George Gruhn
Few things say American popular music more than the guitar. That’s why the Center for Popular Music has a launched a multiyear series of programs on the venerable instrument. Kicking off “The American Guitar” was George Gruhn, who on April 8 visited campus to talk about “American Fretted Instruments: History and Development.” He is recognized worldwide as a leading expert on vintage American guitars and related instruments. In 1970, he established Gruhn Guitars in Nashville, one of the largest dealers of vintage and used instruments in the world.
Gruhn has been a featured columnist for Vintage Guitar, Guitar Player, Pickin’, Frets and Bluegrass Unlimited. He is the co-author of Gruhn’s Guide to Vintage Guitars, a comprehensive field guide to vintage fretted instruments and the companion volumes Acoustic Guitars and Other Fretted Instruments and Electric Guitars and Basses.
His April 8 presentation will cover the history and development of fretted instruments in America. Gruhn will also point out the distinctions that make a truly great instrument different from those that are merely good utilitarian tools.
“The American Guitar” will feature lectures, presentations, concerts, workshops and demonstrations. An exhibit drawn from the Center’s collection will also be available for viewing.
All CPM events are free and open to the public.
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