Franklin Key Jr.
North Carolina
Acoustic Guitar Caribbean Cruise, consisting of seven days on the Holland America Zuiderdam.

"I got serious about the guitar 14 years ago. Before that, I was a trumpet player and the guitar was a second instrument. Now the guitar is my primary instrument and I spend 90 percent of my time with it. I've played many styles of music, but in the last few years I've become totally obsessed with my fingerstyle acoustic. Acoustic Guitar magazine has introduced me to some phenomenal fingerstyle artists and music. I can't thank them enough!"—Franklin Key Jr.

J.H. Tomlinson
Normandy, TN
Garrison G-50-CE, hardshell case, Planet Waves humidifier and strap, D'Addario EXP16 guitar strings.

"I am a retired engineer and have played guitar for my own amusement since my early teens. My meager guitar collection consists of a 1971 Martin, a 1968 Giannini, and a no-name parlor guitar from the 1920s that belonged to my grandmother. The latter is identical to the one that Blind Lemon Jefferson was photographed with, and it sounds just like the one he recorded with. I can't wait to add the Garrison."—J.H.Tomlinson

Danny Peaden
Cornville, AZ
McPherson MG4.5 with an LR Baggs transducer, Elixer Strings, and Ameritage case.

"I became interested in the guitar at the age of ten. I started playing in an acoustic band in 1975, and I've had gigs on and off ever since. I am a western swing adn jazz enthusiast. I'm basically a singer and rhythm guitar player, though I always enjoy attempting to play lead. Thank you Acoustic Guitar and McPhersen so very much."—Danny Peadon

Glenn Poole
Centennial, CO
Guild F-512 guitar with pickup and case.

"I began playing guitar four years ago, while living in Boulder, Colorado. I truly enjoy living at the base of the Rocky Mountains; acoustic music is never hard to find in Colorado. My guitar playing has been greatly influenced by the thriving local folk and bluegrass scenes. Thanks to Acoustic Guitar for all the valuable knowledge over the years and also thanks to Guild for the beautiful guitar."—Glenn Poole

Lyle Brown
Crete, NE
Guild Giveaway grand prize winner.

"I've had a passion for the guitar and guitar music since I can remember. I am self-taught form public television at age 13. I jam with friends and neighbors on the weekends, and am enjoying the bluegrass scene tremendously. The Guild pictured in the photo is a model Starfire IIIV from about 1962. I wish to thank Acoustic Guitar magazine and Fender/Guild for this prize. I can't wait to get this guitar and play it."—Lyle Brown

Carl Goddard
Ayer, MA
Acoustic Guitar Players' Choice Giveaway grand prize winner.

"My day job is buyer for a lumber and building materials company. My passion is acoustic guitar playing. I've been playing guitar since 1964. My style is heavily influenced by delta blues players such as Robert Johnson, Son House, Bukka White also John Hammond, John Fahey, Leo Kottke and more recently Micheal Hedges, Martin Simpson, and Ed Gerhardt. I play out as often as I can. In the past two years I've gotten to open for John Hammond, Brooks Williams, Ronnie Earl, and Paul Gerimia when they played in the area. Currently I'm playing the same three guitars I've been playing for the last 30 years—a Gurian S3B, a 1939 National Duolian, and a Guild 12-string."—Carl Goddard

Thomas A. Newman
West Clarksville, NY
Acoustic Guitar Players' Choice Giveaway 1st prize winner.

"With 55 years playing out on the road and the gigs which number in the thousands. My age is now 72 years and still playing out, and will continue until reaching heavens gate. Have always played Martin guitars, now own 5 and over the years 2 were stolen. The High Yodel's are in the past, yet the voice still remains as great. With radio and TV shows are now history and playing with many of the great ones in country music, and thank Acoustic Guitar for this great award. May our trails someday cross."—Yodlin' Happy Tom

Julia Kathleen Nash
Fort Worth, TX
Grand prize winner of a C.F. Martin & Co. Martin HD-40MK with case.

"I am 35 years old. I got my first guitar when I was in elementary school. I would take it to school and play for my friends. I am an amatuer still but hope to get a lot more practice on this one! Thanks!"

Jeffrey L. Thompson
Winner of a Froggy Bottom Model M Deluxe Rosewood Guitar.

"I started playing in 1976, while in the Air Force stationed in the U.K. After about 2 years I started playing in bands, mostly electric 70's music. I started playing more acoustic guitar as the years went on. Now I play at my church a lot. The church is large and they are always looking for musicians. I wear many hats now, I'm likely to lead a large band or small. Play lead or 2nd guitar or mandolin, bass, or sing. I've also become the Hope Chapel guitar teacher, mostly beginners. We play many styles of music. It has helped me to be more versitile. My main instuments are: Ovation elite standard, Martin D-1 twelve string, and a 1979 Fender stratocaster."

Mary Reese
Winner of a Larrivée Guitars D-05 Mahogany Standard Guitar.

"I started playing guitar about three years ago for my own enjoyment. I found that it was quite a stress reducer after a long work day. I like many styles of playing and have learned a great deal from Acoustic Guitar magazine—not only on instruction, but also about artists, review, and gear. I'm very excited about winning the Larrivée D-05 guitar and know that it will greatly enhance my playing. Thank you AG!"

Rick Lesquier
Winner of a Fishman Powerbridge pickup and Powerblend pedal.

"I started playing, when I was 8. Was part of a band in high school. I play mostly country and bluegrass with a bit of oldies, rock, jazz, and blues. After many years, I have started taking lessons again to learn to play better jazz and blues and am learning more of the theory to help me improve my playing."

David Martin
Winner of a C.F. Martin & Co. Cowboy III guitar and 12 sets of SP+ strings.

"I have attempted on two other occasions to learn to play, finally after a major surgery about a year and a half ago, I started playing again. I love every minute of it. I love the satisfaction you get and I admire the ones that have made a career (part- or full-time) of it. Love your magazine, thanks."

John Christopher Ayer
Winner of a Fishman Rare Earth Blend pickup

"I've been playing professionally on at least a part-time basis for about 20 years. Winning the Fishman is great for me, as I'll be using it extensively on my Martin during performances by The Cowboy Brothers in the Milwaukee area. Thanks!"

John McManus
Winner of a Fishman Pro-EQ Platinum Preamp/EQ/D.I.

"Born in Ireland, I began playing guitar at age 15. I played professionally for 20 years with my three brothers, George, P.J., and James in a group called 'McManus Bros.' and did a number of recordings. Retired the band in 1985 but I have continued to play since then. I currently perform with two friends, Eileen and Mark McGowan, in local church events. I also play tenor banjo and mandolin and just recently acquired a Larrivee D-05 acoustic guitar. I can't wait to use it with the Fishman Pro-EQ Platinum. Thank you, Thank you, Acoustic Guitar magazine and Fishman. Rest assured, I will put the pre-amp to good use"

Don Blackwell
Winner of a C.F. Martin & Co. Backpacker guitar

"What a surprise! I've been learning guitar since I was about twelve years old. My father played when I was a child (and still does) and it was natural for me to want to follow along in his footsteps. While not an accomplished player I always have fun trying to learn new techniques. It's also great to get together with other guitar players to learn and just have fun. Thanks Acoustic Guitar for your great magazine and also to the C.F. Martin & Co. for this very welcom prize!"

Denise Borum
Vallejo, CA
Winner of a Fender GA-43SCE guitar, an Acoustasonic Jr. Amp, and 12 sets of Phosphor Bronze 60 L strings

"I practice daily with my acoustic guitar. I am learning quickly because of my extensive musical background with the keyboard and with the electric bass guitar. Playing the acoustic guitar is a spiritual experience for me. Singing and playing, for me, is just what the doctor ordered."

Andy Sandusky
Sparks, NV
Winner of a Fender GA-45SCE guitar, an Acoustasonic SFX Amp, and 12 sets of Phosphor Bronze 60 L strings

"I have been playing guitar for five years after taking a course at a community college. I enjoy playing and singing with my three kids, Hope, Noah, and Samantha. They dance while I play."

William Troskey
Battle Creek, MI
Winner of a Kevin Ryan Mission Grand Concert guitar

"Music has always been part of our family. I became interested in stringed instruments at the age of 16. My first guitar was a late '40s Sears archtop. I have played rhythm guitar with a local big band orchestra, playing for dances at a senior citizens center. I play guitar and mandolin backup with several hammered dulcimer groups; have my own group called Memory Lane and also play guitar and mandolin for church. I teach beginner and intermediate guitar for Adult Education Enrichment Classes. I am particular about the sound quality of all my instruments so I'm looking forward to receiving my new Kevin Ryan Guitar."

Jesus Morales
San Antonio, TX
Winner of a Martin HD-28SLV guitar

"I purchased my first guitar at the age of 20. Due to work schedules and family obligations, I was self-taught when time permitted. It has only been the last two or three years that I have been able to devote more time to practice and play. I consider myself a beginner still. Thank you, Acoustic Guitar magazine and C. F. Martin & Co., for the incentive to continue my musical endeavor and love of guitars.

Bill Widner
Blythville, AR
Winner of a Martin DMX guitar with Martin/Fishman SLI Matrix EQ

"I grew up on Highway 61 in the delta of Arkansas listening to the country, rock 'n' roll, blues, and gospel of the '50 and '60. I got my first guitar, a $150 Harmony archtop, when I was 15. Now I play an Ovation and a Takamine. I've stayed pretty true to my roots in my playing. I've played Martins before, but I never dreamed I'd have one of my own!"

Bryan Gilbert
Capistrano Beach, CA
Winner of an UltraSound AG-50DS amplifier

"I am a 40-year-old married man with two children. I have been playing the acoustic guitar since I was about 14 years old. Most of my playing has been in different church bands. My greatest enjoyment in regards to the guitar is seeing my son pick up the instrument and outplay me. Sometimes it's hard to learn from a 13-year-old, but he teaches me a lot. My 5-year-old daughter is starting to pick up some now so it is getting to be a very loud musical household—my wife takes some piano lessons. Recently I was actually trying to save up for a guitar amp and this prize really is a shock and a blessing. Thank you Acoustic Guitar magazine and UltraSound Amplifiers."

Charles Cartwright
Keaau, HI
Winner of a Pimentel & Sons Jazz Classical 50th Anniversary guitar

"While I have been playing around with the guitar for 40+ years, I have only recently bought my first playable guitar. My younger days were spent with cheap nylon-string guitars of questionable voicing. Since 1998, I have taught myself to read tab and notation and open key tunings. My currrent interest is Hawaiian Slack Key guitar. I have only recently been thinking of getting a good classical guitar to use in that mode. My advice to young players is to buy a good, playable guitar—you will play and enjoy it more. Acoustic Guitar's Private Lessons is an excellent learning medium."

Steven McKee
Woodbine, GA
Winner of an UltraSound AG-50DS amplifier

"I started out playing electric blues about 2 1/2 years ago. I was listening to Buddy Guy, Clapton, B.B. King, SRU, Albert King, Albert Collins, etc. I started listening to a Freddie King CD which featured Freddie by himself on acoustic guitar. I absolutely fell in love with acoustic blues. My wife surprised me this year with a Washburn acoustic/electric. Lately I've been focusing on country/delta blues and slide guitar. My biggest influences have been Robert Johnson and Furry Lewis."

John S. Howie
Raleigh, NC
Winner of a Yamaha CPX8SY guitar

"I have been playing very little lately but I hope this new guitar will get me back into playing. My wife is a jazz pianist and my son is a country musician (his band is the Two Dallas Pistols). My favorite music is probably country, with blues and folk music close behind, and jazz close behind that. I presently own a Seagull and the Harley Davidson Gibson and two five-string banjos. The picture shows me standing next to my son, John, who is holding my guitar."

Robert Murray
High Point, NC
Winner of a Takamine EAN15C Supernatural guitar, a Takamine EC132 Classical guitar, and a DSP digital preamp

"About eight years ago I realized I really missed singing songs from the late '60s and '70s. Back in college, my roommate played guitar. I would sing. We were a good team. I guess I took up the guitar to try to recapture some of those times. I just love kicking back in the backyard hammock with my Seagull and a handful of sheet music downloaded from the web. I'm not a good player, but I have a good time and so far my wife and neighbors haven't complained. I can't wait to get my hands around the pair of Takamine Guitars. You've got this 45-year-old thinking about taking some lessons again."

Kyle Gemeinhardt
Freeland, MI
Winner of the RainSong Graphite Guitars Jumbo JM1000

"I played in a band in high school and fooled around after graduation. Now it's just for fun. I have thought about joining friends at work and this prize gives me the perfect excuse to start jamming again. Thank you."

Dudley Bell
Winston-Salem, NC
Winner of the Taylor 914c Grand Auditorium 10th Anniversary Guitar

"Music is one of God's greatest gifts to us and since college I have primarily experienced it through the guitar. I play mostly rhythm, mostly in worship services, though I dabble in songwriting. This beautiful custom Taylor from AG is a great opportunity to broaden my fingerpicking and lead skills. May it help me to pass on my love of music to my three girls (the youngest of whom is pictured with me). Congrats to AG on ten years of excellence, and my deepest thanks for such a wonderful surprise!"

John Bell
Jacksonville, FL
Winner of the James Goodall Aloha Koa Standard Cutaway Guitar

"I'm a 52-year-old teacher in Jacksonville, FL. I've been playing since I was a teenager. I play for pleasure—after a hard day's work, there is nothing as relaxing as kicking back with your guitar. I play with friends mainly and try to learn ways to improve from video lessons. I play popular music and some blues."

L. J. Mattingly
Crete, IL
Winner of the LaSiDo Prize Package

"I have been playing and collecting guitars for 35 years. I am a songwriter and enjoy all types of acoustic music. I love to talk guitars as well as play them, and as 'Dr. LJ' I have taken part in the AG Forum since it began. Winning these three beautiful guitars was a real thrill. They will make fine additions to my collection. Thank you, AG and LaSiDo, for making this possible."

William Frank
Welches, OR
Winner of the Guild Guitars JF65-12 10th Anniversary Guitar

"I'm just another folkie from the '60s. My first instrument was an accidental ukelele that sort of broke the musical ice. Since then there's been no turning back. I fingerpick whatever grabs me–rags, showtunes, country blues and a few of my own tunes. My D-18S has been my most constant companion. Looks like it's time to see what this sweet 12-string can teach me. What a gift is music!"

David Travis
Hilton, NY
Winner of the Carvin AC375 guitar and AG100D amplifier Web Giveaway

"Actually, I'm a novice, just now learning to play after all these years. But what better way to learn than on the AC375 acoustic electric! And the AG100D amplifier is going to sound great! Thank you so much for giving such great instruments in your giveaways!"

Rick Adams
Alpharetta, GA
Winner of the National Style O Deluxe 10th Anniversary Guitar

"I started on a baritone ukelele at the age of 11. The Beatles, Stones, etc. had really gotten me wanting to play. Over the years I mainly played rock and blues, and studied jazz a bit in the 1970s. About three years ago, I decided I was bored with what I was playing and I wanted to play something more melodic, and wanted to be less dependent on amplification and having to be in a band to really make music. So I took up flatpicking and haven't plugged into an amp since then. I've been playing over thirty years now and have found that as long as I keep learning something new, music and the guitar remain fascinating."

Clarence "Leo" Roehl
Brooklyn Center, MN
Winner of the Martin Custom Herringbone Dreadnought 10th Anniversary Guitar

"I started playing guitar 36 years ago, playing bass in a rock and blues band from 1964 through 1971. Over the years, I have bought and sold several guitars, in search of that "special" sound. From 1992 through 1995, I played guitar in a jazz/rock duo called The 7th Corner. I enjoy listening to rock, jazz, blues, folk, and big band music. My favorite pastime is playing my guitar, which I currently tune in an open 'G' with a 'C' bass."

Alex Nakrochine
Pahoa, Hawaii
Winner of the Santa Cruz PJ 10th Anniversary Guitar

"Alex Nakrochine has been in the music profession for 20 years. Most of those years he played in bands: from rock 'n' roll: to jazz in clubs and restaurants throughout Siberia. Late in 1996 he arrived in the USA, playing with a duo and trio in Key West, Florida, in night clubs and hotels. Solo tours of the east and west coasts followed. In October, 1999 Nakrochine moved to Hawaii with his wife Holly, and he presently performs in Kona and Hilo. 'I couldn't imagine this could happen to me in my life, to own such a fine acoustic guitar and work of art. Thank you Acoustic Guitar magazine and Santa Cruz guitar company.'"

Mark Felton
Overland Park, Kansas
Winner of the RainSong WS1000 10th Anniversary Guitar

"Wow! What a surprise! I started playing guitar when I was about 12 and played through college, but then stopped for about 10 years (a decision I now regret). About a year ago I picked it back up seriously and have made more progress in that time than I did in all the years before. Except for a few lessons when I was young, I am basically self-taught. I play in our praise band at my church where I am able to use music to glorify God. I know that this custom RainSong will fit nicely there."

Britt Jones
San Diego, California
Players' Choice Awards Giveaway Grand Prize winner

"I've been playing guitar and singing for over 30 years. Although I'm not a professional musician, music is much more than just a hobby. Obsession is probably a better word. I've done some performing, but mostly I play for fun. When time allows, I get together with my brothers and sister in Colorado for some jamming. I want to thank Acoustic Guitar for encouraging me to keep playing, and for supporting all kinds of acoustic music."

Michael Williams
Eagan, Minnesota
Players' Choice Awards Giveaway First Prize winner

"Seven years ago I got my 1983 Martin D-25K out of the closet, took some lessons, got hooked on slide, and began playing in coffee shops. I play what I like to call 'Acoustic Cafe' Blues. I have been fortunate to have many great guitarists in the Twin Cities area to listen to and learn from such as Gabriela Sweet, Pat Donohue, and Phil Heywood."

Ralph Alexander
Spring Hill, Kansas
Winner of the Collings D-41 10th Anniversary Guitar

"I am 63 years old and worked for a public utility for 33 1/2 years and am now retired. I have only been playing for 6 years. I have some vintage guitars and have only played with friends and relatives. I also have some vintage amplifiers and collect toy trains."

"I have been playing guitar on and off for almost thirty years and have always enjoyed it. I played in bands through the '70s and early '80s, then played for my own enjoyment until about 1989. I've just started playing again within the last year. I hope that one of my sons will want to learn to play and come to enjoy playing as much as I do. Thank you Acoustic Guitar and Dean Markley Strings."

Roger Edwards
Rome, New York
Winner of the Gibson SJ-200 10th Anniversary Guitar

"I am a member of the large Central New York Bluegrass Association. I have written about twenty pieces of music so far and have also played on several occasions with local area bands and at nursing homes. I will certainly highly value this much prized guitar for many years."

Suzanne Karpinski
Cresskill, New Jersey
Winner of the Breedlove C22 10th Anniversary Guitar

"My husband has been teaching me to play on his guitar. When I saw the entry for the Breedlove C22, I immediately knew that this guitar was the perfect choice for me to have as my own and to continue my lessons on."

Joan Richardson
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Winner of the Ovation Adamas CVT 10th Anniversary Guitar

"Although I considered a career as a singer-songwriter, I wisely chose a career in furniture design. I am now a regular on the 'living room circuit' and still enjoy writing and experimenting with alternate tunings."

Jeff Ramsey
Holland, Pennsylvania
Winner of the CFox C-Sonoma Web giveaway

"I strummed my way though graduate school, and then went on to classical guitar. I spend most of my playing time now with blues pieces from old blues masters like Mance Lipscomb, Frank Stokes, and John Hurt. Once in a while I am graced with the flute accompaniment of my daughter, Ashlyn."