Chris Eldridge - 'Wildwood Flower'

When someone hands you a good instrument to try out, you can't resist it. And when Nick Forster of Hot Rize asked the Punch Brothers' Chris Eldridge if he'd like to borrow the '37 Martin D-28 that used to belong to the late, great Charles Sawtelle, you can guess what happened next.

In the Winter 2010 issue of the Fretboard Journal, "Critter" Eldridge says, "getting to spend this much time with this instrument has really changed the way I approach my playing. It's taught me things."

Photographer Amanda Kowalski caught up with Eldridge and the guitar in this quick clip. She also took photos of the D-28 for our Case Studies feature in the print edition. The historic guitar has since been returned to Forster.

[geraldscott]

This was one of the first tunes I learned when I started playing guitar at age 16, in 1975.

[MrJasdog]

Great tune on a great guitar. Martin guitars are all what's good about America .

[poordignambooks]

I had the privilege to see Chris Eldridge and Julian Lage a few weeks ago in Richmond. Mind blowing. It was insane, absolutely the best guitar playing I've seen live. And after talking to them, I found out that they happen to be two of the nicest guys ever. And, just to top it off, Mr. Ben Eldridge of the Seldom Scene was sitting about ten feet away from me. Whatever these guys are doing, they are doing it right. Good job, fellas.

[allenronaldson]

I saw them at the Old Town School of Folk Music in March.
AlI I can say it wow. I was depressed and prepared to give up playing until I got in the car to drive home. By The time I got home I was so motivated to play, I stayed up until dawn practicing and playing. Isn’t that what happens every damn time?

[curtispartain]

almost everyday I listen to someone's rendition of this melody as I play it myself...this might one of the best! Thank you

[jonmars]

Critter done set my soul at ease. So very nice.

[MrDirkjung]

My favourite Version of one of my favourite Songs...so melancholic

[johngeddes]

Thanks for sharing this gem with some nicely done twists and turns that take us on a very pleasant ride.

[BopCity]

Wow---I can really hear and feel the wonderful sound of that D-28, even with your basic recording device. I have a 1962 Martin D28 and it's got the same kind of marvellous resonance, but different----the original Adirondack spruce top, versus later Sitka. Anybody who owns one of these guitars knows what a pride and joy they are to play.

[F_later]

A nice arrangement of this beautiful song with her rather simple, melody line. A lot of creative ideas in your playing to pimp this (and other) basic melodies and songs. Thnx.

[mikehaag]

Great picking, Chris. I really enjoyed that!! I have loved your Dad's amazing banjo playing since I first heard the Seldom Scene in about 1972 or 1973. You guys sure have the talent!!

[symphonyfarm]

Awe man! Critter looks like such a young strappin' buck in this!!! For a little while there was an "Uncle Billy" floating around VT for about 4K. I always wondered whose hands it fell into!!

[jfn]

The playing, and the sound, is just amazing!

[hochbob]

Chris, you are to the guitar what your Dad is to the banjo....both world class pickers.

[jimmyharris]

Great ! Mother Maybelle would be proud !

[maldoror]

That Fsus4 at 1:08 sounds like magic! I steal it.

[skatetodeath]

Love the old style bluegrass that was not to fast like the new style is.

[Sherman]

Good Job bro! ; ) Keep on Rockin'...

[resilientrecoveryministries]

Technical skill is amazing. But he makes you feel, too

[Tonetwisters]

Gorgeous guitar. But this song needs to KICK! When my bandmates would take a break, I'd stay and rock the house with a fast Stratocaster version of this ... people came out of the woodwork to get to that dance floor, to just ONE guitar!