Gypsy Moth
Posted on 26. Feb, 2010 by Drew in Gear
This here’s the Gypsy Moth: a Martin parlor guitar, model 5-16GT; also referred to as a “size 5 guitar” or a “terz guitar”. They call it a terz because the guitar was originally intended to be tuned up a minor third (three half-steps) from standard tuning — so the low E string would actually be a G — but it sounds pretty good no matter how you tune it.
In the middle photo, you can see that she’s quite a bit smaller than the more common “jumbo” guitar size (in this case, a Gibson J-45). This makes her an ideal travel companion, as she fits neatly in the overhead compartment of most commercial airliners. As such, she’s been with me to Puerto Rico, Florida, Northern California, out on sailboats, and around to parties at friends’ houses all over Southern California. A true companion.
I picked her up in 2006 from the Guitar Shoppe in Laguna Beach, CA. Good bunch of folks, there, and a great place to check out, if you’re ever in the area.
Wednesday Morning Gotta Go To Work Blues | drewsblues.net
Feb 26th, 2010
[...] song was recorded with my little Martin “Size 5″ parlor guitar. A move inspired by the mystery-unidentified-possibly-Carribean-guitar-player photo that [...]