Jim (left) & buddy Cas (right) with Jim's first guitar creation from 1977

In know I’ve said it before, but it’s true – you just never know what’s going to walk in the door here at Mass St. Music and yesterday was a great example. Cas Loth, former Lawrencian now living in Nashville, came by to say hi to his old buddy Jim Baggett (our esteemed boss) and he happened to bring along a guitar. This guitar was the first one Jim Baggett ever made, back in 1977.  It still sounds really great, has some beautiful finish crazing and a very simple label inside with Jim’s signature. This is one of only 5 that Jim constructed.  Thanks Cas for stopping by with the show and tell!

Cas shows off his "Baggett dread" from '77

Signed label complete with water stains from the sweat of Jim's brow. Kidding.

Adirondack top, Mahogany back and sides, under $1000. Easily one of the best deals around.

If you’ve been following our blog for a while or checked out our store site, you’re already are hip to the fact that we love Eastman Acoustics for their great value (flattops are under $1,000) and exceptional build quality. It’s not a stretch to say that almost everyone in the store has purchased one. These are seriously good buys, made by folks who know what they’re doing and most of all, they sound fantastic. As John points out, they won’t take the place of a top notch Collings, but they are incredible instruments at unbelievably reasonable prices. We just received a few new ones in the store and thought you might like to know why we personally love and purchase these guitars for ourselves too.  Our staff, on their own Eastmans:

John Flynn on his AC312CE: Well, after owning and playing my Eastman AC312ce for a couple months I have to say (CLICK ‘Continue Reading’ below to read more of our Eastman kudos–>). Continue reading

The past few weeks have been very exciting here at the store!  With the announcement of two new amp lines on the way XITS and Tungsten, I’d like to add that Jetter Gear will be in our store very soon!  Jetter makes some of the most organic overdrives on the market and we’ve got one of each on order, including their latest model simply titled ‘Tritium’.  Stay tuned to the blog…I’m so pumped about these new pedals that you’re sure to hear me gushing over them as soon as they arrive! – Brian S.

The Cortez! Based on a classic 5E3 design...classic and slick!

We’re proud to announce that Tungsten Amplification has a new home right here at Mass. Street Music! Adam Palow, the founder of Tungsten Amplifiers is making, what we believe, the finest Fender-inspired tweed amps in the boutique market. He’s building them with the best components available, including Mercury Magnetics output transformers and specially designed Weber speakers. These amps are very musical and touch responsive, giving you ultimate control over your tone! You’ll be as impressed as we are when you check out the Tungsten Amps sound clips right here.

The chassis of the Tungsten Amps 'Cortez'!

Initially we’ll be getting a Tungsten Mosaic 8″ combo in lacquered tweed, a Tungsten Cortez 12″ Combo and a Tungsten Crema Wheat 12″ combo. These should be hitting the store here in mid to late June.  Stay tuned!

Mass Street Music‘s own Brian Soden is at Taylor Guitars in California this week. He’s getting the inside scoop on Taylor and checking out what’s new…Check out Mass Street’s Taylor Acoustics here and our Taylor Electrics here.  Now,  Part One of Brian’s Taylor visit….

Hey folks!  I just arrived back at the hotel from an incredible day at Taylor Guitars in California! My first day here consisted of a “three hour tour” of the factory floor to kick things off.  There are two things I noticed right off the bat – the factory is CLEAN CLEAN CLEAN!  It’s obvious that their luthiers take extreme pride in their jobs.  They were excited to show me how their part of the guitar making process works, what it consists of, etc.  Brian Swerdfeger, VP of Marketing, led us through the tour and pretty much the entire day.  His interaction with the entire factory team is the second thing I noticed, and was really impressed with.  There is a very “team” oriented vibe.  Whether your role at Taylor is cutting braces, finishing bodies or you’re a VP, you’re all family.  In my experience, that’s EXACTLY what makes a team function at their best.

Brian meets Brian - Taylor's Brian Swerdfeger leads the tour...

NOW to the guitars!  I had a chance to play Bob Taylor’s personal guitar he made at age 17.  It was a great sounding and playing guitar…and for it to be made by a 17 year old high school kid, WOW.  At 17, I was probably watching Sportscenter and eating chips after school…not diving in the ocean for inlay materials for my guitar!  I also had the opportunity yesterday to play 1 of 2 double neck Taylors that were made for Richie Sambora.  Richie swaps the guitars back and forth to keep a freshly set up guitar to take on the road.  It’s an amazing guitar…flat out! CLICK ‘CONTINUE READING’ FOR MORE…

Checking out one of Richie Sambora's Taylor double-necks! Sweet!

Oh, by the way…I saw a pile of Koa worth roughly a million dollars.  We’ve seen some amazing Taylor Koas at Mass Street Music so it was nice to see the raw source wood in person. And so much of it!

Gorgeous raw Koa!!