My First Vintage Guitar... bought without playing it 

WHAT A FIND! Massive thanks to Zach of Mythos Pedals! Go buy his pedals (not sponsored)... instagram.com/mythospedals/

Congrats on your first vintage guitar!!

"Everything is falling apart" "I'm scared of... Everything" Damn, Mary just channeling the mood of my life rn.

David Rawlings from Gillian Welch fame plays a 1936 Epiphone Olympic. It really is a beautiful instrument and yours doesn't seem to need a neck reset which is amazing. A great find!

It's a jazz-guitar bridge, the same kind mandolins use until now, these are usually not glued so they move and thats good, you can easily adjust intonation and string height.

I’ve played thousands of guitars, and I can tell you that if you picked up a 1936 guitar that plays like that with just strings and a little TLC, you indeed have a find! That guitar has more than vibe, it has a lifetime of its own... its own history. You can only imagine where it’s been, and who might have played it. Elvis was 1 year old when it was new. Congratulations! Enjoy joining into the history of a fine guitar.

That is a floating bridge. It’s supposed to be that way. Epiphone, at that time, was sometimes considered better than Gibson. Measuring to get intonation right will be very satisfying. I have a 1940 of the same guitar. Sounds amazing! Clean and condition the fingerboard and frets and your good to go. Isn’t it exciting?!?! It’s like meeting a ghost!

I can't remember a time I wasn't fascinated by old instruments. Playing one is like stepping back in time.

I love that you describe your role as the “caretaker” of this beautiful instrument.

I love how she doesn’t use like the first 15 minutes of the video to just plug things and describe how they got the thing, unlike many other youtubers, she just gets right to the point

This lovely instrument will have gone to sleep, like an old violin. As the months go by and as you play it more and more it will wake up and start to resonate again. I'm a bass player and my brand new bass wasn't sounding very good, but now it's 10 years old and it can really sing. Give your lovely guitar lots of love and lots of cuddles then you have a great partner for the rest of your days. Enjoy. Xx Steve , from Durham UK.

It was such a pleasure to see and hear you getting more comfortable and then falling in love with this guitar. I love the distinctive sound it makes. This was lovely. Thank you.🙂

A very good friend of mine owns an old parlour guitar. We have no idea how old it is for certain, only that it's well over 100 years. It's been recently repaired by a very well respected luthier, who described is as being extremely well made. That guitar is not easy to play either, but when you play it sympathetically and go by the feel of how it 'likes' to be played, it can sing to you. Instruments develop such a unique character as they age. It's interesting that you described yourself as its 'caretaker', as that is how my freind thinks of himself in relation to his vintage guitar. That was a real pleasure to watch, thank you!

It is nice that this guitar has finally found someone with the ear and artistry to really appreciate it as an instrument. It has waited long enough!

That guitar is saying thank you over and over again and again. Being played by someone who so appreciates the beauty hidden within.

In the first two years, 1932 and 1933, Epiphone die-stamped the serial number on the inside of the back of their instruments. If you look through the “F” hole on the bass side, you will see it positioned below the label. Beginning in 1934, they moved the placement directly onto the label itself. This sequence begins in 1932 with the number 5000, and the last documented serial number in this series is 20142.

This guitar needs nothing. It's perfect the way it is. You know who the happiest one is? The guitar. She is being played again and making music instead of hanging on a wall. Best of luck.

I learned to play on a guitar exactly like this. My father was in the Navy and bought it from a shipmate who was transferred and needed money. He gave it to my mother, who played it for many years. (My father didn’t play.) I was born in 1953 and first picked it up in 1960 at the age of 7. It started me on a musical journey that has taken me around the world. I’ve played professionally for over 50 years, and it started with this guitar. Yours looks in better shape than the one I learned on. Sadly, it was lost in Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Many memories here. Thank you for reminding me, and enjoy this beautiful piece of history.

I love the pre-Gibson Epiphones. They are high quality pieces and sound just wonderful.

There is a similar guitar in the corner of my mother's house that my father use to play. Now I'm curious if it's the same guitar or not. I want to tell you that the emotion coming through your music on this video was indescribable. I feel so many emotions when listening to your music. There were tears just during the few bars you sang. Your voice is mesmerizing. Your talent touches my soul. I had to subscribe. Not to mention the valuable information you freely share about this field of music. I wish you many blessings.

Every guitar player's dream is to have a vintage guitar...

When I heard the first notes, I thought And then you played... and brought tears to my eyes. That guitar took 85 years to find it's home! I hope to hear a lot more from it and from you. Thank you.

I have an guitar that was given to me at the age of 16 when it was 80 years old. Now it's 138 years and still has the best tone I've ever heard. You have something well worth fixing.

I'm very late to this video, but wanted to complement you on your acquisition of a very beautiful guitar. I love my 1937 Olympic, but sadly it was not in the condition of yours initially. The celluloid had totally deteriorated to chalk and the neck was badly in need of a reset. After some loving conservation by a marvelous luthier it is now the jewel of my collection. As for quiet, it depends on the playing as the archtop guitars were used with the big bands so that the guitar wouldn't be lost under the brass. Hold on to it and good luck with centenary.

Oh my…what a video! I was extremely lucky enough to find a 1940 model in gorgeous condition at a flea market. I had the very same trepidations about restringing it as well. It’s like a baby…am so very thankful to be its caretaker for a while. I was fortunate enough that the case had many clues to the whereabouts of it’s life thus far. Fascinating.

Find yourself someone that holds you like Mary holds her guitar and you'll have found true love.

David Rawlings is most notably known for playing a 1930s Olympic with Gillian Welch. Some of the best acoustic music (and vocal harmonies) out today, in my humble opinion.

It is an amazing guitar... yes, a whole review please. Those new strings simply added life to a formerly neglected instrument. It now oozes with original vibe! Congrats Mary!

Your text said 'no processing' and I was like, wait, that's got reverb. Incredible tone!

This is the sweetest sounding guitar I have heard in a long time, and the vocals were pretty damned good too. This would make a great recording guitar.

Watch for movement on the neck daily now that it has tuned tension on it, look for signs of stress where the tailpiece fastens to the body. Detune it if there's neck movement or signs of stress. The necks on these guitars were reinforced, I believe, with a cantilever brace, 80+ years later hopefully it's still doing it's job. Tap around the whole surface area of the top and back of the body to check for rattles/looseness of the internal bracings. If you suspect a loose brace inside, especially on the top, again, detune the guitar when not in use to lower the tension/stress on the body and prevent cracking, warping/bowing. If you suspect multiple bracings have looseness detune it and leave it be until you get it to a luthier. Check the whole guitar for any cracks. Judging from the sound you are getting from it, I would guess that the bracings are good but at the same time that's sort of silly for me to say just hearing it on a youtube vid. Do you see signs that it had a pickguard on it? Just curious. Seems to be in very reasonable condition for it's age, again, just by seeing and hearing on youtube. These were kind of the lower end of the Epiphone line but at the same time, the condition, sound, you have something special there it was still a quality instrument in it's time for the price. A pre-WW II, pre-Gibson take-over Epiphone, treasure it!! It's said Epiphone was outdoing Gibson but when WWII hit Epiphone struggled and never recovered, resulting in Gibson buying them out and basically making sure the quality of the instruments under the Epiphone name didn't surpass Gibson's line. Maybe you've already thought of everything I said here but if not hopefully everything checks out and you're a little more comfortable with your buy and handling the instrument until you can get it to a luthier. Nice buy!!! The case was scary though lol.

Love a quick string change on an old guitar, resurrecting it and bringing life once again to it. As always your beautiful voice and touch makes this video so memorable! Cheers Mary!

It's got quite a tonal character. Comes out really good in the last 5 minutes when she plays and sings, such a nice feel!

I’m certain someone has mentioned to have the tuning gears checked, oiled and tightened. That will improve tone, intonation and ease of tuning the instrument. Then oil and clean the fretboard and polish the fret wires. Also polish the body with a non oil based cleaner like Smith’s polish. It’s a very organic sounding play. Try NICKEL Martin strings to get a more period correct sound. Love, TJ

Start of video - “why did she go and do that?” Mary starts playing at end of video - “oh, that’s why.”

That guitar sounds really beautiful! What an amazing find! Nothing like the vibe and sound of a true vintage instrument.

David Rawlings plays a 1935 Olympic. Beautiful sounding guitar. There are a few interviews where he talks extensively about those guitars.

The poor thing has probably been laying in its case for years feeling like an orphan that nobody wants. You have given it a home Mary and I can feel its joy and happiness coming to life through its voice that hasn't had a chance to speak for years until now.

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="68">1:08</a> me every time i change strings

I am really surprised at the musical charisma in the sound. I'm hearing so much resonance and harmonic overtones. It's like the little thing is singing in response to being played. It just seems like it's alive and touching the simple strings of music in our hearts. I hope you give it a very nice setup and enjoy the soft voice of Silver Bell.

That is an absolute beauty of a find. Wow. I'm genuinely in awe of how amazing and authentic it sounds. Well done Mary. Wishing you a wonderful journey with the old-timer!

"rather chuffed" - LOVE IT. I'm from Canada and really enjoy the expressions from other cultures.

Imagine the number of artist who have lovingly made music with this instrument. When you hold it in your arms, it’s as if you are holding everyone of those people through the ages right back to the very persons who felled the tree that it is made from.

Just a lovely video, i love seeing instruments coming off palliative care and into the hand of someone who loves them for what they are, reguardless of the scuffs and scratches....just beautiful

So glad to see how happy you are with your purchase. I got my first vintage guitar a year ago. It's a 1964 Hagstrom 2. My cousin worked at a school as a custodian and they were cleaning out the art department storage room, which used to be the music room back in the day. His co-worker grabbed a guitar case and was about to chuck it into the dumpster when my cousin asked if it felt like there was anything in it. Turns out there was. It was in great condition (other than the first 5 frets being worn down) and in the original case with vintage Gibson flat wounds on it (I know this because the original string packaging was in there as well). I had my Lutheir friends refret it and it is my favorite guitar! I know it is a mental thing, but it just FEELS better and more special than any other guitar I own.

Just as a general guide on the floating bridge. The 2 "points' on the f-holes actually point to where the bridge should be generally set. So, if it ever does fall off, you can quickly just place it back between the points and you will be 95% of the way there.

You might contact Keith at 5 watt world, he is an historian, player and friend of Rick Beato...... I am sure he could help with the history, and it might even become content for him too! Cool guitar!

Wow Mary, what a cool piece to find. It is beautiful and sounds lovely. It is wonderful to see it in the possession of someone who will care for it and enjoy it as much as you will.

I think this guitar was happy when it finally got new strings; it gained the vocal cords to tell you its story after so many years.

This out of time guitar deserves a dedicated album. I wonder what the songs will be about.

What absolute treasure to see this venerable instrument in such respectful and appreciative hands, and to witness the luck of it being in such surprisingly good playing condition, and then your beautiful playing and clear joy. What were the chances of it being so good? They say good instruments find their owners, rather than the other way round... And I love that attitude about custodianship. Everything's just perfect here. Thanks so much for sharing.

Your new vintage guitar has a vibe like to enjoy a half glass of fine wine and serenade a small intimate group with a tender lullaby to end their work day and escort them into an evening of a calm and peace filled space. Btw, beautiful voice too. Please take care and stay healthy. (Smile)

I am a drummer but I love stuff like this! Thanks for sharing! And you play Beautifully! The Guitar waited it’s entire life for you!!! ❤️🎼

Wow, Mary. Your style is perfect for a guitar like that. When you started singing I thought maybe you were somehow meant to find that guitar!

Remember that in the 30's the guitar was primarily a rhythm instrument in an orchestra or a big band, not usually a solo instrument.Try using a pick and bang out some chords like a guitarist would have done in, say, Artie Shaw's or Benny Goodman's band. That's was most likely the customer to whom your guitar was aimed.

That antique guitar completely transformed with just some new strings. Awesome quality from the pioneering age of Epiphone.

Congrats on your find. Glad to see you're so smitten with your purchase. I love the sound you got from in on your lovely tune. Play in good health!!

Whack a Floyd Rose and some EMG's on there and you've got yourself a keeper!

I really like the term "caretaker", especially with this guitar. It gives that sense that it's not just a piece of property, but it'll (hopefully ) endure and continue to make music long after we're gone.

I have a 1936 Hayden (cheaper brand made by Gibson). It was my father-in-law's. I also have a picture of him playing it in 1937. He was 17 at the time. It does not have a truss rod, it not easy to play, but I absolutly love it. Glad yours was well protected. There are so few untouched survivors from that era.

Your humbleness and presentations are always a blessing to watch. I always enjoy your videos, especially this one. Keep up the great work.

Mary, that has ‘blues’ oozing from every note. Picture some old bloke sitting on a porch, punching out a 12 bar blues as the sun sets.👍🇦🇺

Dave Rawlings sure makes his sound sweet when it’s partnered up with Gillian Welch’s big bodied strummed flat top. Nice guitar 🎸

Lovely to see this all the way from opening the box up to a superb acoustic concert piece. Brilliant Mary.

Hello Mary, what a beautiful guitar with a special soul. This instrument is a sentimental piece of music history. I'm sure you will give it lots of love. Congrats on your find.

Imagine how much time has passed since this beauty was made. And this sound: like an old man whose voice matured over the years telling you storys of his live. Such old instruments are something very special. I hope someday I own one of these storytellers too.

I'm not an expert by any means but I understand this is called a "floating bridge" meaning it isn't (usually) attached to the top. Some have little pins to keep them in place but if yours has no pins, you can move (slightly) the bridge to establish/maintain proper intonation. Again, I'm not an expert but used to have a modern arch top and that's what I was told. Beautiful instrument!

"..it's another sound to my repertoire.." Yes I totally get that, that's how I view my 1960s Hofner parlor guitar, which was a charity shop (goodwil) find, and is now a part of our family.

40 seconds into this video,u open the case and I’m already loving that guitar!! Uve got great taste!!!

Beautiful! I bought pretty much the exact same guitar, only it’s from the 40s for $250. The best part is finding all the songs that live in the guitar. It will never be truly ‘yours’, you have to respect the history and let it talk to you and reveal its secrets. My advice is control the humidity. Do Not let it dry out!

This is one of the happiest days in that guitars life. From being neglected for years someone opened its prison and light came flowing in. New clothes and ready to sing again. Happy times :)

I think of all the music that a guitar has played and each time you play it, the music memory is added. I wish a guitar could play back what was played on it. Enjoy adding to this old guitar`s life.

What a nice sounding guitar ! I'm in love... with this little epaminondasiphone instrument. You did a wonderful acquisition. It reminds me of my old L-3 I got a few years ago. It was a shock for me. It's like discovering a completely new universe. Congratulations !

I have one a year older. 1935 Spartan. Great instrument.

The splendid Mary Spender, just an awesome young woman.

It sounds lovely in your hands Mary. Happy New Guitar Day! Thanks for sharing your new find!

Excellent video Mary. It is wonderful to see you bringing that old instrument back to life again. Thank you for sharing.

When you can get a luthier to examine it, you will probably find it needs a fret job or at least "leveling," which will definitely enhance action. It sounds very much like a 1930s f-hole. The bronze strings are probably a bit too bright for it too. How many 84-year-old guitars are still playable, and even that sonorous? Congratulations.

This thing sounds like a seaside sunset after a strong drink

Absolutely amazing sound. What a gorgeous instrument. Have the case restored for sure. Wow.

I think your ability to play the instrument helps significantly. Truly a great find and I hope you do, in fact, record an EP with it.

I bought a basically perfect condition May Bell parlor from the 1930s recently, too! Paid only $450 for it and it has a beautiful, if quaint sound. Came with its original case.

This is one of my fave episodes you've made. I love your playing, noodling around etc, and the sound of this aged beauty coming back to life.

Thank you for sharing! What a beautiful musician you are. I could listen to you play for hours. And the singing is a bonus! Well done.

Hi Mary, it appears I am a year late to the conversation, but wanted to say you were very lucky on this purchase. I don’t know what you’ve had done to it since this video, but let me say that this Epiphone, with your voice behind it, is killer! I think the rawness of the blend is absolutely striking. I love seeing others value these historical music boxes. I have a 1969 Silvertone acoustic that Scott Baxendale rebuilt and it is my go to guitar. I also saved a 1937 Supertone round hole archtop from certain death. There’s just something special about the right touch on these old loves. Hello from east Texas and glad I found your channel. I’ll subscribe as well. My best to you and your family. Thanks, Randy

That little lady has such rich tone and sustain. It's good to hear her sig again after such a long time silent.

You probably already know this, but a bio of Rawlings stated, "David Rawlings is a guitarist, songwriter, producer, and singer -- mostly in that order -- who plies his trade on a 1935 Epiphone Olympic, for which he's gained a devoted following for getting more action out of the small arch top guitar than most guitarists get out of modern electrics". This was an incredibly touching video. Thank you for sharing it with us. Loved the tone, your playing, and your voice.

What a gem! So glad it's in the care of someone who appreciates it and will cherish it. Subscribed!

Man that guitar is immortal. Imagine an almost 100 year old guitar that still plays well, not even any buzzing after just a restring.

It's so easy to say that guitar was made to end up in your hands.. Love all your videos but this gave me goosebumps when you started that song. Thanks for sharing your journey.

wow so beautiful. It sounds so solid with it's own timbre! so happy for you!

personally I think you'd make a tin can with a string sound pleasing but I really really like that Epi. I thing you did well. Love the old F holes and the metal bridge does give off a kind of pseudo spring reverb. The intonation sounds spot on. Best of luck with it

The tone sounds great! Can't wait to hear when you mic it up! What a gentle classic sound. It's a keeper!

I've played a few old archtop acoustics like that. I find that they have a more percussive tone to them. There's a softer sustain, but a stronger punch to each note. Very cool find.

I can clearly hear the beautiful reverb coming from this guitar. It was the first thing that jump out to me and I thought you were using a reverb effect. Such a great addition to anyone's collection.

Thank you for sharing this beautiful video. Your new purchase sounds great, you play so wonderfully. And your singing is so soulful and I suppose that stems from your amazing speaking voice. I could listen to you all day long. Thanks again for sharing.

Same as David Rawlings? - it sounds beautiful. It fits your voice.

“You can have Chicago” I need that song! Please share that!!! That was lovely.

Beautiful guitar and beautiful sound.... it's amazing how each one sounds so different

Very sweet sounding guitar! Never heard one sound quite the same. Love the the base, subtle treble, pleasing mids, and your playing and singing of course!