This 2022 Greg Brandt Custom Concert Model Is a Traditional Classical Guitar with Unique Ornamentation
All of the pieces fit together for Brandt when he built this “jigsaw puzzle” guitar.
Greg Olwell
Greg Olwell is Acoustic Guitar's editor-at-large. He plays upright bass in several bands in the San Francisco Bay Area and also enjoys playing ukulele and guitar.
Great Acoustics: John Monteleone’s Rocket Convertible Is a Standout Archtop from the Blue Guitar Collection
With is elliptical soundhole and dual soundports, the innovative Rocket Convertible is a great example of Monteleone's vision and craft.
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A Guide to Commissioning the Custom Guitar of Your Dreams
Collaborating with a luthier can result in an instrument that satisfies performance needs, creative desires, or both.
Review: Breedlove’s Artista Pro Series Concert CE Is a Compact Acoustic-Electric with a Full Dynamic Sound
The Pro Series Concert includes some of the maker’s signature touches in a well-made instrument that’s ready for the stage or studio.
How to Buy Used Guitars from Private Sellers Safely and Smartly
Here are some tips to get the best deals on the best used guitars and music gear from Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or any private seller, safely & smartly.
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Great Acoustics: A Loyal Customer Inspires a Bold New Big Hollow Jumbo
When a repeat customer asked Big Hollow Guitars' Bevan Frost to build a large-bodied guitar with unique inlays, the luthier rose to the challenge.
2022: The Year in Gear
Despite uncertain times, makers unveil guitars, guitars, and more guitars. There have been many new gear releases in the past 12 months - in this story, we explore the year's highlights and trends.
Review: The All-Koa Taylor 724ce Is a Stunning Grand Auditorium Guitar with Exceptional Warmth and Balance
Our reviewer found the Taylor 724ce to be an exceptionally comfortable instrument with an easy-playing neck and a resonant feel whether fingerpicked or flatpicked.
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Great Acoustics: A Trio of Hand-Built Instruments from “Retired” Industry Icon Dick Boak
Since his retirement in 2018, former C.F. Martin & Co. mainstay Dick Boak has continued hand-building instruments like this dreadnought-ukulele-small-bodied-guitar trio.
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.
Review: Revival’s RG-26M Is a Compact, Affordable Mahogany Guitar That Delivers Good Tone and Playability
Revival's RG-26M is a handsome, comfortable, all-mahogany guitar that delivers a very nice sound for an irresistible price.
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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.
Great Acoustics: This Custom Style 21 Cowardin 000 Celebrates a Decades-Long Friendship
A friend commissioned Jack Cowardin to build an understated 000 acoustic guitar to complement his 1938 Martin 000-18. The result was much more than just wood and metal.
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.
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Review: Collings CJ-45 T Guitar
With the new CJ-45 T, Collings has delivered a new guitar that shows how much can be achieved with a mix of CNC manufacturing, handcrafting, and vision.
Martin Guitars Names New CEO
Thomas Ripsam brings an impressive business pedigree to Nazareth. He has a long career in finance and is also an avid musician who has built acoustic guitars.
Great Acoustics: A 2021 Santa Cruz OM Custom with a Storied Past
This Santa Cruz OM Custom was made with several storied tonewoods, including Tunnel 13 redwood; Brazilian rosewood; and figured mahogany sourced from the Tree.
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Guitar Review: Martin’s New GPC-13E Is a Fine-Sounding Acoustic-Electric That’s Ready for the Road
The Martin GPC-13E acoustic-electric guitar is an easy choice for players needing a reliable, handsome instrument that sounds good acoustically and plugged in.
Great Acoustics: 2020 Collings OM3 Alaskan
A visually striking custom OM made from reclaimed old-growth Sitka that spent much of the 20th century floating in Alaskan waters.
Review: Guild BT-258E Deluxe 8-String Baritone Is Good, Loud Fun
Guild pairs its classic jumbo guitar body with a long, 27-inch-scale neck and the more affordable production of its Chinese-built Westerly Collection. The idea is to offer an accessibly priced, fully featured instrument for players who know the satisfying, rafter-rattling power of a baritone and might be curious about exploring the low end.
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Top Gear: The Best Acoustic Guitars and Accessories of 2020
In the midst of a global pandemic, the guitar market soared with high demand for a range of offerings. Here's the best acoustic guitars and accessories of 2020.
Great Acoustics: Preston Thompson Masterpiece #2 Koi Pond
Dedicated to the shop’s founding luthier and namesake, who died in 2019, the Koi Pond guitar is a stunning piece of art that's meant to be played.
Great Acoustics: John Prine’s 1939 Gibson Super 400N
From the November/December 2020 issue of Acoustic Guitar | By Greg Olwell A few archtops were larger and some were glitzier, but all were trying to top the standard set by the stunning Gibson Super 400. Having an 18-inch lower bout and decorated with Gibson’s most…
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Guitar Review: Orangewood Sage Mahogany Live Acoustic-Electric
When I played the Sage acoustically and dug in hard with a pick, the guitar’s sound compressed nicely, accentuating the guitar’s thick midrange projection, without leaving behind the high-end sparkle and low-end definition.