2H that Jack Lawrence played on stage with Doc Watson from '93 to '99 or so, when he upgraded and sold it on the flatpick list, and I jumped fastest.

I Am Not Worthy - and I don't give a s***.

Peter.

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: GUEST,Fogie
Date: 04 May 02 - 05:13 AM

The prettiest and most resonant is the Manson that appears in "The ultimate Guitar book" which is a pickers dream. Im sorry to say that I dont use the slide slammer, although I have elevated the strings for DAGDAD at times. Its as light as a feather and probably took half the Brazilian rainforest in the making, I never did have the B-bender. Im still not sure exactly what shape it would be if it was a Martin, but its beautiful and he calls it a Magpie

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: Dave T
Date: 03 May 02 - 05:49 PM

Had a few over the years but right now I've got two & in this order:
#1 Oskar Graf cutaway, sitka top, ziricote back & sides that's just had its 1st birthday and sounds better each time I pick it up. If you've never heard or played one of his guitars you gotta try!!!

#2: 1967 Martin 000-18 that's always ready, sounds great, has it's share of dings, smells a bit musty, loads of character.

I can't honestly see myself parting with either of them in this life.

- Dave T

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 03 May 02 - 02:02 PM

Bob, if playing your guitar is giving you a pain in the arse, you might be holding it wrong. :>}

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: 53
Date: 03 May 02 - 01:30 PM

I checked out a Larivee the other day but I'm still trying to stop myself from buying one just yet as my playing seems to be on a decrease right now and I hate that cause I'll have to build callouses back again and that's a pain in the arse.

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: MichaelAnthony
Date: 30 Mar 02 - 02:57 AM

chouxfleur,

I am very curious about that particular combination. How are chords?

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: GUEST,chouxfleur
Date: 30 Mar 02 - 02:20 AM

From my small collection, I would have to be buried with just two:

My old Martin OM-28 herringbone, and my Tom Mates custom built 12 string built of Brazilian back n sides with cedar top. Unusual combination of woods = colossal sound.

chouxfleur

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: Melani
Date: 30 Mar 02 - 12:26 AM

The one my dad made specially for me. It's a lot better than the one he made for himself, which I also have. It's got great bass tone; he was fond of bass.

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: jeffesh
Date: 30 Mar 02 - 12:12 AM

My most prized guitar is a Martin OM28-V that I just bought about 2 months ago. A few weeks after I bought it the owner of the music store called and said that someone else had been close to buying it before I did and now was offering a "premium" to buy it from me because he remembered the one that I bought sounding better than the next one the store got. So I went down and played them both and told the owner, "He's right - mine does sound better and I'm keeping it."

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: 53
Date: 28 Mar 02 - 10:17 PM

Refresh,maybe someone else would like to comment on this thread.

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: Troll
Date: 27 Mar 02 - 10:43 PM

There are Four. In descending order they are;
a pre-WWII Recording King. According to Roy Bookbinder, it was built by Regal in '37 or '38.
A Levin (they made Goyas) which was given to me by the widow of a good friend.
a Yamaki. It's a D-28 clone from the late '70's and is my workhorse. a no-name 12-string that Memsahib bought for me as a surprise. It's patterned on a Gibson and it rings real nice.
There are others but these four are the ones that would get saved from the fire first.

troll

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: MichaelAnthony
Date: 27 Mar 02 - 09:18 PM

A Larrivee model 10 with cutaway and brazilian wood. Just got it. Wow! Clarity and loudness, subtle, too.

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: GUEST,Annraoi
Date: 27 Mar 02 - 09:01 PM

A hand-made 1964 Conde Hermanos Flamenco bought when I was a student in Madrid. Contacted the firm just this week to enquire about re-conditioning (it has suffered over the past 38 years.) their reply was "No problem. But it will cost 1400 Euros plus the transport costs."
Is it worth it, I ask myself?

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: vectis
Date: 27 Mar 02 - 08:45 PM

HEY!!!!!!
I was beginning to think that I had the last Yamaha FG140 still in captivity. It's the first guitar I bought and it took me all summer to pay for it. Cost me £25 in 1972. I can't part with it. I've tried Martins galore they are awful compared with my beloved and much travelled Yam.
What suits one person doesn't necessarily suit another.

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: Mooh
Date: 27 Mar 02 - 06:36 PM

If I had to choose just one it would be my 1995 Beneteau six string. Rosewood 3 piece back, rosewood sides, spruce top, mahogany neck, ebony fingerboard, bridge, tuner buttons and bridge pins, maple binding, clear pickguard, custom inlay (brook trout, my initials, family symbol), bone nut and saddle, and lots of playing wear. It will need a refret within a couple of years. There's a couple of others I could choose, but this one has real spirit and it fits me well.

Peace, Mooh.

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: Willie-O
Date: 27 Mar 02 - 05:05 PM

I have two really fine acoustic guitars, the Japanese Lowden and the Martin O-18.

But although I tend to hang onto guitars, my affections are fickle. Today, if I was in Toronto I would be down at the 12th Fret begging to try out the 1945 Martin D-18 that someone has already promised them the megabucks for....

Willie-O

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: Wesley S
Date: 27 Mar 02 - 02:18 PM

Instruments are like kids. I can't have a favorite because it would be insulting to the others. Although I have high hopes for the guitar that Collings is making for me now. A 000 2H 12 fret slothead with a few bells and whistles on it. I should have it in about 6 to 8 weeks.

I hope to never sell my 1967 D-18. I bought it in 1969 and it's a great old guitar. Really trustworthy. If the house was on fire it's most likely the one I would grab. My prewar 1999 OM-28V could be replaced. Same with my Lowden 12 string. They don't have the emotional investment that the D-18 has for me.

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: 53
Date: 27 Mar 02 - 02:13 PM

Boy, Knitpick has some nice instruments. I have a 1979 GibsonJ-40, and a 1990 Takamine LTD, and a 2000 Takamine GS 330s, and a Taylor Big Baby, a Yamaha CG70, 2 Fender Strats, a Johnson Baritone, Uke. My wife also has a Taylor Big Baby. We like to play a lot since she's only been playing 1 year today. So I might say happy b-day Big Baby.

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: Knitpick
Date: 27 Mar 02 - 12:51 AM

My Running Dog jumbo concert (in sycamore & spruce),
my 1943 Martin 0-18, recent neck reset, courtesy of the Martin factory,
my 1964 D-28 with the non-Martin top, the story of which is in one of my songs on my AOL webpage (members.aol.com/rjclayton/),
my 1944 Epiphone Zenith archtop,
my Heritage 535,
my 1963 Gibson B-25-12,
my 1960s Kay swingmaster,
or even my 1960s Epiphone 422.

Why do you ask?

Songbob Clayton

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: Rolfyboy6
Date: 27 Mar 02 - 12:24 AM

My 1959 Martin 000-18. I bought it from a college student in 1965 for $60 and a Gibson B-25. It's had a neck reset and a new bridge, cracks repaired from freezing in Utah and earthquakes in California. Still can make it sound like Son House or Woody Guthrie. It taught me to play. My ambition is to leave it to one of my children. Second place: my Gallagher G-45.

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: GUEST,ollaimh
Date: 26 Mar 02 - 10:11 PM

it's me i just didn't sign in.

rick i kept my japanese lowden and its one of the best guitars i've ever heard, craks and all from the fire.

i was offered a lot for it and i'm glad i didn't give in

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: 53
Date: 26 Mar 02 - 09:28 PM

Rick has G A S.

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 26 Mar 02 - 11:21 AM

Three that I foolishly sold.

A 1960s Epiphone Texan.

A 1944 D-18.

A Japanese Lowden with more volume than TWO guitars (it has a good Mudcat home now)

Buy and sell, buy and sell, buy and sell...la di da!

Rick

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: Grab
Date: 26 Mar 02 - 10:15 AM

My beater guitar - sounds sweet with Martin Bronze strings. It may not be the best, but we know each other well enough that there's no surprises at all. Anything I want to play acoustic, it does it. That's all you can ask from a guitar.

Graham.

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: Larkin
Date: 26 Mar 02 - 07:07 AM

I've got 2, A Martin C2 built in 1932 which unfortunatly has a badly damaged top and is going to be re-built this year and my real favourite , a Yamaha FG140 which I chose from a batch of 20 when they first came into the country ( I think it was 1970 ) I thinned the struts and removed the sprayed finish on the top - it sounds wonderful and I've had lots of offers for it over the years.

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: Songsmith
Date: 26 Mar 02 - 04:35 AM

I've owned to many to remember them all but still have my most prized.

It was built by Tom Dorward who owns the Folklore Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1972. I first heard the guitar while standing by the mixing board during a sound check at the Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival. Three years later it was mine. The guy I bought is from was Dave Corkum and he still calls it his guitar.It has a huge deep sound and always turns a head or two when in a session. Battered and bruised yet brillant.It's full of happy times past and many to come. I'll never part with it.

Second is a 97 Taylor 810-WMB. Only 270 issued. It sounds great and plays even better. I can't wait until it ages a few more years. Awesome giutar!

Later Jim

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: Seamus Kennedy
Date: 26 Mar 02 - 01:55 AM

1927 Martin 00-18 Koa wood front and back. A Takamine NP-45C cutaway. Neither of which I play on stage, sessions and studio work only.

Seamus

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: Janice in NJ
Date: 25 Mar 02 - 11:41 PM

Martin 0-15.

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: ollaimh
Date: 25 Mar 02 - 11:35 PM

i have owned more guitars than makes sense. including at least a dozen red label yamaha's , and they were all great.

i had guild f20 that would amaze people--i don't know why but it sounded better than any guild i've heard since.

even a martin d-28 from 1954. i sold it(hardhearted bastard aren't i). my main instrument is now harp or mandolin.

now i have an old lowden that surrived a fire. it was under water for several hours and cracked but sounds better for it all--and it is an amazing sound. and i have a ted tompson. i met him in vernon twelve or thirteen years ago and i thought his new guitars were the best sounding new guitars i had every heard. i asked if he had brazillian rose wood for the back and sides and he was hungry for the sale and threw the special boards in for free, now ir cost 1500 bucks extra. i didn't really mean to be such a bargainer i just had a finite amount of money.the guitar is now beginning to come into it's owm and it is actually better than the martin D 28 from 54.

i don't think i will sell these two as i am getting poorer as i get older and i doubt i will eber get another as good. as for the fire, the martin was in my bacj room, and although i felt guilty selling it a guy showed up with a lot of cash , something i didn't have, and everything in the backroom went up in flames, so i would have lost it anyway. i do have visitation rights and it is the best sounding martin i've heard except two from the thirties i've played.

i may go buy a sekova for a couple of hundred this week. oh gos so little time so many guitars. as for the fg 180's and such i've sold, i should have kpt one, they aren't easy to find any more and they are as good as many martins from the seventies. i had a yamaha fg jumbo from the fifties that had a twisted neck but a wierd head stock and sounded like heaven. sold it to a buddy who has pprobably let it go--oh well.

oh yeah a buddy gave me a canon of a yairi a few week ago, but it was to pass on to a teenage daughter of a friend who wanted to learn. those yairi's are special too. you have to give a guitar away occasionally or you get jaded/

i had an old harmony with a jombo body but a bad neck. i couldn't play anything but slide on it, then i met a kid who was playing slide on a sears thing that couln't have been worse--presto, i gave him my harmony and watched him busk with it for years!

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: Steve in Idaho
Date: 25 Mar 02 - 09:32 PM

Bob,

My only guitar - Ol Mose. Bought him new in 1975 and he's been through one mule wreck, two car wrecks, my pot smokin', drinkin', and fightin' years. He's got a bunch of dings and assorted scars. Love this old axe. I could do an "I've Been Everywhere" song about this guy and me. Ol Mose has also been with me through three marraiges, too damn many romances, more horses than I can remember, 10 or 15 Harleys and other assorted motorcycles, and been the one constant in my life over everything I can recall.

The only thing I've had longer is my discharge certificate from the Marines. And that only beats Mose by about five years.

Yep - love at first sight.

Steve

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: Sorcha
Date: 25 Mar 02 - 08:06 PM

53, my most Prized Instrument is my fiddle, Maggie, (photo available here. She was my husband's Step-grandfather's fiddle.

After Lyle died (I never met him) some person came to Grandma Jessie's door and told her he would give her $45 for Lyles' fiddle. She said she didn't have it anymore. Several years after that, Mr. and I were married.

She found out that I played fiddle (and was trying to "fiddle" on a violin). We went to visit and Grama Jessies asked if I would be interested in Lyles fiddle if she could find it. She told me the story about the guy who wanted it for $45, and finally found it buried deep in a closet, and gave it to me.

The poor girl had a terrible crack from the treble f-hole to the lower bout purfling and a piece of 1/4" cotton clothesline tied from the sound-post to the inside of the tailpin. We were living in Evanston, WY then, only 85 miles from Salt Lake City, so I took it to InterMountain Music when we got home.

3 months later, I picked up my new baby. Had to do a lot of playing, hanging in front of speakers, etc. but I LOVE this girl!! She is very loud and brassy (can walk on 2 banjos) if necessary, but she can also be so sweet and soft with things like When You and I Were Young, Maggie or the dreaded Danny Boy........

She has geared tuning pegs (like a guitar or banjo) instead of friction pegs, and very rarely is far out of tune. (Lovely for stage gigs!) She is very red, and was probably very cheap originally--she is a factory made Lyon and Healy, probably 1920's--but I love her for Fiddling Stuff.

She does NOT like expensive strings and usually wears SuperSensitive Old Fiddler Red labels, but currently has Helicores. Not her favorite strings. Expensive "gut" are right out--I tried them and it was a No Go.She said "That is ViolinShit--NOT for ME!".

There are certain tunes she will not play--Tennessee Waltz is among them. Don't have a clue why she does not like them but she doesn't. She is Female and does not have to answer "Why" questions............

Probably my most Beautiful Instrument is my American Walnut McSpadden lap dulcimer, but she does not get near enough Play Time.

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: 53
Date: 25 Mar 02 - 07:55 PM

I wish that I could find a Gibson anything for $20.00

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: Mark Ross
Date: 25 Mar 02 - 07:39 PM

My most prized guitar is a Martin copy made by a luthier in Brooklyn, NY named Ivan Schmuckler(it's German for jeweler, by the way), back in '74. Rory BLock had one, so did Roy Bookbinder, Ken Perlman. It is a copy of those archtop conversion jobs that David Bromberg was playing at the time. Wider than a Dreadnought across the lower bout, but a slightly shallower body, with a slight arch to the back. Martin wasn't making OOOO's at the time(or M's, as they called them for a while), and they turn out to be my favorite size and shape, a deep ringing bass with a clear balanced treble that the D-size lacks, great for flatpicking for bluegrass or old-timey music, fingerpicking, or those full jazz chords. Mine is mahogany back sides, spruce top and ebony bridge and fingerboard. Only cost me $400 back then(he would 've charged anybody else six, but I worked at the New York Folklore Center at the time and he figured that every guitar picker in the country would get to see it. I've never played another axe that felt quite as good(except maybe Utah Phillips' big Guild).

Mark Ross

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 25 Mar 02 - 07:20 PM

Bertha, my '82 Harmony. She has a certain presence, a real boomer if you know what I mean.

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: Deckman
Date: 25 Mar 02 - 06:30 PM

I have two beauties that I have loved for many years. My steel string is a 0-16NY Martin, 1922. (12 fret neck). My classic is another Martin, 0028G 1938. I've been offered big bucks for each of them, but they are promised to my son. CHEERS, Bob(deckman)Nelson

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: Anahootz
Date: 25 Mar 02 - 06:21 PM

McPiper - go Clickyclicky and check out some of these units...

The reading part is a little tough, but after a liter or so of sake, it becomes pretty clear ;)

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: Phil Cooper
Date: 25 Mar 02 - 06:01 PM

Yes, Jim is a true gentleman. I can't say enough nice about him. Always liked his ragtime style picking. Getting back to Jan's guitars, I know that Andrew Calhoun owned one. I'm not sure if he still has it or not. Anne Hills played one for a long time, too (former spouse and co-owner of Hogeye with Jan). I only played on Andrew's guitar for a short time.

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: GUEST,jonesey
Date: 25 Mar 02 - 04:17 PM

Thanks Phil...great to hear about Jan still being active. His guitars didn't/don't have the hipper-than-thou factor of some of the other independent builders like Gurian or Galagher, but I've yet to hear one that sounded as good as the one he built for me. It was LOUD and pretty sounding, too. I had to part with it for financial reasons. The only other guitar I ever heard approaching that particular one was a '33 Martin D-18S I played once. Jim Craig is one of the best interpreters of traditional music I've ever heard, a great songwriter and one of the true gentlemen in music.

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: Phil Cooper
Date: 25 Mar 02 - 03:49 PM

Jonesy, Jan Burda is still making guitars, last I heard. He is living in lower Michigan now. Hogeye Music is still in business, though it is now owned and run by Jim Craig. Still 50 years behind the times. I bought two guitars from Hogeye over the years, a Santa Cruz Model H (I, too, met someone with the same model, one digit different in the serial number); which I still have and use in CGCGCD tuning; and a Breedlove (which I later sold on e-bay). Hogeye is a great store.

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: Bobert
Date: 25 Mar 02 - 02:40 PM

My 1964 Martin D-18. She might not be a pretty as she once was but she's never played better.

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: GUEST,jonesey
Date: 25 Mar 02 - 01:21 PM

ivan about the Hondo...they were pacific-rim knock-offs of popular guitars(strats,teles,les pauls, etc.) from the late 70's early 80's. Not sure of the country of origin as they may have been from korea, taiwan, japan, etc. A music store owner with a heart knew my budget and had me plug one into a Fender twin along side a Tele Standard at 3 times the money...I could hear no difference other than a slightly 'thinner' sound from the Hondo when in the bridge position. Had him throw in a 1/4 pound tele pick-up for 60.00. My current guitar is an Alvarez with a solid top and lam sides and back. Picked it up, strummed one chord and traded 2 Mexicasters and 80.00 cash for it. It's not real loud, but clear as a bell as many other pickers have commented when hearing/playing it. My favorite all time was one made for me by Jan Burda in Evanston, Ill. He owned a store at that time called Hogeye Music. It may still be there. Anyway, he built a copy of a D-28S from a set of plans obtained with the prototype specs by a company named Ditson. It was made of red cedar, walnut sides and back, ebony fingerboard and a rosewood pickguard. Had all the cut-thru of an '18' and the overtones of a '28'. 12 frets to the body and the best sounding guitar I've ever had the pleasure of playing. His guitar line was called 'Dove' at the time.

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: Auxiris
Date: 25 Mar 02 - 12:28 PM

A little Gibson LG-1 purchased for $20 in a music shop that was going out of business.

cheers,

Aux

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: GUEST,ivan
Date: 25 Mar 02 - 08:57 AM

Nice to see someone praisng the Yamaha FG140 i've had one since 1970 and still love it. At the time I was living in London and it was the choice of poor boys who couldn't afford Martins etc. I also have a Squier Strat my wife bought me a year ago which has sentimental value and makes me feel like a young rocker (sort of). I have an un-named 50's dance band guitar given to be by my father in law which is fun to use occassionally and a Hondo which I obtained by accident a few years ago. Does anyone know anything about them. It is big, black, and has a very loud sound - low on subtlty though where the Yamaha scores well.

Cheers

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: mcpiper
Date: 25 Mar 02 - 06:02 AM

Gidday, I have a little S.yairi. It never goes out of tune, weighs about as much as a ukulele, is louder than a lot of bigger guitars, more accurate than many. I know the guy who owns the guitar one serial number away. A bunch of them arrived in my home town. Chris Newman picked it up when he stayed at home, and after he played it, called out for Moira to come and listen. It's a magic wee instrument.I must find out more about yairi.

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: GUEST,MC Fat
Date: 25 Mar 02 - 05:25 AM

I had a Epiphone Vintage Bluesmaster (I've actually owned 2 but the first one got stolen) and when I fell on hard times I had to let it go. They are very rare and I didn't know that only 500 were made(there's been a prevoius thread about this model). The good news is that I've manged to locate another one exactly like the last one. I found it on a british auction site on the web the funding has just been agreed and I should be reunited with an old friend (or it's sister/brother) very very soon.

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: Jeep man
Date: 24 Mar 02 - 10:35 PM

When I pick up my Martin D18/GE, its as if an old dear friend has come to visit. I have never had a bad moment while playing it. Jeep

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: 53
Date: 24 Mar 02 - 09:20 PM

That's great, a guitar is like your soul mate. It is part of you and it'll always bring you joy.

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: Tweed
Date: 24 Mar 02 - 05:19 PM

I've got Fenders, a Gibson and a Regal but at the moment, this(clik) is my most prized guitar. But I don't believe I could part with any of them. Hellfire Bob, they're all good!

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: harvey andrews
Date: 24 Mar 02 - 04:22 PM

A gibson J45 bought new in 1965.Now very battered but my only guitar till 1978. reason it's special? It's been played by Phil Ochs, Tim Hardin,Jan Ackermann, Ralph McTell,many others...and Abba!(That's a long story) The neck is too narrow for me now but it's in the attic and it's going to stay there.

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: Phil Cooper
Date: 24 Mar 02 - 04:15 PM

Bob,

At this point my most prized guitar is my taylor K14c, because of its overall sound. But I'd have trouble giving up my other guitars, they all have things about them that I think are great features.

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: Anahootz
Date: 24 Mar 02 - 04:09 PM

At the moment? '94 Martin D-28...After years of owning so-so dreadnaughts, this is a cannon.

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: Clifton53
Date: 24 Mar 02 - 02:29 PM

A Gibson J-45 that I could never part with, a Seagull SM6 that has a great thumpy bass register, especially with a bare thumb, and a Tacoma mandolin that I love to play, but I don't pick up as often as my guitars. I'm also getting my no-name banjo up and running after about 6 years in the closet.

Clifton

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: GUEST,WaBan Zhou
Date: 24 Mar 02 - 01:44 PM

I bought a guitar in 1970 in Berkeley, I think it was modeled on a Gibson J-200, with a curly maple back and a rosewood fingerboard. It had a label inside which said " made by Phillip T. Buss, Guitar Workshop,.....State Street, Madison, Wisconsin,1965" I really liked that instrument, I carried it all over the country for thiry-five years, then it was stolen from my house in Tumwater, Washington. I know I'll never get it back, but if anyone knows who Phillip Buss is or, by this time,God knows, was, please tell him thanks for me, his craftsmanship gave me a good friend and many years of pleasure. WaBan Zhou

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: Midchuck
Date: 24 Mar 02 - 11:48 AM

My Collings D2H that I bought from Jack Lawrence over the flatpick list. It was played on every major concert stage in the country, when he appeared with Doc Watson, from about '93 through '99. Has a ding on the front where he ran it into a lavatory while guiding Doc into the bathroom backstage. If you have the "Doc and Dawg" video, you can see it.

It is not the one that gets played most, though. That's the 000-15S, at this point.

Peter.

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: DonMeixner
Date: 24 Mar 02 - 11:42 AM

1963 Guild F-30

1073 Martin 0-16NY

1973 Yamaha FG-180 Red Label

2001 Martin JC-16

On a scale of one to 10 there is only 1/100 of a point between any of them, the Guild being a 10.

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 24 Mar 02 - 11:36 AM

My first real guitar... my cedar top Seagull S6... I've had her now for 12 or 15 years at least... Cut my musical teeth on her... her frets are worn nearly flat... her face is scratched and worn and dinged, and I know where each and every one came from... I pulled the crappy "Shadow" magnetic pickup out of her and now she sits beside the sofa, tuned down a semi tone...

No guitar I've ever played sounds better than my old girl...

"I've got an old guitar won't ever stay in tune
I like the way it sounds in a dark and empty room"
--Stuff That Works--

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: Bullfrog Jones
Date: 24 Mar 02 - 11:30 AM

A 1963 Gretsch Chet Atkins Country Gentleman (picture George Harrison -- he had one at the time). Trouble is I rarely play it because I don't like taking it out to gigs!

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: Lane
Date: 24 Mar 02 - 12:06 AM

Well.... I own a Martin, a Guild and an old Yamaha FG-140.... the Yamaha is not the finest, but it is certainly the most prized to me because of the memories that it holds... years ago I was playing it while camping in the Oregon desert and lost a bridge peg in the sand... I replaced it with a piece of Juniper brush, which is still there today.... things like that. And, besides, it actually sounds almost as nice as the others!

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: 53
Date: 23 Mar 02 - 11:03 PM

Sorcha what's your most prized instrument?

Subject: RE: Your most prized guitar
From: Sorcha
Date: 23 Mar 02 - 11:00 PM

Sorry, BOB, but the answer is none. Our only guitar is a $3.00 yard sale Global classical style which has been strung with steels. It's hung on the wall for 20 years now. One broken tuning peg that needs pliers or vice grips to tune.

Have nylon strings, just have never bothered to change them or fix the peg because nobody here plays guitar.

Subject: Your most prized guitar
From: 53
Date: 23 Mar 02 - 10:21 PM

I have a Gibson J-40 that I bought brand new in 1979, and it is my most prized guitar, what are your thoughts on your most prized guitar?