Grammy-winning country music artist Vince Gill has been named an ambassador for Songbirds Guitar Museum, the world's largest private collection of rare, vintage guitars. The museum, located at the Chattanooga Choo Choo, is set to open March 9.
Gill is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame who is known for his singing, songwriting and guitar playing. He will show those off at the Grand Opening Celebration. He has also signed on to lend his voice and expertise to Songbirds Guitar Museums.
"This is the most impressive collection of rare, vintage guitars I have seen," says Gill, who will curate some of the exhibits. "I am honored and excited to be a part of such a tremendous display of music history."
Johnny Smith said Gill is a great fit for what the museum has in mind for the future.
"We are incredibly excited to have Vince Gill join the Songbirds team," he said.
"His connection as a guitar player and his talent as a performer make him a perfect spokesman to help us share our epic collection of guitars with music lovers everywhere."
Smith has said in previous interviews that the museum will feature a rotating collection of about 300 guitars from the total of 1,700 in the collection. These include one-of-a-kind model, prototypes and models that were first or early production models.
The collection of rare, vintage guitars includes:
- * Prototype 1950 Broadcaster serial #0009
- * Early Stratocasters including #0102, 0103 and 0104
- * Pre-War D45 Martin Guitar
- * 34 Gibson Les Paul Model Sunbursts from 1958-1960. Some of the most expensive of their kind. Considered by many to be the Holy Grail of electric guitars.
- * There are more than 300 custom color Fender guitars in many colors.
- * More than 75 custom color Gibson Firebird guitars.
- * More than 45 classic "Bluegrass" flattops, flathead original five string banjos, mandolins, and the like representing the best of Martin, Gibson and other manufacturers
The 7500-square-foot museum features interactive, educational displays for adults and children, an upgraded All Access tour, and an event space for private parties.