Franklin OM (Nick Kukich) Review

[usb_chord]

Always love hearing about your Franklins (or any of your pieces!) I’m gonna hold you to that trio post!! I’m hoping you get that more recent one back soon. “Darker and richer” is certainly how I’d describe my ’08. There seems to be a world of distinction in voicing style between Nick’s earlier guitars and these more recent early 2000s ones and beyond.

That brings up a question - anyone happen to know when Nick started building towards that darker “richer” tonality with the arched top and back? I wonder if there was a specific serial number, or was it transitional.

Originally Posted by blindboyjimi

I love the story and Franklin OMs...I own 3. They are all German over Brazilian. Nick has re-voiced his guitars over the years. My 1980 is 39 years old and will give any old Martin a run for its money, with its old punchy, very dry vintage tone. The 1989 one is designated an OM-S with fancy blue/green paua. The tone is rich and more complex. My 2007 is built the way Nick is building currently with a bit of arch in the top and back. It’s a more modern, and a bit darker or richer tonally if that makes sense. The 1989 was my first. I had no intention in buying the other 2 but they sort of fell into me. I thought for sure I’d play one against the other and sell the loser, but it is always a tie. Plus the other 2 are both 1 13/16 x 2 3/8 which is my preference. I’ll try to post a picture of all 3.

[usb_chord]

[JoeCharter]

Did I just read three pages without finding a single recording?

Beautiful guitar. Love the case, too!

[blindboyjimi]

I was just talking about Franklins with a new forum friend and I thought I’d re-read the thread. I was fascinated by the old brochure and then something clicked....in the middle of the brochure, where the staples are, I recognized that back....

IMG_0336.jpg

How fun is that? It’s my 1980 Franklin!

[Deft Tungsman]

Originally Posted by blindboyjimi

I was just talking about Franklins with a new forum friend and I thought I’d re-read the thread. I was fascinated by the old brochure and then something clicked....in the middle of the brochure, where the staples are, I recognized that back....


How fun is that? It’s my 1980 Franklin!

It doesn't get much funner!!!

[gitarro]

Originally Posted by blindboyjimi

I was just talking about Franklins with a new forum friend and I thought I’d re-read the thread. I was fascinated by the old brochure and then something clicked....in the middle of the brochure, where the staples are, I recognized that back....

Attachment 25314

How fun is that? It’s my 1980 Franklin!

Now that is epic when u manage to find a historical reference to your own guitar!

[Bluemonk]

Originally Posted by blindboyjimi

I was fascinated by the old brochure and then something clicked....in the middle of the brochure, where the staples are, I recognized that back....Attachment 25314

How fun is that? It’s my 1980 Franklin!

I'll offer you double what the brochure says it's worth. It's your lucky day!

[usb_chord]

Bumping this thread with a quick video -

[Jamiejoon]

Wow, USB, is that you playing there? That was outstanding. Really excellent. Thank you for sharing. And the guitar sounds first-class too.

[usb_chord]

Originally Posted by Jamiejoon

Wow, USB, is that you playing there? That was outstanding. Really excellent. Thank you for sharing. And the guitar sounds first-class too.

Thank you! I wish there were more examples of Nick's guitars in action. I'll have to do more!

[Diamondave]

Major player status Code Red Alert...!!! Glorious tone...

[mhw48]

[emoji102] Wow! Just WOW! That is beautiful!


I really like the Franklin, too.

[Erithon]

Outstanding playing (as always), Brian. Your recording really captures the crisp clarity and definition that characterize a Franklin OM.

[ChuckS]

Great stuff! The playing and the guitar.

[gitarro]

Great tone as always usbchord. Been a fan of your playing since your demo playing "Hana" on the Sheppard that you once owned. As for Franklin OMs, great quality of tone is as expected - the mahogany one I once played was the best sounding non rosewood guitar that I have played yet of any style of build.