Happy birthday George. It was a great pleasure meeting you 2 years ago. We chatted for over an hour (guess the subject!). You let me play a Martin worth $100k without batting an eye lid. That would never happen in London. Here’s to many more years playing your favourite guitar.
there it is ... my forever unattainable dream guitar. Thank you, Mr. Gruhn, for this video, sharing the instrument with all. This is as close as I'm gonna get. What a gift to me. The narrative of the whole story and history line is a wonderful tale. And you still, after these decades, love the archetypal guitar.
I was tearing up by the end of this video. Its beautiful to hear an older gentleman like George Gruhn who has spent a lifetime around guitars to finally meet one that is like a person's one and only real love in life. The humorous parallel to having a harem made me think, what kind of a woman could draw a man away from his harem and turn him monogamous? What kind of guitar could do that for a man surrounded by any guitar he could ever want? That is one very special instrument. I'm very happy for Mr. Gruhn!
I had the honor of meeting you and purchasing one of your guitars in your store in Nashville. You have clearly stated what these boxes of wood and steel mean to those of us fortunate enough to have fallen in love with guitars. Glad you found your muse....... play on and Happy Birthday George.
George! What a delight to find this clip! I'm hoping to play this, your favorite L-5 of all time sometime soon! Wonderful Story, wonderful storytelling! Congratulations!
What a beautiful, sweet story, George. So happy for you, that you found "the one". Guy Clark's song "The Guitar" comes to mind when hearing you tell this story. Congratulations and many happy years with this instrument.
That is wonderful, Mr. Gruhn! Mine is a 1934 Martin C2. I like monogamy and she was a very lonely girl until we met I 1987 in Cambridge, MA. As Neil Young says: Long may you run!
A very heartfelt declaration of passion from perhaps the worlds foremost authority on stringed instruments. I enjoyed seeing this from George and wish him years of enjoyment with this fantastic instrument.
That's a magnificent guitar. It's stunningly beautiful in craftmanship, tone and looks. I can't help but say Wow! I'm envious, but at the same time I'm happy for Mr. Gruhn that he found his guitar "soul mate".
Thanks for sharing this personal story. I am lucky to own a guitar and a mandola that I could never separate myself from. Melodies I'd never heard before just appear out of the ether when I play those two instruments while the others just behave themselves and do what they're told. Best wishes to you and your newfound companion.
Happy Birthday George!! Great story and glad to read about it. Congrats on finding “the one”. Your holy grail guitar journey is finally over. I’m envious and jealous as I am still looking for “the one”. Hope I find it before I’m 75!
God bless You George. What a joy and surprise it must have been to find a guitar that spoke to you so deeply after all of the t hounds of guitars that you must have Visited over your lifetime. Very happy for you and no one on this earth deserves it more! Play forward forever.
Such an endearing and heartfelt moment. A great instrument touches the very soul and it’s beautiful to see this happen for him especially at this point in life. I’m genuinely happy for him and what a guitar it must be. Congratulations, sir.
I own a dot neck L-5 from '28 that's a spitting image of this one. It's everything George says it is! Another lesson: despite owning an iconic business with thousands of special guitars passing through his hands, George nevertheless had G.A.S. until he turned 75. It's a serious disease!
Thank you George for your beautifully understated words with obvious passion and appreciation; teaching us that it's never too late for a life partner. May you play this wonderful guitar for many years to come...
Do you remember George Burns in "Oh God"? Watching and listening to George G is like watching God explain the beauty of the guitar. Just saying. And, in case it's not clear, this is a compliment. Thank you George for your great knowledge and perspective.
George, I followed your store back when upon request you would mail out xerox copied lists of the guitars in your shop, which was sort of crazy because if I ever got a chance to get to Nashville your shops line up would have changed, yet it was so interesting to me. I have forever fantasized about the Gibson L5 Lloyd Loar,; the emotion you conveyed in this description really came across, and did not make me jealous, it made me happy for you, and like your old xerox mailings you have educated me a bit more You are an important person to those like myself who love guitars, it is heartwarming you made that women so happy and that it made you so happy!
I understand and feel your passion for this guitar George. It was amazing to listen to you speak about this guitar like it was your living and breathing child. Beautiful work of art, both this guitar and this video.
Happy birthday! It was a genuine pleasure to hear your passionate story of the new relationship. And I will listen you again, along the voice of your partner. But now I will wear headphones to hear her better and will try to remember her in my mind for good.
Thanks George! I've always loved that sound, and you're absolutely right about a great instrument not being a passive thing. You should figure out now who should get it next.
Thanks you for sharing this beautiful instrument and your love for my favorite instrument, the guitar. Easy to see and even feel how much you love that gorgeous L5. I own too many guitars and many are special to me, two having been given names. My J50 I have owned for 53 years now. As you wisely stated regarding ability, ALL of my guitars are better instruments than I am a player.
What a lovely old girl. Perfect bones. I remembered my mother talking about getting a model t and what an amazing thing it was as you spoke of the cost of this guitar. Great story.
This was awesome George... so well put, an artists connection to an instrument and the interplay between artist and instrument is not something that is easily put into words. yet, you did it so effortlessly. Good job man
Happy Birthday Mr. Gruen! I spoke to you on the phone a few times in the early 70s when I worked for Bob Coward at the Colorado Springs Folklore Center. Your voice still sounds the same! I'm subscribing to your channel...have always appreciated your immense knowledge of all things guitar!
Chris Thile is definitely knowledgeable about the Loar mandolins. He’s passionate about EVERYTHING he is into. I find it very interesting though that the Loar mandolins are so much more valuable than the guitars, mandolas, or mandocellos.
Maybell would love that you have one of these and I love your strong thumb melody lead .Go Carter scratch !! SO glad you found each other .. Thanks for letting Rajiv try his hand ... YOurs from Connecticut , Guy Wolff
That was touching and I feel the same way. I’ve got some wild lovers, one of them being a late 20’s, early 30’s Vega Cylinder f-hole Orchestra Monster of a guitar and some bestest buds, like a a 42’ L00. Who am I kidding. It’s a harem!
Hi George, I looked into the Lloyd Loar timeline, as I felt a bit unsure about when he left Gibson, but Roger Siminoff suggests that he moved to Boston in October 1924. Here's Siminoff's relevant paragraph... "Some believe that it was Loar’s involvement with Virzi that led to his sudden departure from Gibson. Others believe it was his strong desire to get Gibson motivated to manufacture electric instruments. And some believe it was the company’s difficulty in making and selling Master Model instruments. After years of research and in-depth study of his personal documents, I cannot find any proof that any of these were the case. We do know through Loar’s correspondence that he did not enjoy working in business where “profit” was the gating issue. In The life and work of Lloyd Allayre Loar, I describe the management struggles that occurred in 1924 that posed an uncomfortable work environment. And, we know that Loar’s desire to venture into electric instruments would have been a major departure from Gibson’s 25-year tradition of building and marketing acoustic stringed instruments. Regardless of the reason, Loar was highly motivated and needed to move on. Loar left Gibson at the end of October, 1924 leaving in question who “tested and approved” and then signed the labels for the two dozen instruments that were finished in November and December of that year. Especially when Loar was living in Boston at the time." Of course, it takes a while for the instrument to progress through the factory construction process and get a finish sprayed on, so I suppose we won't really know exactly what path this instrument took, or who, exactly approved the tuning and assembly of the parts. I remember you telling me that you generally preferred the L - 5's that were built in 1927 - 1928 to the ones built under Loar's tenure, but perhaps you've changed you mind. I wonder about exactly when the change from plain, often flat - sawn birch to figured maple for the back and sides took place, and about any view you might have formed about the effect that this change had on the L-5? I would add that Gibson was in terrible financial trouble in 1924, and considering bankruptcy as a solution. Perhaps building the most expensive guitar in America didn't seem as important as improving the cash flow with improved sales. From what I can find, it wasn't until 1926 that Gibson produced the entry-level birch body L-1, their first flat top guitar model, and somehow managed to survive.
That was beautiful Mr Gruhn. I recently received my musical partner and it is also an L5. I know what you mean! Oh by the way, Happy Birthday Sir. Joe DeNisco
Happy birthday George. It was a great pleasure meeting you 2 years ago. We chatted for over an hour (guess the subject!). You let me play a Martin worth $100k without batting an eye lid. That would never happen in London. Here’s to many more years playing your favourite guitar.
Two legends, Thank you Mr. Gruhn for sharing your love with us.
there it is ... my forever unattainable dream guitar. Thank you, Mr. Gruhn, for this video, sharing the instrument with all. This is as close as I'm gonna get. What a gift to me. The narrative of the whole story and history line is a wonderful tale. And you still, after these decades, love the archetypal guitar.
One day bro
Sell your house 🏠
I was tearing up by the end of this video. Its beautiful to hear an older gentleman like George Gruhn who has spent a lifetime around guitars to finally meet one that is like a person's one and only real love in life. The humorous parallel to having a harem made me think, what kind of a woman could draw a man away from his harem and turn him monogamous? What kind of guitar could do that for a man surrounded by any guitar he could ever want? That is one very special instrument. I'm very happy for Mr. Gruhn!
I love and respect that expression, 'Its a better guitar than I am a player'!
Beautifully spoken - glad you found your partner.
I had the honor of meeting you and purchasing one of your guitars in your store in Nashville. You have clearly stated what these boxes of wood and steel mean to those of us fortunate enough to have fallen in love with guitars. Glad you found your muse....... play on and Happy Birthday George.
This is beyond fabulous. When George Gruhn feels this way about a guitar...
George! What a delight to find this clip! I'm hoping to play this, your favorite L-5 of all time sometime soon! Wonderful Story, wonderful storytelling! Congratulations!
What a beautiful, sweet story, George. So happy for you, that you found "the one". Guy Clark's song "The Guitar" comes to mind when hearing you tell this story. Congratulations and many happy years with this instrument.
That is wonderful, Mr. Gruhn! Mine is a 1934 Martin C2. I like monogamy and she was a very lonely girl until we met I 1987 in Cambridge, MA. As Neil Young says: Long may you run!
First time I see George actually playing. I knew he played but he’s very good! That is a very welcome treat! Thank you! Happy Birthday too!! 🎂🎁🎈🎼🎸
A very heartfelt declaration of passion from perhaps the worlds foremost authority on stringed instruments. I enjoyed seeing this from George and wish him years of enjoyment with this fantastic instrument.
HAPPY B-DAY MR GRUHN YOU HAVE MADE A LOT PEOPLE HAPPY AND YOUR NAME WILL STAND IN HISTORY THANK YOU
Happy Birthday, George. Enjoy this guitar to the max !
Congratulations George
That's a magnificent guitar. It's stunningly beautiful in craftmanship, tone and looks. I can't help but say Wow! I'm envious, but at the same time I'm happy for Mr. Gruhn that he found his guitar "soul mate".
I'd love to hear that in person. One thing for sure, George knows tone.
Incredibly heart-warming. Happy birthday George and love from New Zealand
I liked this video, not for the guitar, which I was looking for, but for the passion and integrity towards the instrument.
Thanks for sharing this personal story. I am lucky to own a guitar and a mandola that I could never separate myself from. Melodies I'd never heard before just appear out of the ether when I play those two instruments while the others just behave themselves and do what they're told. Best wishes to you and your newfound companion.
Happy Birthday George!! Great story and glad to read about it. Congrats on finding “the one”. Your holy grail guitar journey is finally over. I’m envious and jealous as I am still looking for “the one”. Hope I find it before I’m 75!
God bless You George. What a joy and surprise it must have been to find a guitar that spoke to you so deeply after all of the t hounds of guitars that you must have Visited over your lifetime. Very happy for you and no one on this earth deserves it more! Play forward forever.
Such an endearing and heartfelt moment. A great instrument touches the very soul and it’s beautiful to see this happen for him especially at this point in life. I’m genuinely happy for him and what a guitar it must be. Congratulations, sir.
I own a dot neck L-5 from '28 that's a spitting image of this one. It's everything George says it is! Another lesson: despite owning an iconic business with thousands of special guitars passing through his hands, George nevertheless had G.A.S. until he turned 75. It's a serious disease!
Simply wonderful. Thanks for sharing your passion and beautiful Gibson with us.
I would see a performance of Mr Gruhn with only this guitar, amazing!!!
Thank you George for your beautifully understated words with obvious passion and appreciation; teaching us that it's never too late for a life partner. May you play this wonderful guitar for many years to come...
Do you remember George Burns in "Oh God"? Watching and listening to George G is like watching God explain the beauty of the guitar. Just saying. And, in case it's not clear, this is a compliment. Thank you George for your great knowledge and perspective.
George, I followed your store back when upon request you would mail out xerox copied lists of the guitars in your shop, which was sort of crazy because if I ever got a chance to get to Nashville your shops line up would have changed, yet it was so interesting to me. I have forever fantasized about the Gibson L5 Lloyd Loar,; the emotion you conveyed in this description really came across, and did not make me jealous, it made me happy for you, and like your old xerox mailings you have educated me a bit more
You are an important person to those like myself who love guitars, it is heartwarming you made that women so happy and that it made you so happy!
an absolutely wonderful heartwarming interview , happy for you George & Happy 75th Birthday from Canada . . . .
HAPPY BIRTHDAY GEORGE! Glad you found your buddy. You deserve her! God Bless you.
Bought every word you said, have experienced those same things with guitars, wonderful friends they are
Extraordinary guitar for a remarkable man. Thank you for sharing this, George. God bless.
Best Gibson L5 that I have ever seen or heard! It's not too fancy, it has substance. Congratulations, Mr. Gruhn!
Happy Birthday- nothing better than an instrument you connect with!!
Happy Birthday, George! I LOVE that guitar.
Thank you George for sharing your love of your L5, it makes me appreciate my 00-18 more. 🥰
I understand and feel your passion for this guitar George. It was amazing to listen to you speak about this guitar like it was your living and breathing child. Beautiful work of art, both this guitar and this video.
This is one of the best Videos i have seen on RUclips.....Thanks George....
I could listen to this for hours! What a lovely gentleman. So interesting and heartwarming.
Happy birthday George! A lovely guitar too!
Happy Birthday, George!
The best birthday gift to oneself I've ever seen.
Dear George, I could listen to you for hours. So inspiring and full of interesting details. And this video just fills me with joy. Thank you.
Happy birthday! It was a genuine pleasure to hear your passionate story of the new relationship. And I will listen you again, along the voice of your partner. But now I will wear headphones to hear her better and will try to remember her in my mind for good.
Wonderful video. Happy birthday and enjoy it for the rest of your life!
Great story. Beautiful guitar. Thank you and Happy Birthday George! You deserve such a "one of a kind." And who would know better than you?
Thanks George! I've always loved that sound, and you're absolutely right about a great instrument not being a passive thing. You should figure out now who should get it next.
Thanks you for sharing this beautiful instrument and your love for my favorite instrument, the guitar. Easy to see and even feel how much you love that gorgeous L5.
I own too many guitars and many are special to me, two having been given names. My J50 I have owned for 53 years now. As you wisely stated regarding ability, ALL of my guitars are better instruments than I am a player.
This is a beautiful video. What a guitar and what a man.
What a lovely old girl. Perfect bones. I remembered my mother talking about getting a model t and what an amazing thing it was as you spoke of the cost of this guitar. Great story.
Guitars lover talking to guitar lovers. I could listen the man for hours. All the best from France.
Very nice thanks for teaching us about that guitar.
This was awesome George... so well put, an artists connection to an instrument and the interplay between artist and instrument is not something that is easily put into words. yet, you did it so effortlessly. Good job man
I love so many aspects of this story. Thank you for taking the time to tell the tale.
So Happy For You “Sir” George - And I Duly & Truly Know How You Feel 🎼❤️ Best Regards Peter
Awesome guitar George. Well deserved, congratulations.
This is so sweet to see❤️ Bless you, Mr Gruhn.
Gorgeous guitar, well deserved. Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday Mr. Gruen!
I spoke to you on the phone a few times in the early 70s when I worked for Bob Coward at the Colorado Springs Folklore Center. Your voice still sounds the same!
I'm subscribing to your channel...have always appreciated your immense knowledge of all things guitar!
I'd love to hear it in person. I've heard Chris Thile speak equally passionately about the Loar mandolins.
Chris Thile is definitely knowledgeable about the Loar mandolins. He’s passionate about EVERYTHING he is into.
I find it very interesting though that the Loar mandolins are so much more valuable than the guitars, mandolas, or mandocellos.
thank you for sharing your beautiful and passionate love story, may you and your partner share many more years together!
Maybell would love that you have one of these and I love your strong thumb melody lead .Go Carter scratch !! SO glad you found each other .. Thanks for letting Rajiv try his hand ... YOurs from Connecticut , Guy Wolff
we love you George , happy birthday
I feel the same about my guitars. They provide pure joy.
great sounding instrument, and great story !
George, I hadn't "seen" you since your column in "Frets" magazine...that was awhile ago! Enjoyed the video! Best to you...and Happy Birthday!
Wow, happy birthday ! Very interesting, listening to you.
Gentlemen George❤
thank you for sharing this with me.
Good for you! Happy Birthday!
I love this video. Great story and the guitar sounds amazing! Hope to see more videos that include it!
Congratulations George!!!!
I’m glad I can say that I know how he feels
Thank you for sharing. Congratulations on the beautiful instrument.
Mr. Gruhn, please play Wildwood Flower.
Happy 100 year anniversary!
That was touching and I feel the same way. I’ve got some wild lovers, one of them being a late 20’s, early 30’s Vega Cylinder f-hole Orchestra Monster of a guitar and some bestest buds, like a a 42’ L00. Who am I kidding. It’s a harem!
I have a lot of love for George
Happy Birthday Man! What a story!
What a great story. Almost love at first sight.
A dream guitar.
Beautiful!
Happy Birthday sir love your store it's like candy land
Nice guitar and some nice picking, George.
Congrat's George on finding your soul mate!
If it took George Gruhn 50 years to find his instrument it’ll take me many lifetimes to find mine.
Thanks, George. The same way here, these guitars all play better than me, seems like holding them they play themselves.
Hi George, I looked into the Lloyd Loar timeline, as I felt a bit unsure about when he left Gibson, but Roger Siminoff suggests that he moved to Boston in October 1924. Here's Siminoff's relevant paragraph...
"Some believe that it was Loar’s involvement with Virzi that led to his sudden departure from Gibson. Others believe it was his strong desire to get Gibson motivated to manufacture electric instruments. And some believe it was the company’s difficulty in making and selling Master Model instruments. After years of research and in-depth study of his personal documents, I cannot find any proof that any of these were the case. We do know through Loar’s correspondence that he did not enjoy working in business where “profit” was the gating issue. In The life and work of Lloyd Allayre Loar, I describe the management struggles that occurred in 1924 that posed an uncomfortable work environment. And, we know that Loar’s desire to venture into electric instruments would have been a major departure from Gibson’s 25-year tradition of building and marketing acoustic stringed instruments. Regardless of the reason, Loar was highly motivated and needed to move on. Loar left Gibson at the end of October, 1924 leaving in question who “tested and approved” and then signed the labels for the two dozen instruments that were finished in November and December of that year. Especially when Loar was living in Boston at the time."
Of course, it takes a while for the instrument to progress through the factory construction process and get a finish sprayed on, so I suppose we won't really know exactly what path this instrument took, or who, exactly approved the tuning and assembly of the parts. I remember you telling me that you generally preferred the L - 5's that were built in 1927 - 1928 to the ones built under Loar's tenure, but perhaps you've changed you mind. I wonder about exactly when the change from plain, often flat - sawn birch to figured maple for the back and sides took place, and about any view you might have formed about the effect that this change had on the L-5?
I would add that Gibson was in terrible financial trouble in 1924, and considering bankruptcy as a solution. Perhaps building the most expensive guitar in America didn't seem as important as improving the cash flow with improved sales. From what I can find, it wasn't until 1926 that Gibson produced the entry-level birch body L-1, their first flat top guitar model, and somehow managed to survive.
If I ever got rich the cars and new house would have to wait. My first stop would be Mr. Gruhn shop !
That's my dream guitar.
Bucket list, go visit George's shop and maybe just maybe get to hear him play his guitar in person!
Great video/document.
Wow. Sounds as good as it looks. 😍
11:00 choking up ...,.., Priceless!!’✌️
That was beautiful Mr Gruhn. I recently received my musical partner and it is also an L5. I know what you mean!
Oh by the way, Happy Birthday Sir.
Joe DeNisco
Looks absolutely gorgeous to me, George.
Happy for you!
Wow! Just to think about a beautiful guitar like that being more expensive than a Ford Model T car in 1924 is amazing!