It’s been the Year of the Guitar.Last year I traveled to over 85 concerts with one instrument that had a cracked neck, and a $125 guitar that really did not play well or sound good at all. To say the least I spent too many hours thinking about either fixing an old guitar, or finding some way to come up with a new one. Well….Upon hearing about my cracking Guild at our annual winter concert in Murphysboro, IL this past December, a very generous person called me up and wanted to give me a new guitar, and so I worked with Clayship Guitars and found a very nice Alhambre with lots of low end growl that makes all those wacky tunings really fun! This was incredibly encouraging.Secondly, as many of you know, I received the Acoustic Artist of the Year Award from Indieheaven, which included a new Taylor guitar! This was a special honor that you made possible by your votes – thank you.If this is not enough, one of my brothers, who likes guitars and recently bought an old Gibson, said I could take it on the road with me. This is a particular treat! It sounds amazing.So over the past several weeks I’ve been up to my neck in guitars, and having lots of fun getting used to the feel of different shaped necks, and of course the new tones. I say all this just to let you know what a encouraging year this has been. Last year was somewhat tough. This year I’m toting along several very decent guitars – and I was able to stop that crack from spreading…. …By the way if you have a old guitar you don’t want or need – just pass it my way to keep the trend going, and I’ll try to put it to good use… 
nathan
Pics: The Gibson, the Alhambre, the Taylor, the Guild.
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
cool! I was noticing that you played the gibson for the chatty show and I thought it sounded very good. of course I bet the $10 yard sale special that the kids jump on would sound pretty good in your hands too…
thanks for an encouraging show once more. once again I feel the nudge to try songwriting. and we’re digging the new recordings too.
take care.
Hmmm, sorry, I’d help you out by continuing the trend, but I kinda like my Guild (and its a great story! Pawn shop for 260? Can’t beat that!)
Hey There Nathan, sorry to hear about the guitar… i know your love for music, guitars and the Lord… and in the great words of one of your songs…. The Lord will provide… Hope to see you in coloraod soon….
I noticed the name Vega on one of your guitars. Caught my eye as I have a restored Vega open back. I must say your life is an inspiration to me. Keep up the good work Amor Steffen
Amor,
Thanks so much!
Yes, I like vega guitars. Many of them are not much to speak about, but once in a while you find one that really comes to life. Most folks know of the vega banjos, but not as many know about their efforts at guitar building. And, I have found that many of their guitars seem like experiments with new ideas, whereas Martin and other companies found what worked and stuck with it for years on end. In any case, enjoy your open-back!
peace,
nathan