Mass Resonator

Everyone throws out their top ten lists this time of year and we thought you might like to know what our absolute favorites were that came through Mass Street Music this year.  The Intelli Tuner took the tuning world by storm with it’s accuracy, very small size, great price and incredible light that can illuminate your view in the woods on a dark night, the Lava cables really seemed to make a difference and we love both the locally made straps, the Anthology and the Jaykco), but here are 10 of the super standouts (in no particular order) - some are still here in the store and some are long gone, making someone very happy in ‘09. Cheers.

This Grosh EJ Special turned several employees' heads

Gold Tone Banjos - Eric M. (More on the way!)

Dr. Z Jaz 20/40 - “I never thought I would consider replacing my Prescription ES but this amp is so good and really usable in so many different settings.” - John F. (We have another of these on the way)

Collings Winfield CWMA - Mike H., Shop Manager

Dr. Z BrakeLite! - Matthew K.

Collings OM1 Mahogany - This guitar was my absolute favorite for the year of 2009.  I think it was everybody else’s favorite too…I’m sure you understand why!  Yowzer! - Brian S. (Like an all Mahogany? Check out another great Collings Mahogany in stock, the C10 Mahogany)

Grosh Reserve PlexiT Hollow - Just might be the world’s coolest guitar.  - Isaac F.

Leslie G27 1×12 Guitar Speaker Cab! - WOOOOOOOOOoooo!! - Jason J.

Grosh EJ Special - “Perfect and a real rocker. Think we all hankered for this one.” Anne T., Matt H.

Eastman Flattop AC Acoustics - “Outstanding guitars and killer value.” - Matt C.

Beatles picks! - “Cool designs, great for chewing on too. Woof.” - Chucho (we’ll add these to the website as soon as we get a new batch in).

Runner ups we love too…the Suefs!, the EP Booster, the Yamaha JR1

Here’s what we’ve been drooling over at Mass St. Music lately! Be sure to click on the ‘continue reading’ at the end to catch all our picks!

John Flynn - Xotic EP Booster

Simply put, this just makes everything sound better. There’s no excuse to not own one of these. Plug it in, turn it on, let the praises fly.

The Xotic EP Booster makes it mo betta

Brian Soden - Seuf OF-19 Sherwood Green

This is my favorite Seuf OF-19 yet.  Killer era-correct finish color and an incredibly resonant body.  This guitar has looks, tone and feel.  What more do you need?  Oh yeah…a fringe jacket.  Now you’re set!

Brian's fave this month

Matt Harmon  (Repair Shop) - Grosh ElectraJet Special
This guitar › Continue reading

Here’s what we’ve been eyeballin’ around the store lately!

John Flynn - Anthology Straps

Like an ultra fine baseball mitt - only gets better with age. If you’re fond of finer things, these are the best.

AND

Dr. Z Prescription ES & Dr. Z Prescription Jr Strength - The most dynamic, touch sensitive amps I have ever played. Going on 5 years now and I have not been tempted by any other amp.

Jim Baggett - ‘61 Gretsch Country Club 6196

Plays great and the color is really cool. Just saw It Might Get Loud at Liberty Hall….I’m thinking Jack White might like this one.

Beautiful vintage Gretsch

Mike Horan - Collings CWMA (Collings Winfield)

This is an exceptional dreadnought. It already has a played-in sound to it and responds real quickly to the flatpick. The thing sounds amazing.

The Collings Winfield - so good it made our silent shop manager speak

Brian Soden - Collings D2H

Over the years of working here, I’ve learned from our owner Jim that the best acoustic guitars will have a great, usable dynamic range.  Meaning that if you play with dynamics, the guitar will respond to your playing tonally.  He’s absolutely correct, and a prime example of his point is this Collings D2H.  Just like your favorite vocalists…the character, charm and emotions of their singing is a huge part of why we like their voice and that a lot of that comes through with dynamics and volume control.  This Colllings D2H in particular has an incredible, dynamic voice.  When Lyle Lovett sat down with Guy Clark to play an acoustic gig at the Ryman (I was there!), he grabbed a Collings.  It just makes sense to couple one great voice with another, right?!

Collings D2H

Kurt Morrow - Ernie Ball Stingray 4 Bass

If you are a bassist and you are lookin’ to get the funk out a la Louis Johnson of the Brothers Johnson, then this is the ticket. Along with many other funk-meister bassists from the ’70s, this Stingray is a must-have - big, phat, solid sound, and versatile enough for any style of music.

EB Stingray Bass

Eric Mardis - Ernie Ball 2008 Ltd. Petrucci

A great deal on a used and seriously killer guitar.

Anyone surprised Eric picked a Petrucci? No...didn't think so.

Matt Christenot - Dr. Z Maz 18 Jr NR

If you’ve ever thought about going boutique but didn’t think you could afford it then I highly commend this amp. It looks great and sounds great.  I like it enough to own one, and I’m around great amps all day long.

This 'Junior' packs a wallop

Isaac Flynn - Dr. Z Mazerati GT Head

I love the simplicity of it. Just plug and play! With only two knobs, I can dial in my tone quickly, and I can make any adjustments in just a split second. Whenever I want to rock, this is the amp I go to.

The good doctor's Maz GT

Jason Jones - Fender Classic Players Black Dove Telecaster

A great new spin on a popular aesthetic, this guy lives somewhere in the line between the Fender feel and the Gibson sound. Great guitar!

Fender's new Black Dove!

Matthew Khomsi - Collings C10 Mahogany SS
The way Collings does their all Mahogany guitars is unlike any other company I have seen.  They sound better, and look better.  The short scale on this guitar in particular makes it a joy to play.

This C10 is going to make someone very happy

Anne Tangeman - Collings C10 Mahogany SS

I have to second that emotion. This is a special guitar. Structurally, it’s a freakin’ work of art - haircut headstock, binding, just killer details, and built for a lifetime, but this is not something you’ll save for special occasions. You won’t want to put it down at all. It just sounds rich and deep and, I think, is pretty much as good as it gets.

October has brought some cool new gear to the store - new banjos, some cool Anniversary Taylors and more. Here’s what we’ve had our eye on:

John Flynn - Keeley Katana Boost

Essential.

Eric Mardis - Gold Tone  BG-250F Bluegrass Special Banjo

I own a very expensive banjo and it’s great… You might even say that its turned me into something of a banjo snob.   Thats why I am so blown away by these Gold Tone Banjos!  I’ve had one or two of them come in used over the years and was very impressed by how such an affordable banjo could crank out that “authentic” banjo sound…  Aspiring banjo players have always been cursed by the seemingly unfair price gap in the banjo world. You either pay $300 for something that “ok” or you drop $3000 before you can even play forward roll.  Ouch.  This BG-250F will serve the entry-level or intermediate banjologist very well indeed (without devastating your bank account!).   I’m very pleased to be able to offer quality banjos at this price level.  Now, everyone can get on the hick-stick.

Eric hearts Gold Tone

Jason Jones - Anderson Short Hollow T Classic

This is remarkably comfortable feeling and surprisingly tight for a shorter scale instrument. Also, with this color scheme and pickup configuration you’re getting the best of both the Gibson and Fender worlds all in one guitar.

Tom Anderson Short Hollow T Classic

Matt Christenot - Yamaha 414OM Bass

Big fat sound, › Continue reading