Ken Totushek
Joined: 24 Jan 2005
Posts: 30
Location: Providence, RI
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 Posted:
08/07/05, 11:43 am Post subject: My favorite
music store to visit--Maple Leaf Music, VT, USA |
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Hi Everyone,
Man, it's been a long time since I've posted, or read
much here. I miss you all, and really wish I could do
more. All of my extra time has been involved in
planning, preparing, rehearsing, etc. for the
responsibilities taken on in our church as Praise Team
Leader. It's been an exciting and fulfilling roll, but
has also resulted in a redirection in focus--at least
regarding the kind of time I used to have to correspond,
update my website, buy/sell and test guitars, work on
more fingerstyle arrangements and techniques, record and
post mp3s, etc.
Anyways, enough about that. I did have the opportunity
this past weekend to pay another visit to MAPLE LEAF
MUSIC, in Brattleboro, Vermont--Kate Spencer,
proprietor. This is probably my 7th or so visit during
the past 2 1/2 years, and I have yet to be let down.
Previously I have purchased from Maple Leaf a 1930
Martin 00-40 and a Froggy Bottom H-14C koa cutaway.
Cumulatively I've spent hours during those visits,
playing, comparing (even recommending to customers on
occasion) the numerous fine guitars Kate has on the
walls.
There's ALWAYS a healthy selection of Froggy Bottom
guitars, Martins (new and vintage), Huss and Dalton,
Collings, Larrivee, and more recently Bourgeois (I think
I have that right--otherwise more recently Collings). At
any rate, Kate and staff are glad to gather up a
selection of guitars to put around you while you sit and
play--great for a/b testing. This trip saw me testing
everything Kate had in mahogany, from most of the brands
mentioned. Early this year I was stung by the tone of
mahogany and adirondack spruce by a Baranik OM style I
purchased, so I just had to see if that experience was
unique or not.
After playing all the guitars Kate brought me, I had
narrowed the field to 2 outstanding favorites--both OM
style, one Bourgeois and one Collings.
 
Both were mahogany with
adirondack tops (Kate's favorite, and I can see, and
hear, why that is). The Bourgeois was a cutaway, the
Collings not. The Bourgeois was my favorite until I
spent time with the Collings. Both she and I thought the
tone of that guitar was unbelievably full and rich. As a
matter of fact, it goes down in my book as one of the
fullest, richest, long decaying guitar tones I've ever
had the pleasure of playing. The guitar had the decay of
a fine Brazilian rosewood, while acting in response and
clarity like mahogany. Prior to looking at the wood and
playing the guitar for a minute, I looked at Kate and
said, rosewood right? She gave me that 1/2 smile that
told me I'd better look at the back. Sure enough, the
darn thing was mahogany--not as pretty grain as the
Bourgeois, but prettier sounding, determined by another
1/2 hour or so of playing and comparing the two.
It took everything I could muster up internally to leave
the store without the guitar in tow. The battle is not
yet over however, as Kate mentioned she might be
interested in a trade with one of the previous guitars I
purchased from her (or even another). That's what she
left me with, and that's what's been haunting me ever
since. I really thought I was all done buying guitars
for a good while now, but we'll have to see. Kate is
definitely someone though, who has been a pleasure to
work with. Now to go put new strings on that Baranik of
mine which I have loved from day one!
Meanwhile, I guess what I really wanted to say is that
if you ever are perusing through the southern Vermont
area, be sure and pay Maple Leaf Music a visit--just
plan to be there awhile because you are sure to be the
old proverbial "kid in the candy store." Certainly
you've all heard of the "black hole" one can enter while
sitting down with a good guitar, a creative mood, and a
block of time...you know, 2 - 3 hours later it occurs to
ask yourself, "hmmm, I wonder what time it is?"
Blessings,
Ken T.
_________________
Graceworks Music
"Pilgrim Song" CD South Asia Relief offer...
http://www.justgiving.com/pfp/graceworks |
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