Once in a while we stumble across some interesting axes, and our latest find is the work of luthier John Knutson of Knutson Luthiery. Inventive and known primarily for his development of the ergonomic and highly successful Messenger Bass (Rob Wasserman, David Lindley), he designed a gorgeous, jazz-box inspired electric mandolin, the SongBird, which incidentally was one of his first "shop class" projects out of the gate back in the late 70's. Since then, his work as a full-time luthier and repairman have indulged opportunity to create some astonishingly creative custom double- and triple-neck combinations.

His 335-ish Mike Marshall 5-string is played by Mike himself, who is known to be able to rip off some powerful electric blues riffs occasionally. (What can't Mike do with strings, though!)

Interesting stuff; unfortunately, John tells us he's not done much with mando recently. The overwhelming success of his Messenger Basses and an occasional archtop guitar has kept him occupied the last ten years.

It would sure be nice to see him commissioned to do more of these, though!

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Posted by Ted at January 6, 2007 6:23 AM