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Topic: Clinesmith: Enduring Design, unlimited possibilities |
James Nottage
From:
Indiana, USA
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Posted 18 Dec 2011 2:12 pm |
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If you read this section of the forum, you are more than familiar with Clinesmith guitars. Numerous threads have touched upon their uncompromising quality and beautiful tone. Created within the traditions of P. A. Bigsby's instruments of the late 1940s to early 1960s, they are lovingly crafted by Todd Clinesmith to exacting standards of form and function. If anything, they are more beautifully produced than the originals.
My wife and I have furnished our home with American arts and crafts furniture by Stickley, art pottery and other objects representing an earlier era. These are classic examples of art forms that still have quality and validity in their beautiful form, function, and artistry. The same can be said for Clinesmith steel guitars.
I am not just bragging about the fact that my new Clinesmith D-8 has arrived. I am saying a simple thank you to Todd, and noting that just as our Stickley furniture is new-made and beautifully crafted while functional, so too is the Clinesmith guitar. With wood necks and head stocks, the guitar has the inside neck set up C6th and the outside is E13th. The wait isn't nearly as long as Bigsby's; it is surely worthwhile. So, save your pennies.
The form and design are enduring American art; the music we can play on these is only limited by our ability and our tastes and interests.
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Clinesmith S-8; Pettingill P6; Rick-Style Vintage 47 Amp |
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Mike Neer
From:
NJ
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Posted 18 Dec 2011 3:34 pm
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Gorgeous James. Good luck with it. I am in agreement with everything you said.
I'm getting ready to discuss my next steel with Todd. Although the design is classic, I feel that one can play a Clinesmith steel in any kind of music, which is what I intend to do, as I move further away from traditional styles. These are the guitars I'll play until I can't play anymore.
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Links to streaming music, websites, YouTube: Links |
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James Nottage
From:
Indiana, USA
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Posted 18 Dec 2011 4:09 pm Thanks, Mike
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Your advice through your blog really helped in my decision making about wood vs. metal necks and your teaching and playing are an inspiration.
James
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Clinesmith S-8; Pettingill P6; Rick-Style Vintage 47 Amp |
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Ray Montee
From:
Portland, Oregon (deceased)
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Posted 18 Dec 2011 5:22 pm What a beauty!
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A beautiful piece of craftsmanship, for sure.
I really appreciate the tasteful "LOGO" and where it's placed. Top drawer......... |
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Tom Pettingill
From:
California, USA (deceased)
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Mark Roeder
From:
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
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Posted 19 Dec 2011 9:14 am
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I like those cast aluminum fretboards on the wood necks over the flat ones you see on the later Bigsbys. Looks more like the the very early ones.
Beautiful........I like your taste in furniture too
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www.deluxe34.com lap steel stands, Clinesmith, Gibson Console Grande, Northwesterns, The Best Westerns
https://www.facebook.com/TheBestWesterns |
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James Nottage
From:
Indiana, USA
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Posted 19 Dec 2011 9:55 am
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Thanks, everyone. Mark, the raised graphic finger boards cost a bit extra, but I was really going for that late 1940s Joaquin Murphy look as seen in his famous triple-eight Bigsby. The overall effect with the wood necks seems to be a slightly warmer tone that is more compatible with my musical tastes. Investing in such a quality instrument is also a huge motivator; I have to really practice to justify the expense. Otherwise it would be just like the furniture, just sitting there and looking pretty!
James
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Clinesmith S-8; Pettingill P6; Rick-Style Vintage 47 Amp |
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Todd is a craftsman at the top of his trade.