Happy Birthday Brutus!

[BradKlein]

If you've been around the Cafe a while you may remember this Gibson F-5 that originally belonged to 'Big' Joe Vest - D-70316 signed by Danny Roberts six years ago this coming Monday.

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Because of Big Joe's role at Gibson, his mandolin was a kind of ambassador for Gibson Original Acoustic Instruments, and lots and lots of pickers had a chance to try it out over the years. It's a good 'un.

[Big Joe]

Brad... You have no idea how much I miss Brutus! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

[BradKlein]

Hey Joe. You can be sure that I appreciate this mandolin every time I pick it up, which is most days. It's a real tribute to the great work that you and Charlie Derrington and Danny Roberts did at Gibson during one of the great eras in that company's long history. Something you can be very proud of.

PS Come by Brooklyn (post-hurricane) for a reunion anytime you're passing through.

[BradKlein]

Here are a couple detail photos in case anyone's interested.