Staff Picks

We're the luckiest musicians in the world! We have our hands on the GREATEST GEAR that has ever existed. We build it, we buy it, we play it, and of course we sell it. We all have our favorites and good reasons why. We'd love to keep it a secret and have all of the magical tones to ourselves but that would be CRAZY! Staff Picks is where each of our experts shares their FAVORITE GEAR! It's always changing, always updating with the latest and greatest. Enjoy CME Staff Picks!

SHOP CME STAFF PICKS!

SHOP CME STAFF PICKS

Gibson H1 Brown 1922 Folk Instruments / Mandolins
Gibson H1 Brown 1922 Folk Instruments / Mandolins
Gibson H1 Brown 1922 Folk Instruments / Mandolins
Gibson H1 Brown 1922 Folk Instruments / Mandolins
Gibson H1 Brown 1922 Folk Instruments / Mandolins
Gibson H1 Brown 1922 Folk Instruments / Mandolins
Gibson H1 Brown 1922 Folk Instruments / Mandolins
Gibson H1 Brown 1922 Folk Instruments / Mandolins
Gibson H1 Brown 1922 Folk Instruments / Mandolins
Gibson H1 Brown 1922 Folk Instruments / Mandolins

Gibson H1 Brown 1922

$2,916.00
Sandberg California Central 4-String Marley Blue Soft Aged Bass Guitars / 4-String
Sandberg California Central 4-String Marley Blue Soft Aged Bass Guitars / 4-String
Sandberg California Central 4-String Marley Blue Soft Aged Bass Guitars / 4-String
Sandberg California Central 4-String Marley Blue Soft Aged Bass Guitars / 4-String
Sandberg California Central 4-String Marley Blue Soft Aged Bass Guitars / 4-String
Sandberg California Central 4-String Marley Blue Soft Aged Bass Guitars / 4-String
Sandberg California Central 4-String Marley Blue Soft Aged Bass Guitars / 4-String
Sandberg California Central 4-String Marley Blue Soft Aged Bass Guitars / 4-String
Sandberg California Central 4-String Marley Blue Soft Aged Bass Guitars / 4-String

Sandberg California Central 4-String Marley Blue Soft Aged

$3,383.00
Fender Stratocaster Sea Foam Green 1963 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Stratocaster Sea Foam Green 1963 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Stratocaster Sea Foam Green 1963 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Stratocaster Sea Foam Green 1963 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Stratocaster Sea Foam Green 1963 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Stratocaster Sea Foam Green 1963 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Stratocaster Sea Foam Green 1963 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Stratocaster Sea Foam Green 1963 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Stratocaster Sea Foam Green 1963 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Stratocaster Sea Foam Green 1963 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Stratocaster Sea Foam Green 1963 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Stratocaster Sea Foam Green 1963 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Stratocaster Sea Foam Green 1963 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Stratocaster Sea Foam Green 1963 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Stratocaster Sea Foam Green 1963 Electric Guitars / Solid Body

Fender Stratocaster Sea Foam Green 1963

$175,522.00
Gibson Custom Shop 1961 Les Paul SG Standard
Gibson Custom Shop 1961 Les Paul SG Standard
Gibson Custom Shop 1961 Les Paul SG Standard
Gibson Custom Shop 1961 Les Paul SG Standard
Gibson Custom Shop 1961 Les Paul SG Standard
Gibson Custom Shop 1961 Les Paul SG Standard
Gibson Custom Shop 1961 Les Paul SG Standard
Gibson Custom Shop 1961 Les Paul SG Standard
Gibson Custom Shop 1961 Les Paul SG Standard
Gibson Custom Shop 1961 Les Paul SG Standard
Gibson Custom Shop 1961 Les Paul SG Standard

Gibson Custom Shop 1961 Les Paul SG Standard "CME Spec" Antique Ebony Murphy Lab Heavy Aged NH w/Long Maestro Vibrola & Black Uncovered Custom "S" Buckers

$11,654.00
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Featured Pick of the Month -
Olympic White Fender Vintera III Early '60s Jazz Bass

Lily - Counter Associate

"The Fender 60s Jazz bass is guaranteed to give you that clean, clear and classic sound you’re looking for. With her comfy maple neck, vintage style reverse tuners and a simple look that goes with just about anything this gal stays at the top of my list."

Shop Fender Bass Guitar!
Taylor 322ce 12-Fret Grand Concert Tropical Mahogany/Tasmanian Blackwood Shaded Edgeburst ES2 w/V-Class Bracing Acoustic Guitars / Concert
Taylor 322ce 12-Fret Grand Concert Tropical Mahogany/Tasmanian Blackwood Shaded Edgeburst ES2 w/V-Class Bracing Acoustic Guitars / Concert
Taylor 322ce 12-Fret Grand Concert Tropical Mahogany/Tasmanian Blackwood Shaded Edgeburst ES2 w/V-Class Bracing Acoustic Guitars / Concert
Taylor 322ce 12-Fret Grand Concert Tropical Mahogany/Tasmanian Blackwood Shaded Edgeburst ES2 w/V-Class Bracing Acoustic Guitars / Concert
Taylor 322ce 12-Fret Grand Concert Tropical Mahogany/Tasmanian Blackwood Shaded Edgeburst ES2 w/V-Class Bracing Acoustic Guitars / Concert
Taylor 322ce 12-Fret Grand Concert Tropical Mahogany/Tasmanian Blackwood Shaded Edgeburst ES2 w/V-Class Bracing Acoustic Guitars / Concert
Taylor 322ce 12-Fret Grand Concert Tropical Mahogany/Tasmanian Blackwood Shaded Edgeburst ES2 w/V-Class Bracing Acoustic Guitars / Concert
Taylor 322ce 12-Fret Grand Concert Tropical Mahogany/Tasmanian Blackwood Shaded Edgeburst ES2 w/V-Class Bracing Acoustic Guitars / Concert
Taylor 322ce 12-Fret Grand Concert Tropical Mahogany/Tasmanian Blackwood Shaded Edgeburst ES2 w/V-Class Bracing Acoustic Guitars / Concert
Taylor 322ce 12-Fret Grand Concert Tropical Mahogany/Tasmanian Blackwood Shaded Edgeburst ES2 w/V-Class Bracing Acoustic Guitars / Concert
Taylor 322ce 12-Fret Grand Concert Tropical Mahogany/Tasmanian Blackwood Shaded Edgeburst ES2 w/V-Class Bracing Acoustic Guitars / Concert

Taylor 322ce 12-Fret Grand Concert Tropical Mahogany/Tasmanian Blackwood Shaded Edgeburst ES2 w/V-Class Bracing

$3,229.00
From Taylor: 

Our V-Class bracing lends extra power, sustain and sweetness to this cutaway 12-fret Grand Concert, broadening its musical range. Blackwood back and sides produce a strong voice—even in small-body GC—with a meaty midrange focus and a splash of top-end shimmer, while the mahogany top adds a touch of natural compression to smooth out the response from top to bottom. The combination of a 12-fret neck, slightly shorter 24-7/8-inch scale length, and a shifted bridge position (closer to the center of the lower bout) produces a slinkier handfeel. This makes an excellent choice for players who crave the comfort of a compact frame. With its microphone-friendly voice, it also makes a great choice for recording, and with the ES2 electronics, produces a clear, flavorful amplified sound. The dark and earthy aesthetic incorporates a shaded edgeburst top over the dusky mahogany top, black binding, an all-satin finish, a black pickguard, and small diamond inlays in Italian acrylic.

Scale Length: 24-7/8"
Nut & Saddle: Black Graphite, Micarta saddle
Bracing: V-Class
Truss Rod Cover: Black Plastic
Pickguard: Black
Number of Frets: 18
Tuners: Taylor Slot Head
Case: Taylor Deluxe Hardshell Brown
Body Length: 19 1/2"
Body Width: 15"
Body Depth: 4 3/8"

Binding/Edge Treatment: Black
Top Finish: Satin
Back Config: 2-piece No Wedge
Backstrap Finish: None
Rosette Size: Three Ring
Bridge Inlay: None
Back/Side Finish: Satin
Armrest Binding: None
Backstrap Wood: None
Rosette Mat.: Plastic
Stain/Sunburst: Blackwood Stain Back/Sides, Medium Brown Stain Top/Neck, Shaded Edge Burst Top
Shaded Edge Burst Top Wedge: None
Armrest: No

Neck Width: 1-3/4"
Fretboard Inlay: Gemstone, Italian Acrylic
Fretboard Binding/Edge Treatment: Black
Heel Cap Binding: Black
Type of Neck Joint: Scarf
Neck/Heel: Tropical Mahogany
Fretboard Wood: West African Ebony
Neck Finish: Satin
Heel Length: 3-1/4"
View Details

TIME FOR NEW GEAR?

Help us help you, by contacting us today and let us know what you are looking for! We are here to help make your next dream piece of gear a reality!

CALL US NOW!
Alex Chadwick - General Manager
Andrew Yonke - CEO
Daniel Bordonaro - Lead Buyer

CHECK OUT THESE STAFF PICKS:

Gibson Custom Shop Murphy Lab 1961 Les Paul SG "CME Spec" - Laurel, Inventory Specialist

"When this beauty hit the shop it took me to a special place. One riddled with wooden panels, cigarette smoke, and a faint taste of scotch on the rocks. This 'CME Spec' SG brings me back to an era I never knew I needed to live in, and I'm here for it. Our Custom "S" Buckers have this baby singing to the high heavens no matter the amp. Not to mention the aging, masterfully done by Tom Murphy and his team, flawlessly ties together an intense feeling of nostalgia. No need for a time machine with this axe by your side."

Shop Gibson Custom Murphy Lab
Product image

1960s Watkins Dominator - Cassie, Product Photographer

"I believe things should look as good as they sound and this 1960's Watkins Dominator ticks all the boxes. It's got tons of character in a gorgeous, well-loved blue hue, and it's British made with that distinctive mid-range growl you would expect from EL84s. Fab gear!"

Shop Vintage & Used Amps!
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1950s Sunburst Kay Model K-162 -  Miles, Customer Service Associate

"Looking for style? Aesthetic flair? Thumpy low end for days? Look no further than this K-162. It may not be for everyone. Those looking for a sleek, modern-feeling shredder may want to look elsewhere. But for those in search of vintage oomph and loads of character, this may just be a dream come true. The fingerboard is noticeably slimmer than you'll usually see these days at 1-7/16", and the neck is definitely thicker (1.11" at the 1st fret, 1.22" at the 10th). That said, it's surprisingly comfy, and it's the kind of neck that shapes the way you play it in an interesting way. Apart from the sound and feel, this thing looks killer. That massive pickup ring? The matching control plate? The headstock matching the plastic? Forget about it.This bass is a dream come true for a vintage Kay enthusiast, an appreciator of the offbeat, or anyone looking to add some old school class to their arsenal. Act fast before I cave and buy it myself!"

Shop Vintage & Used!

Akai MPK Mini IV Compact MIDI Keyboard & Pad Controller - Joe, Product Category Manager

"The Akai MPK Mini IV is a solid step up from the old version, better keys, punchier pads, and more tweakable knobs, yet it’s still only $99. Perfect for sketching beats at home, messing around in the studio, or taking your music anywhere. Seriously, it’s like getting a tiny music studio in your backpack… without the back pain."

Shop Akai Professional Gear!
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Used Ludwig Classic Maple 13/16/24 Citrus Mod Drum Kit - Zach, Brand Content Manager

"Love a good classic Ludwig Classic Maple drum kit! And it doesn't get any more funky than the Citrus Mod finish! When this came through the Drum Exchange, I almost immediately jumped on it...but my rent was due."

Shop Ludwig Drums!

Atkin The Forty Three Spruce/Mahogany Aged Olive Drab - Johnny, Counter Associate

"This Atkin Forty Three has been one of my favorite guitars to pick up in our acoustic room. I'm a big fan of olive drab finishes, and to see one on an acoustic guitar rules. The subtle checking in the finish is something pictures truly can't capture; you have to see it in person. It also sounds as great as it looks! The baked spruce top and mahogany back and sides are a classic pairing that anyone's ear will enjoy. From strumming cowboy chords to fingerpicking in open tunings, this guitar can do it all with ease. "

Shop Atkin Guitar Arrivals!
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1960s Sunburst 
National Debonaire - Laurel, Inventory Specialist

"They don't make 'em like this anymore! This stunning National Debonaire was manufactured in the early to mid 1960s by Chicago's own Kay Musical Instrument Company and sold by Valco under the National brand name. There's a breadth of history behind these brands, their collaborations, and their ultimate downfall, but these archtop guitars are some of what remain to tell the story. Not only does the finish on this instrument look incredible, but the iconic Valco single coil pickup is what really makes this guitar shine in my eyes. When you have it in your hands you can attest to the level of detail and care put into crafting this instrument. It is truly a testament to the standard of guitar luthiery during this time period. What a gem!"

Shop Vintage & Used Gear!

SHOP STAFF PICKS

Gibson H1 Brown 1922 Folk Instruments / Mandolins
Gibson H1 Brown 1922 Folk Instruments / Mandolins
Gibson H1 Brown 1922 Folk Instruments / Mandolins
Gibson H1 Brown 1922 Folk Instruments / Mandolins
Gibson H1 Brown 1922 Folk Instruments / Mandolins
Gibson H1 Brown 1922 Folk Instruments / Mandolins
Gibson H1 Brown 1922 Folk Instruments / Mandolins
Gibson H1 Brown 1922 Folk Instruments / Mandolins
Gibson H1 Brown 1922 Folk Instruments / Mandolins
Gibson H1 Brown 1922 Folk Instruments / Mandolins

Gibson H1 Brown 1922

$2,916.00
Sandberg California Central 4-String Marley Blue Soft Aged Bass Guitars / 4-String
Sandberg California Central 4-String Marley Blue Soft Aged Bass Guitars / 4-String
Sandberg California Central 4-String Marley Blue Soft Aged Bass Guitars / 4-String
Sandberg California Central 4-String Marley Blue Soft Aged Bass Guitars / 4-String
Sandberg California Central 4-String Marley Blue Soft Aged Bass Guitars / 4-String
Sandberg California Central 4-String Marley Blue Soft Aged Bass Guitars / 4-String
Sandberg California Central 4-String Marley Blue Soft Aged Bass Guitars / 4-String
Sandberg California Central 4-String Marley Blue Soft Aged Bass Guitars / 4-String
Sandberg California Central 4-String Marley Blue Soft Aged Bass Guitars / 4-String

Sandberg California Central 4-String Marley Blue Soft Aged

$3,383.00
Fender Stratocaster Sea Foam Green 1963 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Stratocaster Sea Foam Green 1963 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Stratocaster Sea Foam Green 1963 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Stratocaster Sea Foam Green 1963 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Stratocaster Sea Foam Green 1963 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Stratocaster Sea Foam Green 1963 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Stratocaster Sea Foam Green 1963 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Stratocaster Sea Foam Green 1963 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Stratocaster Sea Foam Green 1963 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Stratocaster Sea Foam Green 1963 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Stratocaster Sea Foam Green 1963 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Stratocaster Sea Foam Green 1963 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Stratocaster Sea Foam Green 1963 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Stratocaster Sea Foam Green 1963 Electric Guitars / Solid Body
Fender Stratocaster Sea Foam Green 1963 Electric Guitars / Solid Body

Fender Stratocaster Sea Foam Green 1963

$175,522.00
Gibson Custom Shop 1961 Les Paul SG Standard
Gibson Custom Shop 1961 Les Paul SG Standard
Gibson Custom Shop 1961 Les Paul SG Standard
Gibson Custom Shop 1961 Les Paul SG Standard
Gibson Custom Shop 1961 Les Paul SG Standard
Gibson Custom Shop 1961 Les Paul SG Standard
Gibson Custom Shop 1961 Les Paul SG Standard
Gibson Custom Shop 1961 Les Paul SG Standard
Gibson Custom Shop 1961 Les Paul SG Standard
Gibson Custom Shop 1961 Les Paul SG Standard
Gibson Custom Shop 1961 Les Paul SG Standard

Gibson Custom Shop 1961 Les Paul SG Standard "CME Spec" Antique Ebony Murphy Lab Heavy Aged NH w/Long Maestro Vibrola & Black Uncovered Custom "S" Buckers

$11,654.00
SHOP CME STAFF PICKS!

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