Blog

Benedetto Guitars is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Larry Perkins, our beloved Master Finisher and resident blues artist. 

Larry joined Benedetto in June 2011 when he arrived in Savannah from Phoenix, Arizona, where he had performed in bands and worked as a luthier in several guitar repair shops.  Prior to moving to Arizona, from 1996 to 2006 Larry was very proudly the first non-Gibson legacy employee hired by Heritage Guitar Company in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He kept photos of many of the celebrity guitars he had worked on over the years. 

Larry spent almost three decades working in the guitar finishing world. His reputation in the industry was unmatched, as his coloration and nitrocellulose lacquer finishes were considered flawless, and among the very best in the music world.  He regaled fellow employees and Benedetto visitors with stories of the processes and customers he had worked with over his lifetime. 

Larry was also a very talented blues guitarist who traveled around the world playing in blues bands. He spent three months leading the house band at The Crazy Elephant in Singapore – a highlight of his performing career. He remained active performing in Savannah and was a regular participant in blues jam sessions in Savannah and on Tybee Island. He had a beloved collection of guitars, amplifiers and pedals that he curated over his lifetime. 

 Larry considered Paw Paw, Michigan his home, and attended school there. He attended Western Michigan University where he studied science and played trombone. He also spent time performing in bands and working in Detroit before returning to Michigan to work for Heritage.  

 He was predeceased by his wife Kelly Perkins in 2018, his parents and his sisters. He leaves behind his nephew David and cousin Michael. He also leaves behind his extended family a Benedetto Guitars. 

Larry’s passion for guitars and music will be deeply missed by all who knew him. 

For more about Larry, see this interview published in 2010. http://www.theguitarcolumn.com/2010/01/larry-perkins-on-his-bluesmans-journey.html

BG Pres/CEO, Howard Paul seemed to think that if he quietly snuck away for the day, we wouldn’t remember his birthday… Well, it’s pretty hard not to celebrate the boss who has your back, happens to be a world class jazz guitarist, and is respected across the industry by players and builders alike!

Happiest of Birthdays, Howard, from the whole BG crew!

(Photo by Mike Oria)

The last of this batch of consignment guitars to be added to Bob’s Boutique, we anticipate this Bravo Deluxe will be a very quick seller. Current build time for new orders is approximately 12 months, so having a 7-string available immediately is beyond rare.

This guitar is used/refurbished but shows minimal play wear and could almost be mistaken for a new guitar by the untrained eye. It includes a two-year warranty and an upgraded, deluxe Cedar Creek Case (the case is in pristine condition).

Benedetto guitars is proud of its veteran roots with Bob and Howard having served in the Airforce and Army respectively. So, we wish to offer a giant THANK YOU to all our Benedetto family veterans out there on this Veteran’s Day!

Our first consignment that predates the Savannah shop is live on Bob’s Boutique! This gorgeous Manhattan number 40397 came from Bob’s years as an independent luthier in his East Stroudsburg location. It’s voice is complex and voluminous, while the original Sunburst finish is in remarkable condition. Click here to purchase or contact us with questions: info@benedettoguitars.com, 912-692-1400

A new Bravo is up for grabs! Head over to Bob’s Boutique and snag it before someone else does!

Happy birthday, Bob! We’re hoping it’s the best one yet!

Our first round of coonsigned instruments has been rather popular so when longtime BG friend and legendary publisher Ed Benson (Just Jazz Guitar, 1995-2016) asked us to help him sell his personal Bravo Deluxe, we figured, “why not?”

This 2009 Bravo Deluxe in Viloinburst is available in Bob’s Boutique. It has been lovingly cared for and shows only minor signs of use including a few small checks and an attractive patina only available with the passing of time. Included is a 2-year warranty and TKL hardshell case.

It’s new guitar day for Ulf Wakenius! We have a feeling there will be some incredible music coming from his new Bambino Deluxe in the near future.

Hurry over to Bob’s Boutique… There is a new Bravo Deluxe in Autumnburst available and ready to ship!