I Played Mark Knopfler's Iconic Guitars

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00:00 I Can't Believe This Happened
04:49 London
06:18 The Pensa-Suhr MK-1
09:37 Gibson Les Pauls
13:19 Fender Stratocaster
16:09 Special Thanks

[@MarySpender]

*MY TOUR DATES* bit.ly/MarySpenderTour 🎸Learn Fingerstyle Guitar bit.ly/3vfo7mz

[@DaveTheAligator]

Me too!

[@newtonfirefly3584]

@Mary Spender' @MarySpender; Mary Spender this posted video is among Your very enjoyable, Lovely, DeLIGHTful, full of Splender [as Spender with "L" for Lovely] which all four adjectives certainly describe just a few of Your many attributes very well too. 🙂 Am looking forward to enjoying, hearing, listening, viewing some posted personal music, compositions, artistry, etc., too. Side note [correction] in the introduction, the recorded words state "December 21, 2024", clearly, explicitly -> certainly it was actually December 31, 2023 in NYC, correct ? Clearly a simple mistake awaiting the "New Year" celebration for 2024 during that night. All The Best, Sincerely

[@Frank-wx2ym]

Mark Knopfler was the reason I started playing guitar at the age of 12. The solos in "Telegraph Road", "Tunnel of love", "Brothers in arms" and "Are we in trouble now", etc. are out of this world.

[@BlindGuitardian]

Absolutely agree with you, and I add the solo in Remembrance Day on the Get Lucky album. Mindblowingly beautiful.

[@cedricreymond4828]

same for me and I guess thousands of others....

[@FVT-tn8ji]

I just started to pick up the guitar, partly because I can't get enough of Dire Straits and Mark Knopfler :) I hope someday I can play my favourite Dire Straits songs, it will be a long journey!

[@chascoppard]

I optimistically bid £3,500 on the Ovation 12 string. Went for £95,000

[@Seadogstudio]

What you get is to participate, which is great.

[@bkbinj6320]

Gotta start somewhere.

[@donaldcook3112]

. . . And the 6-string Adamas ‘made’ £120,000 including the ‘buyer’s premium’. Both Ovation Adamas’ went for about d o u b l e of a n y other of the so-called ‘trinity’ of ‘Gibson’, ‘Martin’ or ‘Taylor …

[@davidireland6952]

at least you bid m8...nice try 😁👍

[@rickfinsta2951]

yeah my max bid on the Money for Nothing LP didn't even make the opening bid LOL.

[@dellhell8842]

Knopfler's solo at the end of "Tunnel of Love" is the most sublime guitar tone I've ever heard.

[@Deliquescentinsight]

That one really does stand out, good call

[@lacroix9407]

yes., very iconic solo Indeed, but to me his crown jewel remains Telegraph road

[@johnkluge3421]

Yes. He is the king of tone and tasteful playing on that track

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

That guitar was stolen in 1980! But, mahogany body and Schecter 500 pickups.

[@thevidi0t]

@@lacroix9407 Absolutely.

[@alanclayton9277]

You feel alright when you hear the music swing

[@naanabsoj]

Ring*

[@Deliquescentinsight]

What a respectful, accurate and pleasing video of Mark Knoppfler's guitars, thank you Mary!

[@DavidLongo22]

Mark is one of the few guitarists who can bring me to tears with the sounds he creates. Extraordinary!

[@jasonlady9535]

Same. Makes me think of old friends, places I’ve lived, good times I’ve had. The Long Road makes me think of my deceased father, and when my aunt passed away last year, Why Worry was the song I played on repeat.

[@richardferguson6893]

Local Hero for me. I can never hear it with out getting a bit choked up at the very least.

[@jasonlady9535]

@@richardferguson6893 same for me. Going Home gets me in the feels, as does most of the Local Hero soundtrack. I played Wild Theme the last time we visited my dad’s gravesite.

[@meh3247]

"I painted a picture with Picassos paintbrush"...

[@mattfreeman2648]

Well done for not playing the Sultans of Swing riff on the Strat - I don't think I'd have been able to resist doing that!

[@Lexcoaster]

Maybe she did, just not on camera. 😁

[@gustaf0902]

Smoke on the water ftw! 😂

[@stonebear]

WOW. The word in my head is "Rockumentary." This has a history professor's precision, a professional musician's enthusiasm, and a squeeing fangirl just below the surface peeking out from time to time, not enough to distract from the piece but to _add_ to it. Bl---y BRILLIANT. (And the fingerstyle bumper music is once again unmistakeable... definitely some Knopfler influence, but also ALL YOURS...) Thank you for sharing the opportunity of a lifetime. I work in the greasy underbelly of this biz, and when I post this at work it's gonna cause a stir...

[@TR4Ajim]

Mary I still watch your cover of “Sultans” on Frog Leap! Just saying👍

[@joshmackaben4537]

Still watch that and the Sultan's cover with Mary and Josh Turner... Awesome!🤟✌️

[@desguitaresetduson]

@@joshmackaben4537 Same for me : great version singing et playing wise !

[@jonwetherell5214]

Me too best ever cover

[@MrIvancy]

One of the best covers I have ever listened to. Actually it’s how I discovered Mary and started following her even if I’m not that into her music style.

[@mumblbeebee6546]

@@joshmackaben4537same!

[@scratchanitch]

One of my favorite videos to date. For me, the guitar on Brothers in Arms is sublime. It's just amazing how we as humans can write and perform at that level.

[@ibassnote]

Clearly it is all in the hands, head and heart. Guitars are just tools. But in a great musician's hands they can become incredible windows into a soul.

[@user-fc9od4cr2t]

Lovely and insightful words !

[@colingrant7355]

Agreed, nicely put

[@Ottophil]

You forgot the 4th H, Health

[@Musician-Lee]

I can’t think of anyone better to show these guitars. So unpretentious. Magnificent!

[@richtfingers]

Mary, this is an extremely well put together piece, beautifully filmed, expertly edited and as always professionally presented.

[@johnmcevoy3598]

Note how bright and clear the '59 LP is. Lovely playing as always, Mary.

[@nbt3663]

In think about this video, I don't think there is a better more honoring musician to have been given an opportunity to play these renowned instruments. Congrats Mary, you earned it.

[@bisarowood]

As I'm waiting for the mail man to deliver Mark's latest LP vinyl this just made my day... I been a big fan from age 16 in France , now 54 I just finally got all the major Dire Straits records and It's still my favorite band of all times .

[@ralfklonowski3740]

You are the perfect person to do this. In some ways, your aproaches to the instrument seem similar, with both of you ending up with a very personal fingerstyle kind of playing. Your presentation was spotless as always, albeit with a strong fangirl glint in the eye that made this vid even more entertaining. I was born in 1965. For me personally, "the" Mark Knopfler guitar will always be the silvery National Resonator that he used on Romeo and Juliet.

[@andrewgewirtz8476]

Rudy Pensa clearly played a large part in Mark's guitar history. As you probably know, Rudy's still own's 2 guitar shops in New York; one in downtown NYC and the other in Westchester. Next time your travels bring you to the NY area you should make it a point to visit Rudy at his store. He has some beautiful new and vintage instruments and loves to talk guitar (and it would make a great video).

[@howlinguts]

A family visit to NYC this spring brought a walk through Soho and we stumbled upon Rudy's, just weeks after watching the Knopfler sale online. Howie Scher looked after us and was a gentleman and a delight to meet. It made my day and was the highlight of my whole visit.

[@rogb3199]

Rudy owned the store but John Suhr did all the guitar work. I used to be in touch with John so straight from the horse's mouth. I think John should get the star billing 😂😂

[@es330td]

So jealous. Mark has been my immediate answer for favorite guitarist since I first heard "Brothers in Arms" when I was 15 in 1986. My Mexican made Fender Strat is the same red because of Mark. Was there some condition that you were not allowed to play any of his music on his guitar? I would have played at least the intros to "Smooching," "Romeo and Juliet" and "Sultans of Swing" if I was holding one of the master's instruments.

[@jacksonhall1446]

If she played any copyrighted music (other than her own), youtube would demonitize the video. It's a shame really... because Mary's cover of Sultans is stellar!

[@es330td]

@@jacksonhall1446 She could have done the intro chord progression from Sultans without playing it in rhythm. Dm-C-Bb-A isn't copyrighted.

[@andrewharper1609]

I would have thought copyright strikes.

[@somedaygibson6894]

Mary, we have been living vicariously through your musical journey for sometime now, because you are so relatable. (Except of course, for your exceptional talent. )Another great installment. Thanks.

[@GnomeOrMrNiceGuy]

Brilliant video. You gave the instruments their own voice with your playing rather than trying to emulate Mark’s music. I think this helped demonstrate the differences between them rather than being distracted with “ooh it’s THAT MK song.” This is possibly the best video I have seen reviewing ‘significant’ instruments belonging to artists. Marvellous, and thank you.

[@THE______TRUTH]

Not gonna lie Mary, the main reason I subscribed to you is to watch your guitar and gear reviews. Nobody does it like, you. So much appreciation for the entire art of playing guitar. I love it and I find it weirdly relaxing.

[@jasonlady9535]

“The soundtrack of my life” Same, wholeheartedly. I can’t remember a time I wasn’t hearing Mark Knopfler’s music. My dad was a huge fan and growing up it was Dire Straits and Knopfler’s movie soundtracks on all the time, a tradition I’ve continued. Such gorgeous, moving, dramatic music. I’m not a musician but I thoroughly enjoyed this video. What a privilege to play those guitars! It’s great to see his music appreciated and acknowledged.

[@CaptChaos1964]

Definitely the best video I’ve seen regarding MK’s collection, I went along to Christie’s 2 days before the auction, it was a pilgrimage, doubt we’ll see any of these again, anyway, I was upstairs checking out the Hofner V2, I turned around and Mark was behind me with a small group of people, unbelievable, I tried to text my wife but my hand was shaking! I will never forget that day.❤

[@JC-KeepSmiling]

The tone of that Strat! 😍

[@scottgarner7290]

Great to see this finally up on KZbin- great production values very well written. So awesome you could share this experience with us.

[@tusker4954]

Wow! What a brilliant Video! Thank you @MarySpender. He (and you) are my heroes x

[@Vimps69.]

Congratulations Mary on getting to play such iconic instruments, and thank you for taking us along on your journey.

[@jonathanbarton1062]

Nice to hear Mary the lovely clean sounds from the guitars

[@63sgjunior]

Outstanding video Mary. Showing off the guitars and your talents was a stroke of genius.

[@Zippy1415]

How incredibly cool that you got to play those guitars! Thanks for the most interesting descriptions also. Joy!

[@derkiwi151]

“The Soundtrack to my life”. I like that. I could say the same. Thank you Mr Knopfler

[@andrewharper1609]

My Dad was a major fan and used to put Dire Straits on almost every week when we used to drive out to my grandparents place on Sundays. I miss those times, they were simpler.

[@Wk193]

I went to see the guitars in London. It was so great. I was in there for about 3 hours. Pure butterflies in my stomach the whole time.

[@davesuniverse5385]

Mark will always be my favorite 6 string Hero. I’ve seen him live in concert so many times, & going back to a time when Dire Straits first ‘hit the scene’. He’s always captivated me with his guitar presence & expression. Often as if he were just a mere observer of what he was singing about. All part of his personality that was formed in his younger adult years as a news reporter. In any case, all a perfect balance with his authentic vocal story telling. Always with a casual & subtle, yet wholesomely reserved lyrical emotion. I always found that he was a master at letting the guitar express his underlying emotional currents. One of my favorite shows was when I lived in Bucks county PA & he made the Sailing To Philadelphia tour at Tower Theater Philadelphia. How appropriate... 😉 The Last time I saw him was in Montreal in 2019 & he was still the capable & consummate 6 string gunslinger. I saw him numerous times in between & was always amazed. I somehow almost always managed to get amazing seats up close within the first 10 - 20 rows. I almost think that he may have recognized seeing me at numerous concerts over the years & often make eye contact while I cheer him & his band mates on. Regardless of the seating it was always an incredible show, even after only being able to get ‘nosebleed’ seats at the Onondaga War Memorial Arena in Syracuse, & after just returning home from a semester abroad in Europe. Cheers to MK & congrats on being able to feel some of that history in your own hands. Truly magical isn’t it 😉

[@morgant5160]

Thank you for taking us on the journey that was an amazing experience and your playing sounded great.

[@dtkincaid]

What lovely playing, Mary. You certainly did justice to those iconic guitars.

[@pitonisadedelfos]

I think and can say with certainty that you made our dreams come true by playing MK's guitars. I told a musician friend last week that my wish as a fan and knowing the sound of most of these guitars is that they are in the right hands, preferably musicians who will make them "cry and sing" for years to come.

[@noxxhound]

Mark Knopfler is my most favourite guitar player of all time. The way he can make a guitar sing is what inspired me to start learning the guitar myself.

[@charleswind8298]

A common theme among the Greats, is that they did “ everything wrong” !!!!!!!

[@PolinomioP3]

Amazing video Mary! Thanks for bringing this to us!

[@caryconover]

This was a dazzling tour of a great collection. And your playing was entrancing!

[@timchalmers1700]

Yet another excellent video !! Your playing showcases what is really great in each guitar.

[@lukemckeelofficial]

Mary - thank you for making this. It genuinely brought me to tears. Ever since the day I first heard his music, Mark has been - and continues to be - my absolute favorite guitarist of all time. By a long shot. And easily one of my most cherished songwriters. I listened to "Brothers In Arms" again the other day after a long hiatus from that song, and it still *utterly* disarmed me. Just like every other time. That song is not beautiful. It is beauty embodied. As a fellow and forever Knopfler nerd...I salute you. Cheers 💜😌

[@innerspace_michiel]

Wonderful video! So cool that you got to play these iconic instruments!

[@yt551217]

Amazing opportunity. Glad he kept a few for his personal collection. It wouldn’t be right for anyone else to “own” them. Perhaps one day they’ll have a home in a museum for everyone to see.

[@Knowledgetrak47]

Thankyou Mary for all of the insight and a trip down memory lane. So happy you managed to sit down and be able to touch history and meld with the same instruments used by one of music history's greatest! An amazing review. Keep up the great work... I follow all tour posts! 👋👋👋❤

[@MichaelBCoats]

Thanks for sharing your experience, Mary!

[@somewaresim]

So many amazing guitars. 🎸 You sounded so good playing them too.

[@johnwdoyle]

I had a couple of real emotional moments watching this video, like recognising old freinds in a photograph. Thank you for doing such a classy job of bringing us a glimpse of these magical instruments.

[@robbruno8246]

Wow, what a treat. This must have been a very special time for you, it is a joy to watch you play. This is truly what you were born to do. Awesome job, thanks so much for sharing this time with us.

[@warrengently6418]

Whenever someone like Mark Knopfler auctions off their lifetime collection of guitars it makes me feel the end is near and thus melancholy over the fact that these guitars will not be heard in their hands again.

[@peterlewis5151]

It's great to see you having so much fun....

[@gavinsolomon2711]

Loved this, thank you so much, Mary!

[@WestCoastProf]

Your songs sound great on those guitars. Thanks for sharing this experience.

[@jameyehrman8163]

Mary - your playing is beautiful!

[@ronbally2312]

Thanks for a lovely video showcasing these guitars.

[@thebiblioholic]

Wow. That must have been an amazing experience.

[@shoominati23]

No joke, I thought Mary was about to have her Van Halen moment with that early Suhr 😂

[@snoopaka]

Mary, what a terrific video! I love the history, stories, and beautiful music. Two thumbs up for sure.

[@timothyclaffey9138]

Mary you are the best. Your chill intelligence is truly therapeutic! Thanks for this!

[@Tim_in_Australia]

Fantastic vid Mary. A big thanks!! MK and JI remain favourites above all others!! Awesome job.

[@andrewboyd2023]

Thanks Mary, great seeing you play my favourite guitar players gear.

[@kaleomk]

Wow what a review! Thank you Mary

[@TheDsy1]

Congratulations Mary. What a great opportunity! You have positioned yourself well as a credible guitar artist in order to get your hands on these, even if just for a short while. Some of us are living vicariously through you.

[@tomg721]

Thanks for sharing Mary.

[@bogusdogus]

Great work Mary!!!

[@dataslipsen]

This is insanely cool! I’m so happy for you. 💜

[@surfwriter8461]

Thanks for sharing this intimate personal encounter with the MK guitars in both Christie's locations. I can tell how moved you were with the experience of playing those iconic instruments that had been in MK's hands so many times. Beautiful mood to your test playing of the individual guitars, too.

[@Andrew_dot_pls]

Thank you Mary. Amazing. So cool you got to play these insanely amazing guitars. I've watched this video about 10 times now but I'm sure that number will increase :)

[@seanmccarthy7591]

Absolutely brilliant. What a wonderful experience, and well deserved too.

[@leonardallen7380]

I am absolutely amazed at this important information. Thank you for sharing this wonderful article with us

[@NickGranville]

How cool is it that you got to play these guitars. Nice work Mary

[@Jim-he4km]

What an honor for you to play these iconic guitars, and an honor to us for your performance!! Thank you 😊

[@jayroc9933]

Such an amazing player Mary. I could listen to you all day.

[@dalehicks6112]

Beautiful playing

[@AwlDeigh]

So well done, thanks for this one

[@vviv7230]

Thank you Mary for the knowledgeable guitar journey, extraordinary gift you have of this beautiful instrument. Classical training has paid off of your beautiful finger picking style.

[@johngraydon506]

Love you Mary ❤ always nearby for us with something special to enjoy 🎉

[@midiman5045]

Great video Mary thanks for the info.

[@bernardhossmoto]

You nailed the tone, Mary!

[@pjono77]

Brilliant Mary, I could watch you play those guitars all day.

[@macsarcule]

So good! Thank you Mary! ✌️😌🎸

[@justcarcrazy]

I don't care what instrument made by whoever it is, it is the player that makes the music. And you, Ms Spender, are as skilled as any of your heroes.

[@jondellar]

Wow! What a day for you! Well done you (and great to hear your work on these instruments. Long Island City - an enduring favourite of mine). 🎉🎉

[@topgazza]

Watching play those guitars was a real joy. Superb

[@urbanslamal4900]

I absolutely love everything about this video!

[@JD-xh3ex]

whatever you played on the '59 LP.... was beautiful . Loved it.

[@mrinvader]

omg yes... and her runs were amazing all the way through!

[@toliskoskinas]

Thank you so much for this incredible post ❤❤❤

[@theoptimist9094]

This is the video I’ve been waiting for for DECADES! Amazing to hear the guitars in pure form and your pieces were just sublime. Suffice to say I’m jealous as anything but this was the perfect showcase! Thank you!!!!!

[@onemorecyclist]

The video essays are always superb, and then this ... a wonderful homage to the man himself (and his guitars)! Brilliant stuff, couldn't stop smiling watching this! 🙂

[@stefanpetersen9249]

Great video Mary , you deserve the opportunity to play this amazing instruments , Greetings from Thailand ❤🙏🏻

[@Nappi1996]

Such an awesome looking and sounding guitar! Great job 👍🏼👍🏼

[@synthverkstad2093]

The exhibition was great and a nice chance to be in the presence of these great guitars. I think Christie’s did a fantastic job and the sound system used in one of the rooms was just out of this world. Definitely one highlight of this year to have been there. I did touch some of the guitars 🎸

[@Doug5524]

Nicely done Mary

[@benmarshallproduction]

Amazing playing 🙌

[@vincentvandervaart8019]

Loved to hear you play your own music on these jems

[@StealthParrot]

How cool that you got to play so many iconic instruments that are forever etched in the musical historic records.