Incredible Opportunity

Scotso · #1 06-22-2021, 01:28 PM

I was lucky to be invited by a friend to the home of a big collector of guitars. We had the opportunity to play guitars from Bourgeois, Santa Cruz, Edmonds, Crowder, Caleb Smith, Breedlove, Rockbridge, Bob and Preston Thompson, and Merrill. I played some very nice guitars.

Surprisingly the guitar that stood out for my friend and me was a 1952 D-18. Just a powerful and wonderful dread. It was by far the loudest guitar of the bunch. While I was lucky to have this opportunity, I was surprised that at the end of the day a 52 Martin was hands down the best one to my ears. In boats there is a saying- there is no replacement for displacement. I guess in guitars- there is no replacement for age-ment. Ya I know-a bit of a stretch.

And according to the owner, its binding has stayed stuck for 70 yrs

Bob from Brooklyn · #2 06-22-2021, 01:30 PM

Sounds like a lot of fun. Does the owner actually play these guitars?

Scotso · #3 06-22-2021, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brooklyn Bob

Sounds like a lot of fun. Does the owner actually play these guitars?

While I did not have the nuggets to ask, my guess is no. But he can flat out play

davenumber2 · #4 06-22-2021, 01:43 PM

I'm not sure why you are surprised that a '52 D-18 could be the best of the bunch.

Dru Edwards · #5 06-22-2021, 01:46 PM

What a fantastic opportunity! Aside from the 1952 D-18, what else struck you as "wow". Well, they probably all did but which one(s) stood out even more.

Scotso · #6 06-22-2021, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dru Edwards

What a fantastic opportunity! Aside from the 1952 D-18, what else struck you as "wow". Well, they probably all did but which one(s) stood out even more.

Probably one of the cheapest of the bunch- an Edmonds mahog/adi OM. I am BG player but I thought this OM would hold up in a jam. Big, loud but balanced voice

My bud like the Caleb Smith rosewood dread alot

chasingchet · #7 06-22-2021, 03:46 PM

a few years ago I bought a 1950 d 18...I brought it over to Rudys...yeah...
it beat every single buuuteeeek brand in the house....great guitars

Zissou Intern · #8 06-23-2021, 05:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chasingchet

a few years ago I bought a 1950 d 18...I brought it over to Rudys...yeah...
it beat every single buuuteeeek brand in the house....great guitars

In 1950, Martin was the boutique brand in the shop.

Tnfiddler · #9 06-23-2021, 07:41 AM

So what would a ‘52 D18 cost you If you were to buy one?

Matts67 · #10 06-23-2021, 07:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tnfiddler

So what would a ‘52 D18 cost you If you were to buy one?

$6000-8000 seems to be the going rate lately, depending on condition.

brencat · #11 06-23-2021, 04:15 PM

That’s awesome. Sounds like a really fun time!

Did you get a chance to play the Merrill, which model was it, and how did you like it ?

Wade Hampton · #12 06-23-2021, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zissou Intern

In 1950, Martin was the boutique brand in the shop.

Excellent point.

whm

Scotso · #13 06-23-2021, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brencat

That’s awesome. Sounds like a really fun time!

Did you get a chance to play the Merrill, which model was it, and how did you like it ?

It was a Merrill hog dread and a EIR OM.....I think. Beyond that...as to specific models and numbers- I am clueless. Both nice though

Scotso · #14 06-23-2021, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zissou Intern

In 1950, Martin was the boutique brand in the shop.

UM bah humbug. Martin and Gibson have always been "factory" guitars. The factory was just smaller and the choices for quality Away from Martin and Gibson guitars was less....a lot less

Wade Hampton · #15 06-23-2021, 05:40 PM

Neither Martin nor Gibson had especially high tech factories, particularly not back in 1950. They would have basically been bigger workshops.

So it depends on how you choose to define “boutique brand.” I’m inclined to agree with Zissou Intern in this case.

whm