May 2014 Staff Gear Picks!

The whole staff has been checking out our recently arrived stock of gear, a few of us have even purchased guitars this month in preparation for a music filled summer. Here’s what we’ve had our eye on most…

Josh BaldridgeDon Grosh Retro Classic Hollow T
I have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of this guitar since I placed the order at the beginning of November. Don Grosh never disappoints, this guitar is a knockout. For me this is one of those rare guitars that is inspirational both aesthetically and musically.

Grosh Retro Classic Hollow T electric guitar in Red

Josh is not the only one who took a shine to this Grosh RCHT

Jim BaggettCollings 002H Koa Acoustic
Really cool – sounds and looks beautiful.

Collings  002H Koa acoustic guitar

Jim was swayed by this all Koa Collings 002H!

Eric MardisTaylor 618e Acoustic
I love how huge this guitar sounds. The Big Leaf Maple is the perfect wood for the Grand Orchestra body shape – bright attack but huge bass from the bigger box. Full spectrum sonic orgasm.  A stunner.

Taylor 618e acoustic guitar with electronics at Mass Street Music

Maple is taken to new heights in this Taylor 618e acoustic – Eric M’s pick ‘o the month.

Eric PutnamMartin 0018V Acoustic
This is my favorite new Martin that has come in. It’s very balanced and articulate. Great for finger picking but it also sounds great when you start to dig in and play chords. 

Martin 00-18V acoustic guitar

Eric P favors the versatile Martin 00-18V.

Matt HarmonDr. Z Carmen Ghia 112  Combo Amp
Simple, light weight, and sounds incredible. 

Dr. Z Carmen Ghia 112 Combo Amp

The Dr. Z Carmen Ghia 112 Combo Amp – always delivers!

Mike RunyonTaylor T5Z Electric-Acoustic Hybrid Guitar
This guitar is pretty amazing – good for electric and acoustic, it’s also affordable. I love the slimmer, Les Paul style body too. The size and weight are just perfect and it’s incredibly versatile.

Taylor T5Z Classic electric acoustic guitar

The new Taylor T5Z blew us all away with it’s thinner, more electric feel – sharp!

Thomas HammGretsch Jim Dandy Parlor Guitar
When I first saw the Gretsch Jim Dandy parlor guitar, I wasn’t too thrilled about it. It looked a bit too toy-like to me, but, having a thing for smaller-bodied guitars, I figured it deserved a chance. And, well, now I own one. It’s a lot of fun to play, and while I’m not the most devoted guitarist in the shop, it’s nice to have an inexpensive yet quality guitar around that, should my cat knock over, I’m not gonna kick myself if anything happens to it—and I’m not even that worried anything would, because it’s built well. The Gretsch Jim Dandy is about as patio-perfect as a rocking chair and an IPA.

 Gretsch Jim Dandy parlor guitar, burst finish

 The porch picker Thomas H favors – the Gretsch Jim Dandy!

Anne TangemanFender CP-100 Parlor Guitar
Like Thomas, I was also in search of a worthy porch picker, but I went with the Fender Parlor. It’s got a full 14 fret neck, but a small body, so lounging in my reclining lawn chair on the porch won’t be an issue. It’s not a Collings of course, but then again, I’m not going to worry and (forgive me) fret that something might happen to this one. This CP is built like a tank and super affordable. Our shop guys gave it its free setup, and it sounds great. No muss, no fuss & I’ve been playing it every day.

Fender CP-100 parlor acoustic guitar

Small but mighty, Anne’s porch picker choice, the Fender CP-100 acoustic!

Susan WillitsCollings MF Deluxe Mandolin
The sound is just so wonderful.  Clear high notes and warm bass. Beautiful instrument!

Collings MF Deluxe Mandolin in Sheraton Brown finish

Susan’s pick is the spectacular Collings MF Deluxe Mandolin!

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