Few artists have done more to preserve and revitalize traditional American music than Norman Blake. Through his extensive catalog of recordings including his work alongside artists like Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan, Blake has helped reintroduce old-time, folk, and Americana traditions to new generations with remarkable authenticity. His understated, deeply-rooted approach has made him a touchstone for players and listeners seeking a direct connection to the foundational sounds of American music. He writes new songs that sound like they were played 100+ years ago, and he delivers them with a mastery that has inspired generations of players.
In 2024, Pre-War Guitars collaborated with Norman Blake on an ultra-limited run of just twelve instruments—six rosewood and six mahogany 12-fret dreadnoughts, each built to Blake's personal specifications with his endorsement and a soundhole label proudly bearing his signature. The design draws from two of Norman's most iconic prewar instruments, a 1933 shadetop herringbone dreadnought and a converted 1934 Hawaiian model. With period-correct construction details like bar frets, an ebony reinforcement rod, and compression fretting, the Pre-War Norman Blake models offer a lightweight, highly responsive feel with the sound and vibe of a well-loved 1930s relic. Handmade one at time in Hillsborough, North Carolina.
This 2024 Pre-War NB-18 is one of the six mahogany versions from the Norman Blake Collection. This one is serial #56300-001, which may mean that is number 1 of the series. It pairs mahogany back and sides with a torrefied Adirondack Spruce top for dry, immediate response and exceptional note separation. Built in a 12-fret dreadnought configuration, it features a slotted headstock, long 25.4" scale, and a substantial vintage-inspired neck carve that reflects Blake’s preference for 1930s feel and leverage. Additional details like the Ebony nut, cutthrough saddle bridge, small maple bridge plate, hide glue construction, and lightly-built scalloped bracing all contribute to a remarkably open, woody voice with strong fundamentals and effortless headroom. This is a monster dreadnought with a lot of range— it is well suited to flatpicking, crosspicking, and of course old-time fingerpicking. For a relatively new guitar, this NB-18 packs serious sustain, and the overtones are so sweet.
Because of Pre-War's distressing treatment, this NB-18 captures the vibe and character of a well-loved dreadnought. It's hard to say what is the factory distressing and what (if anything) is actual wear from use. One thing you can see is that the saddle was lowered last some point, so someone enjoyed this guitar enough to want to bring down the action. Because of that, the setup is excellent and very playing. It's in a spot where you have plenty of room to dig in, but still low enough that it won't hold you back as you get up the neck. Pre-War lists the nut width on these as 1-7/8", but this one is 1-3/4".
This 2024 Pre-War Guitars NB-18 Norman Blake includes its original Calton case. One quirk—when it spends a lot of extended time in the case, the finish gets a little dusty/cloudy, especially on the back. A little polish takes care of it, but the finish seems to want to breathe outside of the case. Calton's do have a strong seal, so perhaps that's a factor.