What a NAMM show we had in Nash-Vegas...

Along with Duesenberg guitars and Snap-Jack cables we were THE hot topic at the fair, and our booth seemed pretty small most of the time. Elvis' and Ricky Nelson's man James Burton was floored by Veijo's guitar (and wow, can James still twang a guitar...), as were very many other Fender-based heroes including George Marinelli from Bonnie Raitt's band, up and coming star Chris Janson (check him out at his MySpace, he's HOT!), as well as several pairs of Nashville's finest studio hands.

Also, interestingly, Paul Reed Smith came around to see what we were up to. Gentleman that he is, Paul was most polite and graciously allowed that while he thought our guitar was on the expensive side, we have great guitar on our hands, and highly commended Veijo's craftsmanship. Incidentally, he was the ONLY one to say he thought our pricing was steep.... but then again what the hell does Paul know about the guitar business anyway, right? ;- )

Actually Paul, just about everybody else said we have very attractive deal to offer, but big respec' Paul; you are The Man and quality success story we independents look up to, thanks for stopping by!

The guys from Yamaha and Moog were at our stand several times, and we did at least three television interviews.
And the sweetest: several key dealers came around to us, and asked us if we could do business. Sweeeet.... Gordon, rake 'em in!

So Nashville, country and guitar capital of the U.S. and A was very good to us, and bear in mind that Gibson are based here, and that in this town the Telecaster rules supreme. You might say we walked into the lion's den, and befriended the charming feline within. Not bad for a little guitar company making weird guitars in Heinävaara, Eastern Finland.

Big thanks to Gordon of Flaxwood USA and Ed for good groundwork, and to Harry (our main US demo-man) for his wonderful playing, his (occasionally...) constructive criticism and for keeping us in stitches with his cruel jibes at musicians and the industry in general.

Also very big thanks to Paul Polycarpou (owner of truly amazing guitars, guns and dogs :- ), Bucky Baxter and Joe Glazer, for their ardent support and for turning the wonderful players in their music-rich town on to Flaxwood. It is only with friends like these that you can ride into this town and hope to leave with your stirrups still on.
And yes, they're still on. Giddy-up!

28.06.2008: What a NAMM show we had in Nash-Vegas...