The Saddest Martin Ever? A 1953 D-18 Owned by Kurt Cobain & Elliott Smith

Watch John Bohlinger summon the ghosts of two songwriting powerhouses as we learn about a special piece of acoustic history.This well worn D-18 was coined “Grandpa” by Kurt Cobain, and was gifted to the rocker by then girlfriend Mary Lou Lord In 1991. Used by Cobain while on tour for Nirvana’s second and most notable album Nevermind. After Cobain’s death, the instrument was returned to Mary Lou Lord who toured with late rocker Elliott Smith who also used the guitar. (Courtesy of Martin Guitar.)Check out a demo of a pre-war Martin D-45 & the oldest Martin alive today.