Hot news from Tippin Guitars: New model, the Forte,and two new Al Petteway Signature Models coming down the pike

DG Updates, General Interest Guitar, Handbuilt Guitars, Incoming, Product Announcement, Uncategorized

Dream Guitars is proud to bring you some exciting news from Tippin Guitars including a brand new model and incoming DG inventory!!

Bill Tippin’s New Forte Model

First off, Bill Tippin introduced his newest creation, the Tippin Forte, at the recent Healdsburg Guitar Festival in California. This is a new model from him and is one of his most creative projects to date.

The Forte, based on his Crescendo model, was inspired by Tippin’s own personal guitar preferences. He found a way to boost the richness of the Crescendo — he increased the width of lower bout while maintaining the balance — and it’s slightly wider (3/16th”) at its widest.

Our own Paul Heumiller and Al Petteway had the privilege of playing the new Forte while out in Healdsburg. “The new Forte model from Bill Tippin has everything I love about the Crescendo, balance, clarity, power and Bill’s trademark full trebles, but it adds a bit more fullness to the bass for the player that enjoys a bit more thump in the chest. Outstanding!” – Paul H.

The Original Tippin Crescendo Model

The Crescendo, which is considered to be the cornerstone of Tippin’s entire line of guitars, is large yet versatile. Imagine a 14-fret OMT with the rich tone normally found in an 00012-fret size. The Crescendo manages to combine the feel of a 14-fret OMT while preserving the rich tone of a 12-fret body model, replete with incredible tone, balance and projection.

Dream Guitars has a pre-owned 2005 Crescendo in stock featuring Brazilian Rosewood and Carpathian Spruce – contact us if you’re interested in acquiring!

And, by the way, our own Paul Heumiller is anxiously awaiting to take delivery of his personal, custom Crescendo. Paul’s model is made from Brazilian/Moon spruce with a cutaway, MOP sparkle trim. What makes this custom job so unique is that it includes a short-scale, Fan Fret design, which will perform well in Drop-D, DADGAD and standard tunings.

The Tippin Al Petteway Signature Model

Also, Bill has embarked on a new build of the Tippin Al Petteway Signature, also based on the Crescendo model. Check out this video demonstration of the Petteway Signature on our YouTube channel. This instrument is representative of Bill at the top of his game, and when you listen to our studio recording you’ll understand what we mean. Interested in purchasing the incoming Tippin Al Petteway Signature model? Contact us today to learn more about your reservation options.

We do also have a pre-owned Al Petteway Signature in stock as well if you would rather not wait for the incoming guitar. This 2008 Crescendo Al Petteway Signature was actually originally purchased by Al Petteway himself and was the first Signature model ever made! This beauty features brick red Brazilian Rosewood, Moon Harvested European Spruce, an armrest bevel, beveled cutaway, and new heel design. Click here to learn more.

September 20, 2013/by Paul Heumiller

Exclusive Opportunity! Reserve this Stunning, Custom Grit Laskin Guitar, inspired by Dream Guitars, Today!

General Interest Guitar, Handbuilt Guitars, Luthier profile, Product Announcement, Uncategorized

This is exciting stuff, folks. We all know that Grit Laskin is one of the finest luthiers around and is widely considered as a master of inlay work. Today, Dream Guitars announces that he is working on a custom guitar that we have made available for reservation with delivery expected in December.

Our own Paul Heumiller worked with Grit to develop the basic inlay ideas and Laskin took off running. As you can see in these pictures, the design is amazing, intricate and just short of groundbreaking.

Here is some of what Grit himself had to say about this piece:

One of the most beloved and influential guitarists was the legend who passed away just last year, Doc Watson. I began thinking about Doc, and about the natural world and the title from Shakespeare popped into my head: ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream,’ which takes place in a forest. The more I read about Doc, the more his life inspired me: His musical beginnings, the events in his life that shaped him and the fact that what gave him the musical bug was the shape-note hymns sung by his mother. My brain locked onto that seminal influence and also latched onto the literal meaning of the word shape — this old-style singing shaped his life, yes, but the notes themselves also provided physical shapes in which I could place scenes and elements from his life. Bingo.

“I’m putting a large portrait of Doc picking a guitar on the headstock in the same realistic I used for John Lennon on the ‘Imagine’ guitar. Flowing down the fret board are the seven basic shapes of shape notes (do, re, mi, fa, so, la, ti) large enough to place within elements such as Doc’s earliest musical instruments, his early solo album, ‘Southbound,’ which first brought him to prominence. In fact, the working title of the piece is ‘Southbound.’

Talk about creative thinking.

If you’re jazzed about this guitar and Laskin’s work no one would blame you if you missed our announcement, so here it is again: This guitar is available and you can reserve it now by contacting the Dream Guitars shop near Asheville, NC, right away. If you miss this opportunity, or want to see more of Grit Laskin’s work, check out the gallery on his homepage.

September 6, 2013/by Paul Heumiller

Let Al Petteway teach you how to play “Tennessee Mountain Rag,” featured on the “Dream Guitars, Vol. 1” CD and in the book of tab

General Interest Guitar, Guitar Lessons, Handbuilt Guitars, Music, Musicians, Uncategorized

A while back, guitar great Al Petteway sat in front of the camera at our showroom in Weaverville, North Carolina, just outside of Asheville, and gave us all a lesson on how to play his own composition, “Tennessee Mountain Rag,” which is included on the “Dream Guitars, Volume 1, The Golden Age of Luthiers” CD and tablature book.

For the lesson, Al plays a Tippin Al Petteway Signature Model with Brazilian Rosewood and Moon Spruce, built by one of the great luthiers in the United States, Bill Tippin of Tippin Guitars.

“In this style of music, everything is out there to be had,” Al explains when discussing his writing method for this song, which taps into many other tunes and progressions in the genre, and the way he puts it all together to make it his own. This is songwriting, folks.

Al also details his chords as well as a cool “chicken picking” technique that he uses for a neat walk-down. He also details optional rhythm choices, which he points out are reminiscent of the style of Chet Atkins. He also shows you a neat lick he learned from listening to Atkins.

You can watch the video here on our Dream Guitars YouTube channel. The “Dream Guitars, Vol. 1” CD and complete book of tablature is available in our online store. All of this and more is available in the online shopping cart.

You should also visit his website at www.alandamy.com to learn more about Al Petteway, his wife, Amy.

August 15, 2013/by Paul Heumiller

Take Care of Your Dream Guitar… Get Yourself a Dream Guitar Case!

DG Updates, General Interest Guitar, Guitar Accessory, Handbuilt Guitars, Music, Product Announcement, Sales, Uncategorized

The pleasure of owning your very own Dream guitar — Tippin, Traugott, Martin, Laskin, McConnell or any other instrument from our collection or from one of your lucky finds — can only be ensured with proper care and maintenance… and that starts with the right case. Get into one today!

Dream Guitars has a solid collection of outstanding guitar cases from trusted brands including Main Stage, Hoffee and others.

How about a little primer on exactly which guitar cases we have to offer, shall we?

First off are the magical Main Stage cases, which are comparable to Calton Cases, another popular brand. In fact, Main Stage was founded by two former employees of Calton and these guys remain true to the quality and care that helped make Calton a big name. Now they’re doing it on their own and the Main Stage brand has earned an excellent reputation for superbly made, professional grade hard-shell fiberglass touring cases for stringed instruments. Each case is handmade for your exact instrument, featuring custom fit, color and finish.

We order all of our Main Stage cases with Thinsulate thermal padding and granite finish. Custom Order prices may vary.

Another of our most popular cases is from Hoffee…. you won’t be disappointed.

“We are very proud to offer Hoffee Carbon Fiber cases,” our own Paul Heumiller is proud to tell you. “They are light, super strong and worthy of holding your Dream Guitar.”

Hoffee cases are priced right and the strong, lightweight, carbon fiber cases are custom Made in the USA. Hoffee is proud of its state-of-the-art mission, from the materials to the process itself. The carbon fiber shells are stronger and lighter than other wooden, ABS (plastic) or fiberglass cases.

Dream Guitars offers custom sizing and an array of colors, allowing 4-6 weeks for delivery. Check out our store — where we also have cases from Cedar Creek, Colorado and Ameritage for sale — and contact us for details. If you’re in the area, stop by the shop in Weaverville, NC, just outside of Asheville, and explore.

August 2, 2013/by Paul Heumiller

Slide Master Steve James Talks About His Musical Life in a Dream Guitars YouTube Exclusive

General Interest Guitar, Handbuilt Guitars, Music, Musicians, Uncategorized, Vintage Guitars

As you may have noticed, bottleneck slide guitar great Steve James spent quite a bit of time at Dream Guitars in our Weaverville, NC, studios back in May, when he came in for a house concert here.

He took time out of his schedule to demo several National Resophonic guitars and perform the classic song, “Guitar Rag,” widely regarded as the first slide guitar song ever recorded (1923).

He also sat down in front of the camera to talk about his life in music; click here to check it out on our YouTube channel. Steve recalls his first records (a collection of Lead Belly 78 RPMs he got the age of 4), his first guitar (a 1963 Gibson J-50) and his early days in New York City studying under such greats as Freddie Lewis and Stan McGee. He also points out the importance of the lessons he learned listening to the unique techniques of Blind Willie Johnson and the alternate tunings of Muddy Waters and Bukka White, some of the unsung heroes of the bottleneck slide blues.

He wraps things up talking about American blues music, calling it “our great export… this is what we offer to the world. People love our music and love to listen to it.”

This video is brought to you by Dream Guitars, proud to be a National Resophonic dealer… and a good friend of Steve James! Contact us today to get your very own National steel! Visit www.stevejames.com for more about Steve!

July 18, 2013/by Paul Heumiller

The One About the Time When Tony McManus and Dream Guitars Made an Award-Winning Album

General Interest Guitar, Music, Musicians, Uncategorized

In many ways, Dream Guitars is not just about buying and selling amazing stringed instruments. Sometimes, we help make music. In fact, we feel that the Tony McManus album, “The Maker’s Mark: The Dream Guitars Sessions,” may have been our finest moment.

Here’s how it all went down…

A few years ago, Dream Guitars’ top dog Paul Heumiller was at the Swannanoa Gathering, which included a week of playing, meeting other musicians and generally having a blast with amazing music in the background. There, Paul met the Celtic steel-string legend and the two hit it off in a big way. As the week drew to a close, Paul made Tony an offer he couldn’t refuse.

“Next time you make an album,” Paul said, “let me know and I’ll bring a bunch of [Dream] guitars.”

Tony called a few months later, and Paul quickly found himself loading up the car with 19 guitars before driving out from Weaverville, NC, to Nashville, Tenn., and the famed Compass Records recording studio, where all of the Outlaws music was recorded, a studio that had welcomed Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson and Hank Williams.

“What a great vibe,” Paul explained.

For a week, Paul prepped guitars and Tony made music with several guitars, including a Greenfield, a Wingert, and a Matsuda, among others, which he selected not only because of the sound but that Tony believed that each luthier’s guitar was the right instrument for a specific song and its character.

The result of this magical week was Tony’s album, “The Maker’s Mark: The Dream Guitars Sessions.” You can find the album in our Dream Guitars shop by clicking here. “Maker’s Mark” is also available on Amazon. Paul feels strongly that this is “one of the finest solo guitar records ever” because of Tony’s expert selection process.

Each unique musical piece brings tonal variety. For the final track, “Valse de Belugas,” or “Waltz of the Belugas,” Tony used all 19 guitars and added a beautiful, 12-string Veillette Gryphon.

For the record, Acoustic Guitar Magazine has said this about Tony and his music: “Few guitarists can present Celtic music with the gusto and nuance they possess when played on fiddles or bagpipes. Tony McManus is one of those few.”

The album won the Canadian Folk Music Award in the solo instrumental category that year, and we at Dream Guitars remain as proud now as we were then.

Tony has also just released his latest recording entitled “Mysterious Boundaries.” You can check it out by visiting Tony’s website.

July 10, 2013/by Paul Heumiller

Buy a Composite Acoustics Guitar From Us and Get a $50 Dream Guitars Gift Card!

DG Updates, General Interest Guitar, Guitar Accessory, Incoming, Product Announcement, Sales, Uncategorized

This is great stuff.

Dream Guitars is a proud dealer of Composite Acoustics guitars, seen by many as superb travel guitars that require little maintenance or worry. They have been described as “virtually indestructible” because of the carbon fiber construction. They can handle heat, cold, life in the closet and will emerge ready to play.

Even more, the sound great, especially in low tunings, like DADGAD or low C, since the action won’t change when the string tension is altered.

We have several coming into the shop now — the GX (an auditorium-sized cutaway), the OX (a 20-fret cutaway with a raw finish) and Cargo (a travel model with or without electronics) — and we are a dealer of the entire Composite Acoustics catalog. If all this isn’t good enough, you’ll get a free $50 Dream Guitars Gift Card when you purchase a Composite Acoustics guitar at our shop here.

Curious yet? We took a ride on one of their classic Vintage Performer D models a few years back and everyone at the shop was blown away. Check out our YouTube link to take a listen before you call us to pick up one of these beauties.

Again, here are the takeaways:

Carbon Fiber composition
“Virtually indestructible”
Awesome in low tunings
Great sound
Hassle-free
Get a $50 Dream Guitars gift card

Take one to the beach or the mountains. Leave it in the trunk or the closet for months, it’ll be fine and sound great. Drop the tuning and have at it.

July 7, 2013/by Paul Heumiller

Dream Guitars’ Paul Heumiller Talks About McConnell Guitars… and Plays His Custom McConnell, Too!

Classical Guitars, General Interest Guitar, Handbuilt Guitars, Luthier profile, Music, Musicians, Nylon string guitars, Uncategorized

Our own Paul Heumiller recently sat down in front of the cameras to talk about one of Dream Guitars’ favorite builders, Jordan McConnell of McConnell Guitars (and the Grammy-award winning band, The Duhks) for a video interview. You see, Paul is not only has a savvy eye when it comes to great luthiers and their instruments, but also sees things from the mindset of a player. In fact, he’s a proud owner of a McConnell and shares his feelings about that fine, custom made instrument with the viewer. Paul makes clear the guitar’s ability to bring out the music and sound he feels inside, a rare trait for any custom instrument.

McConnell builds rich-sounding and versatile instruments in both steel string and classical models at his shop in Winnipeg, Canada, on the fringes of the Canadian Prairies. McConnell became enamored with the construction of guitars at a young age and has studied with famed Spanish luthier, Jose Romanillos, gaining a valuable education in the work, the craftsmanship.

Among his customers: Tim Sparks, an award-winning fingerpicking player, jazz greats Larry Roy and Harley Card, Seth Avett of the Avett Brothers and Irish player John Doyle.

So, Paul sat down in our Weaverville, NC, studio, to talk about this fine luthier, who works with his father on the construction of the guitars. As a builder, Jordan McConnell has become a hot name and his work is in demand. While we do not have currently any in stock, Dream Guitars is accepting orders for his custom builds. Paul will personally work with you to ensure you get what your music deserves. Contact us to discuss the possibilities.

Considering a McConnell now? You may also want to check out this video of Jordan McConnell at the Dream Guitars headquarters a few years ago, offering an exclusive performance. We also have several other video samples of various McConnell guitars on our YouTube channel as well as the Listening Studio on our home page.

Special thanks to Dan Crapsi and Ginny Temple, who visited our shop and filmed this interview for their blog, thegoodguitar.com.

July 2, 2013/by Paul Heumiller

Singer-songwriter Danny Ellis sits down with his student, Paul Heumiller, to talk music, songwriting and teaching

General Interest Guitar, Guitar Lessons, Music, Musicians, Uncategorized

Singer-songwriter Danny Ellis has had an interesting life to say the least. After growing up in an orphanage in Ireland in the 1950s, Danny found music and it saved his life. He began his professional career as a trombone player with “The Boyne Valley Stompers,” a Dixieland band touring Ireland. From there, Danny expanded his horizons, his singing and playing and started a diverse musical career that has taken him all over the world as a trombonist, keyboardist and guitarist as well as a professional songwriter.

Flash forward to today and Danny is opening for for many musicians, including the great Bonnie Raitt for her recent show at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center. Bonnie is a great fan of Danny and his music and personally invited him to fill the opening slot.

Danny now maintains a studio in Asheville, NC, just down the road a spell from our Dream Guitars headquarters in Weaverville. We have built a solid professional relationship with Danny and he granted us some of his time to record a lengthy video interview with our own Paul Heumiller to talk about singing, songwriting, musicianship and his latest role as a teacher, which he conducts out of his studio in person as well as on Skype. In fact, Paul himself has spent plenty of time learning from Danny, studying the finer points of singing and songwriting. Paul considers Danny a mentor and a friend as well as a teacher. You can get more information about Danny’s teaching career and how to become a student by visiting his website and checking out his lessons page (www.dannyellismusic.com/musiclessons.cfm).

We have two videos on our YouTube Dream Guitars channel, one the full-length interview (22:28) and a short highlight reel of the same (5:31). Check them both out, then take a trip to Danny’s site, where you can read about his history, his discography, find links to his Facebook and YouTube pages as well as learn more about his teaching methods and how to contact him for lessons.

June 20, 2013/by Paul Heumiller

Bottleneck slide master Steve James teaches you ‘Guitar Rag’

General Interest Guitar, Guitar Accessory, Guitar Lessons, Music, Musicians, News & Events, Uncategorized

When Steve James spent time with us at Dream Guitars just before his rocking house concert performance at our Weaverville, NC, offices, not only did he demo several amazing National Resophonic guitars, he also taught us all a lesson in bottleneck slide playing the legendary “Guitar Rag.”

Your moment of musical history for today: Sylvester Weaver’s “Guitar Rag” is recognized as the first recording of slide guitar. That was way back in 1923, though Steve’s classic style is more than simply reminiscent of the period.

Now you can learn a thing or two from James himself right here at our YouTube channel, study the master’s moves and styles. There is an awful lot of information here and you’ll be able to apply what you learn as you progress as a player. Steve takes the time to demonstrate basic hand placement, string contact, touch, pick technique, vibrato, chords and more as he teaches the viewer how to play like a pro.

Steve James is world-renowned as an expert slide guitar master, not only touring and recording his own material and but acting as a sideman for such legends as Bo Diddley, Kinky Friedman, Buddy Guy and John Hammond. For more information and cool stuff, visit Steve’s homepage… after you learn how to play “Guitar Rag” his way — arguably the best way!

June 19, 2013/by Paul Heumiller

Steve James’ May 4 House Concert at Dreams Guitars was a blast!

DG Updates, General Interest Guitar, Music, Musicians, News & Events, Uncategorized

Last month, Dream Guitars hosted the great Steve James for the latest house concert at our Weaverville, NC, headquarters… and the house was rockin’.

Steve played Sylvester Weaver’s “Guitar Rag,” widely recognized as the first slide song ever recorded (1923). Throughout the show, Steve played his own National Resophonic instruments, including a Resorocket Wood Body WB, an NRP Black Rust and an RM1 Mandolin. He also toured our showroom and selected a few guitars from the racks to use during the show: a 1964 Gibson Sunburst SJ-200 and a Mervyn Davis SmoothTalker, a wood body instrument that that has a resonator-like quality.

Steve also wowed us with a version of “Stagger Lee,” re-written from the perspective of Stagger Lee and his John B. Stetson hat. Incredible!

Dream Guitars hosts about six house concerts a year and in the past has hosted many amazing artists, including Al Petteway and Amy White, Woody Mann, Martin Simpson, Clive Carroll, Lawrence Juber, Paul Geremia, Robin Bullock and Mary Flower to name a few.

Our next show is set for July 7 with the amazing duo of Loren and Mark. Other upcoming guests include Paul Asbell (August 3) and the return of Clive Caroll (Feb 28).

Check out our Event Calendar for more information on our house concert series.

June 12, 2013/by Paul Heumiller

Loren and Mark: Amazing Guitar Duo! July 7th!

DG Updates, General Interest Guitar, Handbuilt Guitars, Music, Musicians, News & Events, Uncategorized

We host a number of events here at Dream Guitars. Just one of our many ways to give back to the community and share music with others who are passionate about it. We welcome you all to come join us at a House Concert, Guitar Clinic, Setup Saturdays and other events throughout the year. Come visit Dream Guitars and the wonderful Asheville area!

INFO

Loren and Mark in Concert!

Sunday, July 7 @ 7 pm

Pre-Show Pot Luck @ 6 pm

Tickets $20, Reservations required

About Loren and Mark

Loren Barrigar and Mark Mazengarb, both virtuoso players in their own right, ran into each other several times over the years, first meeting in 2005 at Jorma Kaukonen’s Fur Peace Ranch guitar camp when working with Tommy Emmanuel. Loren was a seasoned player making his first deep foray into the world of acoustic guitars, while Mark was in the process of finishing his degree in classical guitar at the University of North Carolina. They met again in 2009 at the Chet Atkins Appreciation Society (CAAS) convention in Nashville, Tenn., and then they were late additions to the CAAS 2010 Saturday night finale performance lineup based on what the gathering of international guitarists had heard from them during the week. You can see part of that performance here.

Together, Loren and Mark run the gamut of acoustic guitar performances of both original and arranged music. With a background of bluegrass, jazz and Western styles, their thumb-picking technique harkens back to guitar greats such as Atkins, Merle Travis and Jerry Reed. When performing original compositions, Loren brings amazing vocals along with Mark’s stunning harmonies.

They have already recorded two albums together — the first of which won the 2011 SAMMY (Syracuse Area Music Awards) Best Album at the Northeast Music Industry Conference — and have been touring as a duo since 2011. For more on Loren Barrigar and Mark Mazengarb, visit their website http://www.lorenandmark.com.

Reservations required for all events, please email [email protected] or call us at (828) 658-9795.

How it works….

Come join us at 3 pm and bring a dish to share and a bottle of your preferred beverage. It’s always a wonderful array of treats!
Show starts at 4pm and performers play two sets with an intermission to mingle and meet the artist!
Guitar demos available in the shop before and after the show.

Future Concerts/Clinics

Paul Asbell, Mr. Versatility on Guitar, August 3

Clive Caroll, From England! February 28 (7 pm)

June 12, 2013/by Paul Heumiller

Learn to Play Our Theme Song,’The Crossing,’ from Al Petteway

Classical Guitars, DG Updates, General Interest Guitar, Guitar Lessons, Handbuilt Guitars, Music, Musicians, News & Events, Product Announcement, Uncategorized

Here at Dream Guitars, we discovered early on that one element of selling world-class guitars online was missing for our online customers: the sound. We then became perhaps the first online dealer of guitars to offer sound samples by recording every guitar we have in stock, played by any number of our favorite friends. In fact, we made every effort to use snippets of the same song for each guitar to give customers a great point of tonal reference.

If you are a fan and frequent visitor, you are no doubt familiar with, “The Crossing,” written and performed by Al Petteway and included on the “Dream Guitars, Volume 1” compact disc. In effect, it has become our unofficial theme song. In fact, we’ve noticed that many clients come into the showroom outside of Asheville, NC, and play snippets of the very same song they had heard on this site. Kind of cool on the one hand, but very telling on the other.

As a result, we have put together two videos: one with Al performing the piece, the other with a full-blown lesson from Mr. Petteway, complete with detailed instructions on how to play “The Crossing” from the composer himself. The videos are available on our Dream Guitars YouTube channel.

The “Dream Guitars, Vol. 1” CD and complete book of tablature is available in our online store. All of this and more is available in the online shopping cart.

You should also check out the world of Al Petteway at his home website at www.alandamy.com.

——-

May 31, 2013/by Paul Heumiller

Dream Guitars Column In Fingerstyle360 Digital Magazine

Uncategorized

Bill Piburn, former editor of the great Fingerstyle Guitar Magazine, is now offering a wonderful new Digital Magazine called Fingerstyle360. DG owner Paul Heumiller is writing a regular column called, what else, ‘Dream Guitars’ featuring some of the finest instruments to pass through our shop. We encourage all guitar lovers to check out www.fingerstyle360.com today!

November 5, 2012/by Paul Heumiller

The perfect gift, Gift Cards for the holidays

Uncategorized

Tell them what you really want this year…. a Dream Guitars Gift Card!

Available in any amount from $50-$1000 and good towards anything we sell. Make this holiday a memorable one! Get yours today in our online Store.

November 3, 2012/by Paul Heumiller

Fall Clearance Sale!

Uncategorized

Fall Clearance Sale

*Promotional prices below expire 10/1/2012

We are having a rare sale on new old stock items, closeouts and more! Please view below a selection of items reduced to blowout pricing. Simply call the shop to purchase at 828 658-9795. *Limited quantities, while supplies last. Dream Guitars reserves the right to change or cancel this sale at any time.

Amplifiers

~~AER Alpha – $605.00~~ SOLD

Two Rock Jet Head – $2750.00

Fuchs Triple Drive – $2925.43

~~Two Rock Cabinet – $440.00~~ SOLD

Fuchs Cabinet – $730.00

Pick and Accessory Boxes

Large

Curly Maple – $230.00

East Indian Rosewood -$230.00

East Indian Rosewood w/ Abalone Trim – $310.00

Macassar Ebony – $230.00

Lightening Bolt Movingue – $310.00

Brazilian Rosewood – $230.00

Brazilian Rosewood w/ Abalone Corner Trim – $310.00

Small

Curly Maple – $175.00

Lacewood – $175.00

Pickups

LR Baggs MI Pickups Active -$136.95

LR Beggs MI Pickups Pasive – $77.00

Microphones

ADK A6 – $144.35

ADK Vienna – MK8 – $202.27

Capos

G7th Performance – $49.99

NS Capo – $9.92

Shubb C8b – $13.75

Shubb S1 – $14.85

Shubb S2 – $14.85

NS Classical – $10.64

Dual Action – $11.83

Cases

Vintage

1930’s Lifton OM Black – $300

1930’s Lifton OM Brown – $300

1930’s Gibson Dreadnought – $300

1950’s Lifton Dreadnought – $300

1960/70’s Gibson Jumbo – $300

New

Reunion Blues Continental Dreadnought Case – $110

Reunion Blues Continental Electric Case – $140

Reunion Blues Black Leather Dreadnought – $255

Used (*Call for specifications of cases and further detail)

Gretch Spare – $50

Fender Electric, New- $100

AVS Hardshell – $75

TKL Classical – $50

Hardshell 000 Used – $50

Calton Classsical, Green/Pewter – $700

Cables

20 ft. Planet Waves Circuit Breaker – $20.00

10 ft. Planet Waves Insert Cable – $12.00

20 ft. Planet Waves Custom Pro Cable – $19.00

10 ft. Planet Waves Microphone Cable – $17.00

Accessories

ErgoPlay Troster – $52.00

ErgoPlay Tappert – $34.00

ErgoPlay Professional – $30.00

SOS Guitar Tuner – $7.07

Lemon Oil – $2.16

Colorado Case Cover – $118.51

September 12, 2012/by Paul Heumiller

Skype Consultations Now Available

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We are now offering Skype consultations for our clients. 15 and 30 minute sessions are available for real time demoes and question and answer about guitars you are interested in. This can be extremely valuable if you are close to a decision but need to decide between a few guitars.

Session are with Dream Guitars owner Paul Heumiller. Advanced notice is required, please email [email protected] to request a sessions. Be sure to indicate your location/time zone, desired time and the duration you wish for the call. Cost for these sessions is $25 per 15 minutes. Payment can be made by calling Kim at the shop once your time is reserved.

We are delighted to offer this new service for our clientelle.

Skype Now At Dream Guitars!!

August 13, 2012/by Paul Heumiller

6 String Banjos in stock: Bishline Custom and Lame Horse Gitjo

Product Announcement, Uncategorized

“Every guitarist should have one of these, it’s so much fun.” – Paul Heumiller

Lame Horse Gitjo

Lame Horse - Jenkins & Son Instruments Gitjo 6 string banjo

The Lamehorse Gitjo, by Jeremy Jenkins, was made to offer guitarist a chance to make that banjo twang. The six string banjo is not a new concept, however this Lame Horse Gitjo is full of style and has a sound everyone loves. The tone ring is crafted from superbly figured Sapelle and Maple with a lovely Diamond pattern ring. The multi piece neck meets the body via a thick brass plate that add wonderful sustain and power. This is a really fun instrument that will give you a whole other sound on stage, in the studio or on your front porch. From Blues to Old Time to Celtic you’ll love having this in your arsenal.

Lame Horse - Jenkins & Son Instruments Gitjo 6 string banjo

“We guitarists need a change of pace once and a while and here you go. A 6 string banjo of high quality and tone and absolutely beautiful woods. “ – Paul Heumiller

Bishline Banjos Custom 6 String Banjo

Here we have a custom 6 String Banjo from Rob Bishline. This beauty features stunning Walnut Burl for the resonator, Walnut neck and Lacewood bindings on the neck and body. Just stunning! The scale is a short 24″ that is easy to play. This Guitar-Banjo is very loud and strong. Perfect for the guitarist looking to add another color to his/her music and a great for bands to add that barbaric twang!

June 13, 2012/by Paul Heumiller

Charlie Hoffman (Hoffman Guitars) on Minnesota Public Television

Luthier profile, News & Events, Uncategorized

Now online: Minnesota Public Television has posted their “Minnesota Original” segment – featuring Charlie Hoffman of Hoffman Guitars. It features an interview with the renowned luthier, as well as some great behind the scenes action of Charlie bending Indian Rosewood sides. Other highlights include a performance by fingerstylist Tim Sparks.

To view Hoffman Guitars currently in stock, please click the links below.

Small Jumbo

Piccolo

Jumbo and #532 (scroll down)

May 8, 2012/by Paul Heumiller

Traphagen D’Aquisto Nylon String

Handbuilt Guitars, Nylon string guitars, Product Announcement, Uncategorized

In 1982, world-renowned luthier Jimmy D’Aquisto built a rare and exceptional nylon string guitar. Thought to be only 1 of 3 in existence, and the only fully functional example, this extraordinary instrument was exquisite in tone, playability, and design. All who played it at Dream Guitars were in agreement that it was one of the finest crossover guitars in existence. Sadly, as with most treasures, the D’Aquisto nylon string was well beyond the means of the average player.

So when our friend and luthier James Condino blueprinted the D’Aquisto nylon for the Guild of American Luthiers , we struck upon the idea of commissioning a guitar built on the plans by another celebrated luthier – Dake Traphagen. The idea was to build a no-compromise representation of the D’Aquisto original, but at an affordable price. What resulted is even beyond our highest expectations! For a detailed description please call Paul or Steven at (828) 658-9795.

Top – German Spruce
Back & Sides – European flamed maple
Neck – Honduran Mahogany ( the old real stuff)
Fret Board – Ebony
Bridge – Brazilian Rosewood
Tuners – Schaller
Finish – Spirit varnish

May 7, 2012/by Paul Heumiller

Traphagen D’Aquisto Nylon String

Handbuilt Guitars, Nylon string guitars, Product Announcement, Uncategorized

In 1982, world-renowned luthier Jimmy D’Aquisto built a rare and exceptional nylon string guitar. Thought to be only 1 of 3 in existence, and the only fully functional example, this extraordinary instrument was exquisite in tone, playability, and design. All who played it at Dream Guitars were in agreement that it was one of the finest crossover guitars in existence. Sadly, as with most treasures, the D’Aquisto nylon string was well beyond the means of the average player.

So when our friend and luthier James Condino blueprinted the D’Aquisto nylon for the Guild of American Luthiers , we struck upon the idea of commissioning a guitar built on the plans by another celebrated luthier – Dake Traphagen. The idea was to build a no-compromise representation of the D’Aquisto original, but at an affordable price. What resulted is even beyond our highest expectations! For a detailed description please call Paul or Steven at (828) 658-9795.

Top – German Spruce
Back & Sides – European flamed maple
Neck – Honduran Mahogany ( the old real stuff)
Fret Board – Ebony
Bridge – Brazilian Rosewood
Tuners – Schaller
Finish – Spirit varnish

May 7, 2012/by Paul Heumiller

1965 Fender Stratocaster!!! (SOLD)

Uncategorized

We just received this extraordinary 1965 Fender Strat from the son of the original owner. The guitar is in great shape and has all the vintage Strat mojo one could ask for – insanely great tone! Don’t miss this one!!! It’s a vintage collector’s dream! (This guitar is now sold)

April 20, 2012/by Paul Heumiller

New Arrival: Bill Tippin Cuban Mahogany Staccato!!!

Luthier profile, Product Announcement, Uncategorized

Just in 03/13/12: We just received this wonderful new Tippin Staccato! More photos to follow soon.

When Bill Tippin sent the following photos of his incoming Staccato model (now arrived) – I was blown away by its elegance and by the natural beauty of the wood. Bill’s idea was to make this guitar with refined simplicity, maximizing superb tone, in an instrument that had understated aesthetic charms.

Featuring extremely fine Cuban Mahogany back and sides, this guitar promises to be exactly what Mr. Tippin intended. If you’d like to learn more about this cool new Tippin Staccato please call. It is arriving next week, and will not last long.

Please note: in some of the following photos, Bill applied Naptha to portions of the wood (which does no harm ) to give an approximation of how the color will appear when finish is applied.

March 13, 2012/by Paul Heumiller

Paul’s Pick: Matsuda M1 w/ low D extension

Paul's Pick, Uncategorized

“I saw this guitar when Michi debuted it and we are delighted to have a chance to offer it to our clients. Everything about this Matsuda guitar is an expression of art and music. The low extension and capo work very simply and allow for instant access to creativity. Beside the obvious move to Low D, in alternate tunings many other possibilities come to life as well. It’s so well implemented that you do not need to retune either. Putting all the artful touches aside, this guitar has an inspiring musical character. It’s voice is beyond impressive, it’s sonorous, open and full of life. Michi is only making about 6 guitars per year so it is very rare that we have a preowned Matsuda. Here’s your chance to own perhaps the most creative builder working today.” – Paul Heumiller

“The tone on this work of art is unsurpassed. The low D extension is pretty cool, if you play a lot in Drop D tuning, although you have to remember the fingering doesn’t change from standard tuning when you use this feature.” – Al Petteway

This incredible Matsuda M1 guitar features a custom split headstock and Low D extension “capo” that drops the low E string down a full step. This wonderful instrument also showcases Michi’s impressive artistic talents. From the sweeping rosette, to the multi-dimensional side soundport to the ergonomic “sloped” neck heel, this is as fine a guitar as we’ve ever seen. The old growth Brazilian Rosewood back and sides and perfect Italian Spruce top make for a sublime, full tone with rich bass and musical treble that are clear and present. An incredible guitar that can change tunings with the flick of a wrist.