The Maple Street Post
In a continued effort to keep you informed of the happenings in the store, we are revitalizing our newsletter. It has been several months since our last email, and we want to keep you apprised of new merchandise, cool tips, and other news around the store – such as manufacturer's workshops and special events.
We will not overload your inbox with weekly or daily emails. We aim to send a newsletter once a month to bi-monthly. If our emails ever become bothersome, you can feel free to click the unsubscribe link at the bottom of the page.
Thanks,
The Maple Street Guitars Crew
NAMM SHOW 2013
Maple Street Guitars ushered in 2013 with a January trip to the NAMM show in Anaheim, California. This year the weather was just as cold and rainy as it had been in Atlanta, but inside the Convention Center the music industry was bristling with energy and putting on a fabulous show. We enjoyed visiting with old friends and seeing all the wonderful new products. Needless to say, this was one shopping trip that we will have fun sharing with all the folks here at home.
Some highlights:
From the moment we entered the exhibit hall on Thursday, there was a lot of buzz about the new 12-string guitar from Collings, a stunning flamed maple 12-fret Style 3 0-body. The projection, balance, and focus of this compact 12-string was simply uncanny; and it was surprisingly audible amidst a rather cacophonous music convention. Not surprisingly, we were instantly blown away and ordered two 12-strings on the spot! We were also quick to order the new CJ35 model, based on a three tone-bar Gibson J35, which will definitely flush out Collings Gibson-inspired offerings. Collings has been making great strides in their electric guitar line, and this year they have finally introduced a three single coil model! Based on their 360 body shape, this model features Lollar single coil pickups with Collings-made beveled covers. It is available with a Wilkinson Tremolo, a maple neck, and solid finishes (we ordered one in Seafoam Green). True to their meticulous nature, Collings has taken their sweet time developing this guitar (they actually showed two prototypes last year), but all great things are worth waiting for; and Collings hit a home run with this one!
National Resophonic had some cool new items which we could not resist – steel bodied guitars with custom paint jobs by artist Jill Young, the sister of National Resophonic’s owner. We ordered two of these, and have just received one of them – a distressed “walnut” finish model that was actually displayed at NAMM. We also ordered a Radiotone Bendaway and an out-of-sight RM1 resonator mandolin with antique brass hardware. Can’t wait for these to arrive! To check out some photos and get some more info of the National NRP Custom, please click the photo:
The booth at Eastman Strings was hoppin’. Lots of exciting new models, one of which – a T184MX Blonde-- we had shipped to us immediately! This thin line hollow body is simply stunning, with a natural finish flamed maple top and beautifully flamed mahogany back and sides. The unamplified sound is surprisingly warm and smooth. For a more complete description, click the picture to link up with our web site:
We are also excited about Eastman’s latest addition to their wildly popular laminated series that will be coming in during the next few months. The new AR372CE-SB is the new two-pickup counterpart to last year’s immensely successful AR371CE-SB—these models are very faithful replicas of Gibson’s ES-175 and the ES-165. Also new to the laminate line is the T-486, which features a figured maple top and Seymour Duncan pickups, and is also available with a Bigsby tremolo! We were also sure to order some of our favorite values: the AR580CE, the AR503CE, T-146SM—all great sounding, distinctive archtops at very affordable prices.
There were crowds ooh-ing and ahh-ing over all the new Martin Guitars on display. We were impressed by the new D17 and 000-17SM models., not to mention the gorgeous Custom Shop OM-13, which arrived just a few days ago: Although the 000-17SM has been quickly sold, (and will definitely be re-ordered!), we still have the D17 in stock as of this mailing.
We indulged ourselves with delicious food at the wonderful Martin Dinner for their dealers at the beautiful Napa Rose Restaurant, where we shared a table with dealers from Spain.
One of our last stops was at Taylor Guitars. We had a great deal of fun checking out their newly revised line, which includes the brand new Grand Orchestra model (currently available in the 500, 600, and 900 series). We were already somewhat familiar with this new body shape, as we are one of the few dealers in the southeast who received a full compliment of First Edition Grand Orchestras. The First Editions all have a special label and include a bunch of cool Taylor accessories and a book detailing the origins of the Grand Orchestra (the accessory pack is sent to the owner when the guitar is registered). We have sold all but one of our First Editions, but we do still have the stunning 618E:
After a five year stint of new nomenclature, Taylor has reverted to their former model numbering format—e.g., a DN3 is now a 310, a GS7 is a 716, etc. These changes are always a bit bewildering for everyone, but most of us long-time Taylor dealers uttered a sigh of relief!
And so it went as we tried to visit all the manufacturers and luthiers whom we represent. It was hard to see everyone and have time to look for cool, new items. We did add MONO gig bags and Hiscox cases; and Lindsay and Claire had fun picking out a wide array of colorful straps at Souldier and Henry Heller. We returned to Atlanta tired but quite excited about all the good things that would be coming in soon to show off to our customers.
Exciting New Gear for 2013!!!
