NBN Guitars

I need to sell my M-1-12 #232......call 720-340-4169.......

Thanks for the post Paul!  Still watching for an R-3 or LTD.  Interesting differences in my R-2 from the one posted.  Mine has a five piece neck, the posted one looks like a single, and the posted one has gold tuners, while mine are nickel plated.

I will let John McCaleb know about this one.

Kindly,

Al

Here's an R-2 for sale.  

ne][/plturne]

Here's an R-2 for sale.  

I own R-2 0065 (rosewood, mother-of-pearl inlay). My father, a machinist, made some aluminum forms for NBN in trade for M-1 102 and R-2 0065 back in '70. I've been playing it now for 40 years. I've been offered big $$ for it as is, but I don't want to sell. Some edgebanding is starting to fail so I am looking for a luthier worthy to work on it. Longmont CO area. Any suggestions? Thanks.

My NBN guitar was made for me in 1973.  About 20 years ago, it got stepped on and badly damaged.  I put it away, and over time, the lack of humidity caused more cracking.  Several supposed guitar repair people told me "toss it and move on":o.  Recently, I found James at AJ's Music in Henderson, NV.  He fully restored my beautiful R1 to almost new condition, and all of you out there with an NBN know how good it is to play them. Didn't realize how much I missed it!!!  To the person who's NBN was stolen, my sympathy's.  Like you, I think watching the progress as they were built adds to our particular love for our beautiful NBN guitars (along with the superb experience of playing them!).  Happy Tunes, everyone!  Have an NBN day.

Hi everyone!

I am still looking for a R-3 if anone has an inclination to sell.

Kindly,

Al

This site is both a blessing and curse to me since my NBN was stolen. Seeing these master pieces kinda breaks my heart. I have a lovely Taylor these days which is a lovely instrument, but nothing, not even a Collings or top US Breeloves among other great luthiers are/were a NBN guitar. I was so fortunate to have had one built for me and experience "giving birth." Used to drive up from Denver regularly to see the progress. It was such an amazing experience. That little red school house was magical. If only NBNs would come back. There would we SUCH a market for them. I'm sure of it. Of those that have one, guard it with your life, or shotgun

Hello...the time has come to consider selling my NBN M-1- 12-string  (#232 on list)....owned since about 1997....excellent condition...call Larry at 970-618-5826 if interested....

Hi John, I have some pictures on my banjohangout page - http://www.banjohangout.org/myhangout/photos.asp?id=1970

I tried searching the web trying to find out who LeRoy Osborne was but I never came up with anything.

Hi Scott...I'd sure like to see the digital images you have of the instrument you have described. I think I might have known LeRoy Osborne, although I knew him by a nickname...never was really sure about his real name. That's the way it was back in the late 60's around Boulder...everyone had a nickname, very few had a first and last name.

Hello, I have an old 5 string banjo that I've owned for years and never knew who made it although I thought it was related to ODE by some of the features. I posted on Banjo Hangout  a while ago and it was thought to be an NBN banjo which is how I found this site. It's really beautiful with an eagle carved in the resonator, carved heel, and engraving on all the metal. I believe it's made of brazillian rosewood and it's the heaviest banjo I've ever played. It has the initials LO on the peghead and the name LeRoy Osborn on the 12th fret. Anyway, I can't play banjo any more and I hate to let it just sit in the closet so I'm thinking of selling it if anyone is interested. I have lots of pictures I can send if anyone is interested.

John, your name sounds familiar. I wish I could remember why It's been way too long.

I just finished a guitar based on the NBN Concert series body and displayed it last weekend at the Colorado guitar festival in Hygiene. It was a hot day I had the honor of sitting next to and talking with Reb Bennet for most of the day.

Anyone interested can see some info about this NBN inspired guitar HERE.

Note: this is not an NBN guitar and is not built to mimic one. The inspiration should be fairly clear however.
chuck.morrison@gmail.com

I knew Monty, Reb and Andy for years, they were a true inspiration to my own guitar making. In all truthfullness I still implement

many of thier inovations into my guitars to this day. John C. Moranville, Moranville guitars. Yep fellas, I'm still at it!

Footnote: Monty couldn't play a lick on the guitar, but he was truly the finest craftman I've ever known!

I'm hoping to find a mahogony NBN...I will buy, or perhaps trade for a rosewood model, either Brazillian or East Indian. If it is playable the cosmetic condition isn't that important. Email me at john@mccalebconstruction.com

Jim,

Please contact me at aldacosta@earthlink.net.

Thanks,

Al

Al: A friend of mines husband pasted away and she give me his NBN,gibson flying V and his gibson SG!!!! click on my x in the box and see the back of the NBN!!!!Jim

[/Jim L Seeley Jr]

What a wonderful gift!  The NBN looks stunning.  Hope you will share more pics with the rest of us!

Al

Jim L Seeley Jr says...

Al: A friend of mines husband pasted away and she give me his NBN,gibson flying V and his gibson SG!!!! click on my x in the box and see the back of the NBN!!!!Jim

Al: A friend of mines husband pasted away and she give me his NBN,gibson flying V and his gibson SG!!!! click on my x in the box and see the back of the NBN!!!!Jim

I am sure some of the NBN oldies will be able to give you an idea once they see the woods and condition.  Where did you find this treasure?  I watch the internet and this site all the time, haven't seen yours show up!

Al

Thanks for the reply!!! The sides and the back are Brazilian!!! I will take some pics!!!Jim

I am not the expert on this one Jim.  What a wonderful find.  Are the back and sides Brazilian?  That would make a really big difference in the price.  Have you bought it, or are you thinking about buying?  

Al

Jim Seeley Jr says...

Hi!!! I just found an NBN R-3 Limited Ed. ser. no.250 It is all orig. with the dardshell case!! What is it worth? Thanks Jim

Last two I saw  (a good and a very good condition) went for $995 and $1795 respectively.  Do we get to see pictures and some idea of condition?!:)

Al

Hi!!! I just found an NBN R-3 Limited Ed. ser. no.250 It is all orig. with the dardshell case!! What is it worth? Thanks Jim

I have a R-1 that has not been in my possesion for 30 years. Built in 72 may be interested in selling but don't know what  its worth?

Mike, if John McCaleb hasn't already swept up your guitar, please give me a shout! 

Would love to see some pictures and hear about your guitar.

Al

Jeff Colon- if you still have your R-1 drop me a line. john@mccalebconstruction.com

Jeff Colon says...

Hello there.

I have been a thankful owner of an R-1 NBN ser#0096 for fourteen years or so.It is an exquisite sounding guitar as all who have ever played or owned an NBN well know.I am in the unfortunate positon of having to put her up for sale.She has been well worn and needs cosmetic work to bring it up to par but the neck is straight and plays well.I also have a transducer PU in it a Fishman ellipse matrix blend with the volue and tone in the sound hole.I am asking$1500 for it as is . I can be contacted by phone,772-672-1985,or email,jff_colon@yahoo.com.Thank you and happy pickin'

I have a beautiful custom one of a kind guitar that was not a production model, but was made in the nbn shop.  It has very intricate inlays on the neck, peghead, and around the soundhole and elegant carving around the heel.  I bought in new from the shop in Longmont back around 1975.  It is in very good condition. I would like to sell it. I can send photos to anyone who is interested and more information  I can be reached at mandoman49@live.com  Thank You, Mike Osborn

I have finally spent some decent time on the web site, have talked to Reb about improving the action on my R-2, and read through all the posts.  I must say, I missed the opportunity to buy some really fine instruments...

John McCaleb, if you ever pass on one, please let me know. ;>) I am still looking for a LE as well as a Concert.

Sao, I would love to see the pictures of Monty's last guitar, and Alicia, if I come across one of your Granddad's guitars, as much as I would covet such a find, I would pass the information on to you...

Thanks Paul for the web site and to Reb for his help, and John for being such a great conduit for everyone.

Al

Hello there.

I have been a thankful owner of an R-1 NBN ser#0096 for fourteen years or so.It is an exquisite sounding guitar as all who have ever played or owned an NBN well know.I am in the unfortunate positon of having to put her up for sale.She has been well worn and needs cosmetic work to bring it up to par but the neck is straight and plays well.I also have a transducer PU in it a Fishman ellipse matrix blend with the volue and tone in the sound hole.I am asking$1500 for it as is . I can be contacted by phone,772-672-1985,or email,jff_colon@yahoo.com.Thank you and happy pickin'

Dear Reb,

Just saw your post.  Thank you for responding.  I will have Jim Lombard call you when I drop the guitar off at his shop so he can be looking at the guitar while he is speaking to you.

Blessings,

Al

Al da Costa, there are a couple of easy steps to adjusting the neck without placing undue stress on the adjusting nut and tension rod. Please call me at (303) 817-5588.  Reb Bennett /NBN Guitars

Al da Costa says...

Hi everyone!

Need some help.  My luthier here in Santa Barbara has been dressing up my R-2 (0087) and is attempting to adjust the truss rod.

He is concerned because of the tightness in both directions and has asked that I post a request for guidance in how to work with a truss rod that has probably never been adjusted.  Tom, any help is greatly appreciated!

Thanks, and blessed holidays to all,

Al

Hi everyone!

Need some help.  My luthier here in Santa Barbara has been dressing up my R-2 (0087) and is attempting to adjust the truss rod.

He is concerned because of the tightness in both directions and has asked that I post a request for guidance in how to work with a truss rod that has probably never been adjusted.  Tom, any help is greatly appreciated!

Thanks, and blessed holidays to all,

Al

Tom,great to hear from you! I hope you enjoy the NBN web site. Paul has done a wonderful job putting it  together. I'll email you.  Reb

Hey Reb! How are you? John B sent me the article on Andy from the Gazette and I found the NBN site from there. Great to read about Andy, yourself and NBN. I ran across one about 15 years ago and could just kick myself for not buying it. Maybe someday I will get lucky and get another chance to buy one. I’m living in Arvada now still bending wire. Hope to here from ya sometime! Tell all Hi! Cousin Tom tompaul5@juno.com

Scott Schooling...I'd be interested in talking with you if you have another NBN.

I was playing at Tulagi's back in 1972, playing an old Martin D28...Reb Bennet walked up to the stage and handed me an NBN and said "Try this"....Soon after that I bought one....I have had my R-1 number 81, since 1973....Now play in several Contradance bands and a folk group, and the R-1 gets plenty of comments....I live in Longmont now, and regularly drive by the old factory on County Line and Oxfor, and always think of the old days...!!  My old R-1 is pretty road worn, but still sounds great....Duffy Keith

I had an amazing R-3 six string built for me in 1972 or so. I lived in Denver at the time and used to drive up to Longmont weekly to watch the progression. Sadly this guitar was stolen from home after I moved to Los Angeles in 1981. I lost all my guitars (electric) but of all my guitars my NBN, having been built for me was the most painful loss. It was GORGEOUS and the craftsmanship and carving, like on the heel, was exquisite, not to mention the wood and inlay work and of course the sound! It was a real eye and ear catcher. Such a shame. And the kicker was I wasn't insured. Once bitten... Well, the new good news is that I just bought a Taylor with maple sides and while not as ornate, it a beauty in all ways and makes me happy again almost as much as my NBN did. Maybe some day I'll find it hanging in a store... stranger things have happened. One sad thing about the construction, the top developed a hairline crack just below the neck about 2" long that started at the edge of the top below the high E string area. NBN worked on it, but it couldn't be eliminated, so it is highly identifiable. Anyone here see it over the years?

Larry Gruber - Scott Schooling = I would be interested in comunicating with each of you. Contact me at john@mccalebconstruction.com

Thanks.

I have owned th M-1 since it was new.  The M-1-12 I found about 10 years ago.  What a pair!!  I used to hang out at the shop on Oxford Rd. in the early 1970's.  I have recently discovered Andy in the Manitou area..still building.  I have now opened a little guitar shop in Longmont and love to talk about the NBN days.

I found this site while researching guitars left by my late friend. I am helping his wife sell his instruments, among them at least 2 NBN's. I have a model R2 currently on Ebay if anyone is in the market for a great guitar.

Excellent guitars, and a nice website to honor them.

200492658143 Ebay item number, listed 7/6/10 .

I had purchased an abused '65 Gibson Hummingbird with a warped neck in 1972 while attending C.U.  I had heard of NBN guitars (and heard them played by a group called Magic Music) and that the luthiers were the best around. You removed the neck and fingerboard, re-planed the neck and put it all back together for $75.  I remember you apologizing profusely for leaving a scratch on each side of the neck. Compared to the other marks it was no big deal.

I still own the Hummingbird, play it almost everyday and it sounds great!. It was refretted at 12th Fret in Portland, Oregon several years ago and the neck remains true. I've always wanted to say Thank You!

I was lucky enough to attend a discussion at the Boulder Guitar society on the luthiers in the Boulder county area in the 60's - 80's (given by my brother Chuck) last Monday (april 26, '10). Reb and Andy, along with Gene Mulligan (who worked there for a while) were there, and their stories were all just wonderful. It was my first chance to see either Reb or Andy since I first toured the factory in '74. They had some old guitars, and including the first classical they made, and it's still just GORGEOUS, as were all the ones they brought along. Andy's latest one was there, too, and his work has just gotten better over the years. What a joy that evening was.

I got to play several NBNs over the years, but never did own one. Probably won't, now. According to the boys, they only ever built about 375 instruments. Quite a legacy with just those few being built. Glad to see this site up paying tribute to great instruments made by a bunch of really wonderful folks.

Hi All, I spent some time at the old school house on countyline rd, talking and playing with Monty and Reb and Reb's brother..all great guys and inspiring to be around..always innovative...Zeke Little

I still own my 2 NBN (R-1 and R-2) and love them.  I was a dealer in the 70's for NBN.  The store was in Dallas and it was BMC guitars.  Our #1 focus was repair, building, a very small selection of new brands, and offered good old used (vintage had not permeated the world yet).  Starting in late 72' we sold Martin brand new we then added 2 more lines by 74', NBN and Tut Taylor .  In 76' we became the first Larivee dealer in Texas.   The NBN and Krimmel guitars were way ahead of the rest of us.  A tip of the hat to those old boys.  Great site.  I just wished I bought everything we brought into the store and sold!

What a beautiful collection of photographs. Loved seeing Andy and Kat

I have an R2 that was my graduation present from college. I'm a Bennett by marriage, having been married to Andy Bennett. I love that this page exists. Whenever I haul out my guitar people "Ooooh and Ahhhhh." They were fine instruments. Andy continues to build at Cripple Creek Guitars in Manitou Springs, CO.

I bought an NBN from you many years ago.  Model R-1 or R-2 number 121.  I hope you are well.