The Eastman MDC805 Mandocello is a wonderful, rich sounding instrument that works well as a solo, ensemble or accompaniment instrument in a wide range of styles and genres, from Celtic to Classical, Latin and back again. The Mandocello had been in existence for some centuries in Europe, beginning with flat back and then bowl back. However, in 1905 Orville Gibson’s company began producing mandolin family instruments, including Mandocello models that drew from his blending of violin and guitar concepts.
Canada
The Godin Multiac ACS SA in Denim Blue Flame is a direct descendant of a Chet Atkins idea and is intended as a ‘crossover’ guitar for those coming to nylon strings from the electric world. With this in mind, the neck is slightly narrower than a Classical or Flamenco guitar, and the fingerboard is crowned. The chambered body and solid neck of the Godin ACS SA are Mahogany, with a Richlite fingerboard – a composite material that does a good job of simulating Ebony. The top of this model is a figured Maple Veneer with a lovely translucent denim blue shade, providing an unusual and quite attractive appearance.
This instrument has sold
MORE →The Collings 0002H is a 12-fret neck model combining the larger 000 size Sitka Spruce and Indian Rosewood body with a fairly long 25.5 inch (647.7mm) scale length. Here we’re looking at a pristine Collings 0002H, built during 2011 at the Collings shop in Austin, Texas. The design dates to 1902, and has clearly proven its worth. It pairs a Sitka Spruce top with Indian Rosewood for the sides and back, with the top surrounded with Herringbone purfling.
This instrument has sold
MORE →Showing strong influences from the classic American Slope Shouldered dreadnought line, the Eastman E10SS/V uses all solid woods and a very nice Antique Varnish finish. The earliest dreadnought guitars were built by Martin for the Oliver Ditson company during 1916, and used the round or slope shoulder format seen here; When Martin finally put the dreadnought into production in 1931, the upper bouts or shoulders were squared.
This instrument has sold
MORE →Built from 1992 to 1994, the Gibson Starburst Standard uses a cutaway mini-Jumbo body built of Maple, and as its name suggests features arrays of star shaped inlays. This model was popular, and Jorma Kaukonen apparently had several that he used regularly, including the blue-finished model in the Homespun Tapes clip linked here. The Gibson Starburst was a model produced for a short time in limited numbers in Bozeman, Montana and was designed chiefly by Ren Ferguson. Intended to mark the 100th anniversary of Orville Gibson’s first guitar sales, the Starburst aims towards players who need to amplify their guitars. As such, its wood choices are intended to reduce resonance and volume and thus reduce feedback.
This instrument has sold
MORE →The Ibanez LGB30 George Benson, introduced in 2013, is a take on the classic single-cutaway archtop electric produced by Gibson for many years. This is the lowest price of the Ibanez George Benson Signature line. George Benson has worked as a jazz guitarist and singer since he was nine, and came to worldwide attention with his 1976 album ‘Breezin’. He’s continued to work, writing, performing and recording.
This instrument has sold
MORE →