Viewing: Vintage Guitars - View all posts

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…