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

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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.

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Bottleneck slide master Steve James teaches you ‘Guitar Rag’

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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!

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

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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.

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

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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)

 

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

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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.

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Fingerstyle360 Digitial Magazine

Dream Guitars Column In Fingerstyle360 Digital Magazine

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!

Fingerstyle360 Digitial Magazine

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The perfect gift, Gift Cards for the holidays

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.
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Fall Clearance Sale!

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

Large Accessory Box open

Large Accessory Box

Small

Curly Maple – $175.00

Lacewood – $175.00

Small Accessory Box open

Small Accessory Box

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

 

 

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Skype Consultations Now Available

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!!

 

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

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“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

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!


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Charlie Hoffman (Hoffman Guitars) on Minnesota Public Television

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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)

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Traphagen D’Aquisto Nylon String

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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

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Traphagen D’Aquisto Nylon String

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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

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1965 Fender Stratocaster!!! (SOLD)

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)

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New Arrival: Bill Tippin Cuban Mahogany Staccato!!!

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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.

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

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“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.

  • Body Size: Medium
  • Scale: 25 11/32 in. (643.65 mm)
  • Nut Width: 1 3/4 in. (43.7 mm)
  • String Spacing: 2 1/4 in. (57.15 mm)
  • Body Length: 19 5/16 in.
  • Upper Bout: 11 3/16 in.
  • Lower Bout: 15 1/2 in.
  • Serial #: 67
  • Body Depth @Neck Heel: 3 3/4 in.
  • Body Depth @Tail Block: 4 7/16 in.
  • Frets to body: 14
  • Back/Sides: Brazilian Rosewood
  • Top Wood: Italian Spruce
  • Fingerboard: Brazilian Rosewood
  • Neck Wood: Mahogany
  • Bridge: Ebony Belly
  • Rosette: Custom Rosewood
  • Binding: Ebony
  • Fingerboard Bindings: none
  • Headplate: Custom
  • Headstock Bindings: Ebony
  • Headstock Inlay: None
  • Top Trim: Custom
  • Back Strip: Rosewood
  • Fret Markers: None
  • Tuners: Sperzel
  • Tuner Finish: Gold



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GRIT LASKIN – Open Slot Available

Here’s a rare opportunity to get the Laskin Guitar of your dreams!

As many of you know, Dream Guitars regularly custom orders one-of-a-kind instruments from the world’s finest luthiers. Slated for completion approximately 8 months from now, we have scheduled the delivery of another world-class guitar from luthier/inlay artist extraordinaire William “Grit” Laskin.

Each of Grit’s guitars follows a theme; most recently we have had the pleasure of hosting his “Three Wise Men” and “The Blue Trumpet” guitars – stunning creations each.

The incoming guitar will be built from the winning combination of Brazilian Rosewood and Sitka Spruce  – there is still time to customize the rest. That means, this guitar can be personalized in any way you choose.

This is a rare opportunity to get a Laskin without the typical lengthy wait time – customized with the inlay and theme of your choice.

Please call today to find out how to make the incoming Grit Laskin Masterwork  your very own.

The Blue Trumpet - detail

Three Wise Men - detail

 

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TIPPIN GUITARS: Pink Ivory Crescendo

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When chosing traditional tone woods, Pink Ivory is seldom the first species that comes to mind — primarily because it is next to impossible  to find large enough pieces to build guitars with. But Pink Ivory is indeed a supremely fine wood — both visually and tonally. With that in mind, it is our extreme pleasure to show you this exceptional new Pink Ivory Crescendo, from the shop of Tippin Guitars.

Legendary luthier Bill Tippin, of Marblehead MA, makes extraordinary musical instruments that effortlessly blend sophisticated detail, advanced design, and remarkable tone. This guitar features a stunning black willow leaf inlay, which has held special significance throughout Chinese history, and was the inspiration for the Willow Leaf Saber.

Willo Leaf inlay

Tippin Crescendo - Pink Ivory

Tippin Crescendo - Pink Ivory

Luthier Bill Tippin

 

 

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David Stevenson: Renaissance Christmas Medley with tablature

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(scroll down to download audio and tab)

Frequent visitors to the Dream Guitars website will be familiar with the excellent playing on the classical guitar demos of David Stevenson. In addition to being a skilled guitarist, David is also a superb classical guitar instructor, and an adjunct faculty member of the University of North Carolina at Asheville since 1987 and at Clemson University since 1994.

Just in time for the holidays, David has graciously provided this lovely arrangement of traditional music for the enjoyment of us all.

David explains:

Renaissance Christmas Medley

This lighthearted Christmas medley was inspired by the well known Tanz (dance) by Georg Fuhrmann.  I first encountered the piece in the 1970’s from the series of period books by Frederick Noad, this one from the Renaissance collection. The melody is also now part of the Suzuki Guitar repertoire.

Tune the 6th string to “D” and for the majority of the piece you simply play the open 6,5 and 4th strings as the bass.  In “I Saw 3 Ships,” an “A” chord appears at the end of the 3rd and 4th lines and I accomplish this with a partial bar on  the 2nd, 3rd and 4th strings.  You have to be careful to leave the 1st string open here.

On the final line of the piece this repeated bass pattern is replaced by dotted 1/2 notes.  Beat 2 on the final line has the stem pointed downwards, but the note is played with the “i” finger. You may want to repeat the final line.

Enjoy! and Merry Christmas!

David Stevenson

Click here for audio.

Click here for the transcription and tablature.

 

 

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AVAILABLE NOW: PETROS TUNNEL 13 – Brazilian and Tunnel 13 Redwood

Bruce and Matt Petros build incredible musical instruments – and their legendary Tunnel 13 series guitars are so overwhelmingly good  that we just had to show you some quick shop photos right away! Featuring rare, old Brazilian Rosewood and Redwood from Tunnel 13, this guitar is vibrant, alive, and positively dripping with overtones.  A phenomenal guitar in every way! Call today to get your hands on this majestic Petros Tunnel 13.

New photos coming soon.

Petros Tunnel 13

Rare, old Brazilian Rosewood back and sides...

Petros Tunnel 13 -- Available now!

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Paul’s Pick:Dave of England “Queen of Hearts” (SOLD)

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“This guitar represents one of the interesting stories in the guitar world. How instruments come to be is as exciting as the music they make. The story of Dave of England is a great one in the guitar world. You can definitely sense the commitment to Tony Zemaitis’ work in this Queen of Hearts guitar designed by artist and author Paul Schmidt and built by Kevin Parsons and Dave Brewis. Very lightweight and energetic, this one is a joy to play and to behold.” – Paul Heumiller

Dave of England "Queen of Hearts"

The guitars of the late great Tony Zemaitis are the stuff of legend! And with good reason too — they were played by some of the biggest names in the history of Rock and Roll. George Harrison, Keith Richards, Ron Wood, Eric Clapton amongst them — Rock royalty does not get bigger than that! Sadly, Tony Z passed on in 2002, but before he did, a gentleman named David Brewis contacted him with hopes of commissioning a guitar. Tony explained that he was now retired, and he would no longer be building, but he graciously offered Brewis one of his official jigs in which to build a guitar. Within weeks Brewis was given 10 jigs and patterns, and permission to build guitars with them utilizing the talents of luthier Kevin Parsons. In so doing, Brewis was dubbed “Dave of England” and “Keeper of the Jigs and Keeper of the Patterns”!

Dream Guitars is fortunate to have one of these fine and rare guitars to offer. This is a Queen of Hearts guitar designed by artist and author Paul Schmidt and built by Dave of England guitars. With it’s distinct styling and imaginative lines, this guitar could easily have been built by the hands of the master himself. But it is more than an interesting piece, it is also an extremely toneful one. The neck is on the slender side, and the guitar itself is lightweight. It has a fine fast attack, superb for Townshend-esque strumming — but played softly, it has a sweet remarkable tone that is very responsive to dynamics. In all, it is a wonderful guitar with a distinct look and a truly special voice.

    Measurements 

  • Body Size: Jumbo
  • Scale: 25 in. (635 mm)
  • Nut Width: 1 5/8 in. (41.4 mm)
  • String Spacing: 2 1/8 in. (54.1 mm)
  • Body Length: 20 3/8 in.
  • Upper Bout: 12 1/4 in.
  • Lower Bout: 16 3/4 in.
  • Serial #: One of Five
  • Body Depth @Neck Heel: 3 3/4 in.
  • Body Depth @Tail Block: 4 3/8 in.
  • Frets to body: 14

    Woods & Trim 

  • Back/Sides: European Sycamore Maple
  • Top Wood: Sitka Spruce
  • Fingerboard: Ebony
  • Neck Wood: Mahogany
  • Bridge: Ebony Smiley Face
  • Rosette: Abalone Heart Shaped Rosette
  • Binding: Maple
  • Fingerboard Bindings: Ebony with Paua Perflings
  • Headplate: Rosewood
  • Headstock Bindings: None
  • Headstock Inlay: Metal ‘Queen of Hearts’ Plaque by Danny O’Brien, Metal ‘Art of Music’ Truss Cover
  • Top Trim: Wood Lines
  • Back Strip: None
  • Fret Markers: Paua Hearts at 12th Fret
  • Tuners: Grover Imperials
  • Tuner Finish: Chrome

For more information on this superb guitar, or any of the fine guitars listed on this site, please call Paul or Steven at (828) 658-9795.

 

 

 

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DOUG YOUNG GUITAR LESSONS – AMAZING GRACE – now with tablature

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Recently Doug Young dropped by Dream Guitars and taught this great 3 part guitar lesson on arranging Amazing Grace for fingerstyle guitar. To follow along with the tablature, please click here.

From Doug’s website:

Doug Young is a fingerstyle instrumental guitarist based in the San Francisco South Bay area. An active perfomer in the local acoustic guitar scene, Doug hosts a monthly guitar showcase that has featured performers like Dorian Michael, Thomas Leeb, Steve Baughman, Teja Gerken, and many more. So far, Doug has released one CD, Laurel Mill, featuring his solo guitar playing, compositions and arrangements. Mel Bay has published his best-selling instructional book: “Understanding DADGAD: For Fingerstyle Guitar.” He is a Contributing Editor for Acoustic Guitar Magazine, and has also been published in Fingerstyle Guitar Magazine. In his role at Acoustic Guitar, Doug has written numerous instructional articles, gear reviews, and interviewed many of today’s top guitarists including Tommy Emmanuel, Sergio Assad, Andy McKee, Laurence Juber and Pierre Bensusan.

To learn more about Doug, his gig schedule, and his array of reviews and quality products, click here.

 

 

 

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McCONNELL GUITARS – New 15″ model

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One of our favorite builders is the brilliant Jordan McConnell from Winnipeg, Canada. His guitars are impeccably crafted, and they offer stunning design and rich, articulate tones. Recently, Jordan informed us that he has developed a new model with the following dimensions.

Length: 19.5″
Lower bout: 15″
Upper bout: 11.25″
Standard scale length 25.25″

In Jordan’s words, “I like this shape for it’s versatility. It can be voiced to put the focus more in the midrange and trebles to create a very intimate and clear sounding guitar, but it doesn’t lack power and can still pack a pretty serious punch in the low end if that is desired. It’s a very comfortable size to play and can be more manageable than a jumbo sized body in a stage setting if someone is gigging a lot.”

If you would like to receive more information on this stunning guitar, or on any of Jordan’s other guitars, please give us a call. We’ll be happy to talk to you about these very special creations!

 

To see more photos, please click here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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PETER CALO PLAYS TIPPIN GUITAR — VIDEO!!

As huge fans of Bill Tippin’s incredible guitars, we are thrilled to see and hear the great Peter Calo bring this fine Bravado model to life!! Enjoy!!

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Showroom (by appointment only):

108 Monticello Road, Suite 400,
Weaverville NC, 28787

Store Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-4pm EST

Contact Us
Make an Appointment

ABOUT

COMMUNITY

POLICIES

EDUCATION