Great Acoustics: Barney Kessel’s Well-Worn 1931 Gibson L-5 Helped Score Hits by Ella Fitzgerald, Elvis, and Others
In July 1948, Kessel purchased this early Gibson L-5 from Smith and went on to use it for two decades of studio sessions.
Great Acoustics: Jason Isbell’s 1940 Martin 0-17
Isbell owns some prized vintage guitars, but when it came to recording his latest solo acoustic album, the singer-songwriter turned to this smaller and plainer 0-17.
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Great Acoustics: 2005 Benedetto “Vinodetto” with Wine-Stained Maple
The maple back and sides were stained into a glowing red color using cabernet sauvignon from the owner's winery.
New York’s Acoustic Guitar Project Takamine Has Inspired 92 Songs—and Counting
This well-used dreadnought is the original guitar of the Acoustic Guitar Project, which challenges songwriters to write and record a song in one week on a specific instrument.
Great Acoustics: Alan Carruth’s “Proper” Harp Guitar
The guitar has an uncommon resonance and complexity, thanks to the harp’s extended arm, soundboard, and back
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Great Acoustics: A Rare 1920s Clef Club Deluxe Guitar Banjo
With its 16-inch head, this oversized instrument—Dubbed Big Head Joe by its owner, Dom Flemons—has all the punch and power you could want.
Great Acoustics: A Mighty 1949 Epiphone Emperor Archtop
The Emperor pictured here was made in late 1949, and has a carved spruce top, carved maple back, and extensive inlay work befitting such a fancy guitar.
Great Acoustics: A Cutting-Edge 1931 Martin OM-18 Owned by Country Legend Conway Twitty
Twitty was renowned for his voice, his hair, and songs like “It’s Only Make Believe,” but he also had excellent taste in acoustic guitars.
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Great Acoustics: Tracy Chapman’s Cherished Judy Threet Model A Parlor Guitar
“It’s probably the most exquisite acoustic guitar I’ve ever played,” says guitarist-composer Joe Gore, who has worked with Chapman for many years
John Leventhal Gets a Surprise Birthday Present: Johnny Cash’s 1940 Martin D-18
Cash used this guitar in the series of critically acclaimed studio albums he made with producer Rick Rubin.
‘Acoustic America’ Exhibition Celebrates the Instruments and Players that Have Shaped Acoustic Music
The exhibition represents a good balance of musical instrument types and makers, time periods, and styles, grouped thematically and by era.
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A Player’s Guide to Finding the Right Vintage Guitar
Playability and structural integrity are critical in a used guitar, especially those made half a century or more ago.
Great Acoustics: A Rare Gibson Bella Voce Guitar Banjo
With its extensively engraved gold-plated hardware, the Bella Voce (along with the equally fancy Florentine model) was the most expensive banjo in the Gibson catalog.
Great Acoustics: Los Lobos’ Bajo Sexto and Requinto Jarocho
Two instruments belonging to Cesar Rosas and David Hidalgo reflect the breadth of the band’s influences and dedication to tradition.
Great Acoustics: John Denver’s Luxurious 1978 Yamaha L-53
Denver used this ornate, custom Yamaha extensively in concert and on TV (and on his album cover with the Muppets).
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Great Acoustics: Reverend Gary Davis’ 1949 Gibson SJ-200 Finds a New Home
The story behind Davis’ SJ-200 is as murky as a Louisiana swamp.
Great Acoustics: The Late Robbie Basho’s Cherished 12-String Guitar Resurfaces
Basho created an alternate universe of mystical, spiritual music using this century-old 12-string of mysterious origin.
This 2022 Greg Brandt Custom Concert Model Is a Traditional Classical Guitar with Unique Ornamentation
All of the pieces fit together for Brandt when he built this “jigsaw puzzle” guitar.
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Great Acoustics: John Monteleone’s Rocket Convertible Is a Standout Archtop from the Blue Guitar Collection
With is elliptical soundhole and dual soundports, the innovative Rocket Convertible is a great example of Monteleone's vision and craft.
Great Acoustics: Steve James’ Collings Custom C10 was His Main Steel-String Companion for 30 Years
The 1991 Collings Custom C10 (serial number 524) was James’ main flattop for three decades, and the one he considered his best.
Great Acoustics: 1948 Levin De Luxe Archtop
Levin instruments have been played by many of the finest European guitarists. The 1948 Model 1 De Luxe archtop shown here sat at the very top of the Levin line.
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Beyond Flattops: The Magic of Archtop Guitars
Though long favored by jazz and swing guitarists, the archtop is currently enjoying a revival among roots and Americana musicians, flatpickers, and singer-songwriters.
Great Acoustics: George Gruhn’s Exceptionally Rare 1933 Martin 12-Fret D-28
This 1933 Martin 12-fret, slot-head D-28 is George Gruhn's favorite flattop steel-string guitar. Here's why.
Great Acoustics: Hank Williams’ Other Martin Guitar
This Martin D-18 had a homecoming in 2009, but not before helping launch a country legend.
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A Guide to Identifying Common Acoustic Guitar Shapes and Sizes
The steel-string acoustic guitar appears in many different sizes and shapes. This guide gives a general understanding of the most common styles and what they may offer players.
