Cabin Sessions: Kenny Smith & His 1935 Martin D-18

#martinguitar #martind18 #bluegrassguitar #kennysmith
Guitar legend Kenny Smith drops by the Cabin to tell us the story of acquiring his stellar 1935 Martin D-18.

[@dondeese7167]

Kenny said “it’s a lot better guitar than I’m a player”. He’s being very humble, no guitar is better than Kenny😊. I’d say it’s a great match. One of my favorite flat pick guitarist and a super nice guy!

[@BanjoBen]

He's the best, all the way around!

[@jeffblankenshipmusic]

I had the opportunity to play alongside this man. I was in awe the entire time. He is as humble and honest as he appears to be. Thanks Ben for that opportunity.

[@riceflatpicking4954]

Besides Sam Bush, maybe the nicest guy I’ve ever met

[@jeremywanless2450]

What a great video and concept! Id love to see more of these telling the stories of how some of the heroes came to acquire the prized instruments we all know and love. Let’s let Bobby Osborne tell us about that old Fern!

[@acousticguitar130]

Is Kenny even human?... I think he's a guitarist super power and this is his magical guitar!!! Seriously, beautiful guitar and very fitting for one of the greats!!

[@BanjoBen]

Still researching, will get back to you.

[@popsinabox]

What an amazing story... That guitar sounds INCREDIBLE

[@BanjoBen]

Man, it sure does.

[@Technical_ndn]

Kenny is one of my heroes and I love the sound he creates, no 28 for me I’ll take an 18!

[@2dollarsaday]

Kenny plays with such taste and musicality. He and that pre-war Martin make quite a team and both of them definitely hold up their end of the bargain.

[@BanjoBen]

Agreed

[@petrotmyrcz308]

I love Kenny's playing, and that guitar is incredible. I would've liked a longer video of just him and the D18 after he told the interesting story. Thanks for posting.

[@BanjoBen]

We'll get him back in!

[@johncostelloe743]

Loved your guitar story Kenny Got bless and thank you for sharing

[@cashmoney9256]

Great guitar but a wife like that is even more rare...hats off to you sir.

[@BanjoBen]

Amen!

[@derekcathey6991]

Kenny is a tone monster. Incredibly tasteful! That 35 d18 is beyond amazing.

[@ronaldhowell4146]

Awesome guitar Awesome story

[@joepalooka2145]

What a beauty. I can hear how special it is. I own a vintage 1962 Martin D28, which is a wonderful instrument. Martin is the ultimate as far as I'm concerned. To think that they were making such high-quality, fantastic guitars like this one way back in 1935 and before---- is testament to what a great American company Martin is to this very day.

[@BanjoBen]

Isn't that the coolest? I agree. Kenny told me he asked his dad if the pre-war Martins were that good back then. His dad said, "Yeah, why do you think everyone bought them?" 😂

[@amycountiss1356]

Wow!!! This was amazing!! I loved the story and greatly enjoyed Kenny's Kenny's pickin'. Thank you for sharing!

[@mt-nv4jd]

Very nice instrument and playing, sir. I believe Norman Blake has the same model. Do you know?

[@mikelord9860]

Kenny has been my personal favorite bluegrass player, primarily for his touch - there are some hotshots out there who attack the hell out of their fretboards, like they're trying to gouge out divots - man they're working way too hard! Kenny's touch is accurate and precise and just right!

[@klippdachs]

Thanks for posting, Ben! I really love Kenny's stripped back and fluid guitar playing. It sounds just as humble as the way he speaks is sounding friendly.

[@BanjoBen]

Man, what a great comparison and I know exactly what you mean. For those who know Kenny, they know his guitar playing fits him.

[@mat0920]

Kenny has played on all our projects. Absolutely one of the very best

[@rwlane]

I'm brand new to Kenny but I'm very glad I found him. And Banjo Ben for that matter. ❤

[@michaelmullins1290]

I met him and Amanda at a concert. Ended up holding a light for them to autograph by. Packed some of their merchandise for them. Tried to be the roadie. Both are awesome folks. I love the story of them meeting.

[@charleshill9649]

Great sounding guitar, and fantastic player getting the most out of it. Sounds very "woody" to me. Wonder what strings he puts on it - Monels?

[@MichaelMarkGuitar]

I believe Kenny uses d’Addario ej22s. They’re actually like a jazz electric string. Great sounding strings.

[@timothycrump599]

Cool story! Thanks for sharing!

[@sasongs]

I like Kenny Smith, his playing is so smooth and clean

[@BanjoBen]

He's my fave!

[@sasongs]

@@BanjoBen I saw him at Merle Fest 2016. He is wonderful

[@davycrokett3862]

Man that d 18 is great

[@ericecklund676]

I own a a pair of Martin D-18, but they are no where as nice as Kenny's 1935 D-18. Kenny is a really great D-18 player, thanks for this wonderful story and this really nice video.

[@Hamfantasy56]

and great playing!

[@kinnjohn]

Wonderful stuff!

[@dunhamchris]

Any chance you have more video of Kenny in your cabin playing ? I’d live to listen to more !

[@BanjoBen]

For sure!

[@thejamnasium6447]

perhaps the most Martin sounding Martin I've ever heard

[@stephenbonshire5678]

She rings true... Such a great guitar 🤙🇺🇸🙏

[@Hamfantasy56]

Beautiful, mature sound

[@scottblair428]

Kenny is the real deal.

[@joepalooka2145]

I agree with Kenny because I know what he is talking about--- a really great Martin guitar is only as good as the person playing it. No matter how good you might be, it will give you even more than you're capable of.

[@bross63]

Please do more story telling videos like this.

[@BanjoBen]

That’s the plan, thanks!

[@michaelbaldwin6543]

Kenny has been my favorite player for at least 15 years. While that guitar does sound incredible, he'd still be my favorite player without it. His touch allows the guitar to reach its full potential.

[@BanjoBen]

His touch is where it's at, yep.

[@dallon-us]

A golden era love story

[@ryanboudreaux8547]

Out of your 3 Bluechip Signature picks, which size do you find yourself using the most? KS 40/50/60? Looking to pick one up.

[@BanjoBen]

I see him using the 50 and 60 more.

[@terrymclarty8966]

Kenny, what strings are on that guitar? I usually use daddario ej17. Something seems to have changed with their performance in last couple years. I have a 1948 d-28. They use to perform perfectly. Hope its not the guitar. Thx

[@BanjoBen]

From Kenny: D’Addario EJ-22 jazz medium -they’re a nickel string and it’s for an electric. I’ve been using them over 20 years.

[@RickyPann]

Wow, that's Amazing. I played a late 30's D18 here in Australia and it was most certainly all that but that instrument is totally special...and he got the girl!!! Could you tell me what stings Kenny is using? Are those Nickle wound? thanks.

[@BanjoBen]

From Kenny: D’Addario EJ-22 jazz medium. They’re a nickel string and it’s for an electric. I’ve been using them over 20 years.

[@RickyPann]

@@BanjoBen great info I’ll give them a try. I’m using Elixers because I have acidic hands that kill phospher bronze in one set!! Elixers are great but I’d like to try nickel (like Rice)

[@noahvjackson]

Does anyone know the name of the song he was playing in the opening?

[@pablorustic4115]

Vaya sonido!!!

[@billdedrick1914]

Why do you have white bridge pins on a D18?

[@gotaplay]

Happy birthday Kenny 09 /19

[@jazzlehazzle]

That guitar should be named "Amanda," or "Two Brothers." ❤💜💜

[@jesseanderson4996]

Wow. Good stuff Ben. I'm a big fan of D18s and that's a grail guitar. I wonder if Kenny would be interested in trading? I'd trade him my 3 kids and toss in an old bag of marbles to sweeten the pot.

[@BanjoBen]

I'll ask!

[@alan4sure]

Hope my D28 '37 Authentic sounds that good over time....

[@BanjoBen]

Yep, you have a killer guitar, I bet it will.

[@Ravenscaller]

"Amanda light of my life. Fate should have made you a gentleman's wife." -Waylon Jennings.

[@BanjoBen]

Love it!

[@tacratt6091]

Guys like Kenny are the ones that deserve a guitar like that, a player. A great player at that! It would be a shame if that guitar was in a collection somewhere and never played!

[@BanjoBen]

Agreed!

[@victorjcano]

HA, A GOOD FRIEND USED TO SAY " I NEVER BOUGHT A GUITAR I COULD AFFORD"

[@danwebb4418]

My friend owns a Martin d28 serial number 818794, how old would the be??? Anyone??

[@bryangray8478]

2001

[@billdedrick1914]

He stated it cost more than a new car and that was in 1995..A typical/average new car in 1995 would have been $18000-$20000

[@robertschultz7612]

The good news is the newly redesigned d-18 is pretty close to the sound of this vintage beauty ……

[@raymondeaton5692]

That last statement was untrue. Kenny Smith is one of the FEW guitar players that measure up to an instrument like that.

[@BanjoBen]

Agreed that he deserves it.

[@lesjohns4359]

You married the right woman for sure!

[@jagitmax]

So, how much did he pay for it ?

[@BanjoBen]

Around $10k, I believe.

[@ozozoz111]

Transcripton with TAB of the song he plays: m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/pWmufWyHd5yYf8k

[@seancasey5024]

I hope you married her. That woman is a keeper, and so is the guitar!

[@KenMerrell]

$60 is about $1200 in today's money. Still a deal, but quite a commitment at the height of the depression.

[@mrjasondylan]

Gibson j200 was $200 when they came out in 1937 lot of money indeed.

[@Ravenscaller]

D-18 the pinnacle dreadnaught. Copied by a thousand luthier/companies and it all went down hill from there.

[@mandograssable]

I want a woman like that!!!!!!!!!!

[@stavrospapadimitriou7631]

You might try cleaning it!

[@dodgermartin4895]

My gosh, I'm curious how much he paid for it...

[@BanjoBen]

I believe around $10k.

[@dodgermartin4895]

@@BanjoBen That sounds like a bargain. I thought they went for north of $50k. Good for Kenny!

[@chico280]

I would like to marry Amanda as well.

[@rdekemper]

What’s she worth?

[@BanjoBen]

Been appraised at over $100k.

[@CapoKevin100]

waste of a good guitar-- all talk no demonstration of sound hardly. try tpbiii review on you tube

[@MichaelMarkGuitar]

If you wanna hear the guitar just listen to basically any recording of Kenny playing. This video was intended to tell its story… definitely not a “waste of a good guitar!” 😁😁

[@tomtom3420]

What kind of a sucker saves up for a ring to give to some leech!? Lol, just get the guitar!

[@scotimotti]

Kenny is a class act

[@davidlewis2055]

Got a GE 1934 D18 it's great but that's lovely, also got 1987 D28 .the Mahogany is sweeter I think.

[@davidlewis2055]

PS I wish I could play it that well

[@richardmorton2744]

I have the same gutar