Caleb Smith was born and has spent all his life in Haywood County. Coming from a musical family, Caleb began playing music at the age of 7. In 2002 he was influential in starting the bluegrass gospel band Harvest. With Harvest, Caleb traveled all over the eastern U.S. performing at many different venues with artists such as Doyle Lawson, Larry Sparks, Paul Williams, and many more. In the spring of 2006 Caleb was nominated through Power Grass Music Awards for male vocalist of the year and guitar player of the year of which he won both titles. Caleb, also being a song writer, has had 3 songs to make the Singing News charts. The latest making it to #48. Caleb feels very blessed of God to have had such a great musical life this far and is looking foward to seeing lots of great things happen with Balsam Range.

I have two guitars that I play regularly. My main guitar is a Martin D-18 that was made in 1940 (“PETE”). I acquired this guitar in April of 2008 from the original owner in Candler, NC. It was originally purchased at Dunhams Music House of Asheville, NC in October of 1940. Shortly after I purchased Pete, I took him to my friend John Arnold in Newport, TN for a tune up. After a neck set, new bridge and saddle, and some fret work Pete came to life. This is one of the best pre-war Martins that I have ever played. It maintains the classic D-18 punch but also displays wonderful low end and bright tones as well. It is also 99% all original. Pete never had a case but is in surprisingly pristine condition. I feel very lucky to have such a fine instrument to work with and enjoy.

My other guitar is a Martin D-28 Custom that was made in 1997. This is a special guitar made from Brazilian Rosewood that gives it a huge, old sound. This was technically my first good guitar. My Mom and Dad made this purchase for me from Danny Bishop in Asheville, NC at Bishop’s Violin Shop. This was my main guitar for many years prior to “PETE”.

I use GHS True Medium (ghsstrings.com) guitar strings on both guitars. I also use BlueChip picks (bluechippick.net) made by Matthew Goins in Knoxville, TN.

Equipment

• GHS Strings
• Blue Chip Picks
• K&K Western Mini
• L.R. Baggs Venue
• 1940 Martin D-18
• 1944 Martin D-28

Accomplishments

• Winner of “Power Grass” guitar player and male vocalist of the year in 2006;
• Shared stages with Tony Rice, JD Crowe, Adam Steffey, Larry Sparks, Ralph Stanley, Paul Williams, and Doyle Lawson
• Worked previously with band mates Mark Millsaps, Marty Price, Eddie Rose, Patrick Bradshaw, Danny Bishop, Aaron Ramsey, Mark Austin, Dwight Bradshaw, Scott Sutton, Steve Sutton, Gary Mackey, Goward Champion, Raymond Fairchild, Jim Sorrells, and Mark Stevenson