The History of Bluegrass in North Georgia
North Georgia Bluegrass
Now about the guitar...
The GRAND OLE OPRY STYLE HDO C.F. MARTIN AND COMPANY.
A guitar, made in Nazareth, Pa. in 1999. The headstock bears the logo
C.F.Martin & Co. the fingerboard is inlaid WSM GRAND OLE OPRY 75th
Anniversary Commemorative.
The label is signed by C.F. Martin IV. This is a rare prototype # 2 of 3, bearing
the serial number 713979. The length of the back is 20 inches (508 mm), total
length of the guitar is approximately 41 inches. Sold with the original hardshell
case.
A guitar, made in Nazareth, Pa. in 1999. The headstock bears the logo
C.F.Martin & Co. the fingerboard is inlaid WSM GRAND OLE OPRY 75th
Anniversary Commemorative.
The label is signed by C.F. Martin IV. This is a rare prototype # 2 of 3, bearing
the serial number 713979. The length of the back is 20 inches (508 mm), total
length of the guitar is approximately 41 inches. Sold with the original hardshell
case.
The HDO Grand Ole Opry Limited Edition was made following the template
of the most ubiquitous guitar played on the stage of Ryman Auditorium, the
D-28.
Celebrating the 75th Anniversary of Country Music's most celebrated
performance venue, the fingerboard and peghead are adorned with the call
letters of WSM 650, who broadcast live from the Opry every Friday and
Saturday night since 1925.
There is a painting of the building inside the guitar.
This rare prototype was owned by the Martin Company for the first nine
years of its life, and was then purchased by a private collector in 2008. It is
in excellent overall condition. Martin prototypes are the highest level of the
guitar maker's art. They are all handmade.
In 2008, Martin Guitar celebrated their 175th anniversary by having a
charitable auction at Chrisite's Auction House in New York.
Here is the press release:
"Christie's Fine Musical Instruments department is pleased to announce its
forthcoming sale including over 200 lots of exceptional guitars and violins.
As the veritable market leader, Christie's consistently offers superior works
at auction and this fall's sale is no exception. Leading off the sale is the
property from the collection of C.F.Martin and Company. This unique
selection, of nearly 50 guitars, is comprised of hand-made prototypes never
before offered for sale to the public. The proceeds from the sale of these
limited edition and signature model guitars will go to benefit the non-profit
Martin Guitar Charitable Foundation."
If you have an interesting musical story, we would love to hear from you.
Please send us an e-mail at www.northgabluegrass or
danaalhndrsn@aol.com
of the most ubiquitous guitar played on the stage of Ryman Auditorium, the
D-28.
Celebrating the 75th Anniversary of Country Music's most celebrated
performance venue, the fingerboard and peghead are adorned with the call
letters of WSM 650, who broadcast live from the Opry every Friday and
Saturday night since 1925.
There is a painting of the building inside the guitar.
This rare prototype was owned by the Martin Company for the first nine
years of its life, and was then purchased by a private collector in 2008. It is
in excellent overall condition. Martin prototypes are the highest level of the
guitar maker's art. They are all handmade.
In 2008, Martin Guitar celebrated their 175th anniversary by having a
charitable auction at Chrisite's Auction House in New York.
Here is the press release:
"Christie's Fine Musical Instruments department is pleased to announce its
forthcoming sale including over 200 lots of exceptional guitars and violins.
As the veritable market leader, Christie's consistently offers superior works
at auction and this fall's sale is no exception. Leading off the sale is the
property from the collection of C.F.Martin and Company. This unique
selection, of nearly 50 guitars, is comprised of hand-made prototypes never
before offered for sale to the public. The proceeds from the sale of these
limited edition and signature model guitars will go to benefit the non-profit
Martin Guitar Charitable Foundation."
If you have an interesting musical story, we would love to hear from you.
Please send us an e-mail at www.northgabluegrass or
danaalhndrsn@aol.com
Meet Bob Ensley...
Bob is owner of Bobs Pawn and
Bond in the NE section of Ga. This
story is about a very unusual guitar
which Bob owns.
Bob is one of the "Ensley musical
machine of Blairsville." Bob's son
Ken, works with his Dad in the
pawn business and is very active in
hosting charitable festivals for
childrens benefits.
Ken is part of the Bluegrass Band
"Harmony's Way".
Bob's brother Sam, is one of the
founders of the Annual Blairsville
Bluegrass Festival, hosted by the
Bob is owner of Bobs Pawn and
Bond in the NE section of Ga. This
story is about a very unusual guitar
which Bob owns.
Bob is one of the "Ensley musical
machine of Blairsville." Bob's son
Ken, works with his Dad in the
pawn business and is very active in
hosting charitable festivals for
childrens benefits.
Ken is part of the Bluegrass Band
"Harmony's Way".
Bob's brother Sam, is one of the
founders of the Annual Blairsville
Bluegrass Festival, hosted by the
Al Henderson and Bob Ensley
Union County Historical Society every September in the Historic Union
County Courthouse, downtown Blairsville.
Sam's son Sammy, is also deep in the musical world of Blairsville. He and
his Dad have a great Bluegrass band called "Roots and Branches." Sam
is currently working with a great group of folks and putting together the first
annual dulcimer festival in March, hosted by the Union County Historical
Society. More information on that at a later date. So, as you can tell, this
family is very steeped in mountain music and are great promoters for their
love of Bluegrass.
If you would like to see this rare Martin guitar, please give Bob a call, he
will be glad to set up an appointment. Bob's Pawn and Bond, you can
even call collect (anytime) 706-745-2192, fax: 706-781-6701 or e-mail
bobspawn@brmemc.net.
County Courthouse, downtown Blairsville.
Sam's son Sammy, is also deep in the musical world of Blairsville. He and
his Dad have a great Bluegrass band called "Roots and Branches." Sam
is currently working with a great group of folks and putting together the first
annual dulcimer festival in March, hosted by the Union County Historical
Society. More information on that at a later date. So, as you can tell, this
family is very steeped in mountain music and are great promoters for their
love of Bluegrass.
If you would like to see this rare Martin guitar, please give Bob a call, he
will be glad to set up an appointment. Bob's Pawn and Bond, you can
even call collect (anytime) 706-745-2192, fax: 706-781-6701 or e-mail
bobspawn@brmemc.net.