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 -
Moog Messenger Monophonic Analog Synthesizer
Joe - Product Category Manager
"I LOVE the Messenger. You really can’t have a synth collection without a Moog, and this one hits the sweet spot. At this price, it’s the most accessible keyboard Moog you can get. It has that classic Moog character, plus its own unique twists. It can get big and aggressive, or go soft, warm, dark, and beautiful. Surprisingly versatile little beast."
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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."
Shop Gibson Custom Murphy Lab
Jackson Custom Shop 1982 Dinky Nitro Relic Studio Russo Dino - Dodd, Inventory Operations Specialist
"This guitar feels, plays, and sounds perfect. Lightweight alder body, loaded with a Bare Knuckle Holy Diver bucket and two Irish tour single coils, and that Rosso Dino finish is on point. If you’re going to choose a custom shop, why not go with the company that started out as a custom shop? "
Shop Jackson Guitars!Gibson Custom Shop 1968 Les Paul Custom "CME Spec" Heavy Antique Ebony Murphy Lab Heavy Aged - Ocean, Customer Experience
"All hail the Ebony Queen! (The '68 Les Paul Custom) Heavy like a Viking's sword! Velvety like the skin of a newborn! Fury unleashed at the strum of a chord! Wield with caution - You have been warned!"
Shop Gibson Guitar Arrivals!
1990 Ibanez Jem 777BK-V Black - Tanner, Store Operations Manager
"If your guitar doesn't have a monkey grip, what are you even doing with your life? You'll never find a guitar that sounds as good as this JEM, or is anywhere near as convenient to carry around."
Shop Ibanez Guitars!Atkin Dust Bowl 0014 Mahogany - Johnny, Counter Associate
"This Atkin is an awesome, small-bodied acoustic that pays tribute to the vintage mahogany guitars of the past. Not only is it extremely comfortable, but it is a perfect tool to accompany a singer/songwriter. It's great for fingerpicking and definitely provides a vintage-inspired voice that will keep you from putting it down. "
Shop Atkin Guitar Arrivals!
Roland SRE-555 and 1965 Fender Reverb Unit - Dan, Vintage Buyer
"Back before the time of compact pedals. They may be expensive, big, heavy, impractical, inconvenient, and sometimes unreliable, but damn do they sound better than anything else. If you've got the space, budget, and patience, these are extremely inspiring pieces of gear."
Shop Effects & Pedal Arrivals!1955 Gibson J-160E Sunburst - Laurel, Inventory Specialist
"Lately, every time I step in the acoustic room I'm magnetized to this guitar. I'm a sucker for a vintage Gibson acoustic but this one is a sight to behold. All original and aged to perfection. It's helped me get out some musical ideas I would have never had otherwise. There's certainly magic lingering in this one!"
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