Something a little different today… Over the weekend I had the pleasure of visiting one of my favorite stringed instrument shops run by a brilliant luthier who is also a good friend.

For security reasons my friend asked that I not reveal his name or location because the object in his temporary possession has huge value, both monetary and historical.

So, during our conversation my friend says to me, “I have to show you something incredible”. He brings out a 1940 Gibson ¾ LG-1 guitar that belonged to renowned American folk music icon Woody Guthrie.

My luthier compadre was finishing a small repair on the instrument before sending it on today to The Woody Guthrie Center in Tulsa, OK (https://woodyguthriecenter.org/).

My picture does not capture the energy and draw of this fascinating guitar.

I get “butterflies” in my stomach even now just thinking about all of the music this guitar has made and the miles it’s traveled.

Woody Guthrie was a force in American music and society. His influence goes way beyond his most famous song, “This Land Is Your Land”. His music and life influenced generations of performers including Bruce Springsteen and Bono. You can learn more here: https://www.woodyguthrie.org/biography/biography1.htm

Not a bad experience for a casual stop in at a friend’s shop! Tomorrow I will reveal the name and location of the shop.