This Guitar Ruined Me

George Gruhn knows what he's doing - as he showed me around his private collection of achingly rare guitars - my curiosity was piqued by a 12-fret Euphonon dreadnought. It is one of a pair made in 1940 - explains Gruhn - And for the style of music you play, I think you should hear it.
An early contender for understatement of the year. This thing - this beautiful rumbling, whispering, velvet thing utterly ruined me. I captured what I could with my LAV mics - maybe enough to give you just a taste of what it can do.
Until next time, stay tuned
Michael
michaelwattsgu...

[@j.dietrich]

I've listened to this at least two dozen times. I don't believe in magic; I think that guitars are transducers that can be explained rationally in terms of their physical properties. Still, this guitar leaves me at a loss. It's like the platonic ideal of an old dreadnought. There's so much to unpick in the voicing of this instrument, so many exquisite subtleties that don't accord with the orthodox assumptions of modern luthiery. I hope that a young luthier finds this video and realises that there's a lifetime of work in making sense of what we all just heard.

[@MichaelWatts]

I absolutely have to agree. There is something I’ve never encountered before going on in this box and it is wonderful

[@howardcrane5902]

In other words, magic.

[@dirkdutzmann9250]

@@howardcrane5902 No, you two, it's more than magic, significantly more! I've watched this video an incredible number of times and I only have one opinion left: When Michael picks up this guitar and plays the first piece, which in my opinion fits perfectly, the two of them are already done for! Look in his eyeys, look to hisreaction to the sound of that guitar! Have you seen all this with other guitars?! They fit together like a hand and a specially made glove, (made of the finest leather) For this reason I think we will still hear from both of them, anything else would be an incredible loss!

[@ggates2500]

Possibly my favourite single video on yt.

[@paulheartsongs]

Detail for days! What a sound!!

[@MichaelWatts]

@@paulheartsongs I can still hear it!

[@CamsCampbell]

Watching your react is what it's all about. When we find an piece of art that speaks to us in such a profound way and that we can use to create new art of our own. It doesn't get any better.

[@MichaelWatts]

Absolutely Cams! Good to hear from you!

[@radioking]

We normally get to hear you play quite bright guitars and this one is different and that's great to hear. For me this is a recording engineers dream

[@MichaelWatts]

Very true Andy and I hope I’ll get the chance to play more like it soon

[@Groovemaster2000]

That is a sick sounding guitar, I am stunned. I have to replay this again, and again, and again.

[@MichaelWatts]

It is pretty psychologically damaging

[@johnthomasguitar]

Sounding wonderful, as always. I'm happy to see you discover the Larson brothers magic.

[@MichaelWatts]

Thank you Prof. JT! I’ve played a handful over the years but never one like this!

[@anthonymorales842]

12 to the body all day. Its just the right geometry IMHO.. Thank you for sharing. If your in the USA welcome its a big country. If time permits perhaps a look around New England/ the northeast will be enjoyable. Great channel

[@MichaelWatts]

Thank you Anthony! This was a flying visit to Tennessee on assignment for a magazine. I have, however, spent happy times in Vermont, New England and Maine in the past - visiting Froggy Bottom and Bourgeois guitars. I hope to return.

[@joedodson4906]

"There was something spooky in his voice, and something strange in his face. And when he shut the lid I saw my name was on the case."

[@MichaelWatts]

Ha ha yeah…

[@duanetrivett750]

That sounds Great ! You and the Guitar.

[@stevevice9863]

That is a fine sounding guitar! I'm sure it sounded even better in person.

[@MichaelWatts]

It was quite an adventure!

[@SingleMalt77005]

I have never seen a Euphonon with a slot head. A rare bird!

[@MichaelWatts]

It is indeed!

[@inlovewithguitars]

Man this sounds wonderful! Guitar, player and music are absolutely one…wow!!

[@MichaelWatts]

Thank you kindly!

[@talmorris3740]

Book time in a studio, beg Gruhn to let you rent it, record a proper piece. Truly velvety and full of heart

[@JuanManShow99]

Hello Michael, great music and review! By the way, what mic you using?

[@MichaelWatts]

Thank you Juan! In this case it’s a pair of DPA 4060s thanks for listening!

[@JuanManShow99]

@@MichaelWatts Thanks, man! What recorder are you using, if you don't mind?

[@MichaelWatts]

@@JuanManShow99 straight into my laptop via an Apollo x4

[@JuanManShow99]

@@MichaelWatts thanks man!

[@joebleibaum]

This guitar has a very full and warm sound in your hands. The darker sound of the guitar is doing a lot for your style of playing. The guitars ability to transport the emotional quality of your music is incredible.

[@MichaelWatts]

It was quite an experience!

[@SamJones-sv4yl]

That guitar has a rare emotional depth. I have a 1979 John le Voi 12th fret slope shouldered dreadnought based on a Martin D18s which has similar characteristics. It has a similarly wide neck (good for old gnarled fingers like mine) but I didn't think that the sound in this video could be obtained from a square shouldered guitar. It's truly magical. Not to take anything from the playing, because that was pretty good too!!

[@OpenDGuitar]

Superb guitar, superb playing. George is a hoot…I bought my first Martin from him in 1980.

[@christianlacheze3323]

I bought my 00-18 from him in ‘76!

[@gerryr8713]

Michael's neverending pursuit of tone has been realized here. A guitar is only a conduit for your talent. I am jealous once more.

[@MichaelWatts]

Thank you Gerry!

[@chanpeter3608]

Hi Michael , very impressive tone and spiritual piece music . Could I know this piece of music and the guitar name and model ? I also appreciate your new video about your mic . You let me know more good gears.Thanks for your professional video. Peter

[@MichaelWatts]

Hello Peter - the guitar is a Euphonon Dreadnought from 1940 and the piece is called Birdseye - glad you enjoyed it!

[@chanpeter3608]

@@MichaelWatts Thanks Michal

[@dawnoei1782]

You play so beautifully 🙏

[@MichaelWatts]

Thank you Dawn!

[@PeteBrownGuitars]

Michael, your initial reaction is priceless!

[@MichaelWatts]

It was quite a moment!

[@PhilTaylorGuitar]

Your reaction says it all Michael. Great sounding guitar.........in your hands. It suits you perfectly.

[@MichaelWatts]

Thank you Phil! It is a bit of a beast!

[@peppik]

Very dangerous to visit a shop like this!"

[@MichaelWatts]

I’m an adrenaline junky when it comes to guitars!

[@peppik]

@@MichaelWatts took me years to get away from this drug and still ... ;) btw: I like your tone

[@31415926535ism]

Dear Michael I know that feeling!

[@MichaelWatts]

It’s good isn’t it?

[@marekbage]

Wow! Such an emotive sound. I only wonder about what sort of sorcery was used to keep that bridge from being pulled off the face for the last eighty years!

[@MichaelWatts]

It's pretty intense... Thanks for watching Marek!

[@KeithChesterton]

Gorgeous sounding guitar, Michael - but it's also about what you can do!

[@MichaelWatts]

Thank you so much Keith!

[@ubuntu2382]

I'm dying to know what it is you're playing at 0:22. Beautiful!

[@MichaelWatts]

That is an original piece called Birdseye - you can find full performances on my channel - I’m really happy you liked it

[@andrewbowen6875]

Pre war magic. Watched a video last night of Doyle Dykes playing a number of Brazilian dreadnoughts and his pre war D 45 was noticeably sweeter than the rest.

[@MichaelWatts]

It really is!

[@lebe220]

All guitars nowadays are pre war guitars (WW3)

[@andrewbowen6875]

Hell yeah ain’t that the sobering truth

[@greekflatpicker]

Hi Michael,enjoy your time In Nashville! Euphonon can be really awesome guitars. It fits you!

[@MichaelWatts]

Thank you my friend! I was there in November and I look forward to going back

[@robertnewell5057]

That guitar sounds like America from note 1. So much the tone you associate with Martin. Reminded immediately of the Ken Burns Civil War documentary. Such richness. Would have been interesting to hear more of George. IMO he's about the only person with the experience to comment on tone with the authority of a Master of Wines (on wines, obviously, not guitars). Nobody else has heard as many, and nobody else seems to have that amount of memory for different tones.

[@MichaelWatts]

At 7pm this evening the full interview with George will premier right here! I hope you’ll join me for the live chat

[@robertnewell5057]

@@MichaelWatts Damn, missed it. I'll watch the rerun. Thanks, Michael

[@andrewbowen6875]

Would I be right in saying there’s no accidents even happy ones in your pieces of music? I’m always blown away at how precise the tricks are that you pull off, that may have the illusion of being accidental but I’ve seen enough versions to see how exact they are? Just shows how good Yamaha guitars are when others and myself think that the Bert Jansch tribute is the best performance of your music.

[@MichaelWatts]

Ha - yeah but it is de tuned an entire tone too!

[@nigelbullock4411]

Wow just wow

[@MichaelWatts]

Yep. That’s pretty much the size of it.

[@carrollwalls5900]

That moment when the guitar puts we humans in tune. Bravo, Michael!

[@MichaelWatts]

That’s it exactly! Well put!

[@carrollwalls5900]

@@MichaelWatts Thank you, Michael.😉

[@jesperkristiansen6489]

Oh, I 'hate' when THAT happens.. 🤣🤣

[@MichaelWatts]

It’s tough

[@BOBBRADLEYCHANNEL]

Beast of a tone…

[@geoffcline9593]

great guitar...beyond rare...and yes, you do deserve it! As a great guitar store owner once said to me... "that's why credit cards were invented!"

[@MichaelWatts]

Ha ha! Thanks Geoff but this is part of George’s private collection and as such it stays with him. But what a thrill!

[@JoshuaC923]

For everything else there's.....🤣

[@cugir321]

That is an amazing guitar....not a ton of over powering low end but it's got color and depth. Treble is smooth and rich but no bite.

[@howardcrane5902]

More!

[@MichaelWatts]

I do need to get back to Nashville!

[@simonhaynes3145]

I think you might need to buy this guitar, what a great match

[@MichaelWatts]

That’s very kind Simon but this is part of George’s private collection and is not for sale. Can’t really blame him tbh

[@paolospadaro]

Beautiful guitar and video. 🤙👌🏻

[@MichaelWatts]

Thank you Paolo

[@garyjones783]

Stop,… you know this is one of a kind, and this guitar MUST be yours!!! Your next question should be “How Much”? Sell your car if you have to but don’t leave the store without it!!!

[@MichaelWatts]

Ha ha! I know what you mean but this is part of George’s personal collection… not for sale

[@garyjones783]

@@MichaelWatts Then there can only be tears 😭

[@ericecklund676]

Michael, I have a Gruhn 45th Anniversary 0000-18S Custom (12 fret slot-head) that has that same effect on me, that this 12 fret Euphonon had on you. I'm amazed every time I play it and I can't believe that I'm lucky enough to own it. Did you happen to buy your 12 fret soulmate from George?

[@MichaelWatts]

Nice! This guitar wasn’t for sale - it’s part of George’s private collection but it was an honour to spend time with it.

[@Jason_Music]

To be honest, you'd make any guitar sound great anyway...

[@MichaelWatts]

That’s very kind - but not every guitar makes me sound good

[@Jason_Music]

@@MichaelWatts You should make a video with a very cheap acoustic guitar so we can confirm that...

[@MichaelWatts]

@@Jason_Music ha ha ha ok then

[@keestoft250]

Amusing clash of an old wooden instrument bringing simple joy and a modern device bringing confusion and exasperation. Was it a Martin?

[@MichaelWatts]

Ha ha yes indeed! It is a Euphonon made by Larson Bros.

[@thepokerpilotapp]

Your reaction to this guitar is priceless. Certainly the best raw, sincere, heartfelt expression of pure LOVE in any video I’ve ever seen- and I have seen A LOT. Is it possible to be able to move that collection from George’s to yours? I don’t know how George couldn’t be on board with that. I’ll be the first one to donate on Gofundme.

[@MichaelWatts]

That’s very kind but it’s George’s guitar and it should stay that way. It did damage me though

[@ZenButcher]

It’s 4am in Nashville man!

[@MichaelWatts]

I thought the music city never sleeps!

[@TheDennzio]

Michael...imagine it with your favorite strings (which would be what?) Oh now I see it is a 12 fret

[@blissgary]

ive listened 6 times straight, shiver me timbers

[@MichaelWatts]

Keep going - it doesn’t get any less magical!

[@blissgary]

@@MichaelWatts did you manage to take it home with you?

[@adriansummers3462]

This is the sound I hear in my dreams.

[@MichaelWatts]

I know what you mean!

[@skyemoz6559]

👏👏👏👏🤗🤗🤗🤗

[@mgammill]

Question is did you buy or or sell your house for layaway?

[@MichaelWatts]

Ha ha ha! It’s not for sale - not even slightly. George’s personal collection is mind blowing

[@andorrasrevenge1683]

Man yeah!

[@MichaelWatts]

Yep

[@_ThierryAndre]

wow!

[@MichaelWatts]

Yes mon ami!

[@robertjenkins5999]

please say you bought this.

[@MichaelWatts]

@@robertjenkins5999 this guitar is part of George Gruhn’s private collection and I’m happy knowing it’s with him.

[@robertjenkins5999]

@@MichaelWatts ah. that's the only other place it belongs.

[@jbf16falcon]

And did it make it home with you?

[@MichaelWatts]

I did not. It’s George’s personal guitar

[@ianthomas4568]

Did you buy it??

[@MichaelWatts]

I did not… it’s George’s personal instrument and not for sale

[@ianthomas4568]

@@MichaelWatts Hi Michael just wondered that’s all? Sometimes if the opportunity is there you have to act on it……might be the only chance you get? Love your videos by the way…..are you planning on seeing more of Ken Parker at all?

[@Nazareth1833]

Did you buy it?

[@MichaelWatts]

It was not for sale and the security at Gruhn Guitars is very tight…

[@lebe220]

One might think Hauser from Germany built that guitar

[@Muhlenburger]

Did you buy it, Michael?

[@MichaelWatts]

It is part of George Gruhn's personal collection and as such not for sale. sigh...

[@guitartec]

It's literally symphonic.

[@MichaelWatts]

It is indeed.

[@MikkelGrumBovin]

it sounds - like victory ,-

[@MichaelWatts]

It really does - smells great too!

[@cfreeman5631]

Sell YOUR HOUSE and buy that!...ha.

[@MichaelWatts]

Ha ha! I know what you mean but it’s not for sale - it’s part of George’s staggering personal collection

[@ggates2500]

What a thing.

[@charleszhou4091]

Wait, is this steel string or nylon string?? It doest sound real!

[@MichaelWatts]

It’s steel string - great guitar!

[@charleszhou4091]

Wow! It’s black magic! Have you tried other Euphonon guitars?

[@dirkdutzmann9250]

Man, what a great guitar! And it sounds so great under you hands! Hope you get your money out of your wallet!?!

[@MichaelWatts]

Thank you Dirk! Sadly that is one of George’s personal collection and not for sale

[@dirkdutzmann9250]

@@MichaelWatts Oh my god,that hurts!!! If a man like you puts up his glasse and plays again, that will mean a lot! Many greatings from germany!

[@dirkdutzmann9250]

Man, I looked the video again and again and your reaction to the sound of this REALLY beautyfull gutitar is simply speachless! You have to find a way, to get this guitar! You are the right man for this instrument!😉 The word you´ve choosen "magic" is the right for that what happened in this vid!

[@davidheenan7432]

Why do guitars that sound good look like they sound good?

[@MichaelWatts]

Ha ha they do don’t they?!

[@RemoSforza]

OMG!

[@MichaelWatts]

Yes.

[@frankcousins6479]

BUY IT NOW!

[@MichaelWatts]

Ha ha ha! Not for sale I’m afraid - part of George Gruhn’s heartbreaking private collection

[@blissgary]

your face is a picture!

[@MichaelWatts]

Spectacularly unprepared for that!

[@jebbaldwin8516]

exc

[@MichaelWatts]

Tks

[@RRStout]

So, did you buy it?

[@MichaelWatts]

It was not for sale… it’s one of George Gruhn’s personal collection of heartbreaking instruments