Vince Gill: the Journey of a Country Legend and His Beloved Martin Guitar
Vince Gill reflects on his diverse musical journey, stating, “My career has taken many twists and turns. I’ve explored conventional country, ventured into pop, embraced rock, and even dabbled in blues. I’ve always aimed to avoid being pigeonholed into one style.” Since his rise to fame in the mid-1980s as a crossover sensation, Gill has produced a remarkable array of solo albums that highlight his exceptional songwriting, his hauntingly beautiful tenor reminiscent of Roy Orbison, and his impressive guitar skills.
Along with his solo work, Gill has engaged in various side projects, including his involvement with the time Jumpers, a collective of musicians who perform bluegrass and Western swing in Nashville.As 2017, he has also been a vital member of the Eagles, sharing the stage with Joe Walsh as the iconic band continues to captivate audiences.
A commitment to Country Music
Despite his eclectic style, Gill’s roots remain firmly planted in country music. “I have a deep commitment to traditional country music, especially as its popularity seems to be fading,” he shared in a 2017 interview with Guitar Aficionado. “I want to advocate for it because many people overlook the soulful depth of country music. It can be just as moving as the works of Ray Charles.” His dedication to the genre, coupled with his philanthropic efforts, earned him the prestigious willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award at the cmas last November.
Gill’s upbringing in a music-loving household played a notable role in shaping his career. “My father played a bit and owned a Harmony guitar, a Gibson ES-125, and even a banjo,” he reminisced. “Those were the first instruments I encountered as a child. He also had a tenor guitar, which was easier for my small hands to manage. That’s where my journey began until I could handle a full six-string.” At the age of ten, he received a red Gibson ES-335 and a Fender Super Reverb amp for Christmas, marking the beginning of his musical path.
The Iconic Martin D-28
Among the instruments that have defined his career,one stands out: a 1942 Martin D-28 herringbone acoustic guitar,which he acquired shortly after high school. “I paid $2,500 for it in 1975, a significant sum back then,” he recalled. ”I traded in a newer Martin, a ’71 D-41, along with $1,600 to make the deal.” This guitar, now housed in the Country Music Hall of Fame, has been a cornerstone of his collection.
Gill’s passion for bluegrass music led him to discover this guitar at a festival in the mid-1970s. “I spotted it in a case with a sign that read, ‘Pre-War D-28 $2,500.’ I asked to see it, but the owner was skeptical about my ability to afford it,” he recounted.”I offered to trade my guitar and cash, and despite being broke, I knew I had a gig lined up that would help me get by.”
This cherished D-28 accompanied Gill during his formative years in bluegrass bands, including stints with Ricky Skaggs’ Boone Creek and Byron Berline’s Sundance, taking him from his Oklahoma roots to Louisville and Los Angeles. The guitar inspired his song “This Old Guitar and Me,” where he captures its enchanting qualities and the stories they share.
While the song celebrates the guitar’s beauty, it omits the many scars it has accumulated over the years. “I can recall every scratch I’ve inflicted on it,” he shared in a TikTok video. “One day, our dog, Tillie, jumped up and left a mark on it.” Gill’s fascination with Martin guitars has led him to amass a collection of around 50, including a rare 1928 000-45 and two 1936 000-28s, one of which features a unique sunburst finish.
“I also own two OM-45s, which are incredibly rare,” he noted. “There were only 41 made.” One of these, a 1930 model, was a special birthday gift from his wife, singer Amy Grant. “She knows how to pick the perfect gifts,” he chuckled, explaining how she consults Nashville vintage dealer George Gruhn to find somthing he doesn’t already own.
Gill’s 1936 000-28 shade-top Martin was also a thoughtful present from Grant, who he reciprocated by gifting her a Gibson Nick Lucas model. “She has a fondness for Gibson guitars,” he said. “This one was made around the same time as her mother’s birth,which adds a sentimental touch.” Though, nothing compares to the emotional meaning of the 1959 Gibson Les Paul ‘Burst he obtained from a close friend before their passing-a story for another time.
