Other

⚌Reduced‼ Gibson GB-3 Mastertone Guitar Banjo, 1926

On June 1, 2020 /

The first of the Gibson GB series of 6-string Mastertone Guitar Banjos appeared in 1918, as the GB-3 and GB-4. The GB-1 and GB-6 appeared in 1922, and by 1940, production had completely ended. The GB-5 was built only during 1925. These models were influenced by the popular Paramount banjo designs.These instruments are perhaps comparable in intent to the Resophonic guitars that were introduced by National just a few years later – meant to be used in fairly loud ensembles, often with horns, playing the Dixieland jazz that was all the rage.

Vintage

Price: $3,999.99 CAD

Eastman MDC805 Mandocello Classic Finish

On March 31, 2020 /

The Eastman MDC805 Mandocello is a wonderful, rich sounding instrument that works well as a solo, ensemble or accompaniment instrument in a wide range of styles and genres, from Celtic to Classical, Latin and back again. The Mandocello had been in existence for some centuries in Europe, beginning with flat back and then bowl back. However, in 1905 Orville Gibson’s company began producing mandolin family instruments, including Mandocello models that drew from his blending of violin and guitar concepts.

New

Price: $2,759.00 CAD

Baroque Guitar and Renaissance Lute

On February 10, 2020 /

Tags: baroque, historic, lute, nylon

Every year at the LA NAMM show I find something unique and wonderful. Mid-East Music specializes in handcrafted historic and ethnic instruments. Unlike other sources I’ve encountered, they understand and service the instruments they sell and control and participate in the manufacture process. Hand made in Pakistan, these instruments are remarkably cleanly built: accurate joinery, clean fit and finish. I was VERY impressed by the overall quality and appearance and the prices are a fraction of what we commonly see in second hand historic Lutes and Baroque guitars.

At last I can offer a completely playable historic Lute and Baroque guitar for a price that “makes sense” to most of my clients who simply want to experiment with this era of music. These instruments are “the real thing” at an affordable price. These instruments even come with lightweight but solidly made hardshell cases !

New

Roosebeck 5 Course Baroque Guitar, Lacewood

On December 10, 2019 /

The Roosebeck 5-course Baroque guitar is based on historic instruments, and is built using materials not covered by CITES export restrictions. The top is Spruce, the body and neck are a combination of light-coloured Lacewood and darker Sheesham. Lacewood is a term used for a variety of woods but often Roupala Brasiliensis, while Sheesham is Dalbergia Sissoo, also known as North Indian Rosewood. On some versions of this instrument, Mid-East has used Walnut in place of Sheesham.

New

Price: $1,289.00 CAD

Roosebeck Renaissance Lute Six Course

On December 10, 2019 /

This Roosebeck Renaissance lute is a 6 course model, featuring a bowl constructed of 25 fluted Sheesham staves, and with a 600mm scale length. The top is Spruce, while the neck, bowl, nut, bridge, and end pin are built of Sheesham, The peg box is Sheesham and Lacewood. The frets are formed in the traditional manner – tied on – but are nylon line (guitar string) rather than gut.

New

Price: $1,089.00 CAD

Darryl Williams 8-Course Renaissance Lute, 1976

On November 28, 2018 /

The Darryl Williams 8-Course Renaissance Lute was based on a bowl-back design, using a set of bent ribs that are arched to provide stiffness. The ribs start with a ‘teardrop’ shape and are then bent, and the edges are bevelled according to the number of ribs. They are glued together with hide glue in the joins, and parchment strips soaked in hide glue are applied to the inside of the seams.

Vintage

Price: $2,550.00 CAD