It’s been a busy month already at Mass Street Music with actual truckloads of guitars arriving weekly – new Fender and Squier guitars, more of the great, redesigned Taylor 800 series acoustics and some sweet used gear. Of all the great instruments, the following are our absolute favorites this month:
Jim Baggett – Collings D42 Brazilian A Varnish Acoustic
Collings proves again that they make the very best. Not only does this guitar sound fantastic, but the luster of the varnish gives it a depth throughout that is just incredible – really brings out the beauty of the Adirondack top and the Brazilian wood, as well as the inlay work.
Jim’s Pick, the Collings D42 Brazilian A Varnish Acoustic, is as good as it gets in every respect.
Josh Baldridge – Collings C10 Deluxe Custom Acoustic
This is my absolute favorite C10 I’ve ever played. Besides looking so cool, the C10 shape really sounds great with really nice bass, and overall balance.
Josh & Anne both picked this used Collings C10 Deluxe ‘Doghair’ Acoustic.
Eric Mardis – Tom Anderson Angel Player Electric
I love this guitar. It has a very quick neck and the very best Floyd Rose setup I have ever experienced. Over all, the axe is super expressive with tons of versatility and a sleek, slightly ominous look. Anderson continues to impress.
Eric M.’s pick, this Anderson Angel Player is super shred-worthy!
Eric Putnam – JHS Colour Box Pedal
Really cool versatile pedal. Use it for direct to the board, Beatles tones or for a mic pre!
Ted Kritikos – JHS Colour Box Pedal
Perfect for those Neil Young and Beatles direct-in guitar tones. I can’t wait to plug this into my Presonus Audiobox and see what happens! Maybe my computer will explode!
This outrageously versatile new JHS Color Box pedal grabbed Eric P. & Ted K.’s attention.
Mike Horan – Repair Luthier – Chuck Lee Tubaphone Banjo
I like the Chuck Lee 11″ tubaphone – big sound out of a compact 11″ pot. I dig the headstock inlay as well.
Mike H.’s favorite, the Chuck Lee Tubaphone Banjo!
Susan Willits – Franzke F5 Mandolin
This F5 is a wonderful instrument, made with meticulous detail.
Susan W.’s favorite, the Franzke F5 Mandolin, was actually built locally, in Kansas City!
Thomas Hamm – Martin 0-28VS Acoustic
Great tone with a wide neck that’s perfect for classical-style playing, and equally appropriate for bluesy and folk strumming – all of my favorite things.
Thomas picked this cool Martin 0-28VS which is Martin’s smallest full size guitar.
Anne Tangeman – Collings C10 Deluxe Custom Acoustic
So, this acoustic guitar is just over-the-top perfect. It’s one of the most comfortable guitars I’ve ever played but has a big sound. The tighter waist and big lower bout of the C10 shape give volume with really sweet note definition. The woods, the shape, the doghair finish on the back and sides, the tone, and of course Collings’ obsession with perfection make it my favorite this month.
