Old Guitars and Ryan Adams songs

There's something about a guitar that is that much older than you, that has that many more stories to tell than you.  I believe these instruments that are made out of wood, which was once a living thing, leave behind the energy and history and memories of those who loved them, like they are melted into the grain.  You can feel an instant connection to an instrument the first time you sit down and play it.  And that instrument can have a profound impact on the kind of songs you are writing, the songs you are singing, and even how you are singing them.

This guitar was no different. 1968 Southern Jumbo. As soon as it was under my hands it felt like mine. My guitar had been stolen out of the back of my car so I needed to buy a new one and this was the excuse I needed to finally shop for my dream guitar. 

I've wanted a vintage Gibson forever. Since college. I've played Taylors and Martin's mostly and those are lovely guitars. But Gibsons.... 😍😍😍 There's a reason they say "Only a Gibson is Good Enough."

I bought this beauty from Gruhn's Guitars in Nashville. I was specifically looking for a 60's Gibson, and bonus if it had the skinny neck that I preferred. But all the old Gibson's I had played in Nashville at the other guitar stores were over 5k. Seriously.  Which not only was way out of my budget but then you're bringing a guitar that expensive on the road, and on a lot of fly dates? Even though they make special flight cases that are MUCH safer to fly with, that'll add another thousand on to your purchase. 

But this guitar, this lovely girl was MUCH closer to the price range I was looking in. Wes at Gruhn's (the guy helping us out) walked by while I was playing it he said, "Oh I've got one just like that with the standard neck if you wanna try that." I was like "No I actually love the skinny neck!" (I still tried the other guitar just for safety).   But she just felt like mine as soon as I started playing her.  And I went with my gut and that was that!!! 

This was one of the first songs I sat down and played when I got home. I'm not sure why.  I used to cover this one in college some, and I've maybe sang it a handful of times since but it just poured out of me that day.  So here it is: me and my new girl. One of my favorite Ryan Adam's songs of all time and of course Emmylou's vocals on it make me love it more.  Tell me what you think in the comments!

All my 💖,

Ruthie