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| With a 1946 Martin D-45- yes there are some guitars visitors can pick up and play! |
On April 25 of 2017 my old alma mater
-Belmont University debuted one of the most astounding collections of vintage American guitars and mandolins in the world! Belmont was the recipient of more than 500 vintage instruments from the
collection of Nashville instrument collector
Steven Kern Shaw . The GIG is located inside of Belmont's Bunch Library on Belmont Boulevard.
About 100 of the entire collection of vintage guitars and mandolins are on display without annoying glass display cases between the visitor and the instruments! The Gig gallery displays dizzying examples of Gibson and Martin acoustic steel stringers as well as icon Fender and Gibson electrics!
What I find exceptional about this gallery is eventually Belmont students will be able to check these instruments out for use in the
Mike Curb College of Entertainment recording facilities. Below are photos of some the exquisite pieces on display!
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| A beautiful 1887 Martin acoustic! |
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| A gorgeous 1936 Martin 000-45S that was played by 1930's singing cowboy Denver Darling |
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| A collection of classic Gibson guitars |
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| Holy smoke---1950 Fender Broadcaster!- the granddaddy of them all! |
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| A close up of the 1950 Broadcaster! |
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| Another rare "bird"!- a 1952 Fender Telecaster! |
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| An iconic industry standard- the 1955 Fender Stratocaster! |
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| A close up of the 55 Strat!-You can tell these instruments have been played instead of sitting in a case for over 60 years! |
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| A classic 1956 Fender Telecaster! |
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| A beautiful 1958 Gibson Les Paul Model- one of the most enduring classics in Rock and Roll! | | |
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| This collection of classic Gibson acoustics is mind-boggling! |
I would like to thank my favorite brother-in-law
Mike Porter (facilities director for The Curb/ Columbia-Decca Studios and
AES Chair Mike Porter)! for introducing me to this gallery! For more information on The Gallery of Iconic Guitars visit:
The Gig at Belmont
