FINALLY

From January 21st, 2008 until yesterday, I have been without my guitar. It's a 1974 Martin D-35 that I bought as my college graduation gift to myself.

I picked it up yesterday @ 1400hrs from Hughes Stringed Instruments, LLC

Hughes Stringed Instruments LLC
Randy Hughes
44 Witch Hazel Way
Fairview, NC 28730
828 628 9777


My test on any guitar is to tune it to an open tuning (such as DADGAD) and then grab a capo and see how well it stays in tune as I work my way up the fretboard. If it requires little to no-tuning then I'll consider it for purchase. When I dropped my D-35 off in January, it would not have made my list of considerations.

Randy handed me a capo with a huge smile on his face and watched as I did something on this guitar I've not been able to do in the 15+ years I've owned it. I tuned it accordingly and put the capo on the 5th fret. It played beautifully and required absolutely no re-tuning.






It's not as though I expected anything less. He works on guitars for performing artists and other luthiers from around the world (David Wilcox, Doyle Dikes, Vince Gill, Brad Paisley, Jim Olson Guitars, C.F. Martin, Gibson Guitars, McPherson Guitars, and the list goes on!)

Suffice it to say that I am tremendously pleased!!! When I got home I parked myself on the coffee table and played for about two hours. I have lots of chord transitions to re-learn.

Of course, I'll be more pleased when I sell this one and can buy a concert or jumbo-style - haven't figured out what I want yet.