Andy Griffith Martin D-18

[AirBagTester]

A coworker gave me this article today on the Martin guitar exhibit up in Allentown PA, and one story made me cringe:

The story behind the Andy Griffith D-18 signature prototype has the flavor of a typically homespun tall tale. When Boak contacted Griffith's management to see if there was any interest in an Andy Griffith signature model, they said they'd get back to him. The very next day he got a phone call — from Griffith himself.

"He explained that back in the 1950s when he was making the film 'A Face in the Crowd,' the movie people needed two guitars — a cheap-looking one used by his character before he became famous, and a fancier one when he became the successful 'Lonesome Roads,'" Boak says. "The prop master solved the problem by taking the 'cheap' instrument, a beautiful Martin D-18, and without consulting anyone, painted it black and sprinkled sequins on it."

When Griffith was walking by the prop shop after the film was completed, he noticed the painted Martin in its case and "borrowed" it. He proceeded to sand off the black paint, then took the instrument to a local New York City guitar shop to have it re-lacquered. The result, sans pick guard, became Griffith's faithful companion for years. The Martin also became a mainstay on Griffith's many TV appearances, most notably the popular TV series "The Andy Griffith Show."

NOOOO!

But glad to hear he fixed it.

[Controller]

The first sparkle model!

I think Andy was a fair guitar player in his day.

[garymaddox]

I remember him playing the guitar on the show. I knew it was a Martin but I never noticed it didn't have a pickguard. I'll have to watch for that. Very interesting, Mr. AirBagTester.

[studio1087]

That's a great story.

It had a pick guard when Andy first played it.

The pickguard was removed when the black paint was stripped off.

[studio1087]

My two favorite D18 players are Andy Griffith and David Crosby. They have so much in common!

Two great honest guitar players.

[BottyGuy]

Originally Posted by studio1087

My two favorite D18 players are Andy Griffith and David Crosby. They have so much in common!

Two great honest guitar players.

Ah that one makes me cry

[Rufus]

Originally Posted by BottyGuy

Ah that one makes me cry

No, that song was "Don't Hit Your Grandma with a Great Big Stick".

In the Andy Griffith video, isn't the other guitar player Clarence White?

[dB]

Originally Posted by Rufus

In the Andy Griffith video, isn't the other guitar player Clarence White?

Yes. And Roland on mando.

[Warm Gums]

He also plays the Martin on Matlock in the "Blues Singer" episode.....with Brownie Mcgeeh, Joe Senica and others.http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0643966/

[telefunken]

Kinda off topic but.........I used to work at a hospital here in Los Angeles. I see movie stars all day and everyday. But I must say that when I met Andy Griffith one day at the hospital, it was the last and only time I was star struck. He was under an alias, so when I walked into the room I was literally speechless for a minute. He was kind and friendly

[elihu]

Originally Posted by telefunken

Kinda off topic but.........I used to work at a hospital here in Los Angeles. I see movie stars all day and everyday. But I must say that when I met Andy Griffith one day at the hospital, it was the last and only time I was star struck. He was under an alias, so when I walked into the room I was literally speechless for a minute. He was kind and friendly

Good to hear. Andy has always been a favorite of mine too.

Here's a vid of his D-18 without the pickguard (from 1963). I remember this episode well-all about stopping and smelling the roses. And Barney sounds pretty good!