https://acousticguitar.com lessons, music to play, and how-tos for all guitarists Wed, 22 Oct 2025 16:48:55 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://i0.wp.com/acousticguitar.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/AG_Favicon.png?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 https://acousticguitar.com 32 32 103806923 https://acousticguitar.com/great-acoustics-barney-kessels-well-worn-1931-gibson-l-5-helped-score-hits-by-ella-fitzgerald-elvis-and-others/ https://acousticguitar.com/great-acoustics-barney-kessels-well-worn-1931-gibson-l-5-helped-score-hits-by-ella-fitzgerald-elvis-and-others/#comments Wed, 23 Jul 2025 13:00:00 +0000 https://acousticguitar.com/?p=148156 In July 1948, Kessel purchased this early Gibson L-5 from Smith and went on to use it for two decades of studio sessions.]]> https://acousticguitar.com/great-acoustics-barney-kessels-well-worn-1931-gibson-l-5-helped-score-hits-by-ella-fitzgerald-elvis-and-others/feed/ 1 148156 https://acousticguitar.com/great-acoustics-jason-isbells-1940-martin-0-17/ https://acousticguitar.com/great-acoustics-jason-isbells-1940-martin-0-17/#comments Sun, 20 Apr 2025 13:00:00 +0000 https://acousticguitar.com/?p=147246 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.]]> https://acousticguitar.com/great-acoustics-jason-isbells-1940-martin-0-17/feed/ 1 147246 https://acousticguitar.com/great-acoustics-2005-benedetto-vinodetto-with-wine-stained-maple/ https://acousticguitar.com/great-acoustics-2005-benedetto-vinodetto-with-wine-stained-maple/#comments Sun, 09 Mar 2025 13:00:00 +0000 https://acousticguitar.com/?p=143157 The maple back and sides were stained into a glowing red color using cabernet sauvignon from the owner's winery.]]> https://acousticguitar.com/great-acoustics-2005-benedetto-vinodetto-with-wine-stained-maple/feed/ 1 143157 https://acousticguitar.com/new-yorks-acoustic-guitar-project-takamine-has-inspired-92-songs-and-counting/ https://acousticguitar.com/new-yorks-acoustic-guitar-project-takamine-has-inspired-92-songs-and-counting/#respond Sun, 16 Feb 2025 14:40:00 +0000 https://acousticguitar.com/?p=146869 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.]]> https://acousticguitar.com/new-yorks-acoustic-guitar-project-takamine-has-inspired-92-songs-and-counting/feed/ 0 146869 https://acousticguitar.com/great-acoustics-alan-carruths-proper-harp-guitar/ https://acousticguitar.com/great-acoustics-alan-carruths-proper-harp-guitar/#respond Wed, 22 Jan 2025 14:00:00 +0000 https://acousticguitar.com/?p=143163 The guitar has an uncommon resonance and complexity, thanks to the harp’s extended arm, soundboard, and back]]> https://acousticguitar.com/great-acoustics-alan-carruths-proper-harp-guitar/feed/ 0 143163 https://acousticguitar.com/great-acoustics-a-rare-1920s-clef-club-deluxe-guitar-banjo/ https://acousticguitar.com/great-acoustics-a-rare-1920s-clef-club-deluxe-guitar-banjo/#comments Fri, 10 Jan 2025 14:00:00 +0000 https://acousticguitar.com/?p=146188 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.]]> https://acousticguitar.com/great-acoustics-a-rare-1920s-clef-club-deluxe-guitar-banjo/feed/ 2 146188 https://acousticguitar.com/great-acoustics-a-mighty-1949-epiphone-emperor-archtop/ https://acousticguitar.com/great-acoustics-a-mighty-1949-epiphone-emperor-archtop/#comments Wed, 06 Nov 2024 14:00:00 +0000 https://acousticguitar.com/?p=145677 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.]]> https://acousticguitar.com/great-acoustics-a-mighty-1949-epiphone-emperor-archtop/feed/ 1 145677 https://acousticguitar.com/great-acoustisc-1931-martin-om-18-owned-by-conway-twitty/ https://acousticguitar.com/great-acoustisc-1931-martin-om-18-owned-by-conway-twitty/#respond Sun, 06 Oct 2024 13:00:00 +0000 https://acousticguitar.com/?p=145131 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.]]> https://acousticguitar.com/great-acoustisc-1931-martin-om-18-owned-by-conway-twitty/feed/ 0 145131 https://acousticguitar.com/great-acoustics-tracy-chapmans-cherished-judy-threet-model-a-parlor-guitar/ https://acousticguitar.com/great-acoustics-tracy-chapmans-cherished-judy-threet-model-a-parlor-guitar/#comments Fri, 28 Jun 2024 14:03:06 +0000 https://acousticguitar.com/?p=144505 “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]]> https://acousticguitar.com/great-acoustics-tracy-chapmans-cherished-judy-threet-model-a-parlor-guitar/feed/ 1 144505 https://acousticguitar.com/john-leventhal-surprise-birthday-present-johnny-cashs-1940-martin-d-18/ https://acousticguitar.com/john-leventhal-surprise-birthday-present-johnny-cashs-1940-martin-d-18/#respond Fri, 17 May 2024 13:00:00 +0000 https://acousticguitar.com/?p=143839 Cash used this guitar in the series of critically acclaimed studio albums he made with producer Rick Rubin.]]> https://acousticguitar.com/john-leventhal-surprise-birthday-present-johnny-cashs-1940-martin-d-18/feed/ 0 143839 https://acousticguitar.com/acoustic-america-iconic-guitars-mandolins-and-banjos-exhibition-celebrates-the-instruments-and-players-that-have-shaped-acoustic-music/ https://acousticguitar.com/acoustic-america-iconic-guitars-mandolins-and-banjos-exhibition-celebrates-the-instruments-and-players-that-have-shaped-acoustic-music/#comments Sun, 17 Mar 2024 13:00:00 +0000 https://acousticguitar.com/?p=143573 The exhibition represents a good balance of musical instrument types and makers, time periods, and styles, grouped thematically and by era.]]> https://acousticguitar.com/acoustic-america-iconic-guitars-mandolins-and-banjos-exhibition-celebrates-the-instruments-and-players-that-have-shaped-acoustic-music/feed/ 2 143573 https://acousticguitar.com/a-players-guide-to-finding-the-right-vintage-guitar/ https://acousticguitar.com/a-players-guide-to-finding-the-right-vintage-guitar/#comments Sun, 10 Mar 2024 13:00:00 +0000 https://acousticguitar.com/?p=143545 Playability and structural integrity are critical in a used guitar, especially those made half a century or more ago.]]> https://acousticguitar.com/a-players-guide-to-finding-the-right-vintage-guitar/feed/ 2 143545 https://acousticguitar.com/gibson-gb-bella-voce-guitar-banjo/ https://acousticguitar.com/gibson-gb-bella-voce-guitar-banjo/#respond Fri, 16 Feb 2024 14:00:00 +0000 https://acousticguitar.com/?p=143271 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.]]> https://acousticguitar.com/gibson-gb-bella-voce-guitar-banjo/feed/ 0 143271 https://acousticguitar.com/great-acoustics-los-lobos-bajo-sexto-and-requinto-jarocho/ https://acousticguitar.com/great-acoustics-los-lobos-bajo-sexto-and-requinto-jarocho/#respond Sun, 14 Jan 2024 14:00:00 +0000 https://acousticguitar.com/?p=143193 Two instruments belonging to Cesar Rosas and David Hidalgo reflect the breadth of the band’s influences and dedication to tradition.]]> https://acousticguitar.com/great-acoustics-los-lobos-bajo-sexto-and-requinto-jarocho/feed/ 0 143193 https://acousticguitar.com/great-acoustics-john-denvers-luxurious-1978-yamaha-l-53/ https://acousticguitar.com/great-acoustics-john-denvers-luxurious-1978-yamaha-l-53/#respond Sun, 07 Jan 2024 14:00:00 +0000 https://acousticguitar.com/?p=143152 Denver used this ornate, custom Yamaha extensively in concert and on TV (and on his album cover with the Muppets).]]> https://acousticguitar.com/great-acoustics-john-denvers-luxurious-1978-yamaha-l-53/feed/ 0 143152 https://acousticguitar.com/great-acoustics-reverend-gary-davis-1949-gibson-sj-200-finds-a-new-home/ https://acousticguitar.com/great-acoustics-reverend-gary-davis-1949-gibson-sj-200-finds-a-new-home/#comments Sun, 19 Nov 2023 14:00:00 +0000 https://acousticguitar.com/?p=142471 The story behind Davis’ SJ-200 is as murky as a Louisiana swamp.]]> https://acousticguitar.com/great-acoustics-reverend-gary-davis-1949-gibson-sj-200-finds-a-new-home/feed/ 1 142471 https://acousticguitar.com/great-acoustics-the-late-robbie-bashos-cherished-12-string-guitar-resurfaces/ https://acousticguitar.com/great-acoustics-the-late-robbie-bashos-cherished-12-string-guitar-resurfaces/#comments Sun, 22 Oct 2023 13:00:00 +0000 https://acousticguitar.com/?p=141743 Basho created an alternate universe of mystical, spiritual music using this century-old 12-string of mysterious origin.]]> https://acousticguitar.com/great-acoustics-the-late-robbie-bashos-cherished-12-string-guitar-resurfaces/feed/ 1 141743 https://acousticguitar.com/this-2022-greg-brandt-custom-concert-model-is-a-traditional-classical-guitar-with-unique-ornamentation/ https://acousticguitar.com/this-2022-greg-brandt-custom-concert-model-is-a-traditional-classical-guitar-with-unique-ornamentation/#respond Sun, 17 Sep 2023 13:00:00 +0000 https://acousticguitar.com/?p=140977 All of the pieces fit together for Brandt when he built this “jigsaw puzzle” guitar.]]> https://acousticguitar.com/this-2022-greg-brandt-custom-concert-model-is-a-traditional-classical-guitar-with-unique-ornamentation/feed/ 0 140977 https://acousticguitar.com/john-monteleones-rocket-convertible-archtop/ Fri, 11 Aug 2023 13:00:00 +0000 https://acousticguitar.com/?p=138582 With is elliptical soundhole and dual soundports, the innovative Rocket Convertible is a great example of Monteleone's vision and craft.]]> 138582 https://acousticguitar.com/great-acoustics-steve-james-collings-custom-c10-was-his-main-steel-string-companion-for-30-years/ Wed, 05 Jul 2023 15:55:00 +0000 https://acousticguitar.com/?p=135560 The 1991 Collings Custom C10 (serial number 524) was James’ main flattop for three decades, and the one he considered his best.]]> 135560 https://acousticguitar.com/great-acoustics-1948-levin-de-luxe-archtop/ https://acousticguitar.com/great-acoustics-1948-levin-de-luxe-archtop/#respond Fri, 24 Mar 2023 15:49:00 +0000 https://acousticguitar.com/?p=111166 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.]]> https://acousticguitar.com/great-acoustics-1948-levin-de-luxe-archtop/feed/ 0 111166 https://acousticguitar.com/beyond-flattops-the-magic-of-archtop-guitars/ https://acousticguitar.com/beyond-flattops-the-magic-of-archtop-guitars/#respond Fri, 03 Mar 2023 17:33:00 +0000 https://acousticguitar.com/?p=116893 Though long favored by jazz and swing guitarists, the archtop is currently enjoying a revival among roots and Americana musicians, flatpickers, and singer-songwriters.]]> https://acousticguitar.com/beyond-flattops-the-magic-of-archtop-guitars/feed/ 0 116893 https://acousticguitar.com/great-acoustics-george-gruhns-exceptionally-rare-1933-martin-12-fret-d-28/ https://acousticguitar.com/great-acoustics-george-gruhns-exceptionally-rare-1933-martin-12-fret-d-28/#comments Sun, 10 Jul 2022 13:00:00 +0000 https://acousticguitar.com/?p=131878 This 1933 Martin 12-fret, slot-head D-28 is George Gruhn's favorite flattop steel-string guitar. Here's why.]]> https://acousticguitar.com/great-acoustics-george-gruhns-exceptionally-rare-1933-martin-12-fret-d-28/feed/ 3 131878 https://acousticguitar.com/great-acoustics-hank-williams-other-martin-guitar/ https://acousticguitar.com/great-acoustics-hank-williams-other-martin-guitar/#respond Fri, 20 May 2022 19:02:22 +0000 https://acousticguitar.com/?p=132214 This Martin D-18 had a homecoming in 2009, but not before helping launch a country legend.]]> https://acousticguitar.com/great-acoustics-hank-williams-other-martin-guitar/feed/ 0 132214 https://acousticguitar.com/a-guide-to-identifying-common-acoustic-guitar-shapes-and-sizes/ https://acousticguitar.com/a-guide-to-identifying-common-acoustic-guitar-shapes-and-sizes/#comments Thu, 19 May 2022 16:42:00 +0000 https://acousticguitar.com/?p=128049 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.]]> https://acousticguitar.com/a-guide-to-identifying-common-acoustic-guitar-shapes-and-sizes/feed/ 3 128049