Flat Top Guitars

Jimmy Martin came to the door the day of his interview in nothing but his boxers. He exclaimed, “Was that today!? Well, come on in, let me go get my teeth” and so started one of the most entertaining interviews of our collection. Known as the King of Bluegrass, Jimmy pioneered the guitar sound of the early Bill Monroe band as well as a style that would forever change American roots music. In addition to his recording and concert tours, Jimmy would often sit in with bands to provide lessons on his unique guitar strumming style.  

 Mac Wiseman joined the Foggy Mountain Boys in 1946, the same year the legendary bluegrass band was formed.  The groups two founders, Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs, formed their own group after performing and recording with the father of bluegrass, Bill Monroe.  When the Foggy Mountain Boys began recording, Mac played guitar.  In later years he also sang with the group, but it wasn’t until he branched out on his own did he become known as the “voice with a heart.”  Mac released a string of hit songs and classic roots and country albums beginning in the 1950s.  It was during that s