Guitars

& other instruments

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Strings and Beyond

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Norman B-20

This is the guitar my father-in-law Gilbert Smith played for the last part of his life. He passed away ta few years ago and until recently I was the only other person to play it. Two years ago I borrowed it to take to visit Debbie's sister and husband in Whitehorse in the Yukon. I am the only one in the family that plays guitar and so I still have it. This summer I left it with a friend to do some set-up on and I now have it back. He did a wonderful job of adjusting the neck and it now plays better than ever, probably better than when it was new.

Blueridge BR-160

This is my most recent aquisition, a Blueridge BR-160. It's a made in China copy of the pre-war Martin D-45. As much as I like the sound and play-ability of the Norman, this has the sound I have been looking for. I had my hands on a Martin D-45 years ago and I always thought it would be mine someday but fate played a trick on me and it slipped away. Needless to say, the Blueridge is my only hope for this kind of instrument. Even if I had them both here side by side it's hard to say which one I would choose.

1967 Eko J-54

This is my Eko J-54 which I have had since 1968. It's all that's left of my first marriage. She bought it for me and didn't want it back in the divorce. I had it set-up recently and it is still my favorite for the deep rich sound it has.

1977 Dobro Mandolin

This is my Dobro Mandolin which I bought in Nashville in 1977. It has a unique sound, not a bluegrass sound at all. I don't play it much but do enjoy what little I know and have learned a few fiddle tunes on it, but am not an accomplished player by any means.