Vintage guitars, banjos and mandolins are becoming more rare and valuable with each passing year. Many of these classics are fragile with age and cannot take the rigors of constant use.

Through the years, some of the world's most sought-after instruments have come through Marty's studio for restoration -- pre-War Martin flat tops, Gibson Lloyd Loar F-5's and recently, the super-rare 1903 10-string Martin harp guitar!

Pictured at right, there were only three of this model made at the turn of the century. This beauty has 4 sub-bass strings and ten tuners on a single peghead -- it's a marvelous instrument, but required extensive rehabilitation to make playable for the collector who purchased it. At right is a photo of this rare bird after months of meticulous work.

Marty has also worked on many historically important instruments, including Jimmie Rodgers' rare Gibson HG-24. At right is the back of the guitar, which the Singing Brakeman would flip up and show the audience at the end of his shows.