1935 Martin D-18 played by Billy Strings

Billy Strings came by the shop to lend his immense talent for some videos demonstrations. Here is Billy playing a loved but incredible 1935 Martin D-18.

Here's some more info about this great pre war Martin. "Chicago folksinger Fred Holstein bought this guitar from a taxi driver in 1970. Recent repairs by Dave Musselwhite include neckset, refret, bridge plate saver, repair rim cracks, new bridge, new nut and new saddle. There is a previously repaired headstock crack, a patch in the lower treble rim, some finish over the pickwear. Huge sound. That bears repeating: Huge sound. In an Eastman fiberglass case."

[djpartin]

Billy Strings is a reality check for those moments when you start to think ‘damn I’m getting good’

[bobpratt]

Doctors should prescribe this video to people with depression. No matter how I feel, I always feel better after watching it. Thanks, Billy.

[craig]

Probably the best thing that's ever happened to this guitar.

[duckdog]

The thing that amazes me about Billy is that he never misses a note and every note is clean and pure.

[christophermulligan]

That train... that playing... that guitar. This video is gold.

[jefferp]

I showed this video to my guitar about 25 times. It still can’t play it.

[TenWilder]

That old Martin has been waiting since 1935 to play a tune this beautiful. Fantastic, both Billy and the guitar.

[rodneybradford]

The train moaning in the background makes this all the better!

[privateer]

Who would have ever thought pieces of wood fitted together with some steel wires and a talented young man could make something this beautiful? Jesus, that's just amazing.

[paulym]

I could listen to this guy play the guitar all day and not get tired of it. Man he’s so good.

[craigwhite]

If that was hold music I wouldn't mind being on hold for 55 minutes

[frakers]

This actually made me tear up a bit... to think about that old guitar just waiting on the rack for someone to come along and give a chance to really sing.... well done, Billy. You gave it wings to fly.

[Southernguitar]

I think I bought a dud guitar. Mine doesn't do that when I play it.

[johnalderman]

He is now my favorite performer. I love his blue grass and Rock. He is so amazing.

[EmilErnebroGuitar]

The world is upside down right now... but isn’t it wonderful though, that one young man with his guitar can have over one million people watching him on this YouTube video and we’re enjoying every note. Pure talent and hard work results in expressive music for so many people to enjoy. Gives me hope for the future.. an old acoustic guitar and a wonderful musician reminding us why life is beautiful.

[Pinrod]

I believe that train whistle at the end is the ghost of Doc Watson and Jimmy Rodgers giving Billy the nod he so deserves. If you are in a melancholy mood listen to Billy sang and play “Miss The Mississippi And You” and you will know what I mean!
Thank you Billy! You are the best and wish you the best!
David Barr

[JGCSRT]

I can’t even comprehend that level of talent. He’s like a guitar playing machine. He plays ridiculously complicated stuff and just nails it.

[makeitcount]

I like practicing at the guitar shop too. You get to play all the guitars i cant afford. Then i go buy strings and leave....happy. i mean...i thrash the Martins, Taylors and Gibsons...then go home to a yamaha 6 string. Such is life. Thank God i have a guitar. Its a journey. I gotta see Billy' s band play soon. Apart from Tommy, hes the best ive heard...and Billy's mandolin player is a flamethrower...worrrd.

[AStrangerInTheAlps]

If you're going to go by the name "Billy Strings" you better be able to back that shit up. I was glad to see he did. Great playing my friend.

[thinweasel]

I've listened to this so many times