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Bob's Boutique

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Jackson Evans

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THE BIG 4-0 FOR DAMON

We’re not sure if Bob Benedetto has big feet, but it definitely takes an incredibly special and uniquely gifted person to fill his shoes… How fortunate then, that our first hire at the Savannah shop in 2006 was Damon Mailand. Since Bob’s retirement in 2014, Damon has taken over as Master Luthier and Production Manager and today he celebrates his 40th birthday!

You can find Damon crafting flagship models in his workshop, telecasters in his garage, gigging with his impolitely named outlaw country band, working on his vintage truck or motorcycle, relaxing with a fishing pole, gearing up to be a first time dad, checking off honey-do tasks for his amazing wife, or simply telling wholesome jokes while sipping a soda…. when you do find him, go ahead and wish him the best birthday yet, as does the whole Benedetto family of players, pickers, and luthiers!

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WEEKEND REVIEW

After a whirlwind weekend in New York and New Jersey, Howard is back at the shop with tales of great music featuring himself, pianist Cyrus Chestnut, bassist John Lee, and drummer Karl Latham.

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REMINISCING

Jazz Guitar Today Magazine convinced Bob Benedetto to take a break from carving the next Founder’s Series guitar (see pics: the recurve is looking just perfect!) and discuss building guitars for Bucky Pizzarelli, one of which is now at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington D.C.

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TWO-TONE TONE

This fantastic two-tone Bravo in Honeyblonde with Espresso back neck and sides has shipped out. It features all standard appointments except for the upgraded pickup which means this will be an outstanding straight ahead, jazz guitar machine.

TWO-TONE TONE

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BLONDE AND BURST, OUT THE DOOR

These two gorgeous guitars (an Antiqueburst Bravo and Blonde Bravo Deluxe) were supposed to end up in Bob’s Boutique but got snatched up along the way… If you feel like you missed out, check back later this afternoon: we have a truly incredible Natural Bravo Deluxe ready to go that will be posted as soon as the photos are processed!

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EAST BOUND AND DOWN

Bob isn’t wasting any time! The first of the Founder’s Series guitars is bound and almost ready for neck set.

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DAVE!

It’s sort of Dave Miner’s birthday!!! Leap year babies don’t get to celebrate often enough, so let’s just call this “Dave Day” and wish him the happiest of birthdays… Thanks for everything, Dave!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DAVE!

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VINODETTO XI

Allow us to introduce you to the eleventh guitar built for one of the most exclusive Benedetto collections out there: Vinodetto XI! What’s rarer than a Sinfonietta model? A nylon string Sinfonietta with a cedar top, flamed maple back and sides stained with Miner Benedetto Cabernet, Spanish cedar neck, and Barbera bridge saddle for amplification. Che bello!!!

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INTRODUCING THE BENEDETTO FOUNDER’S SERIES

We are thrilled to welcome an opportunity to a few fortunate customers to commission a new, very limited-edition collaborative effort as Robert Benedetto comes out of retirement to hand carve/graduate and assemble guitars in collaboration with Damon Mailand, Benedetto’s Master Luthier.

The project began with our Centennial Tribute to Lloyd Loar’s introduction of the modern Archtop Guitar in 1923.  Bob Benedetto, who retired from guitar building to Central Florida in 2014, was inspired to return to active building on a small and very limited scale from his home workshop.  Damon Mailand selected and pre-carved the tops, backs, sides, and neck blanks from our most select woods. Once in Bob’s hands the hand-graduation, binding, neck shaping and neck set magic is completed in Bob’s workshop and returned to Damon for final preparation, finishing, and component installation in final assembly. 

Founder’s Series models will give the most discerning players and collectors one final, rare chance to purchase a new, bespoke guitar from the hands of one of the 20th & 21st centuries greatest artisans, with the quality control, customer service and brand integrity of the world’s premier jazz guitar manufacturer.  Commission pricing will begin at $50,000 with lead times estimated at 7-12 months from time of deposit.  50% deposits required.  A custom flight case is included in pricing.  Contact Howard Paul or Jackson Evans (info@benedettoguitars.com, 912-247-4765) to discuss purchasing one of our current works-in-progress, or to custom order your own bespoke archtop.

News

THE MAN, THE MYTH, THE LEGEND

Click here and head over to thejazzguitarlife.com to read a fantastic interview with legendary jazz guitarist, educator, and Benedetto Artist, Jack Peterson. As an added bonus, the interview was conducted by another fantastic musician, educator, and Benedetto Artist-In-waiting, Wayne Goins (we’re workin’ on it, Wayne)!

THE MAN, THE MYTH, THE LEGEND
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