Ngd: Truetone music (santa monica)

deebeewhy

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Last Friday night, my wife and I drove up from S.D. to L.A. and stayed the weekend, the highlight of which (for me, at least) was an afternoon trip to Truetone Music in Santa Monica. Below are 3 pics of the interior of the store, which takes up half a block about 1/2 mile E of the pier. I took this first pic below for the folks here on LTG, because it is of the vintage section where I saw a patch of Guilds hanging. I assume some of you will be able to name them with specificity.

http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/dby3/media/IMG_1502_zpspin3idkv.jpg.html

This second pic is one of what I recall to be three similar rooms, which gives the correct impression of the size of the store and the number of instruments therein.

http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/dby3/media/IMG_1499_zpsufq0yglt.jpg.html

This third pic is of part of one wall of a bedroom-sized room upstairs housing about 30 Gibson acoustics, 10 or so of which I leisurely played solo with the door closed while my wife dinked around on her phone.

http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/dby3/media/IMG_1501_zpsj0wnnphc.jpg.html

After finding one that especially provoked me, I asked for their best price, and it, like the guitar, blew me away. It was in all respects a memorable afternoon, which included excellent sushi a few blocks W. Thanks a million to Ken (owner) and Rusty (manager) for the phenomenal hookup. Anyone in Socal must drop in. This last pic is what I left with:

http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/dby3/media/IMG_1512_zpsbxib56gs.jpg.html

I am anxious to hear your responses - some of you know I've been in the market forever (usually making noise about jumbos), and though I've played 40 years, have never owned a solid wood, American factory guitar. I'm in heaven.

Daniel
 

davismanLV

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Daniel, I'm envious!! I played one of those small, sweet Gibsons at the local GC here in Vegas. Wow, what a wonderful sound and honestly, I wanted to go home with that guitar but.... I already have more than I need. That's a BEAUTY!! Tell me the model and details, okay? I'm not up on Gibsons but I swear I played that same model and ... I was impressed!! Congrats!!

Just so you know, this doesn't count at NGD post. I want MORE photos!! Love the burst! Love everything about it!! :encouragement::encouragement:
 

davismanLV

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Sorry, just looked at the rest of the photos. That's the one, the Keb Mo..... wowza!! That was a SWEET sounding guitar! Congrats!!
 

deebeewhy

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Tom: I do have more pics and will post in the a.m. We can compare notes on the virtues of the KebMo. Go small!
 

txbumper57

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Absolutely Gorgeous 12 Fret you got there Daniel! Glad you finally found what you were looking for, Congrats!
 

deebeewhy

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Thanks, Tx. It's about time, no? Here are some more pics. Maybe a clip to follow.
Tom: I assure you, this guitar is not, to quote you, the "pillow stuffed in the sound hole" kinda axe. You hit this wound E with your nail and it rings like a very deep, loud, warm bell. I love the combination of the blingy headstock, simple dot inlays, elegant burst, tasteful binding, basic rosette, even the black pins. I have never been a fan of gold hardware, so this is great. Factory action is perfect, and the 1.8" nut is notably easier for me than the 1.68" I'd gotten used to. Last but not least, red spruce over 'hog is a killer combo in my book.
Daniel

http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/dby3/media/IMG_1513_zpswqgqg1p7.jpg.html?o=1
http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/dby3/media/IMG_1514_zpsl4r3ymfl.jpg.html?o=1
http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/dby3/media/IMG_1515_zpsinwuowq2.jpg.html?o=1
http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/dby3/media/IMG_1516_zpsicnr6cqr.jpg.html?o=1
http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/dby3/media/IMG_1517_zpsez40imnf.jpg.html?o=1
http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/dby3/media/IMG_1517_zpsez40imnf.jpg.html?o=1
http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/dby3/media/IMG_1519_zpse8kyrzas.jpg.html?o=0
 

davismanLV

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Daniel, I'm sure there are exceptions of this model.... maybe, but the one I tried just BLEW ME AWAY!! I was amazed at the sound coming out of that little box! I told my friend, Don, "I wouldn't be unhappy if this guitar came home with me!" It was THAT GOOD. I am glad my quote got some use beyond my own.... LOL!! Congrats again on an amazing and sexy little guitar with a HUGE sound!! :encouragement:
 

txbumper57

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Thanks, Tx. It's about time, no? Here are some more pics. Maybe a clip to follow.
Tom: I assure you, this guitar is not, to quote you, the "pillow stuffed in the sound hole" kinda axe. You hit this wound E with your nail and it rings like a very deep, loud, warm bell. I love the combination of the blingy headstock, simple dot inlays, elegant burst, tasteful binding, basic rosette, even the black pins. I have never been a fan of gold hardware, so this is great. Factory action is perfect, and the 1.8" nut is notably easier for me than the 1.68" I'd gotten used to. Last but not least, red spruce over 'hog is a killer combo in my book.
Daniel

Every statement you just made is what makes the Orpheum 12 Fret Slope Dread just as special of a guitar. If you were looking for it's twin tone wise you got about as close as you can get to it with the KebMo Gibby. I don't know what it is with the Red spruce/ Mahogany combo in a 12 fret body that just makes for Magical tones. Deep clear almost Growling or Bellowing lows and Crystal Clear Highs that ring like a bell. You got you a Keeper for sure and quite the looker if I do say so. Congrats and I hope you enjoy it for years to come Daniel!
 

txbumper57

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Tx, another common feature of the orpheum 12f and the keb mo: no pick-guard, something I've always liked about RK guitars. check out this pic - see the orf?
http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/dby3/media/IMG_1502_zpspin3idkv.jpg.html

Yup, Top Dead Center. Some of the Orpheums shipped with the pickguard unattached so you could decide if you wanted it or not. Both of mine have the Small Teardrop pickguard and while I didn't like the way they looked at first they definitely grow on you over time.
 

SFIV1967

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I took this first pic below for the folks here on LTG, because it is of the vintage section where I saw a patch of Guilds hanging. I assume some of you will be able to name them with specificity.

http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/dby3/media/IMG_1502_zpspin3idkv.jpg.html
Daniel: Congratulations on that wonderful looking Gibson! I have been to Truetone Music in 2013 the last time I think. Wonderful shop.

Now since you asked about the picture. I see four Guilds.
At 1 o'clock is a F-47, hard to say how new or vintage.
At 6 o'clock is a F-412 ATB. Probably New Hartford made.
Left of it at 7 o'clock is a GAD D-150CE as it looks.
And at the very left of it is a Westerly made D-25 with missing truss rod cover.

Ralf
 

deebeewhy

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Good eye, Ralf! I took only the burst 12-string down to play. It sounded terrific, was perfectly in tune, and quite playable. It was a consignment guitar with no price, but a saddle that was super-low diverted me.
 

Guildadelphia

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Congrats on your beautiful new guitar. Took a trip out to Santa Monica/LA area a few years ago and spent some time at Trutone....place was just amazing. People who work there are incredibly nice. Really enjoyed the impromptu luthiery demos their techs do while working on guitars.
 
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