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July 12, 2012 | Gruhn's Guitars side trip
![2012GruhnsWall.jpg](http://jazzmando.com/new/images/2012GruhnsWall.jpg)
One of the simple pleasures of getting out to the Summer NAMM show a day early is a pilgrimage to Gruhn's Guitars in downtown Nashville. It's a short block and a half from the convention center, and easy to get lulled into not walking out empty-handed. We left the company credit card back at the hotel to avoid succumbing to temptation. The research task was a tough assignment, but somebody had to do it.
Anything for the readers.
![2012GruhnsCoufleau.jpg](http://jazzmando.com/new/images/2012GruhnsCoufleau.jpg)
We enjoyed the unique F hole cut of French built Coufleau mandolin. Very full and present, the $5K price tag was a bit hefty, but it would be interesting to see more of these instruments. It played very well.
![2012GruhnsVegas.jpg](http://jazzmando.com/new/images/2012GruhnsVegas.jpg)
One of the most alluring instruments was an early Vega 20's cylinder back for $1750. Rich, robust bottom end, and the fretboard played exceptionally well especially considering its age. The sound filled the room, and it felt lively in the hands.
A pleasant surprise was the flat top blond Arches instrument. Again, an atypically big sound for something we expected to be more intimate. At $825, this instrument was the hardest to leave behind. We wouldn't hesitate recommending someone mail order this immediately.
![2012GruhnsArches.jpg](http://jazzmando.com/new/images/2012GruhnsArches.jpg)
Of course these instruments hung in the midst of a plethora of museum quality Gibson vintage instruments, along with other more current builders. Always a treat spending quality time at the mandolin wall at Gruhns.
![2012GruhnsCoufleau2.jpg](http://jazzmando.com/new/images/2012GruhnsCoufleau2.jpg)
Posted by Ted at July 12, 2012 5:55 AM
Disclaimer: In the 'Information Age' of the 21st Century,
any fool with a computer, a modem, and an idea can
become a self-professed 'expert." This site does not
come equipped with 'discernment.'
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