Gruhn Versitar: The Story Behind George's New Guitar

Learn more about George Gruhn's New Guitar Design. This video features: George Gruhn, Billy Strings, Brad Paisley, Steve Earle, and Tommy Emmanuel.

[@BobsYourUncle123]

Was in Nashville a few months ago and visited Gruhn, when my 16 year old asked if he could go upstairs and say hi to Mr. Gruhn. He is a rocker and plays electric guitar almost exclusively but loves old acoustic guitars so he was noodling on a 1948 Martin when Mr. Gruhn handed him the Versitar prototype. It had no markings on it so we had no idea what it was. As soon as he started playing it his eyes lit up. He said it didn't play like any other acoustic he had every tried. He raved about the way the neck felt in his hands and how easy it was to maneuver up and down the entire fretboard. And the sound absolutely rang out of that offset soundhole. Mr. Gruhn said "he needs one of those" but I was sure they were way out of our price range. When he told me they started around $2500 I was shocked. I was also shocked he let us get on the list for the first batch, especially when I heard about some of the Nashville pickers that were getting one. Proud to have taken delivery today of Versitar #9 in the run, with a natural cedar top and Indian rosewood back and sides. Added LR Baggs pickups and it was $2700 total. Can't believe you can get this type of quality for that price from the man who knows more about acoustic guitars than anyone in the world. Feel like I not only bought a great guitar, but an heirloom . Thanks to George Gruhn and everybody at Gruhn Guitar for treating a 16 year old like a Nashville superstar. You guys are the best.

[@briang1663]

In Feb 2023 my wife and I traveled to Nashville with our daughter who was looking at colleges. While there we arranged to meet with Mr. Gruhn. While sitting at his table I was handed a prototype of a new, unique looking guitar. I strummed it and loved the neck and immediately noticed the 22 frets and cut-out. Then the gentlemen from the repair shop came down with more and I was given the chance to try additional guitars. What occurred was the prototypes arrived that morning and the repair shop was setting them up as we were visiting. I tried to purchase one but was told they are not for sale yet but will be soon. Just Friday I received #12, a cedar top with rosewood back and sides sunburst. Absolutely love it! It’s my 3rd instrument from Gruhn guitars and the 1st that is not vintage. Can’t wait to see how everyone responds to this guitar.

[@tomatengarage5608]

Everyone, please note how the neck is screwed to the body. I'm really glad to finally see a reputable luthier doing this, because here in our small village, in the very north of Germany, we have a 73 year old luthier who has been doing this for decades and swears by it. The connection is far better and tighter than the usual coarse 3, 4 or sometimes even 5 wood screws - and a tighter connection means better vibration transmission. Who wouldn't want that...? Our Luthier has seen it all and fortunately is not so sentimental that he would stick to bad methods out of “tradition”. So congratulations George Gruhn, you have really done very well.

[@gbarge4]

Aww, George! Mine arrived in perfect shape and I've been playing it all week. It's really something special and is very inspiring to pick up and play. My Sitka and black locust sounds superb and sustains so beautifully. For anyone out there who has been frustrated with the setup of a new guitar, mine arrived just right and there wasn't a thing to do with it but play it. George doesn't oversell anything. But if you pay attention to all the subtleties, the Versitar keeps revealing how special it is. Thank you so much, George!

[@wmrustycox]

So proud of George ! This is a long overdue project !! Best of luck Mr Gruhn !!!!

[@SteveOuimette]

They look very similar to my Tacoma guitars (had no idea George was involved in the Tacoma designs, but it makes sense now). Sounds great and familiar to me. Nice!

[@MrBigdave63]

George had something to do with the design of the Tacoma Papoose so I don't know about patient issues with Fender who bought Tacoma Guitars but this is basically a Tacoma Chief with a different headstock and bridge and you can get a Chief for a lot less money. Peter Frampton plays several different Tacomas and I think they are great other than the finish issues they had but they still sound great to me and some people are just going to hate but I like Tacomas and I am sure this new guitar is awesome as well.

[@SteveOuimette]

@@MrBigdave63 I didn't know that about George and Tacoma, but there you go. Too bad Fender shut down Tacoma because they're great guitars. Different from everything else too.

[@MrBigdave63]

​@@SteveOuimetteHere is Doc Watson playing a Tacoma! kzbin.info/www/bejne/p3m7oGukpbObiKcsi=KcAqhT0QkkqZu5sJ

[@JoseeAlana]

Congratulations George. Love the sound of this beauty.

[@sheptak28]

None of those guys in the video are going to go “meh…”, even if that’s what they are thinking (maybe Norman Blake would speak his mind). I’ve haven’t seen many guitar demo videos where a guitar strikes me as sounding amazing. There’s been a few, but this isn’t one of them for me. That said, kudos to Gruhn for thinking outside the box, building it in the US, and selling it for a reasonable price. I’m sure there’s a niche for it, probably sounds great for gypsy jazz or something like that. Hope it’s a success, and keeps a bunch of people employed.

[@SaintKimbo]

Agreed, maybe it sounds better in person, or it's poorly miked, but from the demos here, it's not that impressive.

[@philipsutton8921]

I thought the same thing. This thing sounded dead flat to me and very uninspiring. I watched a 2 part video recently of Martin Simpson reviewing his 4 favourite guitars. Now man that's what I call gorgeous sound.

[@KBorham]

Bravo! Balls of steel......

[@dougberry5003]

Those guitars sound very crisp and clean, love it, Thx George !!!

[@tompurcell9287]

Mine arrives later today. Can’t wait. Great sample demos from great players. Tommy Emmanuel showed what it can do. Thanks.

[@cosmicsunbeams]

Go George Go!❤ Awesome.

[@patricklundquist9869]

I am so glad to see you picking up what had been a great idea and then improving upon it. In the past I have owned a Tacoma Chief as well as a Tacoma Thunderhawk baritone and still haven't forgiven Fender for purchasing Tacoma and then choking the life out of the company. I hope you have corrected the finish problems that plagued the original Tacoma guitars. Also, the top on my Tacoma Chief bellied up which killed the tone so I pray you have corrected for that with top bracing improvements.

[@Sam_B1]

Uncle Larry is the man.

[@MichaelBovio]

Great George! Can’t wait to stop by to try one.

[@guitarhoarder1972]

I just bought number 21 from George on Saturday! He is a super nice guy and took the time to demo his new "versitar" guitars for me and a friend . My friend bought number 15 on friday and we went back sat again to look at some new ones he picked up that morning..Mine is in the mail now heading to maine! these are very well designed instruments from a man that understands how guitars fail .these are the loudest acoustic guitars i have ever heard! the sound is like nothing else out there! If you want a martin sound, buy a martin! these are in there own space of acoustic guitar tone and playability. The neck is very nice and feels like an electric guitar when played. I was able to purchase the first one made from Nicaraguan rosewood with a cedar top. He was nice enough to play a few songs for us both days..It was very surreal to meet George and talk with him about guitars. A true Gentleman and very intelligent to say the least. this is his design all the way! I cant wait to get mine in the mail! Thanks George. Jake from Maine.

[@ratwynd]

Wow. Just learned of this. Good for you George, still living the dream. Gotta have one. Sound is awesome. Curious about the woods used. I was sitting here this morning wearing a Gruen Guitars T-shirt. Totally random. Watching Mary Spender at NAMM performing and this popped up in the feed. Plan on passing through Nashville in a few months on a road trip and will definitely have to stop and try one. I will have plenty of room for extra 'cargo'!

[@staylofordo7111]

Sounds like it’s built for projection. Jumbo shape makes great sound! I like it.

[@RickMichaelis63]

Congratulations and keep up the good work, George it’s a masterpiece no doubt about it🙏✌️❤️

[@finchwilliams9859]

Very cool…seen them Saturday upstairs, it was very busy for sure.

[@jimmybike62]

George let me buy one of the prototypes when I was there in the spring. The guitar has a lot of sustain and a LOT of bass end. Sounds almost like you are playing your own bass with your guitar. George wants to build and affordable, quality guitar. I think the price starts $2300-$2500. Not cheap, but a fair price for a quality, American made guitar. I'm happy with mine.

[@johnmagno3979]

It sounds really cool, got a hint of Martin tone to me but plenty new! I hope to get one!

[@johnarnaldo1750]

I loved my Tacoma Thunderchief! Wonder if he will do a bass?

[@denmar355]

I played one of the early prototypes, and my impression was he has struck a unique spot in the acoustic sound. The upper frequencies are clear with great sustain. The low end is more reminiscent of a jazz box than a deep powerful rosewood backed Martin. Unique, like George. I think pricing will determine if it’s a big seller or not. The sound isn’t really directly comparable to Gibson, Taylor, or Martin dreadnaught sounds to my ears.

[@peterfredrickmeyer]

I am very pleased with mine i don't want to up it down truly unique like no guitar i have played before it make me think and feel the music im playing its sound gives me something to play with and feels great in the hand

[@stephenelliott4056]

Finally, he makes one !

[@CodyVerseTV]

This is so cool. How much do these bad boys go for!? Im loving the look/style of this guitar. Can't wait to play one.

[@pgoodman732]

I got to play a prototype in June; fun guitar!

[@lw216316]

How about some specs? scale length, nut width, dimensions,,,

[@kentdog007]

A lot of similarity to my Tacoma Chief! Very cool.

[@FC-cz6zd]

Pretty much what it is. A few mods on the interior maybe. I had an original Roadking that was wonderful.

[@JustMe-mn5hk]

I was really hoping for the best, but honestly the guitar sounds kind of tinny and not a lot of warmth...also what's so new about the upper soundhole?

[@SeeCSeesCC]

❤this is wonderful. Thankyou

[@MikeHolliman]

Great tone....would be a perfect blend mixed in with other acoustics when recording in the studio, or on its own.

[@JWForce1059]

It sounds like the audio came from a built-in camera mic, maybe a small outboard mic for a camera. The audio makes it sound thin, but hints of roundness are in there. I think putting out a proper recording with some decent mics would disspell some of the more critical comments in here, and would showcase the guitars for what they really sound like

[@DamonBates]

Uncle Larry's da Man!

[@elephantricity]

0:10 who is the female luthier?

[@geoffcline9593]

It looks and sounds good. Isn't it just an updated Tacoma cutaway (which is a wonderful thing)? No disrespect but I've been around guitars for a long time (but certainly not as long as Mr. Gruhn). Bon chance with the project.

[@TheGuitarsquatch]

I don't even think calling it "updated" is accurate. Other than the bridge (and hopefully the finish) they look exactly the same, even the neck block design.

[@Gambler56]

None of thoes pro will be truly playing one .Buthes a good man and wish him much success with it

[@oldtimetinfoilhatwearer]

Brad Paisley should put out a flatpicking album

[@braderrick]

Sounds like my kid’s baby Taylor lol. Maybe better in person surely though

[@TheGuitarsquatch]

If they are building them exactly the way Tacoma built them, then this is accurate. I had a Tacoma dread with the offset soundhole, and it sounded awful; I played it for maybe a total of an hour the month I had it.

[@cugir321]

Are you leveling the fingerboards with a CNC?

[@garycoates4987]

It's a lot like the Tacoma guitars , which is just a shame they don't make them before, this is a pretty great guitar just for being as lively sounding as it is but it's got innovation from the Tacoma guitars

[@johnmcdonough666]

I was sad when Tacoma stopped making guitars.

[@angelg8445]

so he gets the BEST acoustic guitarists to play, well of course it sounds good!!! made an ovation?! just kidding. Is it solid back and sides? interesting that he went with the bolt on neck being that he seems like a purist on those things. Also it kinda seems more like an archtop.

[@georgelackey622]

Oh Yeah! This is the thing we needed, years of study and just the right tweaks!

[@silver-hammer]

There's a lof of "archtop" in that sound...!

[@andybaldman]

Offset sound holes just don’t sound that good. It always sounds like there’s sound being kept inside the instrument, not being let out.

[@rcjoe406]

Jim beam approval

[@plmpcharisma9686]

Whats the address?

[@jeffhildreth9244]

I would like to see and play one. Not a guitar I would purchase sound and sight unseen. I would prefer the best quality Sitka top, no compromise. Top quality mahogany backs and sides, no compromise, Tortoise binding.. Ebony fingerboard and bridge. At minimum, 1 3/4 nut made of bone (prefer 1 13/16ths.) At minimum 2 1/4 bridge string spacing (prefer 2 5/16ths to 2 3/8ths) Bone saddle. And please, no headstock logo.That in itself, is a deterrent to purchase.

[@thetruthmessenger6358]

sounds like GRUHN........decided to adapt and take lessons from RIVERSONG M.M kamploops BC inovations for the Acoustic...... I would still choose RIversong Guitar.... over even the oldest Martin or the newest....... 2024 lets go.

[@SteveMintonMarketing]

Frampton Howard Stern with his Tacoma Chief

[@TMoody]

Tacoma called.

[@Gambler56]

I cant play but I Bet you I Can Build One ism a Master Craftsman bullt Lot of Stuff. Think I Will Try A Gituar. We will See

[@AbbieHoffmansGhost]

Wow, George must have lots of customers with big names that don't want to hurt his feelings because this guitar does not sound good. It also sounds really stiff and tight. That may be because it's so new but it's not the case with makers like Martin, Gibson, and Taylor. Many moons ago I bought a Gruhn Guild GF-60 in maple. That was one guitar that I never regretted getting rid of and I like Guild generally. You can find guitars at one third the price or less that sound better. I usually watch videos on Acoustic Letter and they really seem to show the true sound of the guitars so maybe it's the video production but if it ain't....

[@silver-hammer]

Yep -bolt-on necks, for a start, make for a tighter sound, cf Collins et al..these sound quite "archtop-py" to me...

[@TheGuitarsquatch]

I'm very confused... Did he buy Tacoma or something? That's literally what these are, but they cost 5x more than what Tacomas go for. This feels weird...

[@thepirhomancer9745]

Tacoma Guitar is owned by Fender Musical Inst. Corp.

[@TheGuitarsquatch]

@@thepirhomancer9745 Then I fear this will end in a lawsuit, unless Fender has mercy

[@thepirhomancer9745]

@@TheGuitarsquatch He may have an agreement of some kind with Fender. Fender bought Guild. Fender then purchased Tacoma Guitar. Fender shuttered the Guild factory, putting those fine folks out of work, sending Guild production to Tacoma. Fender acquired Ovation, shuttered Tacoma and sent Guild production to the Ovation plant, putting us all out of work, only to shutter the Ovation plant a few years later. They don't seem very merciful!

[@fredskolnick1183]

Cant blame him...Guild really screwed up his design! I had one and it went "belly up" twice.

[@mikeopdenaker5573]

Ah,if only I were still working and had spendable cash!

[@whosbehindthedoor8788]

bidenomics

[@teddyboy9116]

I've heard better Harley Bentons for £70, they've got people like Bukovac to say its the best thing since sliced bread in the hope that the minions will buy one....as if he'd part with ten large for that hahahaha "historically significant" as much as plywood and furniture bolts can be

[@somethingbeaster]

It doesn't cost 10 g's, bro

[@robmiller3464]

Wow, sorry to say I do believe those great acoustic players were just being nice and humble. That guitar Mr. Gruhn, sounds terrible, however if the price is 399.00 no problem. I don’t quite get what you’re trying to achieve by exhibiting that guitar. You personally know it sounds bad because you’re an expert, so please explain the motivation to show this. Sorry, I don’t mean to hurt feelings, but really sir.

[@silver-hammer]

He sure knows how to sell something, though!

[@KathleenCaponigro]

the chief and the papoose are similar to these tacoma washington

[@oliverk191]

The neck design is cool, lazy mans way to attach a nevk

[@stratmagic6893]

The recording conditions weren't optimal but to my ears there was little to no bottom end and not enough mids.I wasn't impressed at all.

[@WysteriaGuitar]

Sounds quiet and muddy, not for me...

[@gordongross8721]

Sounds like an Tacoma...boxy and tinny...The emperors new guitar.

[@LekkerDops]

Not impressed with the sound at all. You won't see one of these great players on tbis video using one professionally. Sounds harsh and cheap.

[@chickenlickin3820]

looks and sounds like a budget plywood constructed guitar.

[@im58woody]

All the players were gracious in their comments. But I agree that it doesn’t sound very good in this video. Keep working on your ideas Me. Gruhn!

[@vancenorsworthy4773]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJq5f3mkrpJ5mtEsi=ucXr63JBtkXKJLKj yep, sounds awful.

[@bertbregdenz2756]

Similar to Washburn Rover ℹ️

[@frafilipo9829]

Absolutely agree 💯

[@garychen483]

Not very nice but I can’t disagree…

[@fredcatella285]

Looks like a Tacoma to me. Seriously, not new.

[@davidscotbrown3241]

Hmmm, doesn't sound that great - even through a set of monitors.

[@6bender]

Look like phone videos, so I wouldn't judge based on this.

[@davidscotbrown3241]

If that's true, a phone video is one very bad choice to promote your new guitars when you have all the horsepower of such noted guitarists at your disposal. @@6bender

[@6bender]

@@davidscotbrown3241 True. It doesn't come across to me as anything professionally done. Nice voiceover though, lol.

[@Gambler56]

Need a different 🪓 Wood

[@neilmchardy9061]

This is purely a Tacoma rip off, plain and simple it’s new about 1970

[@matthewwillis4892]

??? $$$

[@DustinLaffertyTV]

Its a Tacoma Guitar from the 90s. Nothing new.

[@DustinLaffertyTV]

But I am glad someone is making them again. They were great guitars.

[@srvcoldshot]

Sounds dead, no volume

[@Gambler56]

That Gituar Looks To CHEAP

[@marlonbrando2698]

The amount of guitar heroes they have on retainer is actually comical 🤣 Just legends popping up out of nowhere.

[@landocalrissian5180]

Sounds awful, just being honest

[@andybaldman]

Billy Strings and Brad Paisley can make any guitar sound good. And these don’t sound that good. Sounds like cheap plywood. Cardboard guitar.

[@tryintobesoquiet]

Cheapo sound …imo

[@coolhandluke2310]

Nope

[@jamesdickinson5173]

Maybe good in person, but not impressed watching this .

[@Gambler56]

And Sounds CHEAP

[@Gambler56]

Sounds Cheap

[@thepirhomancer9745]

Not a very original design, looks like a Tacoma.

[@ZionForman]

hard pass on these guitars,

[@MrBigdave63]

Here is Doc Watson playing a Tacoma Chief or Roadking! kzbin.info/www/bejne/p3m7oGukpbObiKcsi=KcAqhT0QkkqZu5sJ

[@MortandHarley]

Tacoma made these years ago. It looks, and sounds so much like a Tacoma it isn't funny....