As a passionate guitar enthusiast, my journey recently led me to an extraordinary place that I feel compelled to share: Mark’s Guitar Loft. Having previously acquired a fantastic ’05 Murphy aged guitar through mail order from Mark, I was already impressed by his impeccable service and accurate guitar descriptions. However, with a lingering curiosity about his extensive collection, I decided to take a trip to his New Hampshire shop. Let me tell you, experiencing it in person was a game-changer.
The three-hour drive was more than worth it. There’s simply no substitute for personally seeing, holding, and playing guitars, especially in an environment as conducive to exploration as Mark’s shop. Imagine being able to plug into a cranked classic amp and truly evaluate an instrument’s voice and feel – that’s the experience Mark provides. His shop is nestled in a quiet, unassuming location, a hidden gem that conceals within it what can only be described as a Les Paul lover’s paradise.
My visit to Mark’s Guitar Loft was more than just a guitar shopping trip; it was an educational and inspiring experience. Mark’s expertise is immediately apparent, and his guidance is invaluable. He offers honest, straightforward advice, born from deep knowledge and genuine passion for guitars. He’s a true expert in his field, and his insights are worth the visit alone.
During my time there, Mark encouraged me to test drive some exceptional pieces. Among them was his ’52 to ’59 conversion, a guitar that truly embodies the magic of vintage Les Pauls. It was a revelation, reinforcing the almost spiritual connection one can have with these instruments. Then there was a ’55 P90 Goldtop, currently listed at Mark’s Guitar Loft, an instrument of unbelievable sonic richness. And finally, a ’59 ES-335, whose sustain and singing voice, amplified through Mark’s personal Marshall JMP master volume, were simply breathtaking. This amp, by the way, is a killer pairing for these guitars.
Words can hardly capture the full scope of the experience at Mark’s Guitar Loft. While I could delve into further details about every guitar and amp, I know what you’re really here for – the pictures! But before I get to those, I must emphasize the incredible value of visiting Mark’s shop in person. It was a fantastic day out, a breath of fresh air, and I returned home with not one, but two incredible guitars, each chosen after careful evaluation in the perfect setting.
Mark also shared fascinating insights into his ongoing and upcoming projects with Dave Johnson. Their collaborative work demonstrates a remarkable commitment to “getting it right,” a dedication to the Les Paul legacy that is truly impressive. The level of detail, the clear vision, and the unwavering commitment they bring to their craft are evident. It begs the question: why isn’t everyone in the guitar industry applying this level of care and passion? But perhaps that’s a discussion for another time.
For now, let me introduce the guitars that came home with me from Mark’s Guitar Loft.
First, my ’05 Murphy R0. I’ve long yearned for a guitar that could capture the essence of Joe Bonamassa’s iconic 1960 ‘bursts. This Murphy aged R0 gets incredibly close. Interestingly, this very guitar was once held and played by a fellow forum member, adding to its unique story.
This is a photograph of LPCollector Mark, the owner of Mark’s Guitar Loft, holding a late 1960 Les Paul burst, a model known for its unique color and favored by some collectors.
This image shows the same late 1960 Les Paul burst guitar in Joe Bonamassa’s guitar collection, positioned third from the left on a couch alongside other valuable guitars.
My new Murphy aged R0 is a testament to tasteful aging and incredible tone. The Burstbucker pickups are exceptional in this guitar, so much so that I’m resisting any urge to modify it – a rare occurrence for me! Murphy’s aging work is truly impressive, subtle yet impactful, adding a beautiful vintage character without being overdone.
A detailed close-up shot showcasing the Murphy aged finish on the Les Paul R0 guitar, highlighting the subtle aging details and wood grain.
Another detailed shot of the Murphy aged Les Paul R0, emphasizing the guitar’s body contours and the meticulous aging process.
A full shot of the Murphy aged Les Paul R0 guitar, showing the overall aesthetic and the guitar’s shape and design.
A closer view of the top of the Murphy aged Les Paul R0, highlighting the wood grain and the aged finish on the guitar’s top.
A shot focusing on the headstock and neck of the Murphy aged Les Paul R0, showing the guitar’s hardware and neck profile.
Beyond the Murphy R0, I was also considering another guitar during my visit to Mark’s Guitar Loft. After much deliberation and playing through numerous instruments, the choice became clear. I also acquired a ’14 R9 in a stunning ambered dirty lemon finish. This guitar boasts a vintage-style top with beautiful streaks and flecks, and a flame that shifts dramatically with the viewing angle. The color is even more impressive in person, a rich, deep lemon hue. Weighing in at 8lbs 12oz, it has a fantastic, resonant tone and a comfortable, full neck profile for an R9. Mark had just received this guitar and it hadn’t even made it to his website yet!
It’s challenging to fully capture the depth of the color in photographs, but this image gives an idea of the ambered dirty lemon finish of the ’14 Gibson R9 Les Paul.
Another photo attempting to showcase the rich ambered dirty lemon color and the flame top of the 2014 Gibson R9 Les Paul.
Close-up shot of the top of the 2014 Gibson R9 Les Paul, emphasizing the wood grain and the unique characteristics of the vintage-style top.
Full body shot of the 2014 Gibson R9 Les Paul, displaying the overall guitar and its hardware.
Next time I visit Mark’s Guitar Loft, with Mark’s permission, I plan to take some photos of his shop to give you all a glimpse into what guitar heaven truly looks like!
In conclusion, if you’re anywhere near New England, or even if you’re not, I wholeheartedly recommend making an appointment to visit Mark’s Guitar Loft. You’ll be greeted by Mark, his friendly dog, and an unparalleled collection of guitars. And to be clear, Mark had absolutely no involvement in my writing this – this is not a paid endorsement. I’m simply a very satisfied customer who paid good money for these incredible instruments! My experiences with other forum sponsors have also been outstanding, but Mark’s Guitar Loft deserves special recognition for the exceptional experience it offers.
