Summer NAMM 2009: A Mando Perspective

[Ted Eschliman]

Here at the NAMM show, camera in tow, with a little perspective on the Summer NAMM show here in Nashville, TN. Let me start with what I thought was the hit of the show, the JBovier Mandocaster prototypes. These things sounded like a million bucks (but they will street price for under $1K!). Pictured here is designer and friend, Jeff Cowherd:

[Ted Eschliman]

JBovier Mandocaster#2 with split pickups. Unbelievable tone! Split pickups:

[Ted Eschliman]

Good buddy and Cafe favorite Gordon Roberts was as impressed as I was!

[Ted Eschliman]

Some other JBovier Highlights.

[Ted Eschliman]

Another high level of coolness, the Eastman Bowlback (finally!)

[Ted Eschliman]

Sorry, no Eastman DG-3 (Grisman L&H Dola) yet, but another shot of the Bowlback (Sean in the background).

[Ted Eschliman]

Breedlove:

[Ted Eschliman]

Collings:

[Ted Eschliman]

Collings Mandos & new Ukes!

[Ted Eschliman]

More "familiar" Eastman:

[Ted Eschliman]

Goldtone:

[Ted Eschliman]

Interesting mandolin from Haight Custom Guitars. They said the builder only make one of these a year ($6K):

[Ted Eschliman]

This was a "sleeper" surprise. We ended up buying a few of these for my stores. The mahogany F5 (no binding) lists for $519. Very nice tone; unfortunately, the pictures don't do it justice. Revival mandolins, violins, guitars and ukes:

[Ted Eschliman]

Cafe Celebrity, "Big" Joe & Josh Vest:

[Ted Eschliman]

Obligatory wall of Kentucky:

[Ted Eschliman]

Only two, Larrivee:

[Ted Eschliman]

Old Hickory:

[Ted Eschliman]

Stonebridge:

[Ted Eschliman]

Always interesting, the resonator at The Music Link:

[Ted Eschliman]

Interesting custom electric mandolin at Chafin Custom Guitars:

[Tone Monster]

Thanks Ted for the eye candy.

[Jim MacDaniel]

Thank you Ted -- especially for the exciting news on Jeff's mandocaster clones.

BTW, did you get a chance to try out the new Goldtone A+ copy? The description on their web site reads like Pete L was more involved in their design that the 110 copy, so I was wondering if their tone either A) sounds better than the 110 copy, or B) if they do the Rigel design justice for a budget axe.

[Jill McAuley]

Thanks for posting all those photos Ted! I really like the look of that Chafin 8-string electric!

Cheers,
Jill

[delsbrother]

Neat JBs.. Please tell me you gave him grief over the 9th fret markers!

Can't tell, is the split-pickup model body shape more like a Strat, PRS, or Mosrite? What exactly makes it "split pickup"?

[SChase@EastmanStrings]

Good to see you as always Ted!