Mass Resonator

Our good friend “Consignment Guy” brought some instruments in yesterday and this ‘36-’37-ish National Duolian caught my eye. It also caught the eye of the boss, Jim Baggett, who snapped it up before it hit the sales floor. Here’s a couple pics and what he has to say about his new toy.

Well loved Duolian

“This is a really cool guitar with a chunky, very straight neck - 14 fret neck, rolled F holes. The paint is worn and chipped all over, but it’s not dented. Has ‘the’ look, and even better the sound. Very lively and responsive to the right hand with a much better dynamic range than most. I just keep it by my desk and play it. It’s just one of those guitars that’s eager to please. I’ve played it for two days and realized that I haven’t touched the tuners. Really fun!” - Jim Baggett

The other consignment goodies including a lefty Les Paul Custom and a Gibson L-48 will be posted on www.massstreetmusic.com site later today.

Steve Kaufman-apalooza here at Mass Street started off last Thursday with a mandolin workshop and ended Saturday evening with a great concert. The acoustic room was packed as it was a sold out show. From the first song - the classic ‘Drunken Sailor’, with a crowd sing-along to his encore ‘Classical Gas’, he proved once again he’s not only a consummate player, but a real entertainer too. The crowd gave back too with a rousing rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’ to Steve, whose birthday is actually today. Happy birthday Steve and come back soon.

Starting off the show with 'Drunken Sailor'

Steve telling the audience this is his good side.

Well, one’s dead, one’s alive. One was into eatin’ ribs and the other is into punching them. However, they do have something in common - Flying V guitars. The new issue of Vintage Guitar Magazine (unbelievably the ‘June’ issue is already out!) features a great article about Albert King’s flying V guitars. I may be the last to know, but apparently karate choppin’ actor Steven Seagal not only collects vintage guitars, but he also plays blues… no, seriously. Here’s a cover of one of his albums:

Trying for a grammy this year. no seriously

He’s been collecting and caring for some of the coolest guitars on the planet including some of Albert King’s Vs. The article is great, and runs as a conversation between Seagal and ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons with plenty of great shots of the Flying Vs. There’s also a smaller article included about Seagal working on his new album…yeah. He recorded some in Nashville and even brought in David Lindley for some slide work. He says he hopes to have the album done in time to be “submitted to the Grammys in the Blues category.” Will wonders never cease.

Got that mojo workin'

Here’s one youtube clip of Seagal and here’s a more blues-y live youtube clip. Cheers.

The new OM1 from Martin's latest 1 Series

Spurred by the times, Martin Guitars is bringing back their “1 Series” of solid, more affordable guitars. These are crafted with solid Sitka Spruce tops and solid Sapele back and sides and harken back to the Style 15 and 17 Martin made way back in the Depression…you know, the first one. There are 4 models, including a dread and an orchestra model - 2 pure acoustic and 2 acoustic/electric and they’ll be going for $899 to 1099, depending on the model. They look to be really well crafted and quite a value.  We’re looking forward to these and expect them as soon as they start shipping - likely around May/June.  For the full skinny on these, check out Martin’s news release.

Here’s what we’ve been ogling at Mass Street Music most recently. Some interesting stuff this month, check it out~

John Flynn - Boss RC-2 Looping Pedal

Easy to operate, great features, phenomenal practice tool, great price.

John likes this Boss Loop Station RC-2

Matthew Khomsi - DEFINITELY the new Eastman AC320 Mahogany/Rosewood Hybrid!!!!

Hey, how do they grow a tree like that?

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