printThe house virtuoso does not own a Gibson guitar; he dislikes them with a passion. Being one hell of a neoclassical, instrumental guitarist, Sean Mercer has his reasons. (Listen to the YouTube posted below.) He does, however, own the following fine instruments, which are crafted with assorted hardwoods, some rare, and possibly illegal:
Carvin DC747 (Maple)
Carvin AC275 (Hawaiian Koa body & neck, Ebony bridge)
Carvin AC175 (maple, ebony)
Carvin LB76 (Curly maple)
Carvin IC6 (Walnut, maple)
Carvin NS1 classical (mahogany, ebony bridge & fretboard)
Warwick Streamer (Wenge, maple) – Germany
Warwick Double Buck (Wenge neck, Alder)
Yamaha Classical (Rosewood back & sides, Ebony, Spruce)
Jackson SL1 (maple)
Kramer Stagemaster (Maple, ebony fretboard)
Kramer Pacer (Rosewood fretboard, maple)
Dean 7 string (mahogany body, maple neck, ebony fretboard)
Brian Moore iGuitar (Rosewood fretboard, alder border)
For the possession/importation/smuggling of “rare ebony wood from India used to make some of the world’s most coveted guitars,” US federales have raided the Tennessee plants of Gibson Guitars.
The meek chief executive of Gibson Guitars, Henry Juszkiewicz, pleaded plaintively with the public: “We were not engaged in smuggling. ‘We have been importing fingerboard stock on a regular basis from India for 17 years.'”
He might have pointed to the fact that this is part of the feds’ ongoing criminalization of naturally licit behavior, and that, last he looked, ex post facto prosecutions were unconstitutional. In other words, when Gibson began importing these woods, the practice was legal. It is unconstitutional to criminalize actions that were legal when committed.
Business in the US is anything but Randian; it adopts an obsequious manner with the both the pitchfork-hoisting public and our DC Overlords.
Downsize the “Oink Sector”!
As promised, here is a piece from the CD “Electric Storm,” by instrumental guitarist Sean Mercer. Sean’s compositions were featured in Guitar Player Magazine. Wrote the great Mike Varney:
Sean’s demo showcases his skills as a producer, engineer, writer, performer, and keyboardist. His set of neo-classical instrumentals are [sic] reminiscent at times of works by Tony MacAlpine. Complex arrangements, tightly played ensemble lines, and a grand display of thematic solo work should make this tape of particular interest to neo-classical fusion fans. [Mike Varney, Guitar Player, October 1991]
I guess that the feds have all their other problems solved, going after Gibson like they are. Personally, I have one of the original ’58 Explorers and like it very much, no so with their recent production. You would think that they would spend their resources on better things though. What gets me is the inference that if the fretboards were made offshore that Gibson’s problems would “go away”. The gov needs to get their priorities in order, and quit trying to put US manufacturers out of business. On another note, I have Sean’s CD, and find him to wield a very credible axe, IMHO.
[Thanks MJ; Sean will be pleased.]
What I enjoy about Sean’s playing is you can hear his influences. You can hear the classical aspects, as well as Steve Howe or even Smith & Murray from Iron Maiden.
Either way, hes phenomenal and a very lucky man.
I know very little about music, and couldn’t play a note on a guitar if my life depended on it. That being said, this is dynamite stuff with a definite 80’s feel. I can offer no higher praise !
I enjoyed the demo. I will have to get the cd. Amazing music.
I can understand not caring for Gibson guitars, but disliking them with a passion, really?
It’s interesting about the Gibson raid. I have no idea if they violated the law or not. No doubt, they’ll get their day in court. Ex Post Facto prosecutions may be unconstitutional, but the question is whether Gibson continued to import the woods after the relevant laws went into effect. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see how it all plays out.