NBN Guitars

Posted for Reb Bennett:  Recently my son, Keegan, and I took a road trip to New Mexico on a quest to purchase an NBN classical guitar. The weather was sunny and the scenery spectacular. We located the rural address and met the owner of the instrument and his wife. They were so gracious and interesting and, after a tour of their completely environmentally designed and constructed home, we got down to business. A deal was struck, rather reluctantly by the seller, I sensed and we had our treasure in hand. We said our good-byes, took pictures and headed home. A quick lunch in Taos, eating "comida Mexicana" at Orlando's on their patio in the warm New Mexican sun, was the perfect start of our trip home. The seller was the original buyer those many years ago in Longmont and the guitar is in fantastic condition. Mount Blanca, clad in a mantle of pure white snow, and a cobalt blue, cloudless sky were our companions on the drive home. What a wonderful day!!  Reb Bennett

I am a jazz guitarist and have played arch top guitars for many years. Before that, however, I played flat tops and I purchased an NBN guitar in the early 70's from the guys at their little workshop. It is an Model R, Series 1, serial number 0161.

I used the guitar a lot for many years, but once I became obsessed with jazz I stopped using my NBN. The guitar sat in the case for years, and at some point last year I opened the case to find that my neglected guitar has accumulated some issues. The binding is in really bad shape, especially around the back of the body. The bridge is just starting to pull up in the rear, the neck angle could use some adjustment so perhaps it should be reset, the finish has a lot of lacquer checking, and some is worn off on the back of the neck. There was a small top crack years ago that I had professionally repaired and cleated, as well as a front seam separation, also professionally repaired. So, basically the instrument needs a lot of TLC, but would once again shine if someone wants to do the work.

If anyone is interested in acquiring my instrument as a project, or knows someone else who might have an interest, I would love to speak with you about selling it at an appropriate price. The guitar deserves a new life! I can send pictures . . .

Thanks, and all the best!

John Stein, jstein@berklee.edu

Hello If anyone has an NBN that they are interested in selling please contact me.  Chip McGehee at yahoozebra@cox.net

My dad built damn fine guitars!

I bought an NBN in 1969.  It is an R-2 numbered 0086.  Any idea of the value of such a guitar?  I had a luthier tune it to perfection and I love the sound over any other guitar that I play.

I own an NBN style 3 banjo serial number 0012. It is made of Indian rosewood, carved and engraved I purchased the banjo in 1971 as a custom order from Monty. I have played it thousands of hours and it is as good today as it was in 1971. I miss Monty and the crew at the old school house. I think of them every time I play the instrument. My cousin purchased an NBN guitat that same year. It was lost in Katrina.

Jon Judson Longmont, Colorado

Article on an NBN repair: http://massresonator.com/2013/02/repair-shop-spot-damaged-nbn-guitar/

Found out about you guys was from my father. He recently purchased a 250 rs. Wow! thankyou for such a quality tool. Blessings to your new year:)

Hello to all!

Took out #87 today - 50% humidity and 69 degrees, and she sparkled.  

I keep looking for a 3 or an LTD, then again, maybe being fortunate enough to have one that sings is enough.

Happy New Year to all.

Blessings,

Al

Hi Paul,

I have story related to my NBN R-1, that is a bit Twilight Zonish....To begin, I own a Pete Seeger model, long neck Vega banjo that I bought in New York City back in 1963.....I was playing this instrument at a Contra Dance in Boulder a few years ago, and a guy walks up and says he owns a banjo just like mine....after a few emails, he writes and says that his banjo is the very next serial number, after mine, off of the production line....Amazing.....Now......I play in a band with a friend and banjo player named Dave Hard....He recently bought an NBN guitar, and it turns out, it is the very next 6 string guitar made at NBN, after mine....There was a 12 string made in between our two serial numbers, but nevertheless, this is quite the double coincidence....!!!! I own Number 81, an R-1, and Dave owns number 83, an R-2.....

moranvilleguitars.com

Michael,

I posted a materials description below photo #34 in the photo gallery, and will be glad to share whatever I know. Paul must be out on a gig and  my email to him will be posted it in the Guestbook extra soon I'm sure.

One day in the early '70's my roommate and I were walking through the University Center at UNC in Greeley. In the open lounge area a guy was playing guitar by himself so we wandered over. The guitar was an NBN and we were admiring it, salivating actually. There were two guitar cases, one a standard black plywood case and the other a fiberglass case which we recognised as an NBN case. So I innocently asked what was in the plywood case thinking maybe a Martin or Guild. He smiled," Oh, that's for this one..." and we looked at each other thinking it doesn't get any better than TWO NBN's. So he showed us the other one also. I have no idea who that was, maybe he'll read this sometime.

Hi Tim,

can you remember what woods were used? The actual owner advertised brazilian rosewood but the pictures look more like indian. And the top, german or sitka? If I like it I will buy it anyway, but the actual owner knows nearly nothing about the guitar.

Best

Michael

Hi Michael,

I sent in some recollections to the Guestbook extra that I hope will help and that you and others will enjoy. I'll keep an eye out to see what posts in the next few days.

Tim,

I guess LTD Nr.186 was sold to a customer in germany in 2000. The actual owner offered me the guitar a couple of days ago and we will meet in about 3 weeks because I am really interested to buy it if it is in good condition, fine sounding and easy playable. Can you tell me some more facts about the guitar? How about the separation of the binding and the finish check? Is this finish checking the reason for the bright stripe in the middle of the top? By the way the guy is asking 3.500 dollars for the guitar, what do you think?

WOW! Hey, I just viewed the photo gallery. Photos #34-36 are of LTD#186, Style 2 peghead shape, NBN initials in gold wire and abalone, Grover pegs. The photos must have been taken in '76 when I brought it back for neck reset. The binding had separated in one spot on the peghead but I wanted that left alone. Several years later after it got cold in the dorm room during Christmas break, grad school, the top finish checked.    Good to see and remember an old friend.

My first visit to NBN was in 1971, and ordered Ltd #186 in 1973. It took months to build which I minded not in the least as it gave me an excuse to drive from college in Greeley on Saturdays to visit Monty, Reb, and Andy. (Several times I brought friends which ended up in 3 other sales, one of which I still get to hear now and then with that same old friend). I'm sure I was a bother but how could they refuse my company for a half hour poking around the shop, thoughly enjoying the experience of a lifetime. I sold it through Gruhn in the 90's with the original invoice and catalog. I hope it has a good home. I was inspired to build a few electrics, basses, and acoustics but have a long way to go to approach the NBN standards, and will never approach their originality.

Thanks for posting this article.  The more I know about the makings of my NBN, the more I cherish the guitar.  

I've just added a recent NBN article to the Later Articles section entitled Colorado Strings: A Look Inside A Rare NBN Steel-String Acoustic from the Summer 2012 edition of Guitar Aficionado.

Many thanks to Reb Bennett for alerting me to the article and kudos to Andy Bennett for getting some great press about his Cripple Creek guitars.

If anyone has interesting NBN tales or photos to share please pass 'em on!

Paul...I would be interested in seeing photos of your C005...please email to john@mccalebconstruction.com

thanks. John

I am the original owner of NBN C005.  I am interested in selling this instrument.  It is in fine condition with only a couple of "dings" and comes with the original HSC.  I would be happy to provide photos to interested buyers.

Paul Augusten

The NBN owners list is being offered first chance at my NBN M-1.

I am selling my NBN M-1 ser #155 in it's original case. It is in good, but less than perfect condition, but it is all original.

If you would have an interest in it, please respond and I can send you pictures.  I live in Texas

I am asking $2500 or best offer. I have 2 kids in college right now, so here's your opportunity to own another NBN.

Thanks,

Tim Martin

Al is still watching for an R-3 or a LTD.  Someone said winning the Lotto might be easier...

Kindest regards to all,

Al 

Hi there....just looked at your website for the first time. Do you by any chance remember the guitar you made a very long time ago with a beautiful sailing ship - mother of pearl - inlaid in the top? You made it for my late husband, Daniel Gossett who was lead singer/songwriter for Rosewood Canyon? Our daughter, Lauren, has it now and is playing beautiful music with this amazing and beautiful instrument. I am glad to know you are still around, if she ever needs to have it worked on. Truly, a work of art. Thanks so much!

...I have a few NBN's that will very soon become available to the world at large. they have all been lovingly played, cared for and repaired as necessary (that's pretty subjective, I realize). Each has seen substantial miles, and would not be described as pristine...... R-1, R-2, R-2 12, contact me with interest you might have at john@mccalebconstruction.com

...and please be patient waiting for my reply...I'm not always right on top of emails!

Hi folks,

I am selling this rare and beautiful acoustic guitar. My father bought this NBN guitar new directly from the builders in Longmont, Colorado in 1973. He was helped to pick his guitar directly from Monty Novotny. This is a guitar that I grew up hearing around the house, and learned my first chord - an Am. ;-)

Anyway, I'm more of an electric player, so this beautiful guitar doesn't get much play time.

The condition:

Model M-1 -0155

This is the mahogany back and sides model.

When my dad first bought this, after a couple years, he noticed a crack in the body where the two pieces for the top come together. He took it back to Monty Novotny and he fixed it himself for him. There is a very small piece of wood that he put in that crack-I never even knew about it until my dad told me-it's not noticeable and is completely repaired.

The finish on the top has a spider-web type of cracking in it-not the wood, but in the finish. Asked Monty about that when he got the crack repaired, and Monty said he could fix it, but that it actually sounds better with the cracks because it lets the body vibrate more. I'm tempted to believe him because this guitar sounds HUGE!

There are some scratches on the back and top from normal playing of an almost 40 year old guitar.

The neck is AMAZING!!! It's like an electric neck. thin-line, and incredibly fast to play.

Asking $1800 cash obo -shipping is paid by the buyer.

Contact me at joel@rattletree.com if interested and for pics.  I'm based in Austin, TX

Al da Costa says...
Hi Al.....I need to sell my M-1-12 #232.....if interested...very clean...Reb say it the other day...really liked it......let me know......Larry

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]

[/Al da Costa]

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