I hope you enjoy browsing this collection. There's also an addtitional 5 Grammer's that are on loan or in the possession of family members and close friends, plus a Strat, 1968 Precision Bass, Howard Roberts Concert, Martin O-17, a couple of old pre-Harmony Stella's, Silvertones, fiddles, an autoharp and a variety of odds and ends...none of which are highly valued, but all are personally prized!
As you can see, a couple of the Grammer's displayed here are not "strung" for playing. All are playable with the exception of the "Split" model due to a broken headstock. I'll try to get pictures of the rest of the instruments in the near future. Some lack serial numbers. Perhaps the sticker was removed, fell out or simply never applied since some could have been taken directly off of the production line. I really don't know. Read more about their colorful history below.
I would enjoy hearing from other Grammer owners. You can contact me at:
May I also suggest that you visit two additional, very informative websites:
An excerpt (edited with additions) from a letter posted on George Gollin's "Grammer/Gower" website
I’ve maintained a great interest in the Grammer instruments since my early childhood. Now 50, I remember visiting the Grammer plant on many occasions as a youngster. My late father, Fred T. Moore (no relationship to Ricky Moore or the Gower organization), held part financial interest in the company. He was a printer by trade, newspaper publisher & editor, auctioneer, politician (having served nearly 30 years in the SC Legislature) and a pretty darn good picker and entertainer. He was serving on the Board of Trustees of the Medical University of South Carolina when he passed away in 2001 (Obituary). I mention these things in hope of jogging the memory of those who may recall Dad’s involvement in the grand days of the Grammer.
I personally own 10 (additional pictures to come) Grammers of various models and vintage. An additional 5 Grammers are dispersed to family and friends. Most are in good shape…a couple superb.
Dad’s prized red sunburst Grammer was stolen in the 80’s. Created especially for him, it featured beautiful mother of pearl inlay. It was, by far, the best sounding and playing instrument I’ve ever encountered. With it went Dad's personalized guitar strap, handmade by my late grandmother. It had "FRED" embroidered vertically, as was the style in those days. I still search e-Bay and the net for some sign of that great guitar. Also on the "hot list" is a beautiful blue Grammer stolen in the Clemson, SC area around 1978. It had a few laquer cracks at the time, but was still a great instrument.
They also created a “Stars and Stripes” model (see below) which had the distinction of being played on the SC Legislature floor during a filibuster. That little episode made the front page of the state’s largest newspaper. Dad was quite a colorful character and his Grammer always figured into his plans.
I thought that I would pass along to you that I possess several of the original full color brochures for the Grammer Guitar Company (see below). Although the originals are not for sale, I would be happy to send you a digital scan of the tri-fold, two sided brochure. Also, I have a good number of black & white promotional pictures featuring famous country artists of that time with their Grammers. I have no interest in selling any guitars or memorabilia, but would be happy to share the images if anyone is interested. Drop me an email.
I would love to hear from anyone who may have memories of my Dad. He was in Nashville often and made quite a few friends. While growing up, our home was often the stopover for many country stars traveling through the Carolinas.
This is a nice playing instrument. Has quite a few scratches, but even more memories.
Notice the "2" on the back of the headstock of this guitar. This instrument was found not to be sales worthy and should have been destroyed. Very few "seconds" escaped the plant. It's actually a fairly good looking instrument with no visible faults. Some say it was the company's high standards that helped put them out of business.
This is a "Split" model, built at Dad's request especially for me long before they became popular. I'm a little guy and my Grammer G-10 was cumbersome on stage! I put a pickup inside the split model and used it in clubs for many years. It was knocked off of its stand one night and damaged beyond reasonable repair (broken headstock). Many an Eagles tune was strummed on this guitar.
This is a "Baby Grammer" (Model B-20-C). It's blue sunburst paint job is still beautiful. It's rumored that it was used by Dolly Parton on the Opry. Probably just a rumor, but fun none the less. Dolly played a Grammer from time to time, but to my recollection it was usually a blonde model.
Nothing really special about this guitar. It still plays good with that classic Grammer tone. This classic Grammer style is the one I've always preferred (see my personal G-10 below).
Notice the mismatched woods on the top. Usually, Grammer tops were split so that grains would "mirror" themselves from the center line. Still plays and sounds good.
The infamous Merle Haggard model. This particular instrument had some problems. The neck was wider than most steel string instruments. Although it was, and still is, playable, it lacked the quality sound that Grammer was famous for. Although manufactured during the Ampeg years, the Ampeg logo doesn't appear on the headstock.
The hard to find Grammer 12-String. Like the Merle Haggard, this guitar was forced from the Grammer mold without a lot of design attention given to the differences between a 12-String and their more standard models. The tuners appear to be a cheaper grade than Grovers. It still plays as well as a 12-String can. The Grammer tone is there, but sounds a bit too busy.
Here it is! The Stars & Stripes model. There were just a few of these ever made. I believe I saw Hank, Jr. play one on an archived syndicated country show (could this be it?). This design was probably created in answer to Buck Owen's "Red, White & Blue" guitar, as seen on "Hee Haw". Remember, Leon Rhodes, one of Grammer's top craftsmen, played with the show from '71 to '91. This guitar is one of those instruments that just feels good to play. The tone is excellent and plays like you would caress a baby. This was my Dad's favorite and now my pride and joy.
This is one of the first, if not the first, tri-fold brochures created for Grammer. To my knowledge, they were printed in Honea Path, South Carolina at my father's printing plant in the middle to late 60's. I don't know who was responsible for the design. The originals are on white, semi-gloss, textured paper. Email me and I'll send you a full size, high quality scan so you can print your own.
This is the G-10 that I consider my personal guitar. Dad bought it for me when I was in high school around 1970. It's been everywhere and still looks, plays and sounds great. Shortly after receiving this guitar, I replaced the original silver Grover tuners with gold plated Grovers. This was done for aesthetics alone (and it did look good). The gold is worn now, but the Grovers remain solid. Every once in a while, I'm asked if I still have my Grammer? Being an uncommon guitar in the area, it became somewhat of a trademark for me. After 35+ years, it's still a cool guitar!
Here's what happens to guitar bodies that don't make the grade. Walk into any guitar manufacturer or repair shop and you'll usually find a variety of these being used as garbage cans, part holders, etc. On the other hand, it offers a good opportunity to examine the structural design inside the box.
Inside Top
Inside Bottom
Here's a seldom seen promotional photograph of Billy Grammer with one of his namesake instruments. Notice the headstock is engraved with "The Billy Grammer", not the usual "The Grammer Guitar". According to Rob Kilgore at www.grammerguitar.com and his conversations with Billy and Ruth Grammer, this is the only headstock of this design Billy ever saw and was used once for this photo shoot. Billy says he never saw it again. If it still exists, it's a real collectable!
Bobby Lord on stage at the Grand Ole Opry with his Grammer.
I may be totally off base, but I believe that this picture was taken in Nashville on the occasion of the induction of the Grammer Guitar into the Country Music Hall of Fame. My dad is second from the left. If someone can correct me, please do. I have so many pictures of him in similar situations, its difficult to remember all of the details.
This picture was taken in our home during a legislative interview on public television in the late 60's. Dad never missed an opportunity to plug Grammer Guitars!
This page was last updated April 22, 2006
Butch Moore's
Grammer Guitar Collection
George Gollin has created a wonderful stopover for Grammer and Gower guitar owners. Some history, some fun stories, and mostly people who simply love their Grammers.
Rob Kilgore has spent countless hours accurately documenting the history of the Grammer Guitar. In my opinion, his website provides the most comprehensive history of the company. He has personally interviewed many of the surviving principles (including Billy and Ruth Grammer) and offers an unbiased, extensive encyclopedia of information about the Grammer Guitar. A "must see" for any Grammer owner or country music history enthusiast!
Plus, you'll find information on how to purchase Billy Grammer CD's www.grammerguitar.com/discs.html. Billy is truly one of the great guitar and vocal stylists. I'm sure you'll enjoy adding Billy's music to your collection!
Copyright © 2005 Fred T. Moore II, All Rights Reserved
All instruments, original photos and materials featured on this website are the exclusive property of the Fred T. Moore family and are not for sale.
My Personal G-10
Outside
Inside
"Gotta Travel On"
"The best darn flat top guitar ever made!"
Rob Kilgore
Butch Moore's
Grammer Guitar Collection
Interested in purchasing a Grammer or other vintage acoustic or electric instrument? Take a look at the offerings at gregsguitars.net.
