Mr Viral
No doubt 2024 was a weird year, with everything from economic uncertainties to extreme weather events to political instability throwing so many of us off guard. Yet, amid all the unpredictability, the acoustic guitar community found ways to move forward—in both the instruments and gear and the music itself. In this feature, we look back at some of the year’s most exciting guitars, accessories, and amplifiers, as well as albums that captured the diverse voices of acoustic guitar music.
On the gear side, this year’s crop of new instruments demonstrated a dedication to craftsmanship and creativity, with guitar makers balancing tradition and innovation to meet the needs of players navigating a changing world. Below we’ll explore a cross section of 2024’s offerings—flagship guitars showcasing the highest levels of modern lutherie as well as more accessible instruments that deliver impressive quality without breaking the bank. From exquisite one-off showpieces to thoughtful updates in tonewoods and design, there’s something for every kind of player.
Meanwhile, 2024 saw the release of stellar new music of all styles by both veteran musicians and newcomers. Here we share a list of 24 albums that stood out for Acoustic Guitar editors—all well worth a listen.
Golden Anniversary GuitarsThe venerable Taylor Guitars celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2024, and to commemorate this milestone, the company released a collection of limited-edition models that reflect both its storied past and its pursuit of tonal excellence and environmental stewardship. Among them is the Builder’s Edition 814ce LTD ($4,999), which marries the nuanced warmth of a sinker redwood top with the colorful resonance of Indian rosewood back and sides. This model features Taylor’s signature V-Class bracing, designed to enhance both the guitar’s sustain and overall responsiveness.
Taylor 50th Anniversary Builder’s Edition 814ceTaylor 50th Anniversary 614ce LTDTaylor 50th Anniversary 858e LTDThe series also includes the Grand Auditorium 614ce LTD ($3,999), with its big leaf maple back and sides, and the 858e LTD (also $3,999), a rosewood 12-string with superior intonation and playability, both reviewed in this issue on page 78. At the same time, Taylor introduced its first amplifier, the Circa 74 ($1,199), which comes in a mid-century modern–inspired hardwood cabinet with a matching stand. In the July/August 2024 issue, reviewer Doug Young praised the amp’s handsomeness, ease of use, and natural sound.
Taylor Circa 74 amplifierEstablished in 1976, Santa Cruz Guitar Company is not quite 50, but founder Richard Hoover oversaw the design and building of four guitars worthy of such an anniversary. In the January/February 2024 issue’s year-in-gear feature, I wrote about the Vault series, which I had seen in the earliest build stages during a visit to the Santa Cruz shop. The opulent quartet of guitars—a D Model, OM, H13, and FireFly, each teeming with special details, including a jewel encased in its headstock—made its official debut at the 2024 NAMM show in Anaheim, California. It was a sight to behold these instruments, and a testament to just how high the bar is set in modern lutherie these days.
Collings Guitars also made some unique masterpieces, which were displayed at Fretboard Journal’s Fretboard Summit 2024 in Chicago. The acoustic highlights included a custom OM1 A with a dark vintage sunburst finish, hand-engraved fretboard inlays, and banjo-style tuners, and an AT 16 Deluxe archtop sporting flamed koa back and sides with matching binding, Italian spruce top, and a fine blue purfling line throughout. But the biggest news from Collings was the introduction of a new series—Hill Country, the first since 2016’s Traditional line—voiced for strong fundamental response and power, featuring hand-poured pickguards, heel caps, and end strips. See our review of the OM1A HC in the September/October 2024 issue.
Collings custom OM1A with banjo tunersCollings OM1A HC with hand-poured pickguardCollings AT-16 Deluxe archtopAfter around 50 years selling vintage and new instruments at his namesake Nashville shop, George Gruhn knows more about guitars of all types than almost anyone out there. Having previously worked with makers like Collings and Guild for Gruhn models, he created his own design—the Versitar—and opened a factory in Tennessee to produce this acoustic model, which plays as smoothly as an electric with its bolt-on neck and easy access to all 22 frets. We checked out a cedar and rosewood example in the July/August issue.
Value CraftedMany of the guitars mentioned above come with hefty price tags, some reaching six figures. But not every attention-grabbing guitar in 2024 demands a small fortune. We explored several well-designed models that deliver impressive playability and unique features without breaking the bank. Among them, the Fender Highway Series Parlor ($999.99) stood out with its sleek, ergonomic body, comfortable C-shaped neck, and easy-to-amplify sound.
Takamine FT340-BSThe Takamine FT340 BS ($1,799.99), made at the company’s workshop in Sakashita, Japan, is a cool take on the dreadnought platform. Testing the guitar at last summer’s Swannanoa Gathering in North Carolina, writer Greg Ruby was struck as much by its burled sapele back and sides as by its balanced voice and stage-ready Takamine CTF-2N electronics. See Ruby’s review in the November/December issue.
Martin GPCE Inception MapleMartin’s GPCE Inception Maple ($3,999; reviewed in the May/June issue) might be a bit pricier, but it’s still more affordable than many fine new steel-strings out there. Built entirely with FSC-certified tonewoods, including North American maple and black walnut and European spruce, and sporting a curious new bracing pattern, the Inception looks to the future of the acoustic guitar in terms of materials and design.
Accessory SpotlightIn 2024, we explored impressive accessories that can elevate your guitar experience. Thomastik-Infeld’s Bronze IBR112T strings (starting at $28.99) bring European craftsmanship to the U.S., offering a warm, balanced tone that’s ideal for fingerstyle playing. With silk-wrapped ends for smooth installation and a distinctive woody character, these strings provide a premium alternative to your usual set. See the September/October issue for our full review.
Thomastik-Infeld Bronze IBR112T stringsFishman’s introduction of the Loudbox amplifier in 2003 revolutionized plugged-in acoustic sound. As reviewed in the May/June issue, the latest version, the 40-watt Loudbox Micro (on sale for $249.95 at press time), delivers clear, detailed audio at impressive volume levels despite its compact size. Whether you are fingerpicking or strumming, this amp lets your instrument’s natural warmth shine through, making it perfect for practice or small gigs.
Fishman Loudbox Micro ampFor content-creating guitarists on the go, the Audigo Labs wireless stereo condenser microphone and iOS app (from $249) offer a substantial audio upgrade over built-in smartphone mics. Featuring multitrack recording and real-time editing through the app, Audigo is ideal for musicians looking to enhance their mobile video and audio production. These mics have been around a few years but made substantial advances in 2024, especially with the introduction of video multitracking. Read our detailed review, and watch a video demo, in the November/December issue.
Audigo Labs wireless micRounding out our 2024 selections, the Nakupenda Guitar Master Stool ($349) provides comfort during extended practice sessions. Its ergonomic design promotes proper posture, helping you stay relaxed and focused at home or on stage.
Nakupenda Guitar Master StoolEach of these products brings unique enhancements to your playing, recording, and overall music-making experience—without the cost of a new guitar.
In memoriamThe acoustic world lost several key figures in 2024, each leaving a lasting legacy on music and culture.
Happy Traum, who passed in July at 86, was a true Renaissance man. His company, Homespun Music Instruction, pioneered music education, offering audio and video lessons in American roots music decades before the internet. As a performer and teacher alongside legends like Bob Dylan, Traum helped shape the landscape of folk music. His final album, There’s a Bright Side Somewhere (2022), captured his artistry and warmth, as well as his impeccable guitar work.
Happy TraumKris Kristofferson, who passed in September, left an indelible mark on songwriting. His classics like “Me and Bobby McGee” and “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down” bridged folk, country, and rock, resonating across generations. Kristofferson’s impact reached beyond music, extending into film and activism.
Melanie, Photo: Pat SwayneKris Kristofferson, Photo: Joergens.miJohn Mayall, Photo: livepict.comJohn Koerner, Photo: DktrfzJD Souther, Photo: Steve CovaultDickey Betts, Photo courtesy of the Rochester Institute of TechnologyWe also said goodbye to Spider John Koerner, an early mentor of Bob Dylan, whose folk-blues authenticity influenced generations; bluegrass banjo legend Ben Eldridge, founding member of the Seldom Scene and father of Punch Brothers guitarist Chris Eldridge; and folk-pop icon Melanie, remembered for hits like “Brand New Key.” JD Souther, renowned for his songwriting and collaborations with the Eagles and Linda Ronstadt, left a deep mark on the world of Americana. Southern rock great Dickey Betts and British blues pioneer John Mayall will also be remembered for their profound influence on acoustic and electric music alike.
24 from 2024In a year filled with stunning acoustic releases in all styles, here are two dozen albums that stood out for the editors of AG.
Eric Bibb, In the Real World. Soulful acoustic blues that feels both timeless and deeply personal.
Guy Clark, Truly Handmade, Vol. 1. Revelatory solo acoustic demos by the late, legendary troubadour.
Maya De Vitry, The Only Moment. Evocative, self-assured folk rock from the former Stray Birds singer-songwriter.
James Elkington and Nathan Salsburg, All Gist. The eclectic duo’s meditatiåve third release is a compelling display of intimate acoustic interplay.
Plínio Fernandes, Cinema. Familiar movie scores masterfully performed by young Brazilian guitar maestro.
Sierra Ferrell, Trail of Flowers. One of the great voices of Americana has the songs to match, spanning mountain music, blues, ragtime, and roots rock.
Margaret Glaspy, The Sun Doesn’t Think. Raw and inventive folk rock that explores vulnerability with striking guitar work.
Hurray for the Riff Raff, The Past Is Still Alive. Train-hopping folk punk levels up to capture our Americana zeitgeist. Listen on repeat.
Barry Archie Johnson, Fortune’s Mirror. A self-assured debut of solo fingerstyle guitar, sometimes quiet, sometimes exuberant, always moving.
Julian Lage, Speak to Me. In a catalog brimming with gems, this stands as the young jazz virtuoso’s most compelling release yet.
Adrianne Lenker, Bright Future. Intimate, haunting folk songs that pulse with emotional depth and quiet strength.
Pat Metheny, MoonDial. The jazz master delivers a dreamy, intimate solo set on baritone nylon-string.
Ruth Moody, Wanderer. Gorgeous, thoughtful folk by the Wailin’ Jennys singer, guitarist, and banjoist.
Kacey Musgraves, Deeper Well. The country star leans folky in this quietly captivating set built on layers of acoustic guitars.
Jerron Paxton, Things Done Changed. A blues traditionalist who isn’t afraid to push things forward.
Hayden Pedigo, Live in Amarillo, Texas. Turn your headphones all the way up and feel the fingerstyle.
Jessica Pratt, Here in the Pitch. Nylon-strummed psych-folk evokes another time, another world.
Chris Smither, All About the Bones. At 80, the bluesy bard is in top form as a fingerpicker, singer, songwriter, and storyteller.
Tim Sparks, Lost and Found. After nearly a decade, the fingerstyle master returns, reimagining ’60s classics and originals with vibrant world music influences.
Billy Strings, Highway Prayers. Huge, 20-track release from the bluegrass/jam superstar travels from trad to the stratosphere.
Waxahatchee, Tigers Blood. The hits keep coming from this indie/roots singer-songwriter.
Gillian Welch and David Rawlings, Woodland. The trailblazing folk duo shines in their first full album of new originals since 2017.
Yasmin Williams, Acadia. Williams expands her sonic palette, continues on her guitar hero’s journey.
Jontavious Willis, West Georgia Blues. With the deepest love and honor for the musicians that came before him, Willis keeps the heart of the blues beating.
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