May 2016 Staff Picks

Josh BaldridgeFender American Elite Jazz Bass – Tobacco Burst
It feels like Fender paid extra attention to the body on these new Elite basses. The weight is really light and well balanced. Also, I love the color on this one, reminds me of the vintage ’66 P-bass we had in a while back. The neck on this feels great, and the tone out of these new noiseless pickups is fantastic.

Fender American Elite Jazz Bass - Tobacco Burst

Stop by and check out the killer active electronics on this Fender Elite Jazz Bass

Jim Baggett – Collings Acoustic Guitars – C10-35 SB
Picked this C10-35 up after a recent trip down to the Collings workshop, and we’re continually blown away by the tone and volume produced by this small bodied guitar. A really fine model from the folks at Collings.

Collings Acoustic Guitars - C10-35 SB

Our Collings inventory is always changing – check out our Collings Collection 

Eric Mardis – Tom Anderson – Raven Superbird – Transparent Cherry
This is one killer Anderson with a short scale length for easy shredding. Throw in two custom Anderson pickups in the PH1 and HC2 and you’ve got an incredibly versatile electric.

Anderson Superbird

Check out collection of Anderson Guitars!

Eric PutnamFender – American Elite Stratocaster – Aged Cherry Burst
When I first heard about the Elite Strat I didn’t think it would be that different from the deluxe series. But when we got one in it surprised me. The first thing I noticed was the asymmetrical neck shape, which is extremely comfortable and very fast. The noiseless pickups have a lot more character than previous noiseless fender pickups. Really great guitar!   

Fender - American Elite Stratocaster - Aged Cherry Burst

Check out our collection of Fender Electrics in stock!

Matt Pelsma – Chase Bliss Audio – Tonal Recall Analog Delay
Warm and punchy analog sound without the trappings and tone draining characteristic of some vintage analog delays.  This pedal can be subtle, but also outlandish.  The “ramp” knob will determine the speed of the pitch shifts, while the modulation can be used to dial in some chill with your warmth.  I didn’t even get into all the expression options and controls that Chase Bliss is known for before I got lost in everything that is tweak-able on the front face.  The most versatile analog delay I have ever played!

Chase Bliss Audio - Tonal Recall 

We’re really excited to have pedals from Chase Bliss Audio in stock – stop by the store to check out our lineup!

Mike Horan –  Collings Acoustic Guitars – 02SB 12-Fret – Western Shaded
This 12-Fret 02SB is an obvious choice for any fingerpicker, but it has a surprising amount of projection when played with a flatpick as well. A real stunner with the Western Shaded finish.

 Collings Acoustic Guitars - 02SB 12-Fret - Western Shaded

Check our the BIG sound out of this little guitar in our latest Mass Street Demo! 

Matt Harmon – Eastman Electric Guitars – USED T486 Thinline
Get this 486 while you can, I replaced the pickups with Wolfetone Legends and it sounds amazing. The pickups alone are $300 new and with this setup you can save on labor install as well.

Eastman Electric Guitars - USED T486 Thinline

Read all about our demos of the Wolfetone pickup line!

Trey DurkinGibson Banjos – 1932 TB-1 5-String Conversion
This is an exceptional banjo in very good shape. Great feeling wider than average neck profile, with smooth playability due to the radiused fingerboard. It has a rich complex tone, very full with a deeper bass than you might expect without being muddy. Loud as a cannon, you’ll be heard in just about any situation. Although this style banjo is much more commonly played with picks (which it handles great) this resonator sounds fantastic for frailing as well!

Gibson Banjos - 1932 TB-1 5-String Conversion

Check out our current inventory of Vintage Gibsons 

Susan Willits – Collings Mandolins – 2010 MT2 USED
This used Collings MT2 is a gorgeous instrument! The beautiful maple back, sides and neck practically glow and I love the elegant flourish peghead inlay! This MT2 is extremely clean and is a great player with clear high notes and well defined tone across the board. It comes with a pickguard and a hard shell case that looks like it’s never been out from under the bed! A great deal at this price, it probably won’t be here long!!

Collings Mandolins - 2010 MT2 USED

Susan with a great used Collings Mando!  

Matt KappenmanMartin Acoustic Guitars – 2009 D-18GE Golden Era

This is one of those dreadnoughts that when given a little push it can really roar! With the vintage string spacing there’s plenty of room to really lay into a bass run without tripping up your picking. Some mahogany dreads end up with a muddy low end – but this D-18 has a punch and directness that’s ready to deliver a knock out punch at your next jam.

 Martin Acoustic Guitars - 2009 D-18GE Golden Era

Check out the sound samples on this Golden Era D-18! 
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