Happy Birthday! Brutus & Big Joe Vest

[BradKlein]

I think it's worth celebrating the 10th anniversary of this Gibson F-5 - D-70316 signed by Danny Roberts, and known as 'Brutus'. And not coincidentally, it's also the birthday of long-time Cafe regular, 'Big' Joe Vest, the original owner of this mandolin.



Because of Big Joe's role at Gibson, his mandolin was a kind of ambassador for Gibson Original Acoustic Instruments. And perhaps a symbol of Gibson's successful return to making mandolins that were at least close cousins to the best that the company ever produced. It's a good 'un.

And Big Joe also served for years as Gibson's 'ambassador' to the Cafe. He wrote countless posts and kept a level head, even when the tone among Gibson admirers and detractors became heated. They always ended with 'Have a Great Day!', and I, for one found it a helpful reminder. Joe isn't spending as much time online with us these days, but if you have an interest in the history of the Gibson F-5 mandolin - and how the company lost, then rediscovered how to build them - you may enjoy reviewing some of his posts from the 'old days'.

Anyway - Happy Birthday Joe.

[grassrootphilosopher]

I think it's worth celebrating the ... birthday of long-time Cafe regular, 'Big' Joe Vest...
...
And Big Joe also served for years as Gibson's 'ambassador' to the Cafe. He wrote countless posts and kept a level head, even when the tone among Gibson admirers and detractors became heated. They always ended with 'Have a Great Day!', and I, for one found it a helpful reminder. Joe isn't spending as much time online with us these days, but if you have an interest in the history of the Gibson F-5 mandolin - and how the company lost, then rediscovered how to build them - you may enjoy reviewing some of his posts from the 'old days'.

Anyway - Happy Birthday Joe.

Great post.

Happy birthday and good health to Big Joe Vest. I allways enjoy(ed) his posts. Gibson could not have had a better ambssador for their acoustic instruments, esp. the mandolin. I hope he is doing well.

[Hockey Puck]

Great post.

Happy birthday and good health to Big Joe Vest. I allways enjoy(ed) his posts. Gibson could not have had a better ambssador for their acoustic instruments, esp. the mandolin. I hope he is doing well.

Best wishes from me as well. His knowledge and class are unparalleled. I had the pleasure of speaking with Joe a number of years ago and had him do some work on my F9. A great experience all the way around!

[Wilbur James]

Happy birthday, Big Joe, always appreciate your
Insight.

[Jackgaryk]

Happy birthday Big Joe..always enjoy reading your posts.

[Bill Snyder]

Joe, good day for a birthday. My middle son turned 25 today and I am celebrating my 28th anniversary today.
I was glad to see you respond to a thread a few days ago. Hope the world is treating you well.

[Randi Gormley]

Happy birthday, Joe -- and happy birthday to a beautiful instrument!

[DataNick]

Happy BDay Big Joe!

I have enjoyed and have been educated reading your posts!

Best to ya!

[Big Joe]

Thank you for the happy birthday wishes. They are appreciated. "Brutus" is one of the finest mandolins one could play and I certainly miss him. I am glad it is in Brad's capable hands and is used regularly. May each of you be blessed and have a Great Day!

[Eric F.]

Happy belated birthday, Big Joe. What Brad says goes for me, too, and I couldn't say it any better.

Joe was kind enough to let me play that mandolin when I visited Gibson OAI years ago, and it is a hoss! He also gave me and my young son a tour of the workshop, and let my son play guitars that were worth many times what he had in the bank. I know from reading the Cafe that Joe treated others the same way he treated us.

[Timbofood]

Sorry to weigh in so late but, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Mine was the 26th and my granddaughter threw me out of my own kitchen so she could make all the sides for my birthday. This was the protein:


The feta chive turnover appetizer:


Wish you'd been here!