The Bedell 1940 Dreadnought is not just another handcrafted acoustic guitar — it’s the product of a remarkable collaboration between Bedell Guitars, The Acoustic Shoppe, and John Chapman, whose own vintage 1940s dreadnought served as the inspiration. Known for its role as the backbone of bluegrass music, the original Martin D-18s from that era were prized for their clarity, projection, and ability to cut through a band mix. John’s personal guitar carried those qualities for decades of performances, and Bedell set out to recreate that voice while incorporating the best of their modern craftsmanship and technology.

Handbuilt in Bend, Oregon, this guitar features a hand-voiced Adirondack spruce top paired with Honduran mahogany back and sides. The result is a dry, punchy tone with plenty of headroom, warmth in the mids, and crisp projection that makes it equally compelling for flatpicking, rhythm strumming, or singer-songwriter settings. The ebony fingerboard, bridge, and binding bring an elegant feel, while Waverly relic nickel tuners ensure tuning stability with a vintage look. Bedell’s voicing process carefully measured and tuned the top and braces to replicate the nuanced frequencies of John’s own guitar, pushing this instrument far beyond a standard homage. This guitar carries the character and inspiration of a vintage 1940s dreadnought but with the enhanced comfort and reliability of modern build standards.

Visually, the Bedell 1940 is understated yet striking, with its gloss Adirondack top, dark patina gloss mahogany body, and subtle ebony appointments. Every line of the body reflects Bedell’s craftsmanship and attention to detail. Paired with a custom Ameritage case, it’s clear this instrument was designed not only to echo tradition but also to serve as a working musician’s tool.

What sets this guitar apart is its story. Born from the direct lineage of a guitar that helped define a genre, the Bedell 1940 Dreadnought embodies the spirit of bluegrass while offering modern comfort, reliability, and projection. It is both a tribute and a reinvention — a bridge between the past and the future of acoustic music.

SPECS
Body Type: Dreadnought
Neck Wood: Honduran Mahogany
Top Wood: Adirondack Spruce
Back & Sides Wood: Honduran Mahogany
Top Finish: Gloss
Back & Side Finish: Dark Patina Gloss
Fretboard: Ebony
Number Of Frets: 20
Nut Width: 1.75"
Tuners: Waverly #4076, Relic Nickel
Lower Bout Width: 15.75"
Waist Width: 10.625"
Upper Bout Width: 11.437"
Body Length: 20"
Body Depth: 3.875" At Neck / 4.75" At Tailblock
String Gauge: D'Addario XS PB Medium
Binding: Ebony
Inlay: 2.5mm Dots
Scale Length: 25.5"
Sound Hole: 4"
Hand Tuned: Yes
Case: Bedell Custom Ameritage Case