Our good friend “Consignment Guy” brought some instruments in yesterday and this ’36-’37-ish National Duolian caught my eye. It also caught the eye of the boss, Jim Baggett, who snapped it up before it hit the sales floor. Here’s a couple pics and what he has to say about his new toy.

Well loved Duolian

“This is a really cool guitar with a chunky, very straight neck – 14 fret neck, rolled F holes. The paint is worn and chipped all over, but it’s not dented. Has ‘the’ look, and even better the sound. Very lively and responsive to the right hand with a much better dynamic range than most. I just keep it by my desk and play it. It’s just one of those guitars that’s eager to please. I’ve played it for two days and realized that I haven’t touched the tuners. Really fun!” – Jim Baggett

The other consignment goodies including a lefty Les Paul Custom and a Gibson L-48 will be posted on www.massstreetmusic.com site later today.

Mass Street Music owner, Jim Baggett, is pictured along with several other Martin experts, in the last issue Martin’s Sounding Board magazine. Jim was invited to meet last May with several other Martin scholars to discuss the earliest Martins – those from 1833 to about 1867. In addition to a great meeting of the minds, Martin provided access to many guitars, including several from before 1867, as well as full access to the Museum. Jim (pictured on the far right) said, “I got to see some very cool guitars and am looking forward to the next summit.” This issue is not available online, but you can pick up a copy at the store here, or at any Martin dealer.

Versatile and virtuoso guitarist Beppe Gambetta stopped by Mass Street today. When I asked him if he was playing in the area, he said no. He said “I came to have Jim (Baggett, the owner) set up my Rockbridge guitar. He’s a master.”

Here Beppe shows off his newly set up guitar, along with his infamous red shoes in one shot. Beppe’s off to St. Louis to play then Indiana and Iowa and parts beyond. Don’t miss him if you get the chance to see him play.

Beppe and his Rockbridge

Beppe and those red shoes

Beppe and the boss

Yesterday, Monday, Nov. 24, we got a real treat at Mass Street Music when Chris Thile, mandolinist extraordinaire (formerly of Nickel Creek), stopped by Mass Street Music, along with his band, the Punch Brothers.

Chris and Jim and the 1932 D-28

Owner Jim Baggett has known Chris for years, since Continue reading