"In 1928, with the money from the Carter Family's successful first recordings, nineteen-year-old Maybelle Carter paid $275 for the finest guitar she could find, this 1928 Gibson L-5 model. "Mother Maybelle" used it on hundreds of recordings, radio and television programs and live appearances. As the first f-hole, archtop guitar, the L-5 was designed to be twice as loud as any flattop guitar of the period. Carter used it to revolutionize the role of the guitar, transforming the rhythm instrument into a distinctive lead voice. Her signature Ñ?Carter scratchÑ?пheard on classics such as "Keep on the Sunny Side" and "Wildwood Flower" became the most imitated guitar style in America during the 1920s and 1930s."
Gallery: Guitars of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Can''t make it to Nashville? We bring some of country''s classic instruments to you.
By Chris KiesOct 29, 2009
Chris Kies
Chris Kies has degrees in Journalism and History from the University of Iowa and has been with PG dating back to his days as an intern in 2007. He's now the multimedia manager maintaining the website and social media accounts, coordinating Rig Rundown shoots (also hosting and/or filming them) and occasionally writing an artist feature. Other than that, he enjoys non-guitar-related hobbies.