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!
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Featured Pick of the Month -
Spector Icon NS-2 Bolt-On Bass Black Stain Gloss
Joseph - Customer Service Lead
"Spector has really knocked it out of the park yet again with their new Icon series NS-2 basses. Classic, high quality appointments that have made them a go to brand for serious bassists, but now at a more budget friendly option and neck through design. Yer fond of me Spector, ain't ye?"
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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."
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Gibson CS 1957 Les Paul Custom "CME Spec" Antique Pewter Sparkle VOS - Ocean, Customer Experience
"Refining the gold standard. This Gibson CS 1957 Les Paul Custom isn't just a museum piece; with that stunning Antique Pewter Sparkle VOS finish, it belongs right under the spotlight. Our CME-exclusive specs give it a broken-in feel that inspires you to actually play—though just staring at it is perfectly acceptable, too."
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1960s Bruno's 12-String Electric Guitar - Felix, E-Commerce Specialist
"I've been on the hunt for a 12-string guitar for a while now. But not just your "Grandma's standard 12-string". Not acoustic (barf). Nothing 'New'. Ideally something with 'Character'. 'Personality'. 'Pizazz'. Until one Sunny Wednesday day a few weeks ago, I was strolling across our showroom floor to head out for lunch. This little eye-booger caught the corner of my eye. The weird shape? The burst? Those grotesquely offset pickups? The "Giraffe-looking" headstock? The uniquely colored & speckled pickguard? I took it off the floor up to my desk almost immediately to make sure no other lucky customer would snag it before i got to it. I've had this in my arsenal now for about 2 weeks & it's written almost a dozen songs & has well above 20 hours of play time. "Good tools are half the work". Here's to many more songs to come with the new friend in my life, 'Ugly Bruno'."
Shop Vintage & Used!Rupert Neve Designs RNDI-M Active Transformer Direct Interface - Joe, Product Category Manager
"Rupert Neve Designs makes the best DIs and preamps, hands down. This is my go-to affordable DI, whether I’m on stage or tracking in the studio."
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Slingerland Radio King 5.5x14 Snare Drum Gold Glass Glitter - Zach, Brand Content Manager
"Really digging everything Slingerland has been putting out lately! Usually not a big sparkle-drum guy, but the Gold Glitter on this snare drum sparks something in me! Plus, the rich history of Slingerland Drums has me sold!"
Shop Slingerland 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. "
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1968 Gibson ES-175DN - Laurel, Inventory Specialist
"The ES-175 was considered a workhorse for jazz and blues guitarists since its launch in 1949 and this instrument is proof of that. Originally fitted with p90s, the double pickup version released in 1953 features two humbuckers as we see here. It was released in two colors, Sunburst and Natural, however the Natural finish is more rare, resulting in the name 175N. Unlike some of its predecessors, this model is considered more versatile and can be cranked up loud without too much feedback. The cutaway and neck profile allow the player to sweep the fingerboard with ease, making it perfect for (but not limited to) jazz. The warm and distinctly crisp sound was beloved by many including Herb Ellis, Joe Pass, and Pat Metheny. This particular instrument was very special to someone (ask about the backstory!) and the play wear gives us a small glimpse into that relationship. We have some truly remarkable ES style guitars in the shop right now, come check 'em out while they're still around!"
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