All I can say, is that I hope to one day put a driftwood guitar in my hands. At this point I can honestly say that there is no way i can play it to the degree in which this one was played. But as I continue my guitar journey, I hope to one day have the skill and appreciation to bring such beautiful sounds out of a beautifully handcrafted instrument like this.
I love everything about this. Rhett, Dylan, and Chris, each equally a passionate artist in their own right, in their own way. Great reminder of my own personal motto when it comes to making and enjoying music: play the music you love on the gear you love, and encourage everyone to do the same. That's it. Stay on that path and the pure joy of music creation stays wonderfully alive.
I got the privilege to play this guitar at NAMM as well (pretty sure I'm the "somebody else" he referred to). Let me tell you guys, the video simply does not do it justice. This thing absolutely blew my mind and recalibrated what I thought was possible with an acoustic. I have tried a few dozen handmade guitars before from some well known luthiers, and this one stands out as my clear favorite among them. I have spent the last year or so trying handmade guitars at every opportunity with the goal of finding the right luthier for my first handmade instrument. After playing this the search was over; I promptly placed an order with Chris to get on his waiting list before it's like 5 years long lol.
Wow, What a beautiful acoustic guitar. That top is stunning. I love what he did with the bridge as well, it looks very robust to transfer the string energy. His work on the inlay is truly impressive. Chris is a wonderful artisan luthier.
Hi, I’m a horticulturist and monstera deliciosa is my plant, I love your work. I’ve been playing guitar for 35 years. Wow. I currently play a Cole Clark angel 3.
Had a huge monstera d. in Memphis during the 80s for 6 years. Absolutely huge. Gave it away. Was no big deal to have this particular plant, now its so " cool" to have a monstera d. I just don't get it. Then again, i dont fall for the latest thing and never have.
I do not think I could ever afford such a beautiful instrument, but as an Eric Clapton fan... I believe this neck design and the incredible wood used make it my dream guitar... thanks for creating it... even if we do not ever see it again... this is a piece of art...
Here in Louisiana I`ve found ancient logs uncovered by creek floods in the ripple hills of central Louisiana that are impact ripples from the asteroid impact that killed the dinosaurs. I carved into one with a hatchet and the grain was stunning and looked redish/orange and varnished wet. AND...my hacking on the log disturbed a giant yellowjacket nest, so. We`ve also drilled into logs over 100 feet underground making water wells.
Louisiana was 100 feet under the sea at the time of the dinosaurs. The ripples associated with the Chicxulub impact are from the large sediment deposits pushed by the (unimaginably) enormous tsunamis that rolled back and forth through the area. However, they were inferred using large data-sets built by petroleum company exploration and are not visible above ground. "Ripple Hills" are likely a reference to the valley trains (fluvial deposits) that occurred during the late Pleistocene when the sea levels were much lower - this is common feature throughout the lower Mississippi River flood plain. It is easy to confuse the two as they sound rather similar, but they have very different.
@@CohenRautenkranz That`s what researchers claim. I`ve always wondered how they formed and why we found very shallow sea shells in our gardens in the area and huge deposits of corral and black shark teeth in the sides of the hills. They found entire whale skeletons just north of my location in Columbia, La, and our creeks are full of sea fossils turned into very hard brown and light colored stones. There`s a lot of petrified palm wood in some areas and beautiful agates. There are some very strange landscape features here. I wish researchers cared enough to come here and see some of the things I`ve found and get samples of the ancient buried trees for tree ring data research and date the thick layers of tiny bones buried in the edges of rivers that are turning to opal. What caused these deposits? What caused the massive sand blows and cracks in the huge hills here? We may be in danger of massive earthquakes.
@@CohenRautenkranz There are huge rolling hills here in central Louisiana and scientists claim they were caused by the shockwaves of the impact. When you go east the hills suddenly meet the Mississippi River flood plain and abruptly end. The hills are very steep there and the last several hills before the flood plain are very tall and steep. Driving up them I had to down shift in my truck because they were at about a 45-50 degrees angle. In the side of the last hill there are layers of white limestone and fossils where they cut into the hill making the road to Harrisonburg. The other side of the road is a completely flat plain. Alexandria put their radio tower in this hilly region because of its higher elevation.
that is probably the best voicing that I have ever heard on such a beautiful guitar as you said you have to give here to get there imho you got it everywhere master builder, master players, and master listener what a combo lol thank you for sharing
Highly functional hand crafted art. Ca t imagine the long yerm reponse for this builder. I've bought a number of boutique guitars, and the values have gone up over the years.
Rhett, There is a point in quality that usually money buys, where the instrument moves from being played to showing its character and when that happens, the detail of how string vibrations work with each other produces sounds that you cannot get with a regular guitar. This must be what luthiers have been searching for since the first fine guitars were ever made. So while most people want to play guitar, only a few get to appreciate the guitar playing back. P.S. There is music so good, not the actual notes or the melody or whatever, but there's music from an instrument that is so good that it makes you hear things you never thought were there, and it it chokes you up and you get a little teared realizing how much you've been missing.
I purchased two of these tops from Alaska Specialty Woods about a decade ago, commissioned one guitar and held onto the other top. Knew the supply was running low but didn't know it was now exhausted. This video does a good job of demonstrating it's tonal qualities. Might consider selling the spare top to finance more outboard gear if anyone is interested.
i have a martin OOOX1 that blows my mind, i would love to compare it to more guitars cos frankly i think it's the best sounding acoustic i ever did (i've bought and sols at least 60 guitars since 2014, and more in my 70 years) it's all so subjective. (i also have a 66 j45, a 69 epi texan, a maton, a larrivee, it's better than all of them)
Reading the inlay quote seems to me be the guitar talking, not Clapton. It’s the music inside the guitar raging to be free. That is a beautiful sound coming from that work of art.
Chris Alvarado @driftwoodguitars is a true master of his craft. I met him while he was still in the Air Force while I was gigging and living in Alaska running open mic nights. Chris would come out and play and I could tell you that talent that was Yet to be unfurled. he said I inspired him to get into music music after the Air Force and not long after he started building guitars. Darn and I really should’ve had him build me one like 10 years ago!
as beautiful as it is and how i consider it of an art than just an instrument, i really love how great the tone is and hoping it to be played and not just put behind the glass
That sound, especially when you were on the slide is so pretty. And it helps that the guitar itself is a work of art. I hope these guitars are played and not hung like art.
how articulate and emotional this guitar sounds is so pleasing, and yes, the dynamic range is as much as you would get from a cinema camera standpoint, in this case an Arri Alexa 35!
Simply beautiful I personally love your inlay work it gives the player a more personal relationship with the instrument but my favorite part is the bevel edges they look so natural and comfy to play nicely done ✅
Absolutely stunning. The best artwork guitar I’ve seen. Beats anything out of Martin. Even the 27k one that was at the show. However to play, I’d want satin finish
30 years touring & recording. I’ve never come across a guitar that wants for nothing both dynamically, tonally. I doubt such a perfectly beautiful sound can be replicated by any luthier.
Wow! That is so beautiful that it slays me! The Customer in Hong Kong is very fortunate. You really showcased what the guitar was capable of! Something that rare and pretty will likely end up behind glass, though, won't it 😢?
First of all, someone paid A LOT of money for this guitar and in my opinion,what he got …..worth every penny, that and more! very well Done my friend! very well done indeed!looking forward to your next build.
Well you can definitely hear the weight of the note, so full. That acoustic would do wonders in a studio, Owner is going to love this guitar. Great job! I want one 🎶
Wow! Just WOW. That guitar sounds amazing and it seems so responsive and touch sensitive! Gorgeous of course. Love the sculpting, arm bevel, belly cut etc.
Also - I have a mid 40s Gibson southern jumbo with an adirondack top and mahogany back and sides. It is the most amazing guitar I've ever heard (and the loudest) and has this same touch sensitivity. Chris's guitar reminds me so much of it.
Beyonds words. Next level guitar building. Sweetest sounds I have ever heard. BTW the players were fun and inspirational. Articulate and nuanced full range acoustic Bliss. Love it.
The second time watching this video. This time with a nice set of headphones. Can really appreciate the power of that guitar with a good set of headphones
This makes me think of something Ray Hennig, the man who sold Stevie Ray his #1, said to me when I bought my first good acoustic guitar from him - "friend, this is the worst that guitar is ever going to sound" (referring to it opening up). Can you imagine what that Driftwood will sound like after it's been played a few years?
No hype! That is a stellar sounding guitar! I am not a fan of the inlay choice but overall that guitar has such a dominant and balanced tone. its bold but still has great balance! Love it! 🤘
Great playing guys super great guitar. I always find that when I acoustic can make me shed some tears it’s a good one. I think Martin Simpson would like your guitar…
Go subscribe to @driftwoodguitars to see the latest 300 Year Old Guitar build!
I served in the USAF with Chris. He was a good dude and worked hard.
@rhettshull its time for you to do a video on the tidal caster
Way way way ahead of ya, buddy lol
3000^
It's interesting to see how R guitar building materials apply to different types of wood come from and effect the sound the guitar!!!
Chris is a friggin’ wizard. His channel is exceedingly enjoyable.
His hair gives his wizardry away.
That guitar is beautiful and you have me hooked on Dylan Adams so it is great seeing him again.
The fact that someone could craft such a beautiful instrument by hand blows my mind!
All I can say, is that I hope to one day put a driftwood guitar in my hands. At this point I can honestly say that there is no way i can play it to the degree in which this one was played. But as I continue my guitar journey, I hope to one day have the skill and appreciation to bring such beautiful sounds out of a beautifully handcrafted instrument like this.
@DylanAdamsGuitar slide playing is killer....could almost put a tear in your eye... Thanks Rhett
NAMM Time is my favorite time of the year. All my favorite RUclipsrs show up with the best content.
I love everything about this. Rhett, Dylan, and Chris, each equally a passionate artist in their own right, in their own way. Great reminder of my own personal motto when it comes to making and enjoying music: play the music you love on the gear you love, and encourage everyone to do the same. That's it. Stay on that path and the pure joy of music creation stays wonderfully alive.
I got the privilege to play this guitar at NAMM as well (pretty sure I'm the "somebody else" he referred to). Let me tell you guys, the video simply does not do it justice.
This thing absolutely blew my mind and recalibrated what I thought was possible with an acoustic. I have tried a few dozen handmade guitars before from some well known luthiers, and this one stands out as my clear favorite among them.
I have spent the last year or so trying handmade guitars at every opportunity with the goal of finding the right luthier for my first handmade instrument. After playing this the search was over; I promptly placed an order with Chris to get on his waiting list before it's like 5 years long lol.
Absolutely visually and audibly gorgeous! Killed me that Willin' was played on it...too cool.
That is one of the most beautiful looking acoustics and the sound is glorious.
Bro, just a beautiful piece of art. Glad you had a blast at NAMM Rhett. Keep up the great work :)
I grow up around acoustic guitars and that guitar sounds as it looks, Amazing! 🎸🎸
Wow, What a beautiful acoustic guitar. That top is stunning. I love what he did with the bridge as well, it looks very robust to transfer the string energy. His work on the inlay is truly impressive. Chris is a wonderful artisan luthier.
Thank you for this great video. This guy is a "Master Class" builder who makes beautiful guitars that sound great.
The sustain and the warmth!! Drone notes just carry through. Also, will never get over how nice that top is.
Crazy good sound to that guitar. The builders' attention to that tuning detail takes it over the top!
Absolutely incredible . Just for the record Chris is a great dude . As amazing as person as he is a luthier which sets the bar pretty high . Unreal
with all my honesty, this is the most pleasing, articulate, and sublime sounding guitar i have ever beard through my phone.
Hi, I’m a horticulturist and monstera deliciosa is my plant, I love your work. I’ve been playing guitar for 35 years. Wow. I currently play a Cole Clark angel 3.
Had a huge monstera d. in Memphis during the 80s for 6 years. Absolutely huge. Gave it away. Was no big deal to have this particular plant, now its so " cool" to have a monstera d. I just don't get it. Then again, i dont fall for the latest thing and never have.
I do not think I could ever afford such a beautiful instrument, but as an Eric Clapton fan... I believe this neck design and the incredible wood used make it my dream guitar... thanks for creating it... even if we do not ever see it again... this is a piece of art...
A truly gorgeous guitar. Masterful work. True art.
Here in Louisiana I`ve found ancient logs uncovered by creek floods in the ripple hills of central Louisiana that are impact ripples from the asteroid impact that killed the dinosaurs. I carved into one with a hatchet and the grain was stunning and looked redish/orange and varnished wet. AND...my hacking on the log disturbed a giant yellowjacket nest, so. We`ve also drilled into logs over 100 feet underground making water wells.
It's a wonder filled thought...but how on earth could we know that's what caused the ripples? Anyway, I don't want to be the buzz kill lol
@@allosaurusfragilis7782 - not to be a buzz kill, but if you search "louisiana ripple hills" it's pretty easy to find out...
Louisiana was 100 feet under the sea at the time of the dinosaurs. The ripples associated with the Chicxulub impact are from the large sediment deposits pushed by the (unimaginably) enormous tsunamis that rolled back and forth through the area. However, they were inferred using large data-sets built by petroleum company exploration and are not visible above ground.
"Ripple Hills" are likely a reference to the valley trains (fluvial deposits) that occurred during the late Pleistocene when the sea levels were much lower - this is common feature throughout the lower Mississippi River flood plain. It is easy to confuse the two as they sound rather similar, but they have very different.
@@CohenRautenkranz That`s what researchers claim. I`ve always wondered how they formed and why we found very shallow sea shells in our gardens in the area and huge deposits of corral and black shark teeth in the sides of the hills. They found entire whale skeletons just north of my location in Columbia, La, and our creeks are full of sea fossils turned into very hard brown and light colored stones. There`s a lot of petrified palm wood in some areas and beautiful agates. There are some very strange landscape features here. I wish researchers cared enough to come here and see some of the things I`ve found and get samples of the ancient buried trees for tree ring data research and date the thick layers of tiny bones buried in the edges of rivers that are turning to opal. What caused these deposits? What caused the massive sand blows and cracks in the huge hills here? We may be in danger of massive earthquakes.
@@CohenRautenkranz There are huge rolling hills here in central Louisiana and scientists claim they were caused by the shockwaves of the impact. When you go east the hills suddenly meet the Mississippi River flood plain and abruptly end. The hills are very steep there and the last several hills before the flood plain are very tall and steep. Driving up them I had to down shift in my truck because they were at about a 45-50 degrees angle. In the side of the last hill there are layers of white limestone and fossils where they cut into the hill making the road to Harrisonburg. The other side of the road is a completely flat plain. Alexandria put their radio tower in this hilly region because of its higher elevation.
dmn... it sounds magnificent. and it doesn't hurt that also Dylan plays some slide. And Willing to 😊
that is probably the best voicing that I have ever heard on such a beautiful guitar
as you said you have to give here to get there
imho you got it everywhere
master builder, master players, and master listener what a combo lol
thank you for sharing
Highly functional hand crafted art. Ca t imagine the long yerm reponse for this builder. I've bought a number of boutique guitars, and the values have gone up over the years.
Wow I was not at all prepared for how amazing that sounds. Gorgeous.
Absolutely beautiful guitar. Glad to see Dylan giving it the slide test too. Great video guys
Rhett, There is a point in quality that usually money buys, where the instrument moves from being played to showing its character and when that happens, the detail of how string vibrations work with each other produces sounds that you cannot get with a regular guitar. This must be what luthiers have been searching for since the first fine guitars were ever made.
So while most people want to play guitar, only a few get to appreciate the guitar playing back.
P.S. There is music so good, not the actual notes or the melody or whatever, but there's music from an instrument that is so good that it makes you hear things you never thought were there, and it it chokes you up and you get a little teared realizing how much you've been missing.
I purchased two of these tops from Alaska Specialty Woods about a decade ago, commissioned one guitar and held onto the other top. Knew the supply was running low but didn't know it was now exhausted. This video does a good job of demonstrating it's tonal qualities. Might consider selling the spare top to finance more outboard gear if anyone is interested.
I watched once with sound, and again without. That is one of the best looking pieces of craftsmanship/artwork ever
Beautiful build there... The inlay is not my cup of tea, but it sure has tone for ages. Lucky buyer!!
WOW IS RIGHT!! Not sure I've ever heard an acoustic guitar sound that good. Base is off the chart but so is everything else! Very Nice!
i have a martin OOOX1 that blows my mind, i would love to compare it to more guitars cos frankly i think it's the best sounding acoustic i ever did (i've bought and sols at least 60 guitars since 2014, and more in my 70 years) it's all so subjective. (i also have a 66 j45, a 69 epi texan, a maton, a larrivee, it's better than all of them)
@@HarryNicNicholas this is 30 000+ guitar
I saw the driftwood article on this guitar. Just beautiful.
Reading the inlay quote seems to me be the guitar talking, not Clapton. It’s the music inside the guitar raging to be free. That is a beautiful sound coming from that work of art.
Chris Alvarado @driftwoodguitars is a true master of his craft. I met him while he was still in the Air Force while I was gigging and living in Alaska running open mic nights. Chris would come out and play and I could tell you that talent that was Yet to be unfurled. he said I inspired him to get into music music after the Air Force and not long after he started building guitars. Darn and I really should’ve had him build me one like 10 years ago!
'Out on the road, late last night'. I heard and saw a beautiful guitar. Wow!
What a beutiful piece. Looks amazing...sounds amazing. The tone of that slide on it was crazy
Nice guitar. Well done.
Dylan, I caught that Little Feat riff. 💥
You guys are great players.
Willin' Awesome song. 🙂
One of my favorite tunes! And thanks 🙏🏻
as beautiful as it is and how i consider it of an art than just an instrument, i really love how great the tone is and hoping it to be played and not just put behind the glass
That sound, especially when you were on the slide is so pretty. And it helps that the guitar itself is a work of art. I hope these guitars are played and not hung like art.
Hooooly moly that is freaking incredible. My jaw literally dropped. What a beauty!
how articulate and emotional this guitar sounds is so pleasing, and yes, the dynamic range is as much as you would get from a cinema camera standpoint, in this case an Arri Alexa 35!
The worth of this guitar just raises by the minute this video is played. The owner must be in the clouds. I know i would! 🤩
Sounds amazing, incredible clarity and punch. Not just a show pony.
Such a beautiful guitar and great playing!! 😍🔥
Super cool seeing Dylan Adams on here!
THAT REALLY IS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL SOUNDING GUITAR.
Simply beautiful I personally love your inlay work it gives the player a more personal relationship with the instrument but my favorite part is the bevel edges they look so natural and comfy to play nicely done ✅
Absolutely stunning. The best artwork guitar I’ve seen. Beats anything out of Martin. Even the 27k one that was at the show. However to play, I’d want satin finish
30 years touring & recording. I’ve never come across a guitar that wants for nothing both dynamically, tonally.
I doubt such a perfectly beautiful sound can be replicated by any luthier.
I think it's great how these guys know each other. I know Rhett has one of Chris's Tidalcasters. He's got to pull that thing out and let us hear it!
We played his Tidalcaster in my Telecaster comparison video featuring Rhett, on my channel now!
Wow! That is so beautiful that it slays me! The Customer in Hong Kong is very fortunate. You really showcased what the guitar was capable of! Something that rare and pretty will likely end up behind glass, though, won't it 😢?
So cool- i love seeing you fellas together also. A privilege to play for certain- i dont usually get jealous
That thing is ridiculous ! the bevels are amazing.
This is where art meets art. Wonderful 🌞❤️👍
First of all, someone paid A LOT of money for this guitar and in my opinion,what he got …..worth every penny, that and more! very well Done my friend! very well done indeed!looking forward to your next build.
What an amazing piece of craftsmanship. WOW!
Does Guitar Center carry those? Seriously, a work of art, and it sounds amazing.
Well you can definitely hear the weight of the note, so full. That acoustic would do wonders in a studio, Owner is going to love this guitar. Great job! I want one 🎶
Wow on the looks.
But WOOOOW on the sound, really warm sounds bruv!
That is some beautiful work,and it sounds MAGNIFICENT
Loved hearing that snippet of Willin’ by Little Feat there in the demo! Sounds so good
Now that's what a guitar sounds like! Amazing.
Wow! Just WOW. That guitar sounds amazing and it seems so responsive and touch sensitive! Gorgeous of course. Love the sculpting, arm bevel, belly cut etc.
Also - I have a mid 40s Gibson southern jumbo with an adirondack top and mahogany back and sides. It is the most amazing guitar I've ever heard (and the loudest) and has this same touch sensitivity. Chris's guitar reminds me so much of it.
Beyonds words. Next level guitar building. Sweetest sounds I have ever heard. BTW the players were fun and inspirational. Articulate and nuanced full range acoustic Bliss. Love it.
You need to play more of his creations and let us know how they feel, sound, etc.
Of course, it is! Cuz it is not any mass-produced firewood. Chris' guitars are just amazing!
For me, I liked the pedals. There was a touch more clarity in the high end. Which I always am searching for more of. But it all sounded killer!
Masterful Work! True Artists…..much appreciated….
That is a stunning instrument, aesthetically and sonically!
Just beautiful work wow well done
Absolutely stunning guitar!
BEEEN WAITING FOR SOOOO LONG FOR RHETT TO MAKRR THIS KIND OF VIDEO
I love watching Chris' channel.
Guitar is FANTASTIC! Cool Job/ and playing. Thanks.
Love the video. The guitar is at another level. WOW!
I’ve already seen it and heard it and it’s amazing! Not my style of fretboard art but to each their own. The guitar itself though is amazing.
The second time watching this video. This time with a nice set of headphones. Can really appreciate the power of that guitar with a good set of headphones
Man would I love to record with that guitar... but then again, I don't think the recording would ever end.
SO much grace!
God bless y’all!
Thanks for sharin’ Rhett!
SOLI DEO GLORIA
(To The Glory Of God Alone)
Father, Son & Holy Spirit
-Ronnie
You should loan that amazing guitar to Quinten Tarantino for his next film.
😂
Nooooo...not the MARTIN!!!
You really belive in that story...?
@@MilosBrajkovic-rc3ik I've read in multiple sources that it's true.
I can’t decide what’s more gorgeous - how this guitar looks or how it sounds
Beautiful guitar and awesome playing guys!
Beautiful! Thanks for sharing this for all to enjoy!
The most beautiful sounding acoustic guitar I’ve ever heard.
Beautifully crisp the sound is incredible 🎸💞
This makes me think of something Ray Hennig, the man who sold Stevie Ray his #1, said to me when I bought my first good acoustic guitar from him - "friend, this is the worst that guitar is ever going to sound" (referring to it opening up). Can you imagine what that Driftwood will sound like after it's been played a few years?
No hype! That is a stellar sounding guitar! I am not a fan of the inlay choice but overall that guitar
has such a dominant and balanced tone. its bold but still has great balance! Love it! 🤘
Wow, just wow. No more words are needed.
Beautiful looking and sounding guitar!
I've never heard a better sounding acoustic guitar in my life. Whatever the price tag was on gem was more than worth it.
Guitar sounds and looks amazing. Well done.
That beauty is articulate and has a really rich sound.
I would say it's right up there with Huss & Dalton or Lowden.
Mr. Shull is working his way into my top5 cool RUclips guitar guys rankings☆
Very talented. Thank you.
Crazy cool guitar! Sounds incredible ❤
What an incredible piece of art. Wow.
Great playing guys super great guitar. I always find that when I acoustic can make me shed some tears it’s a good one.
I think Martin Simpson would like your guitar…