Vince Gill's Pre-War Martin Gems: 1939 D-18, 1935 D-28 & 1930s 00-18

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The country-music legend details three of his prized acoustics.
A decade ago, Vince Gill and Paul Franklin recorded Bakersfield, a tribute to the raw-boned country music that came out of the rough-and-rowdy clubs patronized by oil-field hands and agricultural workers in the ’50s and early ’60s-packed with songs by Merle Haggard and Buck Owens. And we visited with them for a Rig Rundown then.
Now, just for the good times, these two legends of modern country music-the real deal kind-have recorded Sweet Memories: The Music of Ray Price & The Cherokee Cowboys. Price was known for his warm, baritone approach to melody, which is a perfect springboard for Gill’s and Franklin’s nuanced approaches to their own instruments.
If you don’t know Gill’s work, it’s about time you got informed. He has won more CMA Awards than any performer in history, plus 21 Grammys. He’s also sold more than 21-million albums and is currently in the Eagles, where his sweet tenor voice and skill with harmonies makes him a perfect match. (You can also hear Gill talk about his work on Cory Wong’s Wong Notes podcast, from November 2020.)
Although Franklin spends his time over the pedal steel, this artist is no slouch. He’s played on more than 500 albums, has been named Best Steel Guitarist by the Academy of Country Music multiple times, and is in the Steel Guitar Hall of Fame and the Musician’s Hall of Fame. Franklin is the most nominated artist in CMA history. He is also a member of Grammy-winning outfit the Time Jumpers.
Along with the PG video team, I met them at Gill’s Nashville studio, where they recorded Sweet Memories. The goal: to get a close-up look at Franklin’s steel rig and some of the incredible acoustic guitars Gill used on this album.
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[@mikelistman5263]

I can't stop listening to him talk about guitars, strings, and picks.

[@joshuabrown5123]

Vince has to be one of the nicest human beings alive. Being a great musician is just a bonus.

[@roaddog7542]

Vince is a class act.

[@michaelligue3842]

You took the words out of my mouth . 👍

[@neightmorris]

Man if Vince had a podcast I’d listen all day

[@sixslinger9951]

Vince Gill has to be one of the nicest entertainers around. He seems like a very gentle and kind soul. Plus, he flat out can play and sing like no other.

[@joebowers3636]

I ran into him at Rudy’s Guitars in NYC in 2018. Had to take the chance to introduce myself and tell him I was a fan. He acted like he had all the time in the world and chatted with me. Very classy, kind guy.

[@JakelikejakefromSF4936]

no he cannot

[@joelhughes6272]

I appreciate so many guitar players but there is something so different & special about Vince Gill. He is so humble, soft hearted and his love and joy for the guitar is untouchable....

[@actuallyitskevin]

I remember when I first moved to TN I was on my way home from work and Vince passed me going the other way in a Porsche. Just this little country road surrounded by farms.

[@cziprick]

Vince Gill! One of my favourite Entertainers of all time.

[@adamturner8732]

What a great guitar and a great man and player

[@drew004jc]

Vince Gill is a national treasure.......and I'm a punk/metal guy saying that

[@johnwalker6919]

Self confessed nerd here. Great conversation between 2 gentlemen. The tone of the '35 D-28 will haunt me forever.

[@MaryYoumans-y4k]

He is the best country music singer in the world

[@kevinjennings962]

I could listen to Vince all day. Saw him in concert many years ago and he played what must’ve been a 10 minute solo at the end of Nothing Like a Woman that just kept getting better and better. I was in hog heaven. It was before smart phones and I’d give anything to have been able to record it. Best solo I’ve ever heard in my life. Those guitars are in worthy hands.

[@GNJ1118]

Love Vince's playing. That last bit on the 00 was sweet as can be.

[@commentking1591]

Yup. That's the one. The 12 fret.

[@druchumley4571]

Those 12 fret guitars always sound the best.

[@TWC6724]

Gosh, those tones melt my ears. Awesome

[@jimbobshambles]

I’ve always been a Vince fan. Great guitar player.

[@glennfoster7318]

I watched this gentlemen play at the Maui arts and cultural center 29 years ago and man he inspired my playing so much. Vince is an absolute class act, that plays and sings from his heart. Gods anointed him definitely ❤

[@The_YouTube_Critic]

I could listen to him play and talk for hours.

[@Shasta69]

I wish, just one day in my life, I could play like Vince Gill.

[@michaelvest6861]

Vince is a great man in music. Grew up with him playing in my mommas monte carlo. What a great pillar in music

[@allenhayesmusic]

Wow! So amazing!

[@googleboy7]

Hi Vince, What I love about the internet, is that we can comment and connect with wonderful people like you. We Love You Vince may God bless you and take care! 💗💗💗💗 Shalom/gw

[@JamesVillebrun-u4v]

From everything I hear Mr. Gill deserves everything he has....a talented picker with an angelic voice that loves country music, bless you sir.

[@chriswood1661]

My word…. That guitar is absolute perfection

[@mikegallagher4388]

What a lovely guy! And he has such a beautiful touch. Amazing player.

[@saijunmak5792]

Such a cool clip. That D28 sounded huge and just raaaang out.... That 00 has just about the best parlor tone I've ever heard on a clip 😮

[@commentking1591]

Completely unsurpassed tone quality. Just incredible overtones.

[@gtr1952]

Boy, I'm a big sunburst/shade top fan, those Martins are the 'holy grail' of Martins for me! I met a guy in a bar in PA one time and he told me a story about naming them. He said they made 10 prototypes of the square shoulder flat top. They decided to use #8. One would be Mahogany and Two Rosewood. That's how they named D18 and D28. Well, the numbers added up and it made sense at the time. LOL What an awesome collection, and an awesome person Vince is!! Thanks much guys!! --gary

[@twopoms]

This is a great clip. Vince is obviously a top player and vocalist. Top songwriter and genuinely nice person. Despite all his talent and success he still keeps it real. Long may he prevail. I may not have the money and collection Vince has but I can get the same strings at least. He shares some useful information without being patronising or condescending. I also appreciate that he is a loyal supporter and customer of goods and services and values those relationships. A proper stand up guy!

[@weevilsnitz]

omg the Spinal Tap reference from Vince, beautiful

[@tdz69]

First time I saw VG was in a small local venue. I was raised on rock and blues but have loved country as well for a long long time. Vince, hands down, was one of the BEST shows I have been to in my entire life. It was a total experience. He was generous with the audience and interacted and told stories behind his songs and also some humorous tales from the road. But he and his band were beyond incredible. They sounded BETTER than the recordings. As a musician I was in awe of how tight and polished they were. I hope to get the chance to see him again and see him on his own. If you haven’t and get the chance, you won’t regret it.

[@ultimatebasses]

Those 30's Martin guitars really belong with a stellar talent like Vince Gill so we can experience the beautiful tone they have and not stuck in a collector's glass display case. Mind you, those guitars have become incredible investment pieces.

[@GreenFoal-Equine-HijackSDGs]

Educational to the bone🙏💛😍And man what a collection of stunning GTR's,...they're in the right hands too...🙏🙏🙏

[@joeriffanucci]

Vince is a treasure(with lots of treasures) thank you so much!

[@davidbrennan3613]

Vince is brilliant and he doing a great job performing with the eagles

[@philsarkol6443]

The sound of that rosewood 1935 guitar...gave me goosebumps..as said 90 year old build to last!! And last but not least one fine guitarist Vince Gill to play them how it should!!!!

[@jpjodoin]

Unreal - prewar shaded tops.The pinnacle of acoustics in front of your eyes.In one spot. Thank you…

[@johnmiller9312]

Who says grown men don’t cry. Priceless.

[@Thomasringpetersen]

Wow amazing guitars

[@aaron-dd5zr]

Oh! That is how I use a pick the right way. Best guitar input ever.

[@scottarnold2384]

I now have my Dad’s 1936 D-28 shade top. I wish Mr. Gill would play it on stage sometime.

[@alansimpson8962]

One of the greatest in history he is icon status

[@billgjura2620]

Vince makes every guitar sound good, wish he was my neighbor

[@davidmaho]

I love the Martins...and the Teles!!

[@TheGman70100]

I love his guitar collection videos. He just really has a great love of guitars. His approach that guitar has to feel and sound good for him before he considers owning it.

[@ditchgator1]

Thanks Mr. Gill😎👍 A treat indeed 👍👍 John...this interview must hae been one for the books😃 Nice job😎✌👍❤🖖

[@johnl.6930]

Thanks for this! Vince dispenses beautiful music and information effortlessly. He’s a gem!✌️❤️

[@craigtittsworth9440]

Vince is the man ,so pay attention!

[@rfree82]

I love how he mentioned playing with the round edge of the pick. I do the same and thought I was weird

[@tonelocrian]

These Martins sound phenomenal.

[@anthonyoresteen4767]

Fantastic! I love Vince & those guitars. For the record those 30's Martins do have a truss rod in the necks. There is a steel T-rod (changed to a square rod in 1967) in the neck to keep them straight. It is just not adjustable. Martin started putting ADJUSTABLE truss rods in their necks in 1985. The adjustment is done at the heel of the neck, accessed through the sound hole.

[@CapoKabar]

No one should be allowed to play like Vince. Really, it just aint fair. His early stuff is insane

[@BrandonBay-t5e]

Vince Gill throwing down a Spinal Tap reference.Nice.

[@dhh488]

That caught me by surprise.

[@GRBAquatics]

So Very Cool, Thankyou. Stunning Guitars and Playing. Awesome. Cheers

[@rcjoe406]

Such a wise man 🙌

[@paulsharkey6673]

I used to be a pick master until one day I couldn't find a pick. That ran into the next day and the next day. I haven't used a pick for over a decade. I prefer the warmth from the flesh. It just changes the whole game.

[@Snarkapotamus]

I keep nails on my picking hand on everything but my thumb. The way I see it is the bass end played by the thumb shouldn't ring, but the treble end should...

[@NickBishop]

I use a blue chip pick or a thumb pick or nothing usually nowadays. I really enjoy the metal banjo thumb picks, and will use it to flip between flat picking and finger picking. I had a similar thing where I was away and didnt bring anything with me but the one thumbpick and just didnt really go back

[@John-d9e4x]

Was never a flat picker, I did use finger pics for thirty years, now just fingers,

[@richardgrier8968]

I love Vince. I've followed him his whole career and emulated him. Still, someone needs to talk to him about his hoarding problem.

[@daveoelke857]

😄

[@GK-vj9dz]

wow. after decades of playing with the rounded edge of picks (and thinking it was inherently wrong), it's nice to hear that someone as accomplished as vince does the same thing. it allows me--personally--to get a better grip, and the pick to string distance is more suited to the way i play. and that sb d18 is gorgeous. it is puzzling why martin didn't do more of those finishes way back when.

[@PierreBAZBazinet]

The guitars are amazing but it's a monster player showcasing thems....😊

[@GaryHarju]

Thank you. Very interesting.

[@Ronald-hx6zn]

Great man,Gill.

[@NickBishop]

I use those same d'addario xs strings on my old dreadnaught and archtops and they are incredible. Also not usually a fan of coated strings, but these ones don't really feel like coated strings. Nice to see someone I look up to like him using a similar setup like that.

[@richardgrier8968]

Me too. I kept a set of mediums on my Taylor 710 for about 4 years and they sounded great.

[@boddumblues]

Jeff becks harmonics sounded so strong because he used his fingers, it was quite the revelation when i tried it! I can't play like Knopfler but it sure sounds more correct when I ditch the pick for Sultans...

[@WfRamsey77]

The one celebrity collection I envy.

[@infoscholar5221]

Can there be, like several more parts to this? My gawd, them Telecasters back there.

[@chrisgomez215]

A true journeyman.

[@paulparker8298]

Incredible man , incredible collection 👏

[@thunderbugcreative7778]

I'd love to hang with these two for an afternoon of geeking out.

[@phillipjames9003]

Not only did those guitars survive but then they end up in the hands of a master.

[@55TeleMark]

Wonderful video. No pretense, just a love of guitars.

[@snapfinger1]

Vince might’ve given up his bad habits & his ‘67 Red Corvette but you have to draw the line with your pre war Martin’s.

[@obsidian7644]

If I was a martin guitar I would want to be in vinces collection.

[@markphelps588]

I'd love to hear Vince expound on 12-fret slotnecks, like the last one he played. I have a 1964 00-21NY that I love (mostly because my Dad bought it brand new).

[@MarcAmAlb]

Vince’s house is like a guitar museum.

[@nickbitlee]

The daddario Xs has been an absolute game changer

[@-Star-Soul]

No wonder I can't find one, hes got em all.

[@michaelmullins1290]

Any thing Vince and his guitars. I'm watching. A friend of mine has a 28 shaded top. I'm thinking around 50's. It had a smell he couldn't get out. He traded it to a Gibson snakehead mandolin.

[@JS-hu7pv]

That ‘35 D-28 is what I imagine a guitar should sound. As in, that’s my “ideal” guitar sound. Holy smokes.

[@davidlewis2055]

Yep they are a mystery but we gotta love the & this guys gets wonderful tone

[@cjsligojones5101]

and oh by the way I have 4 vintage telecasters hanging on the wall too! my god what a collection

[@winstonian88]

Me too. Always played with the rounder corner of the pick. It sounds less clicky.

[@BobWadeGuitar]

More, please.

[@peterknoll]

Great interview! What mics are you using?

[@theshadowtalks]

I really like my Martin HD35. I would love to have Vince play my Collings guitars.

[@mf5202]

Gawd. Candy shop guitar nerd stuff. Subscribing!!

[@vladi7441]

that D-28 is THE SOUND

[@austenrobinson2747]

It’s the player. Otherwise it’s a bunch of wood

[@sniffableandirresistble]

We love you Vince, we are here because we care, but also we are concerned, about why you need so many guitars ... lol 😂

[@simon-oy6um]

I like dunlop 88's as a pick you can play it soft or give it a twist and sharpen up the sound 😊

[@KaneGregory]

Vince Gill is the Jay Leno of guitars!🎸🤯🔫

[@klapchek]

Wow! Can't say any more.

[@Conada1002]

When in god green earth would anyone need 40 acoustic guitars. Crazy

[@ja0298]

Tell us you don’t have a passion for something, without telling us.

[@startreker8591]

Vince is rare

[@georgestevens1502]

Well, I guess if somebody is going to hog pre-war Martin's, Vince is the best guy for it. You know they will get the best handling and storage.

[@donniebelk4799]

I dig it vince

[@Dan_Frechette_Songwriter]

After buying and selling around 25 Martins over the years I ended up with a 25 year old D35.

[@richardmorton2744]

I have one just like this

[@leifcoburn]

It takes wood 90 years to accept that it is now a guitar and not a tree. The tension in the curves and joints settle down and allow the guitar to ring.

[@michaelligue3842]

I can listen to Vince play rubberbands on a cigar box guitar .

[@rogerdsmith]

I think it was Chet Atkins, who once said that it takes at least 20 years for guitar to figure out that it’s not a tree anymore.

[@johnbinford6706]

Rosewood is not warmer than mahogany, in fact it's the contrary. The reason the 28 sounds warmer here is because it has a lower tuning, thus less high-frequency content which we tend perceive as "warmer". Mahogany is typically warmer because it has more emphasis on the fundamental and mids, and less overtones compared to rosewood.

[@clstrat837]

Man no one cares. I’d much rather listen to Vince Gill

[@kvnboudreaux]

Well, actually

[@kurtsouth8338]

You’re gonna argue with Vince Gill?

[@carlroberts_com]

@6.11 is the OO-18 an H converted?