Weber Fine Acoustic Instruments Joins Two Old Hippies
By Two Old Hippies
November 8, 2012 - 11:30 am
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Weber Fine Acoustic Instruments Joins Two Old Hippies
Bend, Ore. — Two Old Hippies, LLC, American builder and designer of Breedlove and Bedell Guitars announce the addition of Weber Fine Acoustic Instruments to the Two Old Hippies team. Bruce Weber and Bruce Weber Jr. are official Co-Hippies and will continue to design, build and promote exquisite Weber instruments.
In addition to its recent launch of the only new acoustic instrument workshop in the U.S. in over a decade, the Weber acquisition reinforces Two Old Hippies' commitment to acoustic-minded musicians. Two Old Hippies' mission is to deliver instruments that excite, inspire and cultivate all players while creating the best environment for the best craftspeople to work.
Bruce Weber began handcrafting instruments at the Flatiron Mandolin & Banjo Company, becoming the lead luthier after Flatiron joined Gibson in 1987 in Bozeman, Montana. Ten years later he established his own workshop and Weber Fine Acoustic Instruments was born. Handmade in Logan, Montana, Weber mandolins, mandolas, octave mandolins, mandocellos, arch-top guitars and resonator guitars have earned a reputation as the finest such custom acoustic instruments made.
When Bruce Weber and Two Old Hippies owner, Tom Bedell met last summer it was clear they were kindred spirits in their passion for building extraordinary instruments. They also shared a philosophy in how they respected and cared for their teams.
Bruce Weber will oversee instrument development and quality, as well as guiding the build processes, ultimately continuing as the patriarch of all Weber instruments. In addition, this move will allow Mr. Weber to return to his first love: hand-building exquisite Weber instruments from his shop in Montana. In March 2013 Weber craftspeople will be relocating from Logan, Montana to Bend, Oregon to build Weber instruments under the guidance of Mr. Weber.
"My dream of creating a team to build extraordinary acoustic instruments is coming true," comment Bedell. "I get to work side-by-side with Kim Breedlove, Bruce Weber and a whole team of experienced and dedicated craftspeople that love building extraordinary custom instruments."
Weber added, "Our ability to create amazing and unique instruments will expand incredibly with the capabilities of Tom's new facility and the resources now available to us. I'm honored to be included in Tom's dream and admire his dedication in assembling a great team in a great location to build awesome acoustic instruments."
Weber production will continue in Logan, Montana for the remainder of 2012 and transition to Bend, Oregon over the first quarter of 2013. Dealers will continue to be served by Cameron Haag, who will be relocating to Bend on December 1, 2012.
Two Old Hippies is the culmination of the vision of Molly and Tom Bedell. As well as being the parent company to Breedlove and Bedell guitars, Two Old Hippies offers a line of clothing and accessories, and operates stores in Aspen, Colorado and Nashville, Tennessee.
For additional information, contact Ryan Bouslaugh at (541) 385.8339 ext. 337.
Additional information:
Two Old Hippies
Weber Fine Acoustic Instruments
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Reader Comments

Can we start using the phrase 'Pre-Bedell Weber' now?
Bruce is open to any questions today, too. He's going back to work so it might take me awhile to get back with the answers.
As Tom and Molly Bedell say, 'Peace, Love, & Bluegrass'
TOH's Dave Palletier and Bruce in a Peaceful Celebration
Mary showing how you make it official in Montana
f-d
Will Mr. Weber take a shot at building his own "take" on a "Loar" era F5 mandolin, now that he will be hand crafting his own mandos?
You don't keep them all in the same case at night, do you?
Didn't we have a thread saying the Breedlove mandos were getting some design enhancement? Early Bruce impact?
ooops double post- not sure how to delete...
He just said he has lots of ideas that have been rolling around in his head. Not too specific I'm afraid...
For some reason the power went out in Manhattan (MT) where our internet provider/server is located. Could have to do with all the snow we got last night (I am taking a shovel break now). Anyway, they are the server for our website so that was down for awhile too- obviously on-line now, tho!
I wouldn't jump to any conclusions right now. Let's see what happens down the road. I am positive that Bruce will see to it that a quality instrument will still be produced. I can't imagine he would want his name on a sub-standard instrument.
Awe, come on give it a chance. We do know what you mean, though. Things will need to shake out but the general plan, at this time going forward, is that Bruce will actually be taking many of the actual instrument phone calls and will most likely be doing some repair at his shop. I think he and Helen always liked the challenge but also he can see if materials or workmanhship may have been behind it, or something.
He also has the temperament for it : )
Back to shoveling.
Bruce & Helen were talking about all the changes, too...it's been a great 15 years but it can be fun to shake things up and keep it fresh. However there is continuity in that Bruce and the core builders are making the change, too.
CC
Like many others it was their customer service that I was most impressed with, and I hope the move to a bigger organization does not mean losing the personal touch and customized features that have been the hallmark of this company.
While I don't currently own a Weber mandolin, I do have a custom Weber handmade TRC on my Brentrup M21:
Larry
I am having difficulty wrapping my head around the situation. I don't know the difference between a merger and an acquisition or which this is. Two Old Hippies two years ago never heard of them. Then they buy Breedlove out of the clear blue sky and now Weber. Where does all that capital come from. Is selling hippodrome clothes and jewelery along with guitars mostly made in China that lucrative? Maybe they will buy Gibson and Collings next!
Philip
According to Mary, she and Bruce will continue to live in Logan and he will have a shop there. So, I would say you could still make the trip to see Bruce.
That is so funny that I had to comment. I have watched Bruce open a lot of mando cases that have come back for repair over the years, and the first thing he does is put the instrument up to his nose and take a big sniff. He is more wary now since he almost passed out from one that was totally moldy- toxic. He really hates over-humidification.
It's alright, man, I thought it was pretty funny with "hippodrome!"
I know Bedell developed an extremely successful business focusing on outdoor activities (fishing/lures/flies/rods especially), if I remember correctly. I think that TOH's business ranges beyond the music and clothing industries, though I haven't looked into it in a number of years...
Our business is going through some substantial changes at the moment as well, almost all of which I think are positive. That doesn't take away the apprehension many of our employees feel at the moment, though. I understand both Mary's optimism as well as the concerns voiced at the moment, and only time and the overall business plan of TOH will determine how things go. I know that I love my Weber OM, though it doesn't smell as good as my Silverangel (which has really old cedar bracing...Mmmmmm).

Bill
While I have absolutely no intention of ever parting with my Breedlove mandolin, this is important to me. I have a rather high-end Breedlove mandolin, and since I managed to capture it I have seen Breedlove become a go-to brand for entry-level mandolins. It kinda changes the initial perception of the instrument (until you play/hear it!)
Oh, and my Weber also smells awesome!

It's nice to see you all posting comments about Weber/STE on here. It's also very nice seeing comments from Mary, who is always a great representative for Weber.
Weber/STE has simply been one of the special companies in the mandolin industry. the mandolins are outstanding, but it's the approach to building and the strength of Bruce's, Mary's, and Bruce Jr.'s values that have really made a difference. To be so ethical in a market that features Gibson, Collings, and a slew of premier independent builders is remarkable.
I wish everyone involved good luck. Things change, whether we want to change with them or not. Bruce and Mary's comments about keeping things fresh is, as Bill Monroe might say, a true statement.
Sincerely,
Kevin
I'm confused. Sounds like Bruce Weber is going to have something to do with the new line of "Weber" mandolins, but I don't see how that is really going to happen if he is in MT working on hi-end Webers.
And they both are going to have the Weber badge on them? I guess that could work, but if I sold the rights to someone to make The Tidwell line of mandos, but also kept making them on my own, it probably would not be too long before I got pissed at them for screwing up the quality and ruining the name of the mandos I was still making.
And is this a retirement plan for Bruce Weber? Or part of a pre-retirement slow-down process? Seems like this is more work then running your own line from your home.
Like I said; confusing, and I'm not sure how it all adds up.
Run some Google searches for Tom Bedell and "Pure Fishing".....
There's your answer.
Are you planning to keep the same line-up of models that you currently have? and will prices remain the same?
Will there still be the same level of customization available? Again - at the same prices?
Will you be involved with the production of Breedlove mandolins now? If so, will there be changes in the Breedlove line?
How do your people feel about moving to Oregon? Will they be building the standard models, while you do the custom work in MT? It sounds like you will help get the operation started in Oregon, and then will be on your own back in Montana?
I have always thought that Weber offers the best value, especially in the ability to customize even low end models without greatly increasing the price. I am hoping that remains the same.
Best of luck to you.
1. Now that your company has new owners, how much control will you personally be able retain over your products and other aspects of the business?
2. My perception is that you always had great pride in being a hands on businessman. For example, on your Web site it is stated that you personally select the woods used for your instruments and you do final voicing and tuning on the backs and tops of all carved instruments. How will this level of involvement be possible with you in Montana and your shop in Oregon? Would not not lose the personal touch that day to day contact with your staff and production brings?
3. You also state on your Web site that you run your company on Christian principles. For those of us who like to support Christian businesses, will this be possible with new owners calling the shots?
4. I might be wrong about this but I make the assumption that you will be sharing the same manufacturing facility in Bend, Oregon with Breedlove. True? If so, how will it work having two former rivals in the marketplace working under the same roof? I recall that when Fender had Tacoma and Guild sharing the same facility that ultimately the parent company chose one over the other. Are Two Old Hippies committed to continuing to keep both Breedlove and Weber in the marketplace?
Please understand that I and others who might have questions are not trying to be negative. We love our Webers. Your company has always made those of us who buy your instruments feel like part of a family. Now with the change in ownership I suspect that many of us feel like we're losing that family feeling.
Are you planning to keep the same line-up of models that you currently have? and will prices remain the same?
End Quote
For the most part the line will stay the same and continue to expand with the exception being the line of Flat instruments which I think we'll phase out. At this time there are no plans to increase prices, but we'll probably be taking a look at it next year.
Will there still be the same level of customization available? Again - at the same prices?
End Quote I love customization! That's one of our strong points. We're willing to do anything that doesn't compromise the structural integrity of the instrument, but I do reserve the right to be the taste police on Weber instruments.
Customizations will stay the same and I hope to add some. For now prices will remain the same and be re-evaluated next year.
Will you be involved with the production of Breedlove mandolins now? If so, will there be changes in the Breedlove line?
End Quote I've got my hands more than full with the Weber line, but I'm sure Kim and I will get to exchange a few ideas.
How do your people feel about moving to Oregon? Will they be building the standard models, while you do the custom work in MT? It sounds like you will help get the operation started in Oregon, and then will be on your own back in Montana?
End Quote Change is hard, even if it's a change for the better. I've got incredibly dedicated luthiers, loyal to the Weber brand who are embracing this new chapter with enthusiasm. It will be hard not having Bruce Jr. around everyday, but he is the most excited of all.
I will be spending a lot of time in Bend helping in the set up, but then will return to Montana to build high end customs and do R&D for TOH, with frequent trips to Bend to help where needed.
Thanks for chiming in on these points. I hope it puts to rest the negative feelings that sem to happen anytime there is change. I for one know that you take great pride in your work, it does have your name on the headstock. I am proud to be a member of the Weber mandolin family and I appreciate all you and the crew have done for me with my builds. I know everyhing will work out for the best for you and Mary, as well as the whole crew.
ps - Just noticed this is my 1,000 post. No better thread than this to hit a milestone.
1. Now that your company has new owners, how much control will you personally be able retain over your products and other aspects of the business?
End Quote
One of the great things about this joining was that Tom Bedell recognized the uniqueness of Weber and wants to retain all of it's flavor, changing nothing that would compromise that goal except the location. Along with Weber luthiers that will be relocating, I'll be heavily involved in insuring that the instruments are built to the high standards expected from Weber and I'll be on call for players, dealers and the folks in Bend for any questions and concerns.
2. My perception is that you always had great pride in being a hands on businessman. For example, on your Web site it is stated that you personally select the woods used for your instruments and you do final voicing and tuning on the backs and tops of all carved instruments. How will this level of involvement be possible with you in Montana and your shop in Oregon? Would not not lose the personal touch that day to day contact with your staff and production brings?
End Quote You are spot on. I do take great pride in being a hands on guy. Today I'm running down to the shop between answers here to make a little dust and catch up on some bench time.
My son, Bruce Jr. and I have been working side by side for thirteen years, allowing me to impart my philosophy about voicing and building which he is a natural at. Proud Daddy talking. It will be hard not to lay hands on every instrument that carries the Weber name, but it's with great confidence I pass the torch on the day to day building over to Jr., Brett, and the others that will be responsible for Weber in Bend. I'll keep in touch with the guys on a daily basis and will make frequent trips to Bend.
I don't pretend to understand your decision, and wouldn't have guessed it, but you have proven to the world that you know what you are doing. Good luck.
3. You also state on your Web site that you run your company on Christian principles. For those of us who like to support Christian businesses, will this be possible with new owners calling the shots?
End QuoteTom and I have had some great conversations about how we believe our luthiers, players, dealers and people as a whole should be treated by our then separate companies and now one. I would never have considered joining the TOH family if I didn't believe that Tom believes strongly in the golden rule. However, where people are involved weird things happen despite our best intentions and how we deal with those situations matters too.
4. I might be wrong about this but I make the assumption that you will be sharing the same manufacturing facility in Bend, Oregon with Breedlove. True? If so, how will it work having two former rivals in the marketplace working under the same roof? I recall that when Fender had Tacoma and Guild sharing the same facility that ultimately the parent company chose one over the other. Are Two Old Hippies committed to continuing to keep both Breedlove and Weber in the marketplace?
End QuoteI've got quite a bit of past experience with that scenario and have the scars and T-shirt to prove it. We built Flatiron and Gibson under the same roof with the same people for years. Unlike the past situation, Weber being adopted into the TOH family will be run quite differently. Like a family, Bedell, Breedlove and Weber will be living together, using the same kitchen and bathroom, but tucked into our own area with luthiers dedicating all of their time to Weber just as Breedlove will have it's own dedicated luthiers.
Weber and Breedlove instruments have unique attributes that serve players diverse tastes. Weber leaning more towards the traditional and Breedlove, contemporary. Going forward both will be offered to satisfy our MAS afflictions.
I especially liked that you are kind of using this as an opportunity to pass the torch to your son. You should be commended for that.
If Weber is for "traditional" and Breedlove is for "contemporary", where does that leave me? I have one of each and I love them both!
Thanks for the support and great questions!
Actually, I will point out that when I bought my guitar they had a $200 rebate program on it. I had my $200 in hand in less than a week from buying the guitar--and that includes mailing the rebate form to them and them mailing the check to me. I'm quite happy with Bedell and if Weber is going to be under new owners, Tom and Molly Bedell are an excellent choice.
Big things happening. I'm sure you guys are excited.
To this day I think the best sounding mandolin I've ever played was a custom varnish finish Gallatin at Craig's music in Weatherford, TX.
Lots to be proud of, good luck to the whole team!
I'll still be 100% TOH, building Weber and doing R&D, and we're still working out a bunch of details. The great thing about this is I can now leave those web site issues to the people that have particular skill.
Quote from Highstrings: Bruce - I just acquired a Bitterroot and have been trying to get in touch with Weber, which now calls go to Two Old Hippies. No one can give me information about my instrument and answer some questions about it and possible work I need done. Who should I contact and how? Phone, email? End Quote