Well, after selling the Olson and trying God knows how many guitars I found what I was lloking for. Luthier's Collection had a BZ Franklin OM with old growth German Spruce top. Four day trial period figured I'd know if it was the one. It arrived on Thursday; took me about ten seconds to decide. I don't have pics yet but it's still on LC website under new arrivals Franklin OM Sold. It makes the Olson sound like a parlor guitar. The Brazilian was cut over 100 years ago and is stunning. I can't put it down. Mike said it is one of the best OMs he's ever played. Gotta go.
If everything I've heard about Franklins is true you've got a heckuva guitar. I'd be more than happy to post an unbiased review - just let me know when you're willing to ship it and I'll send you my address.
1967 Martin D-18 2005 Collings OM2HG 2007 Collings 000-3 Weber Fern Brentrup 21V Smart Mandola Davy Stewart octave mandolin
Posts: 205 | Location: North Richland Hills, Texas | Registered: May 08, 2002
jaco, Franklins are indeed lovely guitars that were one of the first to start the custom/small shop craze. I played one of the earlier OMs that John Renbourn had. Unfortunatley, Nick Kukich did not gain the momentum he deserved and went into decline. John Renbourn, being a great guy (besides a passable guitarist), sent his Franklin back to Nick to help him out. Please post pictures of your acquisition, including the back.
I'm happy to report that Nick is alive, straight, and making exceptional guitars in the Missouri River town of Rocheport, MO (about 15 miles west of Columbia). He makes only OMs and a shape similar to the SJ,; he has a long wait list. I've been witing two years now for an OM.
His OM and the Merrill are the best I've played.
Bill Miller
Posts: 328 | Location: Kirkwood, MO USA | Registered: August 17, 2002
What a guitar. Sheesh. As far as Columbia, I played gigs there in the fall of 68, just prior to my fine US naval career (3 years, 9 months, 27 days). This is old information, but for you single guys in your early twenties, Columbia had a higher concentration of beautiful available young women than any other town I've ever been in. A few months later, I met and married another Missouri girl, from Springfield, who was better than all the rest combined. By a lot. Now, back to Franklin drooling.
This is an independent website created by a group of Collings Guitar owners, and not part of Collings Guitars. The statements and opinions expressed in the Collings Guitar Forum are solely those of the individuals posting the same and are not those of Collings Guitars, the forum's administrators, moderators and its supporters, financial or otherwise, or its members, guests or other contributors.
"You can help me keep the Collings Forum active by making a little donation. Your support will serve as a great encouragement to me, and will enable me to keep this forum active." Ed
