Bookmark this page for frequent updates. (Please scroll down for additional guitars.)
Higuerilla and Port Orford Cedar
Cocobolo Rosewood and Engelmann Spruce
Brazilian Rosewood and Adirondack Spruce
Bookmark this page for frequent updates. (Please scroll down for additional guitars.)
East Indian Rosewood and Sitka Spruce
Bookmark this page for frequent updates. (Please scroll down for additional guitars.)
Brazilian Rosewood and Moonspruce
Flamed Maple and Spruce
East Indian Rosewood and Sitka Spruce
Magnetic Pickup with “C” Electronics
Cocobolo Rosewood and Bearclaw Sitka Spruce
Honduran Rosewood and Adirondack Spruce
Madagascar Rosewood and German Spruce
Koa and Flamed Maple
Pernambuco and Sitka Spruce
Brazilian Rosewood and European Spruce
Figured Honduran Mahogany and Bearclaw Sitka Spruce
Brazilian Rosewood and Cedar
Collaboration between Walter Lipton and Bill Tippin. Engraved inlay by Doug Unger.
Brazilian Rosewood and German Spruce
Cypress and Cedar
Brazilian Rosewood and Sitka Spruce
Koa and Spruce
Mahogany and Spruce
Brazilian Rosewood and Cedar
Ceylon Satinwood Back/Sides, Englemann Spruce Top, Alaskan Yellow Cedar Neck
Indian Rosewood and Sitka Spruce
Black Acacia and Cedar
Maple and Spruce
Maple and Spruce
Brazilian Rosewood and Adirondack Spruce
Brazilian Rosewood and Adirondack Spruce
Brazilian Rosewood and Adirondack Spruce
Brazilian Rosewood and Adirondack Spruce
Brazilian Rosewood and Adirondack Spruce
Macassar Ebony and Bearclaw Sitka Spruce
Steel Body with Gold Crystalline Finish. 1.5 Tricone Neck. 
Mahogany and Adirondack Spruce 
East Indian Rosewood and Spruce 
Padauk and Spruce
Figured Maple and Adirondack Spruce 
Granadillo and Adirondack Spruce
Sinker Honduras Mahogany and Tulip Magnolia
Tasmanian Blackwood and Lutz Spruce 
East Indian Rosewood and Carpathian Spruce 
Brazilian Kingwood and Sitka Spruce 
Cocobolo Rosewood and Bearclaw Sitka Spruce 
Bookmark this page for frequent updates. (Please scroll down for additional guitars.)
Pernambuco and Sitka Spruce
Brazilian Rosewood and European Spruce
Figured Honduran Mahogany and Bearclaw Sitka Spruce
Brazilian Rosewood and Cedar
Collaboration between Walter Lipton and Bill Tippin. Engraved inlay by Doug Unger.
Brazilian Rosewood and German Spruce
Cypress and Cedar
Brazilian Rosewood and Sitka Spruce
Koa and Spruce
Mahogany and Spruce
Brazilian Rosewood and Cedar
Ceylon Satinwood Back/Sides, Englemann Spruce Top, Alaskan Yellow Cedar Neck
Indian Rosewood and Sitka Spruce
Black Acacia and Cedar
Maple and Spruce
Maple and Spruce
Brazilian Rosewood and Adirondack Spruce
Brazilian Rosewood and Adirondack Spruce
Brazilian Rosewood and Adirondack Spruce
Brazilian Rosewood and Adirondack Spruce
Brazilian Rosewood and Adirondack Spruce
Macassar Ebony and Bearclaw Sitka Spruce
Steel Body with Gold Crystalline Finish. 1.5 Tricone Neck.
Mahogany and Adirondack Spruce
East Indian Rosewood and Spruce
Padauk and Spruce
Figured Maple and Adirondack Spruce
Granadillo and Adirondack Spruce
Sinker Honduras Mahogany and Tulip Magnolia
Tasmanian Blackwood and Lutz Spruce
East Indian Rosewood and Carpathian Spruce
Brazilian Kingwood and Sitka Spruce
Cocobolo Rosewood and Bearclaw Sitka Spruce
We just received this extraordinary Martin 000-28H – a true vintage Dream Guitar. Skillfully maintained by luthiers Bill Tippin and the legendary T.J. Thompson, this classic beauty is in great shape and plays perfectly. Make no mistake about it, this is one of those “once in a lifetime” guitars, with unsurpassed vintage Martin tone. This guitar is a gem! Adirondack/Brazilian. Comes with a Calton Deluxe Flight case.
Martin 000-28H (1934)
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.
Jumbo and #532 (scroll down)
Bozo Beograd
A very special instrument from master luthier Bozo Padunavac. This is a 40th Anniversary Beograd Archtop model featuring Bozo’s signature ornate Abalone inlays and elaborate custom purfling. The maple back and sides and European Spruce top make for a rich and powerful voice. The incredible hand inlay work makes this a true work of art as well. Every surface is adorned with Paua Abalone, Herringbone and too many fine details to list so we’ll let the photos tell it’s story below. Be sure to admire the brass Tailpiece, gorgeous Headplate and amazing fingerboard inlay.
It’s hard to fathom, but this incredible archtop plays and sounds as good as it looks! The action is smooth and even, like an electric, and the tone is both complex and round. This guitar really sings with a flat pick.
Please click here for additional specs and photos:
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.
Just in 03/13/12: We just received this stunning new Traphagen dreadnought!
Over the years, luthier Dake Traphagen has built some of the finest classical, nylon and steel string guitars ever to grace the Dream Guitars Showroom and website. So it was with great anticipation that we awaited his newest creation, a dreadnought designed specifically with the flat-picker in mind. Simply put, this is an amazing new guitar. The tone is full and articulate, with incredible volume and projection. It is a joy to play.
Mr. Traphagen describes it this way – “The attack is strong and powerful yet smooth and even. With a little playing time this guitar will become even more powerful and colorful in tone. The entire building process went without a hitch, as if the guitar wanted to be made. Some guitars are more demanding while they’re being formed, trying to play little tricks on the luthier – but not this one.”
Please call for more details and learn how you can try this fine guitar for yourself.
Dream Guitars is now a dealer for the incredible instruments of luthier Matt Artinger. Combining sophisticated design, elegant styling and outrageously great tone, Artinger Guitars are amongst the finest electric and acoustic guitars available.
We’ve spec’d out four very special instruments for delivery this year — and the first one is set to arrive soon. If you’d like more information on the upcoming guitars, or if you’d like to learn how a custom instrument can be built for you, please give us a call anytime. Dream Guitars is delighted to be associated with Matt Artinger and his extremely fine musical instruments.
Here are some of Matt’s shop photos of the first arrival – due late February/early March.
“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.
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.
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
This is a beautiful, all original vintage 1956 Les Paul Goldtop with a carved maple top and mahogany back and neck. It features a bound rosewood fingerboard with trapezoid inlay, a pearl logo and Kluson tuners with tulip shaped tuner buttons. It has many advanced features such as the stop tailpiece and Tune-O-Matic bridge made famous on late 50’s Les Pauls. This guitar features 2 “Soapbar” P-90 pickups with cream colored covers. Since it is pre 1960 it has a nice full neck. This guitar has that worn in feel that cannot be reproduced. This is a lightweight Gold Top that screams. The neck is simply wonderful, and the entire guitar sings with a classic tone from a bygone era.
“Ok, now we are having fun! This is the real deal, a completely original, solid, lightweight, incredible soulful 1956 Les Paul Gold Top – The one to own. This one has to be played to be believed. The feel is that special and the tone from the original P-90s is powerful. We all hope this one sticks around a while because it’s just too much fun to play! This is the market to buy instruments like this. You’ll be happy you did 10 years from now, both because of all the fun you’ll have had, plus it is sure to increase in value.” – Paul Heumiller
One prime difference between Dream Guitars and other guitar sellers is that we regularly work one-on-one with the best luthiers on the planet – commissioning extraordinary, exclusive guitars with the very finest appointments. Our Dream Series builds are legendary, featuring superlative tone woods and design, and crafted for superb playability and utmost player satisfaction.
Quite often, these highly desirable treasures never even make it to our website, as they are quickly acquired by our walk-in clientele before they can be photographed and recorded. With that in mind, we are starting our new Incoming Guitars blog to keep you abreast of incoming instruments that are truly amongst the finest ever made. Please bookmark this page, or check back regularly for updates.
To see additional new arrivals, please see our Sneak Peek blog by clicking here.
Matsuda Guitars Model M1 Cutaway
Arriving soon: Model M1 by Michihiro Matsuda. This refined beauty is built with a stunning set of Brazilian Rosewood, hand selected by Dream Guitar’s own Paul Heumiller. The top is an exceptionally fine piece of Italian Spruce. Other specs include a 1 3/4″ nut 2 1/4″ string spacing. Please call for more details.
Matsuda M1 Cutaway - example, not actual incoming guitar
Keller Dream Series Rose Model SJ
One of our favorite builders – and one of the nicest guys in the guitar biz – is longtime luthier Michael Keller. We have had many spectacular Keller instruments at Dream Guitars over the years, and they are always impressive. We are so knocked out with Michael’s work, that we commissioned him to build the latest addition to our exclusive Dream Series. Starting with a flawless set of Brazilian Rosewood and an Adirondack top, this guitar is sure to be as wonderfully voiced as it is gorgeous! Please call for further information, and to reserve the Keller Dream Series Rose Model SJ for yourself.
Keller Dream Series - Brazilian Rosewood set
Keller Dream Series - Brazilian Rosewood back
Keller Dream Series - Brazilian sides
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
Dream Guitars is thrilled to offer this stunning museum quality Baroque style guitar by Israeli luthier extraordinaire, Elkayam Boaz. The amount of detailed workmanship in this instrument is mind-boggling — from the multi-piece back to the eleborate rosette, soundboard inlays, wooden bridge extensions, friction pegs with ivory seats, ivory strings stops, and back of neck inlays. This is a true work of art.
This very guitar was the subject of a wonderful article in Acoustic Guitar Magazine by luthier Rick Turner in November 1997. The Boaz Baroque Guitar’s voice is detailed and articulate, intimate and sweet, and of course, perfect for period music.
*Paul’s Pick is a new feature on the Dream Guitars website that highlights exceptional vintage and handbuilt guitars that deserve more attention — guitars with exceptional tone, playability, appearance and provenance. For more information on the featured guitar, or any instrument we offer, please call Paul or Steven at (828) 658 – 9795.
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.
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.
Frequent visitors to the Dream Guitars website have no doubt noticed our recent fine classical guitar demos, all compliments of one extremely talented guitarist, David Stevenson. David is both a skilled performer and an immensely gifted composer. On May, Arise Stevenson and percussionist River Guerguerian collaborate on a engaging set of music that showcases instrumental mastery, as well as great emotional depth.
May, Arise by David Stevenson with River Guerguerian
The songs have a transcendent uplifting quality that sound contemporary and immediate, while simultaneously conjuring images or the ancient and arcane; no mean feat indeed! Guerguerian’s skillful performance, featuring a wealth of global percussion, supports and enhances the material wonderfully.
For guitarists, David Stevenson’s playing is an inspiration. Technically brilliant, the sound of his custom Abe Wechter guitar propels May, Arise with skillful execution from the very first track to the CD’s extremely satisfying conclusion. We highly recommend this very fine CD! For more information about David, and to purchase May, Arise please click here.
Check out the following clips:
Dream Guitars is extremely pleased to have a player of David’s high caliber to demonstrate our nylon string instruments. Look for more information about David, including video lessons and performance video in weeks to come!
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.
Last week’s our new Paul’s Pick* segment showcased a stellar vintage Martin 000-45 from 1930. We figured that since we’re already discussing incredible old Martins, we’d be remiss if we failed to mentioned another exceptional classic that is currently in our shop; this gorgeous 1931 OM-28.
This is one of the all time great vintage Martins, a vintage, prewar 1931 Martin OM-28. 1 of 166 made that year and just 487 pre-war OM-28s ever made. Born over 80 years ago, this guitar has an incredible story. It was purchased by crew members of the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga for their superior just before the bombing at Pearl Harbor. The Saratoga was moved just days before the bombing and this beautiful Martin survived to delight the seamen throughout their tour of duty.
This wonderful vintage OM-28 has stunning Brazilian back and sides, an Adirondack top, and the purest sweet old Martin sound you’re going to find. Abolutely one of the best sounding guitars to ever grace our walls. This fine early example comes in a period correct case, and has superbly well dressed and crowned bar frets, that feel more like modern frets than the old-timers.
This vintage Martin OM-28 guitar is largely original, but like all these old timers has had some work done as described in the condition statement here. What you can’t see is the amazing voice, so put on your headphones and be sure to listen to this treasure. Playing this fine pre-war vintage 1931 Martin OM-28 is such a pleasure, it is far more than a collectible. This is a guitar that will work its way into your heart and never leave!
To hear audio of this guitar please click here!
“I’ve had the pleasure to play many fine prewar Martins, but this is the best OM-28 I’ve played to date for two reasons. First, the tone is etheral, so sweet, strong and resonant. It weighs nothing and just vibrates in your arms. Second is it’s playability. A superb setup was done with painstaking fret dressing. I guarantee you have never played bar frets that feel this good. Each fret was perfectly crowned and the ends rounded, so your finger slide over them as if they were modern frets. This is the vintage prewar Martin OM-28 we all dream of, now it can be reality. This is the time to buy vintage gems as they are devalued, but we all know they won’t stay that way…” – Paul Heumiller
Here’s a video of the the great Mary Flower playing this fine old Martin!
*Paul’s Pick is a new feature on the Dream Guitars website that highlights exceptional vintage and handbuilt guitars that deserve more attention — guitars with exceptional tone, playability, appearance and provenance. For more information on the featured guitar, or any instrument we offer, please call Paul or Steven at (828) 658 – 9795.
1930 Martin 000-45
This is a treasure. A well preserved 1930 Martin 000-45, quite simply one of the most collectible Martin Guitars ever made. Martin only made 21 of these in 1930 and only 341 in total. This pre war sweetheart embodies that Holy Grail tone all guitarist long for and all builders hold in esteem. Every note is alive and complete. This one plays like a new guitar and appears to be all original but for a pro refinish and proper replacement bridge. We are honored to offer this rare and special 1930 Martin OOO-45.
Please click here to hear this amazing guitar!
“We all feel very lucky to get to know this guitar if even for a short while. Just a moments play and you realize exactly why Martin Guitars from this era are held in such high regard. Big round bass, clear, present mids and bold and singing trebles make this as complete a guitar as a player could ever hope for. Collector’s will also be delighted by this vintage pre-war Martin 000-45, it is after all a Holy Grail of guitars.” – Paul Heumiller
This guitar is now sold.
Paul’s Pick is a new feature on the Dream Guitars website that highlights exceptional vintage and handbuilt guitars that deserve more attention — guitars with exceptional tone, playability, appearance and provenance. For more information on the featured guitar, or any instrument we offer, please call Paul or Steven at (828) 658 – 9795.
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.
The talented Mary Flower stopped by Dream Guitars recently and spent the afternoon playing some of the fine guitars we have in stock. Mary plays a great combination of roots music, including ragtime, acoustic blues and folk. If you like these videos, be sure to check out Mary’s website for upcoming gigs, and information on her albums and instructional DVDs.
Steve James is a well known name among devotees of contemporary acoustic folk and blues; this notoriety based on numerous critically acclaimed recordings, a tireless international tour schedule and a sheaf of published work including articles, instruction books and videos. His instrumental versatility (on guitar, slide guitar, mandolin, guitar-banjo) also makes him a favorite at music camps and workshop programs.
Recently Steve stopped by Dream Guitars and played some of our great vintage and custom-made guitars.
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