While I am a lover of musical instruments throughout the world (and have a house-full of them) I am neither an instrument collector nor am I a hoarder. In fact, it’s always seemed wrong somehow to have good instrument languishing, undeservedly un-played. So every few years I look into my closet and see what old warhorse has been idle too long to justify…and I try to get them into the hands of people who would give them good homes and new lives.

And this year was one of those years. I have three great instruments that I haven’t played in some time that I’m willing to part with, provided they’re going to good homes and will be loved and played.

Santa Cruz FX 6-string guitar. This was a prototype guitar made especially for me and designed by my pal, Paul Hostetter. It was intended to be the precursor of a line called Golden State, featuring all native California materials. Sitka spruce top, walnut back, sides and neck. A gorgeous inlay of the CA state flower, the poppy, in the headstock. Got some some wear on it and a small non-moving crack between neck and sound hole. This was my stage and recording guitar for many years, equipped with a Baggs Micro-Duet pickup/mic system. In a custom-made red Calton case. $4000.

Deering Calico Long-Neck banjo. This was an instrument custom made for me. A long-neck (Pete Seeger style) banjo with a wooden tone ring (like my Deering Tree of Life stage banjo and the John Hartford models). Probably the best recording banjo I’ve ever used. (It's the instrument I'm playing in the photo at the top of this newsletter) Mint condition. Comes with a custom Keith Calton case, the maker of the original Caltons, in England. $3700.

**SOLD**Guild F-212XL 12-string guitar. I bought this guitar when I was first starting out (about 1972) and it was my stage 12-string guitar until I got my Bruce Taylor instrument back in the 90’s. Again, has some wear on it and some expertly repaired cracks in the back. Installed with a Baggs Dual-Source pickup/mic system. Original case (with “McCutcheon” painted on one edge). $1500.

To see pictures of these instruments go to the Gear Section of this site. More photos and details available on request.

All these instruments are professional, working instruments and they sound and play great. And they ought to be played regularly…and that ain’t gonna happen in my house. Drop a line to the office via the www site (www.folkmusic.com/contact) and we can work out shipping and payment details.