NAMM 2017 Anaheim

[Ivan Kelsall]

From Scott re.the Collings MF5 - ".. a masterfully inlaid fern in the peghead..". I thought that Gibson had put a stop to that inlay pattern being used by other luthiers since their court case ???,
Ivan

[Mandobar]

I played it, and Alex Rueb played it when we picked a few. I liked it a lot, but their Italian spruce top blonde MT2 (2 piece birdseye back) was the top of their bunch this year -to my ear.

Yes, I have purchased almost every Italian-topped Birdseye mandolin from Collings I could get my hands on. They are no longer taking orders on these as they are out of Italian spruce.

[Mandobar]

From Scott re.the Collings MF5 - ".. a masterfully inlaid fern in the peghead..". I thought that Gibson had put a stop to that inlay pattern being used by other luthiers since their court case ???,
Ivan

Depends on what the trademarked and when. I believe the flowerpot is off limits. Not sure about the fern, and in some instances Gibson no longer owns some of their original trademarks. Some belong to Bank of America as they were used as collateral for loan financing.

[Richard.g.hampton]

Hi Scott

Many thanks for the report - particularly illuminating for those of us across The Pond, who probably won't get to NAMM. Re Andy Manson's mandolin; you said that "I can attest it sounded quite good and played well", which does not sound like a whole-hearted endorsement, if I may say so.....was the sound just different from the 'normal" bluegrass voicings of F-style mandolins, or was there something else that didn't quite work for you - e.g. volume, tone, sustain etc?

Thanks


Richard

[Mandolin Cafe]

Hi Scott

Many thanks for the report - particularly illuminating for those of us across The Pond, who probably won't get to NAMM. Re Andy Manson's mandolin; you said that "I can attest it sounded quite good and played well", which does not sound like a whole-hearted endorsement, if I may say so.....was the sound just different from the 'normal" bluegrass voicings of F-style mandolins, or was there something else that didn't quite work for you - e.g. volume, tone, sustain etc?

Thanks


Richard

No need to read between the lines. If you've ever been on the floor of the show you'd know. It's like trying to play an instrument standing under a 747 taking off and surrounded by thousands of people talking loudly. Deafening. That was not only my observation that it sounded good, it was a couple of Cafe regulars that were there playing it at the same time.

EDIT: also, his booth was on the main thoroughfare in Hall D, the epicenter of the show for foot traffic and noise, and this was late afternoon on a Friday, almost the worst time of the entire weekend save for Saturday afternoon.

I'd actually prefer if people want to parse the sound and value of this instrument that you start your own thread. There's a bit of experience with the Cafe faithful grumblers about anything different.

[Mandolin Cafe]

Stole this picture off a NAMM attendees Facebook page. Honestly, you know what I do with people like this? I go up and talk to them and I'm rarely disappointed, almost always enjoy the experience. Sometimes it's good to stop judging people by their looks (not a reflection on who I stole this from that might see it) and to take them as another person that might be a daughter, wife, etc. Honestly, a lot of Monroe sycophants scare me more, likely because I understand them better. Probably better stop there. Saw this gal at the show but didn't get to visit with her. Would have liked to. Don't worry, plenty of guys in alternative dress/hair to match in case anyone's worried.

[MikeEdgerton]

I'm pretty sure I dated her grandmother. I was a long haired kid back when I had hair. I don't have any problems with this.

[darrylicshon]

I probably dated her grandmother also i was a big punk rocker in the 80's

[Mandolin Cafe]

A lot of people that show up with that hair are like the Harley bikers that wear a suit and tie to their CPA job during the week and then their faux Hell's Angels look on the weekend. The Mandolin Cafe supports and heartily endorses this type of behavior.

[Mark Gunter]

Intriquing to me, like how do you ride in a car and go about doing many things without ruining your spikes? I'd have a thousand questions for that girl and she'd quickly be bored with me.

[Paul Statman]

After he handed me his F5 to try (certainly not a bluegrass sound), I asked Andy Manson demonstrated his mermaid guitar. My photos cannot do justice to this beautiful creation. It took him 2.5 years to build.

[Paul Statman]

Some innovative, eye-catching electric guitar designs that I couldn't resist! Shiny drum wrap covers humbucker pickups. The faux rabbit fur one has a piezo in there, too.

[Paul Statman]

Another just like the one he built for John Paul Jones. Yours for $15K from the gentlemanly Mr Manson.

[trevor]

Thanks for the great reports Scott.

"Lots of 50+ year old guys with balding heads in black spandex and white face make-up, pot bellied and their butt crack showing. Always a jarring experience." Wow that shows how long it is since I went to NAMM. Back then those guys looked like washed out rockers, leather jackets, skinny jeans, long hair around their bald patches and looking wasted. I had the pleasure of the company of one on the flight from the UK. It didn't occur to me to try and talk to him but I am not sure there was anything in there.

[George R. Lane]

A lot of people that show up with that hair are like the Harley bikers that wear a suit and tie to their CPA job during the week and then their faux Hell's Angels look on the weekend. The Mandolin Cafe supports and heartily endorses this type of behavior.

I have gone to Sturgis several times and am always amused by the weekend bikers that show up with their bikes in a trailer. If you don't ride there, why go? The last time I was there, 4 years ago the Hells Angles had a food donation kiosk set up. What is the world coming to.

[trevor]

I recently came across a group I refer to as Hell's Bankers, huge Harleys, immaculate colors with patches for all the rally's they had attended. All in a 'Country Esquire' part of the the UK sitting in a quaint tea room. As it happens I drove through there today (in my 14 year old Hyundai with my waist length ponytail), as I guessed, in freezing weather and a monday, no sign of them.

[Tom C]

Didn't make a note of that.

Out of curiousness who is this? Its nice to know what administrator is making a comment. Even Scott has a name.

[Perry]

deleted

[dhergert]

After he handed me his F5 to try (certainly not a bluegrass sound), I asked Andy Manson demonstrated his mermaid guitar. My photos cannot do justice to this beautiful creation. It took him 2.5 years to build.

I'd love to see the case for this mermaid guitar and also for the 3-neck guitar!

[John Soper]

I'll bet neither The mermaid or triple-neck would fit in an overhead storage space on any airline!

[jefflester]

I have gone to Sturgis several times and am always amused by the weekend bikers that show up with their bikes in a trailer. If you don't ride there, why go? The last time I was there, 4 years ago the Hells Angles had a food donation kiosk set up. What is the world coming to.

[JH Murray]

I thought the young lady showed excellent taste. Doc Martens never go out of style. I still wear mine in the pulpit on Sundays.

[Marcus CA]

I'd stick it in my nest egg. Sorry, I'm that kind of guy, and I have the killer mandolin of my dreams.

You set a fine example for us all!

[chuck3]

That Gold Tone mandocello looks pretty awesome ... are they actually for sale anywhere? A quick look was inconclusive. Bass being my other instrument, it's like ... a little of both. Might be interested. Love the pickup placement.

[Steve Sorensen]

Thanks for the report, Scott. I was out in the desert at the Blythe Bluegrass Festival and glad to be nowhere near Anaheim.

Did the Gibson show any mandolins, or just guitars?

Steve