A stunning and early 11 string harp guitar built by Chris J. Knutsen, a Norwegian immigrant who constructed stunning and extremely innovative harp guitars, Hawaiian guitars, Spanish guitars, and ukuleles in the early part of the 20th century. This example is clean and original with few exceptions; original paper label present; great playability and tone. The top is of wide grained yellowed spruce with marquetry binding the conventional 3-3/4" wide soundhole, small 2-1/8" soundhole, entire top,... Read More

"To my darling Theda, with all my love. May Martin be as secure in its new home, as we are in our wonderful love. Yours adoring-Sir Edwin" The above prose was found on a small piece of paper inside the case-pocket of this lovely Martin tenor ukulele. The ukulele features all mahogany construction and is bound in tortoise. Featuring a 14 fret mahogany neck w/ rosewood fingerboard; equipped with original tuning machines. Surface finish crack present on top near soundhole as well as some other... Read More

Santa Cruz Guitar Co.'s tribute to the revered Gibson Roy Smeck models that are know for their vast tonal depth, volume/projection, and versatility. An impressive guitar and favorite of the shop. The "RS" model features a slope shoulder body shape that is constructed with a sunburst sitka spruce top, mahogany back and sides; top is trimmed in herringbone, top and back bound. This instrument showcases Santa Cruz's "double-tapered" bracing, and has a depth of 4-7/8" providing the instrument with... Read More

A thunderous 11 string harp guitar, likely distributed by the J.W. Dyer Co. and can most likely be attributed to Chris Knutsen prior to Larson-made Dyer instruments appeared, though this example bears no serial number or label. This is a solid player's grade harp guitar, and has underwent major structural restoration in its long life; numerous cracks and repairs, replaced bridge. The 25" scale mahogany neck is later, with a more recent rosewood fingerboard (walnut shim underneath). Stunning... Read More

This is a very fine Artist model similar to the instrument played by Sam Bush. It is complete with all parts and the shaped case. The back is two piece, Michigan maple and the top is carved spruce. The peghead has the small flower pot inlay and "Gibson" in pearl script. The engraved tuners are gold plated with pearl buttons. The pick guard is most likely a reproduction but it is perfect. Overall the instrument is complete and in fine order. Recently refretted w/ period fretwire; binding... Read More

Sunn Amplification was founded by brothers Conrad and Norm Sundholm in Portland, Oregon in 1964. After his Portland based band The Kingsmen landed their first hit with their version of Richard Berry's "Louie, Louie", Norm quickly sought solutions for higher powered amplifiers to accommodate larger and louder venues. Enlisting the help of his brother Conrad, they created the a high-powered concert bass amplifier and Sunn Amplification was born. Here we have an clean and complete example of the... Read More

Every once in a while a guitar comes into the shop that reminds us why vintage instruments are so revered: all of the mystique and mojo suddenly become tangible and it completely fulfills our expectations. This is a 1966 Fender Stratocaster and is totally original and from the original owner. Back in 1966 he purchased it from Stutzman's Guitar Center with the intention of using it to woo girls. Unfortunately, the guitar never left his bedroom. After a few years of practicing it was put in... Read More

A fine banjo attributed to master luthier John Greven, who began his career at Gruhn Guitars in the 1960s and now builds high end guitars. The 27" scale maple neck features a fantastic heel carving, fancy pearl inlay on the ebony fretboard and peghead overlay (flower pots, cherubs), and a "gryphon" in pearl on the backstrap. The 10-15/16" rim assembly is most likely original, although the internal veneer is newer, has been rebound, and exterior wood has newer finish; original scalloped Electric... Read More