Old Guitars & The Local Musicians Who Love Them

SDPB presents a series of shorts that reveal what guitar professionals appreciate about their chosen instrument. Old Guitars and the Local Musicians Who Love Them features artists performing on acoustic or electric guitars, talking about their favorites and demonstrating the unique qualities and sounds that their favorite instruments can produce. The local musicians also talk about the tangible and intangible things that led them to prefer one brand or model of guitar over another. Experienced guitarists may find the artists’ insights enlightening. Beginning guitarists will find them encouraging.

James Van Nuys, Rapid City A sculptor and painter, James Van Nuys also plays the guitar, performing solo or in small groups playing jazz, blues and other styles of music. Van Nuys brought several of his guitars to SDPB’s studio in downtown Rapid City, including two “resonator” guitars. Resonator guitars came into fashion in the early 1900s when guitar players were looking for ways to be louder and stand out in a band. Van Nuy’s Dean guitar happens to be made of bronze.

Jay Gilbertson, Yankton A professional guitarist who’s been playing since he was 14 years old, Gilbertson loves his 1964 Fender Stratocaster for its tone, courtesy of an alder body, maple neck and, rosewood fingerboard – all hand-sanded and better with age.

See and hear more Old Guitars and the Local Musicians Who Love Them at SDPB.org/music.