Over a career spanning more than six decades, multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, and bona fide Americana icon David Bromberg has amassed an impressive, one-of-a-kind collection of instruments, each piece brimming with its own captivating story. Now, for the first — and last — time ever, you have the chance to claim a piece of that storied legacy from David’s Official Gear Exchange Artist Store.
From Greenwich Village to the Beacon Theatre
After honing his fingerpicking under the tutelage of blues and gospel legend Reverend Gary Davis, David Bromberg quickly rose to prominence as a versatile multi-instrumentalist on the 1960s-era Greenwich Village folk scene. He became an in-demand session player for such artists as Bob Dylan and George Harrison — co-writing “The Holdup” — before launching his 1972 solo debut, which showcased his eclectic blend of blues, bluegrass, folk, rock, and jazz.
After a prolific career touring, recording, and collaborating throughout the ’70s, David and his wife, artist Nancy Josephson, stepped back from the spotlight, establishing and operating David Bromberg Fine Violins, an extensive violin sales and repair shop. In 2007, he returned to active duty with the Grammy-nominated roots album Try Me One More Time. David then continued recording and performing, delivering collaborative, blues-driven projects that further cemented his status as a singular innovator in American roots music.
David gave the violin shop to the “back of the shop” luthiers at the end of 2021, and soon after he announced his retirement, performing a farewell concert on June 10, 2023, at New York City’s Beacon Theatre. Now that he’s no longer recording and touring, David is selling his instrument collection — a remarkable assemblage that reflects his multifaceted career as well as his lifelong devotion to his craft.
A Treasure Trove of Musical History
Martin 1934 0000 F-7 Prototype
The first item in David’s eclectic instrument collection is a Martin 1934 F-7 prototype. Crafted by master luthier Matt Umanov, this F-7’s archtop body has been converted to a flat top and then outfitted with a dreadnought neck, extensively tailored to David’s voice and vision. Moreover, this is the very F-7 conversion — as in the actual physical instrument — that Martin used as a blueprint for the entire M series.
Complete with case and accessories, this acoustic guitar offers a rare chance to own a living piece of guitar history — an opportunity that only comes around once in a lifetime.
Fender 1966 Pre-CBS P Bass
Next is a 1966 Pre-CBS Fender P Bass originally played by David’s wife during her time singing and playing with David’s quartet. Flaunting an eye-catching 3-tone sunburst finish with plenty of real-world relicing, this bass boasts fully functional electronics, and it includes a gig bag, guitar cable, tuner, and strap.
Whether you’re a tone chaser craving that classic P Bass thump or a collector with an eye for genuine history, this piece oozes mojo from every fret.
Fender “Tele Mutt” 1959 Telecaster
Up next, we have one of the coolest partscasters you’ll ever get your hands on: a 1959 Telecaster body paired with a 1957 neck, affectionately dubbed the “Tele Mutt” by David. The bridge pickup, original to the ’59 body, serves up that unmistakable Tele twang — crisp, articulate, and full of bite, just as you’d expect from a golden-era build. The neck pickup, though rewound, remains true to vintage spec and delivers a warm, nuanced voice that’s both soulful and dynamic.
This Tele is a true road warrior, waiting for the right player to come along and bring it back into the spotlight where it belongs!
Collings Custom Shop D1A
Then we have a prime-specimen Collings D1A acoustic guitar originally gifted to David by his wife on his 60th birthday. This stunning Custom Shop dreadnought boasts well-seasoned tonewoods, including a premium Adirondack spruce top, and it delivers truly cannon-like projection that will serve you well both onstage and in the studio. It even includes the original hardshell case!
Brandishing lightly worn aesthetics, this acoustic was one of David’s go-to instruments during his post-1960s projects and was used in countless live performances and on recording collaborations with myriad high-profile artists. Players searching for a high-performance acoustic with a storied history will get endless mileage out of this Collings!
Epiphone Electar Zephyr
After that, we have an Epiphone Electar Zephyr combo amplifier. This 25-watt, 1 x 12-inch blonde beauty delivers all sorts of juicy tube tones chock-full of smooth warmth. Of course, it’s also capable of furious overdriven tones when you crank it. Sporting a head-turning wooden cabinet with a cool “E” logo grille, this amp is fully functional with just enough scratches, scuffs, and dents to give it character.
According to David, he loved this amp so much, he kept it in the airplane’s overhead compartment whenever he traveled by air. If it was good enough to ride overhead at 30,000 feet, then it’s more than ready to earn a spot in your studio or stage setup!
Fender Pre-CBS Twin
Last, we have a pre-CBS Fender Twin amplifier. This is a real-deal vintage Twin packed with early-1960s aesthetics and legendary tube tones, ranging from crystalline cleans with sparkling highs and punchy lows to crunchy, raw breakup at high volumes. This amplifier is in good working order, and it includes an aftermarket interior cooling fan and an upgraded, heavy-duty power cable, making it well-suited for modern use scenarios.
Anyone on the hunt for a genuine vintage Fender Twin will find this amp to be a rare gem that delivers both collector-grade authenticity and stage-ready reliability.
This Is Just Scratching the Surface!
For musicians, few things are more captivating than gear with a rich history — and what you see here is just the beginning. On Sweetwater’s Gear Exchange, you’ll discover a treasure trove of vintage instruments, each one with its own unique journey. Some have graced legendary studios, appeared on chart-topping albums, or been played by iconic artists.
We’re thrilled that David has chosen to share not only his incredible collection but also the stories that make each piece special. And what we’ve highlighted so far is just the beginning. To explore the full lineup of David’s gear, visit his Official Gear Exchange Artist Store and dive into the history behind the music.
If your old gear is collecting dust, then it’s time to turn it into something new. Sweetwater’s Gear Exchange makes it easy, and with zero seller fees, it’s changing the game for musicians everywhere. Whether you’re upgrading, downsizing, or just making room for your next obsession, there’s no better place to buy and sell used gear.
Discover how Gear Exchange is redefining the used market — and why musicians are making the switch.