News
SOLOMON IN SAVANNAH
What a treat it was to have King Solomon Hicks in Savannah performing as part of the Buddy Guy (stage right) Farewell Tour with fellow bluesmen Eric Gales (stage left) and Kingfish Ingram (not pictured)! Photo courtesy of Kirk Yano.
IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS
Here is a close up look at Bob fitting the ebony saddle which protects the edge of the body where the tailpiece strap crosses on the next Founder’s Series guitar. Talk about precision…
SAMANTHA BROWN’S PLACES TO LOVE
Be sure to tune into your local PBS station (and check their listings for airtimes) this Sunday for the debut of Samantha Brown’s Places to Love, Makers Edition featuring Benedetto guitars alongside some other incredible American Businesses.
ROCKIN’ RANDY
Randy Napoleon was in town for some performances this week and came by the shop for some setup tips on his work horse Bravo Deluxe and a sneak peek at his soon-to-16-B.
SUBLIME SEVEN
This gorgeous 7-string Bravo in classic Antiqueburst finish shipped out yesterday… what a stunner!
F IS FOR FOUNDER’S
Progress on the first Founder’s Series guitars continues, as Bob adds purfling and binds the traditional F-style sound holes.
BAMBINO DELUXE
Enjoy this clip of Yotam Silberstein giving his Bambino Deluxe a workout before hitting the road for a week in the Pacific Northwest with the Ali Jackson trio.
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!
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.
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.