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.
Vintage and Collectible Guitars
Great Acoustics: Rick Turner’s Personal 2007 Compass Rose Guitar Speaks to His Forward-Thinking Style
Rick Turner created many unique Compass Rose acoustics, but this one—regarded as among his finest—was the luthier’s personal guitar and a showcase of both his bold concepts and skilled execution.
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.
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.
Ask the Expert: Can I Use Medium Strings on My Prewar Martin?
Will using medium strings on a 1936 Martin D-18 put too much pressure on the the instrument over time? Ask the Expert.
Great Acoustics: Buck Curran’s Long Lost 2009 Sobell Model 1
Singer-songwriter and guitarist Buck Curran’s tale about his 2009 Stefan Sobell Model 1 is more uplifting than some other tales of "the one that got away."
Great Acoustics: A Pristine 1943 Martin 000-18 with a Fascinating History
This 1943 Martin 000-18 was originally a gift to a Spanish immigrant to Monterey, California, who was a regular performer along the famed Cannery Row.
Jerry Garcia’s 1943 Martin D-28 Acoustic Guitar Finds a New Home—and New Players
Jerry Garcia’s Martin D-28 acoustic guitar was likely acquired by the guitarist in the late spring of 1970. Now it has a new owner to care for it.
Great Acoustics: A 2021 Santa Cruz OM Custom with a Storied Past
This Santa Cruz OM Customwas made with several storied tonewoods, including Tunnel 13 redwood; Brazilian rosewood; and figured mahogany sourced from the Tree.
Great Acoustics: 2020 Collings OM3 Alaskan
Sometimes when a guitar is built using unique materials, it comes with a backstory built deep into its woodgrain. Take the new Collings OM3 Alaskan seen here. It’s one of six guitars made for the shop’s premier dealers using a combination of unusually colored Sitka spruce, curly mahogany, and special appointments