MM Blues Guitars

[blackjack]

Being new to resophonics,I decided your Blues model would fit the bill well. Michael,what are your personal preferences between the 12 and 14 fret versions? Any difference in sound or playability? Any guidence would be appreciated..

[Michael Messer]

Hi Blackjack,

Welcome to our forum and thank you for choosing an MM guitar.

It is so difficult to advise about preferences with guitars as it is such a personal thing.

There is a difference in the sound of 12 and 14 fret steel bodied MM Blues guitars, as there is with original 1930s Nationals. The difference, due to the different body sizes, is that the 12 fret has a bigger sound and for guitar purists has the better look as it is more pear-shaped. The 14 fret has a tighter sound that is not as loud as a 12 fret. The main advantage to the 14 fret is the access to the higher frets, and in my opinion this is the area for you to consider as both guitars sound great. You really need to work out whether your playing style needs 14 frets or 12. You won't be making the wrong decision with either guitar, but you need to be aware that playing the 12th fret and beyond on a 12 fret guitar takes practice to get right. Whereas on a 14 fret guitar it is easy.

I have always played 12 fret Nationals and am totally comfortable with that concept. I don't even think about it and play lots of stuff capoed at frets 2, 3 and 4, so my 12th fret ends up way beyond the neck - body join.

As I said, you would not be buying wrong with either guitar, and if at the end of the day you feel that you have made the wrong decision - provided the guitar is still in mint condition and you cover shipping costs, we would exchange the guitar for you.

I hope that helps - if you have any more questions, please don't hesitate to ask me.

(I have moved this thread into the MAIN STREET board because it keeps all MM commercial stuff in one place and then it doesn't over power the forum)

Thanks,

Shine On
Michael.

[blackjack]

Thanks Michael,think I may go for the 12 fret version - it looks great! Sadly,I missed your concerts with Louisianna Red last time, do you have any plans to do a few more gigs together in 2012? Cheers,Jack.

[Michael Messer]

Hi Blackjack,

Decision made!

I am not sure if Red & I will tour again next year, but we may do the occasional show.

Shine On
Michael

[blackjack]

Hi Michael,that would be great if Red and yourself did a gig or two next year - if it is in the South count me in! I noticed on the topics that supply might be a bit retricted until end October on the MM guitars, are the seconds you mentioned still available and is that both Blues and Lightning models? Is it just cosmetic stuff? Cheers, Jack.

[Michael Messer]

Hi Blackjack,

The MM seconds are still available and are a really good buy. They are cosmetic seconds, so as instruments they are no different to our full price guitars, but we sell them at very good prices. Most companies selling far eastern built resophonic guitars have very little, if any, quality control in place and all their guitars go out as 'A' stock, whereas we have a very strict quality control process in place anything that is not perfect becomes a 'B' stock or second.

Shine On
Michael.

[obrienp]

Hi Blackjack,
I don't know if you have already got your guitar but I can recommend the B stock option. I just got a 14 fret Blues B stock from Busker Guitars and it's fantastic! Robin there was really helpful, sent me photos of the guitar when I enquired and answered loads of question very patiently. He also set it up to my spec. I got it for a nice price as well: a good discount. It's a much better deal than one of those Vintage or Regal copies, with their bolt-on necks and the same price.

I have wanted a Dobro for many years since playing a wooden bodied pre-war guitar in Denmark Street in the 80s. Unfortunately, it was much more than I coud afford (over £800) then. I stiil can't justify the money for a genuine National and the B stock Blues has allowed me to satisfy the urge without breaking the bank. Now; if only I could play it properly I am just hoping that it is possible to learn slide when you are in your 50s!

Good luck with your purchase.
Pat