Martin Simpson: My Go-To Guitars (Part I)

[@andyrichardson8671]

One of my favourite guitar players and a fascinating insight.

[@chrisdrake447]

Been a fan of Martin’s since ‘Special Agent’. His playing is beyond sublime, as is his singing, but more recently it’s his eloquent championing of the work of individual luthiers that impresses me most. What a bloke!

[@paulcochrane1028]

Been following Rory Dowling for years. Fascinating guy and incredible builder.

[@nickpearsonuk]

A superb player with a unique technique. One of the few steel string players where I can listen to a whole album without losing interest.

[@calummcgregor3662]

A mesmeric artist to see live ... and great to talk to after his performance ... wonderful insights here ... thanks for video .. CMcG, Aberdeen, Scotland

[@Tee-mq2zn]

This is excellent and as ever, anything that Martin does is as much an education as it is a performance. I was lucky enough to attend one of his seminars in his house many years ago and it's even more incredible seeing how plays when you're only a few feet away from him than on film. A truly incredible and unique guitarist.

[@mojoefelix]

Of my many acoustic guitars, only one is really a small-bench luthier creation, my Laughlin. What Martin is saying here about the guitar giving back resonates with me. Playing it just makes me feel aliveness and hope that there can be brighter future and goodness. In this bleak world, it is important to feel such things.

[@lebe220]

All guitars now are pre war guitars (WW3). People don´t do anything for peace

[@garysmith2983]

Did a workshop with Martin in Sheffield about 15 years ago. Humbling and educational. Highly influential guitar player not that many people know about. Spread the word.

[@mitchellstrauss5117]

brilliant discussion and demonstration... Mr. Simpson is the best there is...

[@darnick54]

Fascinating…..saw Martin in Edinburgh many years ago……beautiful musician……

[@calebbhawkins]

We need the next video in this set!

[@snowfiresunwind]

Wonderful to see this. I remember first seeing Martin play in a folk club back in the early 80s and was blown away - I'd never heard anyone play guitar like he did that night, a life changing experience. I was fortunate to see Martin perform just last week and am happy to say that he is still performing at an outstanding level. Thanks for this lovely film and can't wait to watch Pt 2.

[@keithskelton2287]

Martin lives in Sheffield where did you see him ?

[@snowfiresunwind]

@@keithskelton2287 In Marlborough, Wilts.

[@sobellfanatic]

A huge, huge inspiration to me for decades. Indeed my tag was inspired by buying Martin's Sobell scantling guitar from him ages ago. Alas, 95% is in the fingers and 5% in the guitar, but we all know that. A superb player; so tasteful and tuneful.

[@bobnixon1964]

this is simply wonderful .........

[@mrdfoutz]

I wasn't seriously paying attention by around the 7 minute mark. I had closed my eyes and was stretching my back and heard you mention the intonation. But when you hit that "Joni Mitchell" upstroke @ 8:01, I think my mind expanded into another dimension! More Mhor please!

[@musik102]

In Martin's early professional years, I saw him a lot AND in purely acoustic settings: UK folk music clubs with no amplification whatsoever and Martin created the best acoustic sound I've ever heard; however, he was also one of the first UK acoustic players to plug in...and amazingly, the sound was still great.

[@andrewwalker9476]

Great film, thank you

[@keithskelton2287]

very informative many thanks 🙏

[@PhilGooch]

CGCGCD is such a great tuning, so inspiring. Useful for playing some of the Bach Cello suites (particularly Preludes 4 and 6), and the Superman theme!

[@peterpulpitpounder]

VERY NICE.

[@aemk6129]

Waiting for pt. 2 with bated breath… been one of my favorite players for many years, and am always interested in his insights into anything guitar related.

[@guitarist]

Here you go: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJq6ZKerZqaemqcsi=m9EZYcVjaSfWS05H

[@anthonymorales842]

my go to guitar is that was afforardable

[@Ukedc259]

Brilliant video/interview/guitars/player

[@susanroycroft89]

Just magical stuff, Don here from Hamilton ( Iv'e been playing guitars 60 years now, on a Martin & Yamaha 'n' electric guitar's ( shadows stuff ) love your slide & open Tuning's 😮😊😊😊

[@DjNikGnashers]

Great guitarist, good singer, and likes his hand built instruments. It's obvious he prefers the American sound, and this is reflected in his guitar choices. I prefer the Irish sound, and love my Lowden, but it's just a personal preference.

[@cugir321]

I love the .013/.017 on most acoustics.....more tension....ring better, sound better.

[@egoncorneliscallery9535]

It is a pity they didnt talk more about the laminate vs solid back and sides Martin mentioned. Ive played a few really great laminate b&s guitars and it seems to me that tuning the total guitar and bracing was much more important than solid vs laminate b&s. I know the discussions around the bridge placement. However, the trampoline analogy only goes so far as one should consider it in context w bracing and resonance behaviour in general and what the guitar is aimed for..

[@RobCarmina]

Martin is one of the best fingerstyle players - but he doesn't mention here Chris Larkin guitars - I have two, one of which was custom - made for me, and I wouldn't trade it for any other guitar in the world. Chris died prematurely a few years ago.

[@tonywalker6210]

Where is Part 2?

[@guitarist]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJq6ZKerZqaemqcsi=wmEIGm0OnwYBadYm

[@terrydavis5915]

Look at that dogs face. Its plain to see he's heard that song one too many times.

[@oldtar]

It’s always the man behind the weapon ( or woman )

[@linjicakonikon7666]

Martin's guitar gently weeps.

[@repetepete1160]

All those great guitarists doing marketing is just sickening. Did not happen in my youth - those guys just played the thing. It’s not the guitar, its the hands and soul of the player.

[@lebe220]

These guitars are pre war guitars (WW3)

[@TommysDaddy]

bridge position . . absolutely ! that has long been my opinion