As always, things are moving forward. Guru Guitars continues to be really busy. The repair load has grown to the point that we were forced to do a bit of remodeling to accommodate the insane amount of guitars, cases and odd bits that go with them. We rearranged the back room and built three new racks for customer guitars. We are running at a two week back log at this point. We've also been getting a lot of cool gear in the shop for sale, probably the coolest of which is an original 1960 Fender Tweed Bassman! For those of you who don't know this is one of the "Holy Grail" guitar amps, one of the amps which "started it all" so to speak. You can check it out on the guru website:
http://www.guruguitarshop.com/Fender/Original%20Fender%20Bassman%201960.htm
Things in the Conner Guitars world have been pretty interesting as well. The move has unearthed some trash...er...treasure, which might be worth revisiting. The first is an old parlor guitar which was given to me years ago. The name inside is Henry L Mason, beyond that, I have been unable to figure out exactly what it is...my best guess is that it was made or possibly distributed by Henry Mason of the Mason and Hamlin Piano Co. and it was probably built around the end of the 1800'S. Unfortunately the top is almost destroyed. So...I think I've decided that it would be a fun restoration project. I'll post some pictures and the project gets underway.
The second is an old Gibson from the 30's which is almost totally destroyed and possibly unrepairable. If I get really crazy I might try to resurrect it...after all it is easter weekend!
Meanwhile...in the year 2010...we have some exciting news!...Michael Franti and his band Spearhead now have a couple of my guitars! Some of you guys might know them from their tune which is getting a lot of air-time these days, "Say Hey( I love you)" If not, check out their website at www.michaelfranti.com better yet, go see them while they are on tour! They are a great band and I'm excited to be involved with them! Michael and the Spearhead guys have been recording some tracks for their new album with a 504 and a 510 semi-hollow. I'm looking forward to seeing them when they come through Raleigh, in May.
Back at home, I am working on an archtop prototype to replace the small 415 model. It will be a bit bigger, and more acoustically active. My hope is to capture more of that classic archtop vibe and sound. I have a lot of new ideas floating around in my head, I hope that I will get a chance to explore a bit in the coming months until then...thanks for reading. I'll post some pictures soon!
