Sam Koontz 7 String #3 from Chinery Collection

[Kingbeee1]

Hi! New to the forum. Just like to show my Sam Koontz 7 String #3 originally from the Chinery collection. Guitar is dated 5-1-78 and label signed by Sam. 17”-“7”.

I’ve seen it discussed on the forums so I thought I would introduce myself with some photos of this exquisite guitar. Thanks!

[Chezdeluxe]

I can’t understand why nobody is viewing this thread.

A beautiful guitar by a very famous maker. Congratulations on your purchase and I hope it brings you a lot of joy.

[nevershouldhavesoldit]

A beautiful guitar by a very famous maker

…from New Jersey, too! I love it!

Welcome to the forum from another 7 player, King! We look forward to your input. How about a sound clip or two? Like most of us, I’ve never heard a Koontz 7.

[wintermoon]

…from New Jersey, too! I love it!

Welcome to the forum from another 7 player, King! We look forward to your input. How about a sound clip or two? Like most of us, I’ve never heard a Koontz 7.

Congrats on the Koontz.
I know of a couple 7's, a good friend had over 30 Koontz's before he passed. There's an 8 string built for Jack Ceccini that I believe was the last guitar Sam made before he took his own life. Many years ago I had a beauty of a blonde 6 string, one of only 2 guitars I regret selling. I believe that was the next to last guitar Sam made.

[Kingbeee1]

Congrats on the Koontz.
I know of a couple 7's, a good friend had over 30 Koontz's before he passed. There's an 8 string built for Jack Ceccini that I believe was the last guitar Sam made before he took his own life. Many years ago I had a beauty of a blonde 6 string, one of only 2 guitars I regret selling. I believe that was the next to last guitar Sam made.

yes. I bought what was left of Howard’s collection. I believe my buddy Jim has your old guitar. It’s a beauty. Didn’t see an 8 string, tho. I plan to restore this one with a pickguard. It used to belong to Bucky Pizzarelli!

[nevershouldhavesoldit]

Many years ago I had a beauty of a blonde 6 string, one of only 2 guitars I regret selling. I believe that was the next to last guitar Sam made.

Hmmm - nevershouldhavesoldit, eh?

So does this mean that I'm doomed to be stalking a Koontz now? Will it never end?

[wintermoon]

Hmmm - nevershouldhavesoldit, eh?

So does this mean that I'm doomed to be stalking a Koontz now? Will it never end?

I know you like light, especially w your recent injury.
Koontz guitars are anything but, so unless you want a boat anchor under your arm your money is safe.

[nevershouldhavesoldit]

I know you like light, especially w your recent injury.
Koontz guitars are anything but, so unless you want a boat anchor under your arm your money is safe.

Hallelujah! I’m saved.



I never cared about weight until I herniated a disc. Now I’m an old camel who needs a light straw…….

I’ll just admire these from a distance.

[StormyMonday]

Hallelujah! I’m saved.

I never cared about weight until I herniated a disc. Now I’m an old camel who needs a light straw…….

I’ll just admire these from a distance.

Well...?
Same boat. Last gig was October then neck surgery so I'm gearing up for a May 2nd duo return. Even with my lighter guitars the weight/strap killed me after 3 or 4 songs, so I sat my butt down and removed the strap. Once I did that I could get through all 3 sets. Ok hand cramps but that's just conditioning. So I say toss the strap and buy any heavy assed guitar that catches your eye! The joy of a Koontz will relieve any pain you have. My own joy is corrupting other people, so now my day is complete. Go for it.

[Navdeep_Singh]

Jack Cecchini was a good friend of Sam Koontz and bought many of his guitars. Including a 7 string, oval hole arch top-which he apparently sold to one of his students.

His #1 guitar was a 6 string, oval hole arch top with a DeArmond monkey-on-a-stick. Sam knew it was the best guitar he ever made, so it took some very special convincing to sell it. When Jack took that guitar to visit Johnny Smith in Colorado, Mr. Smith played it, and simply said, “Jack this is the finest guitar I have ever played. Without exception”.

WITHOUT EXCEPTION.

Congrats on your guitar! Sam’s story was truly sad, but he was a true artist, clearly, in his own way.

[timc100]

Thanks for sharing. I have the 7 string serial number 2 that Navdeep mentioned - I bought it from Jack. It is a remarkable instrument. It has a cavernous sound in the way that it resonates and the depth. the high range is crystal clear with remarkable sustain. Plugged in its a monster. I posted mine in a thread a few years ago:

Koontz 7 string - restored + Serial numbers 1-3 // Oval soundholes

In that thread I highlight this serial #3 as seen in the Chinery book.

[timc100]

yes. I bought what was left of Howard’s collection. I believe my buddy Jim has your old guitar. It’s a beauty. Didn’t see an 8 string, tho. I plan to restore this one with a pickguard. It used to belong to Bucky Pizzarelli!

Which other Koontz gutiars did you get then?

The 8 string is the one for Joe Cinderella which is currently for sale: The Marketplace for Musicians | Reverb.com