Franklin OM late 1970’s

This guitar is in a class by itself. Legendary luthier Nick Kukich built this guitar in the late 1970s. He is founder and owner of Franklin Guitar, and his personal signature is displayed on its label. Mr. Kukich only produced a handful of guitars annually and each is more valuable than similar instruments which are mass produced. I’m the original owner.

 If you have never seen, heard, or played a Franklin, you will be amazed to hear such the big, clear sound produced by such a small guitar.  I have compared my OM to an original Martin, and it meets the challenge. I had the neck reset some years back, so the guitar is immensely playable. The guitar is wonderful to strum and fingerpick but equally capable of handling aggressive flat picking. The sound produced by the Franklin is lovely and perfectly balanced between both high and low tones. Whether playing loud or soft this guitar will answer the call.

The workmanship is impeccable. I have built three mandolins and two octave mandolins, and played multiple guitars, and I can say with authority that this Franklin guitar is exceptional. The Sitka Spruce soundboard is stunning, with a tight, evenly spaced wood grain like a classical guitar. The soundboard displays ‘flame’ across its entire surface and rings like a bell. I played this guitar in huge jams, and it can always be heard above the rest.

The purling features a herringbone design, and the binding and rosette inlay is superb! The Indian rosewood back and sides helps generate a sweet tone. The undertones generated by this Franklin will send shivers up your back. 

Speaking about a similar guitar:  “…Just thinking about the guitar has kept me awake at night and I can only say that it is beyond even my wildest expectations. The neck and the action are beautiful, and I am really looking forward to using the guitar for my next record…” -

John’s Renbourn, Scotland

Lastly, the Franklin has two dings and a couple of scratches consistent with thirty years of regular use. Also, the spruce top shows surface wear near the pickguard. A local luthier sealed the surface damage, and the exposed wood is now stable (see photographs).

Please contact me for additional information.