March Mass Street Music News – 2014

Martin D-18 with 35 burst acoustic guitarIn guitar news we’ve received some very special instruments lately, including several new Martin guitars. One of our favorites, the D-18, now has many of the same features the ‘Vintage’ D-18V was known for, including a 1 3/4” nutwidth and forward shifted scalloped X bracing – we’re really enjoying these models and have several more great Martins headed our way. We also have some truly jawdropping Collings customs in the store right now, including this spectacular 042 Brazilian Collings which is technically an 03 with a 42 top – incredibly nice and just a dream to play. We also received this quite unique Goodall 12 String which features intricate Tracy Cox inlay work depicting Thomas Hart Benton’s rendering of Persephone. You just never know what’s around the corner at Mass Street.

On the electric front, there are several new Anderson and Grosh guitars in – one of our favorites being this Grosh NOS Retro that Eric M ordered with Pink Floyd/David Gilmour inspired aesthetics – we went as far as to craft a shortened trem bar to keep on the Gilmour track. The NOS model has fast become a favorite of many of the staff – if you’re considering a strat style guitar, stop by and give one of these a spin, we think you’ll find they have a resonance that’s unmatched.

Don Grosh NOS Retro with Gilmour look

We’ve finally recovered from the fantastic Folk Alliance Conference in Kansas City last month – what an amazing event! We had a great time seeing old friends and making lots of new ones. It was a truly great time and we look forward to going again next year. It’s a real treasure that Folk.org relocated to Kansas City and area musicians will really benefit the organization’s many attributes. The music was happening 24/7 and offered so much more than folk. Check out these videos for a taste of jazz (David Amram) and honkytonk (Chuck Mead) at the conference. Interested in learning more? Check out Folkalliance.org for more info.

Trail Mix Anniversary logoTrail Mix Anniversary – we’d like to congratulate our good friend Bob McWilliams on 20 years of the great Trail Mix radio show on KPR Kansas Public Radio. We’ve been underwriting the show for many years and are big fans and so appreciative of all that Bob has done for the Lawrence music community. Bob is celebrating with Ashley Davis’s CD release party at Liberty Hall this Sunday, March 16. Fiddle player Liz Carroll will also be playing and we’re looking forward to this great show and celebration of Bob’s work.

Larry Carter’s great Tuesday Concert Series is in full bloom again every Tuesday evening at 7:30 pm at the Lawrence Arts Center. This is a real gem for Lawrence folks as it is free/by donation, and is in an intimate setting. We’re happy to help sponsor this, the 9th year of the music series. Check out all the upcoming concerts at www.TuesdayConcert.com

We saved the best news for last – we’re thrilled to announce a new member to the Mass Street Music family – Maxwell Timothy Baldridge was born on March 5 to our Sales Manager Josh Baldridge and his lovely wife Kendra. The family is healthy and happy, and you can’t ask for more than that.

Maxwell T Baldridge

Check out the rest of our news for info on our continuing workshop series (this Saturday, March 15 features John Dillard leading a Bluegrass Open Jam at 1pm, and Playing Banjo Wrong with Eric Mardis on March 22 at 3pm), new financing for purchases on our website, our latest Pickup Test Drive guitar and a sweet Repair Spotlight featuring a custom pickguard fit for a soundhole pickup. Don’t forget you can keep up with the very latest Mass Street Music happenings on our MSM Facebook page, keep up with our meanderings under 140 characters on Twitter and literally see (and hear!) what we’ve been up to on Instagram.

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