Early 20th century Gibson acoustics with dead strings? I know many players have found timbral nirvana with the combination of a guitar that is around 100 years old and uncoated strings that were last changed during the Reagan administration. This…
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Sep 5 2023
1958 FLYING V WITH ADRIAN UTLEY OF PORTISHEAD
The 1958 Gibson Flying V is arguably the rarest of the classic vintage instrument pantheon - only 81 of these iconic beasts were made.
I was delighted to be invited by the good people at Gardiner Houlgate to check the…
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Apr 7 2023
NEW TEXTURES - GIBSON L-00 1931
Continuing my exploration of unfamiliar musical textures here is a moment with a 1931 Gibson L-00 in original factory black. What a spectacular guitar!
There is so much to talk about in this new series - I’m still formulating my…
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Mar 31 2023
NEW TEXTURES - GIBSON L-1 1932
I’m going through an exploratory phase at the moment - seeking out different sounds and textures, expanding my range. This is an ongoing process and I would recommend that all guitarists spend time getting to know different guitars.
I have…
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Jan 15 2023
RUINED BY THIS GUITAR
George Gruhn knows what he's doing - as he showed me around his private collection of achingly rare guitars - my curiosity was piqued by a 12-fret Euphonon dreadnought. It is one of a pair made in 1940 - explains…
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Jan 13 2023
GEORGE GRUHN SPEAKS HIS MIND
George Gruhn is an iconic figure in the world of guitar retail - instantly recognisable with a stack of unobtainium guitars and a live snake around his neck - George has helmed Gruhn Guitars in Nashville TN for over 50…
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Mar 29 2022
Rickenbacker Guitars Exhibition at Shapero Rare Books in London - Extended to 2nd April!
Rickenbacker guitars have a magnetic pull for me - I can't explain exactly why but I find them to be some of the most beautiful electric guitar designs out there.
As such it was a pleasure to visit Shapero Rare…
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Mar 2 2022
Losing My Mind with a 1959 Gibson Les Paul - The Morgan Burst
While I do get regular offers to play rare and exotic guitars I am not so jaded that the thought of spending quality time with an original 1959 Gibson Sunburst Les Paul doesn't get the blood pumping!
In this video…
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Oct 10 2021
Wonderful Small-Body Guitars - with "The Devil Is In It" author John Stubbings
It's always a joy to spend time with my friend John Stubbings - John is the author of one of the most beautiful books on the acoustic guitar that I have ever read The Devil Is In it - if…
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May 26 2020
Watts x Greenfield Instagram Live Video
Chatting with super luthier Michael Greenfield about any subject whatsoever is one of life's real pleasures. Here, in all its rough and ready glory is an hour of exactly that - from the advantage that a solid foundation in guitar…
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Mar 16 2020
Joel Paterson Interview - The Guitar Magazine
I've been a fan of Chicago's Joel Paterson for a while now and it was a real pleasure to interview the man himself for The Guitar Magazine recently! Click on the pic below to go through to the full interview…
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Feb 27 2020
Archtops for the Fingerstyle Guitarist - With Sean McGowan
Throughout my life as a player the archtop guitar has held a brooding and slightly intimidating mystique. Now, as I'm learning how to appreciate the subtleties and nuances of these beautiful instruments - built with an intent and technique far…
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Jan 8 2020
More Vintage Guitars Than is Strictly Fair...
It's been an exciting start to the year for me and I sincerely hope for you too!
Thank you to everyone for your messages over the holiday period. It was wonderful to hear from you all!
I've been busy in…
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