News

NEWSLETTER - December '09 ---------------------------------------
December Carols Are you ready for the Inbloom “Oh Holy night”? Pretty unusual rock carol but it's the time of the year that is inspiring the Swedish band now back in the studio for new recordings for an upcoming new CD. David Sivelind and his Manne Trea Bass reports good vibes from their recent Japan tour, charted video on youtube and good summer live shows. “Debutalbum”, their current release, reviewed as being full of emotion and great sounding, is available through their myspace page.
photos courtesy of Demetrius Robinson		My Manne Marks The Low Territory On The High Seas These days, all eyes may be on Washington, D.C., but all ears boarded a ship about 35 miles away in Baltimore, Maryland headed toward Nassau for the Capitol Jazz Super Cruise III. Smiles, laughter and smooth moving bodies quickly followed as some of today's most popular Jazz artists unpacked and began to play for their adoring audience. Among these artists; (David Sanborn, Joe Sample, Najee, Candy Dulfer and Pattie Austin to name a few) sits Mark A. Walker- a headliner in his own right, but for this event he's playing the role of support cast as a member of the official house band Spur of the Moment. Over 7 days and nights, the air was filled with a non-stop array of music. Mark's respect as both a man and musician is far reaching within the music industry and this was made abundantly clear when platinum recording artist Jonathan Butler pushed Mark into the spotlight to close out his second set during the cruise. Over the short yet timeless three minutes and seventeen seconds the sound of his bass cut across the ballroom like Excalibur parting the Red Sea for Speed Racer. Mark slapped, hammered, popped and chorded the audience into a harmonious frenzy reminiscent of a backwoods pentecostal tent revival. Upon leaving the stage, he was was greeted with a barrage of love and cheers from audience members and musicians including fellow bassist Victor Bailey who thanked Mark for his solo and demanded to know more about the ax he wielded. The weapon of choice for this event: his 5 string Manne Moab aptly named Ruth. (Take a look at the Old Testament of your Bible to know why the bass bares this name.) By D. Knagui Giddins for S.O.I. Talent Management Firm
SINBREED Flo Laurin, mastermind of the German power metal hopefuls SINBREED has signed a deal with Manne guitars. SINBREED has also signed a record label deal with Ulterium Records. The debut LP will be released in the spring 2010. “For me being a metal guitarist with an high focus on heavy riffing, it's not easy to find a guitar with 24 frets, fixed bridge, H+H pickups and a 15,75" fretboard radius. In the Manne Ventura I found exactly what i was looking for - and in addition it comes with an stunning look!"
		FASO Elio E Le Storie Tese is a very odd reality in the Italy music scene. The band offers fun and incredibly talented musicans, in a mixture of “all-you-can-listen” music, where a tango intro can go into a speedy country theme and fading into a Jamestaylor-like ending. You never know what to expect from these intelligent performers and showmen. Once, while playing in the most important Italian music festival, Sanremo, having just 30 seconds to let the public remember a refrain, performed the whole song live at 4x-speed, even though the tune had odd timing in a genuine Frank Zappa attitude, and I bet Frank would have been proud of them... Their ability is to mix entertainment, mostly hilarious or mockery, loud or dirty but with a smart intelligent nonsense that has much more background sense than the often superficial showbiz sense. Their “know-how” had always been applied also on the business side, being the first example of how a record company can be efficently ruled by the artist. On the finals of Italian “Xfactor”, the main Italian TV program that discovers and selects voice talents, Elio e le storie tese were guests as part of the jury. Faso, played his Manne Newport Satin Special you can also recognise in the sound being bolt-on, defined and balanced. See their TV appearance
Milano Guitar show November 15th was the day for the actual biggest guitar show in Italy organized by Accordo, the biggest Italian guitar community. The numbers are: 5,500 visitors, 100 exibitors in 2,500 sq. meters. Great meeting place and really a sucessfull event, giving a very positive signal of interest. Thanks to Mauro “Nats” Natali and our new endorser Steve Saluto for the useful assistance. Steve performed at the central stage with a Manne Raven, presenting a few songs from his latest CD. We are building him a signature guitar, and we will review it in upcoming newsletter.		Steve Saluto and Mauro "Nats" Natali
Steve Saluto Pietro Paolo Falco		Steve is actually on European tour with Mike Mendoza, vocals and bass and Atma Anur on Drums. An upcoming Album will feature Doug Wimbish on the bass. At the show I met the winner of the Manne Raven we gave as a prize. He received the guitar after a four months article selection at Accordo website. Pietro Paolo Falco then wrote a very deep review about the guitar, also with a Youtube video. “The guitar since the first look exudes hand workmanship... with the texture of wood you can clearly feel thru the thin finish. Attention to details is evident, like the mother of pearl dots on the fretbord and on the side, or the silver like trussrod cover with manne logo and model name. It took me a while to recognize the joint of the two pieces of woods of the body, pratically invisible … The fretboard caught my attention: without giving too much attention it would look like ebony but this is a special material selected by Manne to give the right resistance to stress from time and humidity. I have always been suspicious about alternative materials, especially if the final price is not so low at all, but I must admit that this black material absolutely does not lack for “good feel” at all. Very noticaable the neck made with one piece, without even a single gram of unnecessary finish,(varnish), satin, so sleek and playable … with beautiful beech laminate that ensures stability and stiffness. Then the helicoidal neck shape is not so easy to realize but it follows naturally the rotation of the wrist while you run from first fret toward the body. The body layout looks very traditional but then you can notice how the horns are more accentuated, giving more access to upper frets, very reachable and playable compared to standard traditional instruments. The sound is typical of an old Strat... but the resin fingerboard adds definition and brightness, similar to maple necks. I never appreciated the middle positions as much as on this guitar, as they keep the attack of the single pickups but add colour that seems to squeeze all the funky they can get. Also with the distortion the sound was bright but not brittle, very close to Hendrix and SRV's Lenny. The guitar is built wisely, elegantly, with classic sounds, resulting from a long evolution of building techniques and trials of materials. Manne can be proud to be a true guitar pioneer.
NEW CDs

Arrivederci! Mr. Manne

NEWSLETTER - November '09 ---------------------------------------
ROBERTO DE MICHELI Roberto is a guitarist for SINESTESIA, a prog-rock band that performed at the Italian Gods of Metal Festival and other major Italian shows. I was present at the presentation of their new CD -THE DAY AFTER FLOWER (November 2009 aerostella/edel). I was shocked how the band is full of so many talented musicians, offering music that is really true progressive styled but never suffering from unnecessary baroquism, while constantly driven by an exciting groove and catchy well constructed melodies and structures, with a very rock attitude. I expect Sinestesia music will easily be well accepted internationally, especially in nordic countries and the USA as the band has a very high standard. Roberto has his second Manne guitar. Decideing for a negative image of the first dark one, this time he ordered a white see-thru satin colored Ventura, highlighted by black binding that adds a very nice contrast. A Piezo bridge offer acoustic tones controlled by a smart active electronics, with the capability of two divided outputs for the magnetic and piezoelecric pick-ups. Here are his comments: "It's a dream come true. Intriguing and elegant, the sound is powerfull, clear and defined, incredible feedback and sustain for a perfect blues, rock or metal tone. The piezo bridge adds an extra that I would die for... NOTHING SOUNDS LIKE THIS MANNE!!!”
		DANIELE CAMARDA Daniele is a talented Sicilian musician that endorses our philosophy and has taken advantage of Manne's unique tendency to explore new ideas and the urgency of leaving the beaten path to reach and offer an intimate expression of the personal musical voice. After a Manne Custom Neck-Thru used since the early '90’s, he asked us to develop specific instruments for his specific , , , pickupexpression. The Manne Woody Bassbuilted as a further developement of the Acoustibass ideawent deeper into woody, resonating tonestaking to the limit the possibilities offered by our custom designed piezo bass . Strangely enough, I have received echoes and comments about Daniele's work from the most diverse people, from Lebanon to India, the USA to Japan, and from a top drum player during a Drum night at the Frankfurt Messe who recognized me as the maker of the , , players for top class performanceDaniele's bass... This shows that Daniele chooses the way of hard worksreal artistic expressionavoiding exibitionism or presentialism but gathering real recognition from top class , ideas and music, and new direction into experimentation. So here is his latest news: “Ciao Andrea: I came back from Madrid where I recorded a Miguel Bosè tune. The engeneer was astonished with the Bass sound. He has also worked with Bjork, Paul Mc Carteny etc... Another news is the release of "Maboroshi" for the F.M.N. Sound Factory of Kyoto, Japan. This is a trio workwith Gianni Gebbia and Eiko Ishibashi, sperimentation and J-Pop. See you soon for a new... 7-string!!” A video of their performance in japan is available.
ATHORN - SIX REASON TO KILL the band of german Manne Endorser Stefan Aedo has released thier new EP "Livable Hatred". Stefan plays his Manne Taos Satin Special Italian Yew on this record. Also the band has released their new video "Humanized the Demon". Listen and have a look at their site. We now have a new Manne endorser: The German pioneers of Metalcore SIX REASONS TO KILL has signed with Manne guitars. The guys are very happy to play these legendary Italian masterpieces. The band had some awesome festival shows this summer and are now working on new songs for the next album, scheduled for a spring 2010 release. Once again the material includes a variety of musical styles. Founded in 1999 when the hybrid of Metal and Hardcore was a strictly underground phenomenon, Six Reasons To Kill has managed it to constantly improve their sound. Over the years, Six Reasons To Kill has played countless shows, festivals and tours throughout Europe from Scotland to Slovenia. Their lyrics deal with social topics like discrimination, environmental exploitation, racism, war and human rights. In his lyrics, new frontman Thorsten Polomski (BUBONIX) closes the gap between tragedy and confidence. His powerful voice adds some new colours to the well-known 6R2K-picture and makes this band stand out from a faceless mass. The band’s supreme goal is to make people think and to tear down some unnecessary walls. They always stand for tolerance and an open minded attitude. If you have the opportunity, don’t miss seeing 6R2K live in one of their electrifying performances.
		ELIA MURGIA Elia is guitarist of the underground metal band “Subhuman” formed in 2001 has grown to national and international acclaim. The new album will be out in September 2009 on Maple Metal Records, the Canadian label property of John Belrose, legendary Exciter's "Heavy Metal Maniac" producer. “What can I say about my Taos? It is an incredible instrument.. good for all occasions, an all-rounder that you can always count on and trust, with which you can play anything you want. Since she fell into my arms ... no more story for any other except her!!! THE DEFINITIVE INSTRUMENT!!! “ “I’m especially impressed with the guitarists; Matteo Buti and Elia Murgia and how well they provide us with riff after riff that will knock your socks off. The music is driven home with sharp precision, I can tell you that! They never seem to run out of ideas and this album will certainly turn a few heads in the music industry, I’m sure. “Power of Metal” UK
BARNY Daniele Bagni is a busy Italian session bass player we have known since his first professional debut with the band “Ladri di Biciclette” in 1988 that with many popular hits gathered recognition among pop music in Italy. The band got important guests during their tours and recordings with Billy Preston, Jimmy Winterspoon and Sam Moore. Then Daniele had the chance to enter one of the most popular Italian rock bands, Litfiba, where he played in the main Italian music festival and, Steve WonderAfter the split of the band in successfully toured, sharing first class stages with Deep PurpleEmerson Lake & Palmer, Toto, Aerosmith, Lenny Kravitz. 1999, Daniele continued to work with the bandleader Piero Pelù. As his schedule permitted, he developed his own project: “The Barny Syndacate” . Daniele has owned a Manne Basic bass for more than a decade. “ Hi Manne! With the Barny Syndacate the Manne is my main bass as is the bass that you custom built for me under my specs. This one I feel is an extension of my body.... ;-)

NEWSLETTER - October '09 ----------------------------------- MANNE Meet MANNE We had a curious visit one day: “ hallo”, “hallo” , “ I'm Manne”, “Me too!”. Mr. Manne Carlsson from Sweden, on vacation in Italy decided to visit us because he is a guitar player looking for a nice instrument but also for the thrill of playing an instrument with his own name. As probably some of you know, our name Manne comes from my nickname that my fellow street kids gang gave me as I was running fast as Mennea (Italian world champion runner of the '70) so the assonance andrea-mennea gave this nonsense (for Italians) nickname. I discovered later on with the advent of the Internet, that Manne is a pretty common name in European northern countries. So this month here is the report from Manne, ... the other one. “Hi Andrea, We had a nice trip around Italy and France and are now back at work in Göteborg. I will thank you for your hospitality and for a fantastic day at your handmade production of beautiful guitars. Some friends, and the two of my sons that are guitar players, are impressed with the crystal clear sound that these guitars have. They play on F...... and T...... guitars but this guitar from you is much easier to play and has the absolute clearest sound they have ever heard. I will recomend your guitars and I will also let guitar players borrow my Manne guitar as much they want! Maybe I will take a trip back to you and buy some guitars to my friends. Thanks for an fantastic day! Manne Carlsson"
		Journalistic prize Accordo - Manne With 100 selected articles submitted since May the Accordo-Manne journalistic prize was a great success among the 21,000 registered users of the biggest Italian musical web community. We offered a prize of a beautiful Manne Raven Satin Special that finally was assigned to RozzoAristocratico that further to the prize also entered into the editorial staff of Accordo. Here is the comment of the winner: “a unique experience, a multitude of creative competent journalists, passion, so much information, and a wonderful grand finale with a guitar of the dreams. Is there anything more to wish for? Years back I had a chance to check out a Manne and it impressed me for the sound, for the aesthetic and for the story it was carrying. Today, with a big help from my lucky star, I will own a similar one. I still can't belive it, but I just have to thank the people that made this possible!!!” The guitar will be consigned in the upcoming November SHG Guitar Show in Milano.
Florio Pozza Florio was born in Myrtleford,Victoria Australia. At the age of 12 he moved to Italy, where his family comes from. “The loss of my land was devastating for my young Australian heart and soul and that deep pain broke me up for long years. I went back in 1999 and finally rejoined my motherland. Thats when DILMJENG, an Aboriginal friend of mine taught me the didge as a sign of deep friendship. I've been screaming for years to get back my Australian life and now that scream is my music and art. I'm an artist, a musician, and a bookwriter and all my performances represent my country. I play guitars, didgeridoos, sitar and anything with a string; all my compositions are images and records of my Australian imprinting and are linked together. “ Florio recorded 4 CD's as TERRA AUSTRALIS, his art perfoming name. The last one "The Silent Prayer" is about the sacred beauty that Australia's infinite heart, told and is telling him about. Recently Florio chose a ManneDesign Orchestra Special with Val di Fiemme spruce soundboard and Cambodian rosewood back and sides. “WHEN THE WILD ASIAN ROSEWOOD, MEETS THE SACRED STRADIVARIAN VAL DI FIEMME SPRUCE, YOU STOP PLAYING AND START PRAYING !! That's what my Manne Orchestra Special acoustic guitar is saying to me. UNBELIEVABLE !! It's not a guitar, it's a spiritual entity, the voice of the muses connected with the universe!! Manne's Magical alchemy is all in this guitar.
		Manne goes Romania A few days spent in Romania just makes you feel that you need some more. Guitarist Horea Crisovan, our friend based in Timisoara arrange for a gathering of Manne players including interviews, workshop, live playing and A VERY GOOD TIME. Singer-songwriter Davide Peron gave me the opportunity to play and jam with other Manne players in three live shows with our our ManneDesign acoustic guitars, presenting the CD “Aria Buona” in which I contributed arranging, playing guitar, writing and co-writing the music. I met customers that expressed to me their love of Manne instruments, like the seven string player Iustin Hancu, and Stelian Acea, a true photographer artist addicted to the Manne Taos. Interviewes and program participation was broadcast on the air, on TVR Timisoara in “MusicaViva” a studio music program that featured Horea and me talking about guitars and instrument building, and Davide Peron speaking about his music, with a final live jam. Then we were also broadcast on TVR3 Romanian National TV and National Radio, talking about the meaning of making guitars and about the special creative features of Manne Guitars. On the last day a gathering of all Timisoara Manne Players took place at Play Festival, a multi-cultural event with music from all over the world. Davide Peron and I had the stirring contribution of Horea Crisovan on his Manne Semiacustica and great fun with bass players Calin Cercel and Victor Miclaus. Music, fun, guitars, what else? Love?.... well, I will let you ask Davide...

NEWSLETTER - August '09 -------------------------------- WORKSHOP AT MANNE Come and build yourself your dream Manne instrument in our Shop! Come to Schio, Italy, to build your instrument, learning our techniques, and understanding more about the know-how to build and set-up an instrument. Limited attendants. More info on our workshop page.
"There are no words to describe the aesthetic beauty of the instrument that perfectly matches the quality of its sound and its extreme versatility."		10-String Ventura Here is our latest challenge: A ten-string guitar for our friend Emiliano Sicilia that decided recently to go further than his 8 strings Ventura. We used the scale of 648mm (25.51”) that is very near to the classic scale, so the player does not need to get used to the extra spacing of a baritone scale, and we got a good result with this scale on the previous 8-string, as it has a deeper sound than the baritone due to the shorter scale and heavier strings. Black Korina body and laminate neck are our standard features. Emiliano's signature at the 12th fret, a special “Ultra Bass Guitar” engraving at the 24th and the metal Manne “M” dots give a very special customized fretboard look. “Here is the last creation that Manne guitars realized for me, the “ultra bass guitar” 10 strings. There are no words to describe the aesthetic beauty of the instrument that perfectly matches the quality of its sound and its extreme versatility. Even if the neck is so much wider than a normal 6 string, the guitar is playable and not so difficult to get used to it, once you practice and master it. It is evident that the left hand position must follow the classical guitar way of playing, to be able to perform all over the fingerboard, and that is my way to play as I come from flamenco guitar music studies. The bass strings supply an incredible variety, allowing me to have a really unique sound that nobody has in metal music. With a normal 7-string or 8-sting you get harmonic extensions but with 10 strings the sonic bandwidth becomes incredible, being possible to experiment with the “decachord” introduced centuries ago by the musician Ferdinando Carulli. A masterpiece of modern art!”
Tracy Stephens Hello fellow bass players ! My name is Tracy Stephens (bass player from Australia). Just recently I have been fortunate enough to become friends with Andrea and Manne basses, thanks to a chance meeting at the International Guitar Festival, Sarzana ITALY. I was there with the talented HUSSY HICKS (these girls are amazing especially their live show, not to be missed, I am always honoured to play bass with these girls). European luthiers are very highly regarded here in Australia, so I was excited to have the opportunity to check out the craftmanship and quality of instruments on show from all over the world during the festival. One instrument in particular stood out amongst thousands of outstanding instruments on show - Manne's Acoustibass. It is such a strikingly beautiful bass, and I instantly wanted to play it. I'm not a player that knows all the technical words to describe a bass, but I know as soon as I played the Acoustibass that Andrea's Manne instruments were special. The Acoustibass fretless 5 is quite exceptional - its surprisingly light and comfortable to play. The sound is very unique double bass like in its tone, perfect for the acoustic style of music I play with the Hussy Hicks. its a very warm sound but also cuts through nicely like a top of the line instrument should. A volume, pickup selector, and tone control, its simple no fuss style bass. It seems though the sound comes all from the wood, fretboard and strings and not from fancy pickups (although apparently the electronic system they have used is state of the art new technology - they have kept it organic and simple for the player) The feel of the neck and the fretboard just makes you not want to put this bass down - ever! But these basses really have to be seen and heard to be fully appreciated, its hard to do the bass justice using words, but its the best looking and sounding fretless bass I have ever played. You can instantly tell the time and passion Andrea puts into making such stunning instruments. I am now playing the Acoustibass here in Australia and Im really happy! Im getting lots of comments on how beautiful and unique the bass looks and sounds. During the festival I also had the opportunity to play Manne's Newport bass (four string fretted bass) on the main stage and I now play this bass in Australia also. Its a very versatile bass, with a jazz style pickup and a humbucker style pickup as well. It is a real "work-horse" bass, noiseless pickups (after speaking with Andrea he said Manne make design and build their own pickups and they are awesome). I use this bass for my rock/funk band Marshall & the Fro (a popular Australian group on the festival circuit). It is also much lighter than the Musicman Stingray i previously owned (its been very difficult to find a lighter bass with the same huge sound as heavier well known brands like fender and Musicman, but Manne has achieved this), it has a better tone and smoother option with the jazz pickup. So a punchy slap funk machine, with the jazz smooth deep round options. A really fast easy bass to play. Definitely versatile. Cuts through a loud band and every note is really clear. Very comfortable and also great looking. Beautiful finishes on both the Acoustibass and Newport. Between the 2 basses every sound and style is covered, so I’m being offered more gigs and can now offer a more versatile sound in the studio and onstage. Last but not least, I am really enjoying playing instruments that I know have been hand made by passionate people and master craftsmen. Andrea would have to be one of the nicest most down to earth people I have met, so helpful and enthusiastic and passionate about music. He really enjoyed the down to earth and "real" music of the Hussy Hicks and I am so happy and proud to play Manne basses, because of their amazing look and sound and its refreshing to own a bass made by a company that doesn’t mass produce identical instruments using machines or taking shortcuts .. it seems to me that Manne is all about the music and not about the "bullshit" (thanks Andrea :) )....		"I'm not a player that knows all the technical words to describe a bass, but I know as soon as I played the Acoustibass that Manne instruments were special" "it seems to me that Manne is all about the music and not about the bullshit"
		Andrea Fascetti Andrea recently had his own composition published in a jazz compilation CD released by “Leaping cat records”, a small British independent label. The record includes David Pastorius (nephew of Jaco), Stew McKinsey and other bass players and guitarist, all very “cool & bad”... We recently met Andrea at the Acoustic festival in Sarzana (see his picture above with Tracy Stephens) where he preformed on some of the stages with his own band and jamming with Giovanni Palombo. Since September he write a column in Bass Musician Magazine, a fantastic bass on-line magazine that regularly gets contribution from Adam Nitti, Alain Caron, Gary Willis, Mike Pope, Todd Johnson, Michael Manring etc. etc.
Bret Burnett Bret Burnett (23) is a direct student under Zero Hour’s Jasun Tipton. He has been playing guitar for 9 years, creating a unique style that blends modern metal with an exotic lead playing element. The most important things that he has learned from Jasun is proper hand placement and picking dynamics, in order to find the right balance of the sweet spots on the guitar. This has allowed him to get a better natural tone from his fingers, and much cleaner articulation on the instrument. In addition, he has also learned many of Jasun’s signature lead guitar licks, as well as his complex and dynamic rhythm playing. “Thanks Andrea! I absolutely love this guitar and a lot of my friends that I have let play it are blown away by how good it feels and how well it plays. The first Manne guitar I ever played was Jasun Tipton’s Zero Hour custom 7 string. I had been playing 7 and 8 string guitars for 5 over years and this was hands down the best guitar I ever played. From the moment I picked up Jasun’s guitar, it felt like home. This was the first guitar where I did not have to exert any real effort to play. As a result, I was able to clearly see the difference of how much easier it is to play this guitar and how much better as a player I sounded compared to others guitars on the market. One feature of the Ventura that I really like is how my arm does not stick to the guitar’s body and allows it to freely move, which makes a huge difference in the playability of the instrument when playing more complex parts. Similarly, the bottom horn of the guitar does not get in the way of the fretting hand, which makes wide interval playing a far more manageable task. This guitar addresses 2 major physical playing issues and allows me to focus on the articulation of the instrument. The separation and clarity of each note on the guitar is incredible regardless of the instrument’s extended wide range. Even on the heaviest distorted tones, which can really muddy up the sound of the guitar, each note rings out with so much clarity that I am still just completely blown away. Another feature that I like about this guitar is how some of the body is hollowed out, which not only makes the guitar lighter, but also produces an acoustic piezo-like sound when the coil taps are in use. Lastly, the concept that I really like about Manne guitars, and in particular the Ventura model, is the balance between a new cutting edge guitar design; yet still providing a very classy look as well.“
		GEMINY Marco Manzani (Taos Gloss Special) and Francesco Molinelli (Moab Satin Special) guitarist and bassist for the progressive metal band Geminy from Genoa that is working on their debut album. “Andrea, what can I say about my fabulus Manne Taos? The first time I saw it, I was struck by its developed aesthetic on every single detail, and once I connect it to the Amp it conquered me with its crystal and powerful tones and well defined distorted voice with rich of harmonics. The best tones I got from it while I was in the rehearsal room where I fully appreciated the finest details that finely match with the band’s sound. So I anxiously wait to hear it in our next CD “The Prophecy”, and show it proudly in our next concerts."
Arrivederci! Mr. Manne

NEWSLETTER - July '09 --------------------------------
		ZEP BLACKBIRD A very special graphic was requested on a Blackbird this time: Looking at the guitar I think you can guess the favorite band of Andre Mohlen from South Africa!! The Guitar is a Blackbird satin with custom graphic on a black korina body, our Manne blade pickups and our new Manne locking bridge. “Hi Andrea, I received the blackbird ................... Absolutely brilliant!!! I cannot describe and find any words for the guitar when you see, hold, feel and play it. Amazing sound, playability and looks. Very special......... NO BULLSHIT.......... THIS IS A MASTERPIECE BY MANNE. Thanks to you, Stefano and Paolo.”
JOE VIGLIOTTI Joe Vigliotti is a New York City studio Electric/Upright bass player, who has fervently spanned the spectrum of musical styles throughout his career. His music can be heard in numerous commercials, film scores, plays, tap shows, jazz sessions; he also performs live for an abundant amount of rock, funk, R&B, folk, country and hip-hop gigs across the country. He has worked in such legendary studios as Battery Studios, Chung King Studios, and Silver Cup Studios. The photo shown here is of Joe playing his Custom Manne Moab 6 on a recording of a PSA Little League Baseball of America commercial from Derek Rittenhouse productions at Crescent Rd Studios in Queens where Joe is currently the in-house session bass player. “My Custom Moab 6-String is not just a list of specs assembled for me, but a personable instrument that was designed by Andrea to suit all of my professional recording and performance needs. The bass can go from crisp and clean to gritty and chocolaty, all while keeping its warmth and distinctive sound. This description captures every part of this bass, and I mean from the low open B to the 24th fret on the high-C string. Indisputably, every note on this bass is worth playing!”
		ROBERTO DALLA VECCHIA Lots of news from Roberto this month: Roberto's GRATEFUL album has received a nomination at this year's Just Plain Folks awards, for "Best Instrumental Album". Just Plain Folks awards are the world's largest music awards with over 42,000 entries from 160 countries. SUNFLOWERS won the 'Channel Prize' for Instrumental Solo in June 2009, receiving the highest rank in OurStage's Instrumental Solo Channel ! Roberto's workshop at the end of May (this year was his 5th annual) was very successful with 21 participants from all over Europe and even the US. After that Roberto hit the stage as a guest with the return of David Bromberg for a concert in Vicenza (Italy). Roberto had a very good feel and friendship with David and reported a quote from him: “I would like to play fast... but just to keep playing slowly as I do today!” Then Roberto toured the US together with Mark Cosgrove having a great experience. “Mark has an incredible drive and playing with him is great fun. We also recorded a tune for his next CD. In Portland, Maine, we played in front of practically all musicians, and Darol Anger was there too, to have a final jam with us. What a pity not having any pics of that event!”
GABRIELE SABBADINI Gabriele plays in a progressive rock and pop band “The Arcangel” and we built for him a custom doubleneck. Doublenecks are always a challenge as there are many factors to control to achieve good ergonomics, and good balance and playability with moderate weight on the shoulder. “It is an incredible instrument that fits all kinds of music and offers many ways to let you find the right way to play it. Last year, starting this new band, I came into the decision to have built this guitar. I wish something special, a doubleneck. I was looking around but nothing seemed to be the right choice. But then, thanks to Aldo Tagliapietra of Le Orme (one of many Italian progressive bands) I knew Manne. I got to Manne's shop one Saturday morning. Four weeks later the guitar was ready. Since then I always play it as my main instrument. I rarely need to use other instruments thanks to its neverending versatility. The 12 strings side has a very clean and warm sound that nicely fills the music with body. The Piezo is fantastic!! With the 6 string side I can play everything from jazz to rock to classical. It has a good clean and beautiful lead. Very good overall, really nice!!! I wrote a phrase on the body. It was what the luthier Del Gesù was putting inside his violins. "viva fui in sylvis, sum dura occisa securi. sum vixi taqui, morta dulce cano" Translation: Alive in the forest, I die and cut in pieces. Alive I was mute, dead I sweetly sound.
		GIOVANNI LIVRAGHI Giovanni bought a Ventura last year but that Manne became his nightmare, as he could not go back playing his favorite vintage guitars. So after that he bought a Blackbird and finally now he ordered a Raven of korina finished in black satin. “Yesterday afternoon my new Manne arrived. It's beautiful with that black korina and all the shades and wood texture that fulfill my eyes. As soon as I got home, without even touching dinner, worst than a kid with a Christmas presents, I immediately plugged it into the nearest amp available and went into that same fantastic wonderland that I have been used to since I played my first Manne. I know I repeat myself, I'm like a broken vinyl, but this Raven frightens me!! Awsome! I did not test it with the Blues de Ville yet but the sound it beautiful. The Cleans are consuming (it wraps me up!) and the selector opens up wide territories. I particularly like its crunch, dry and very nice. My ManneExperience (after a Ventura, a Ventura semiacustic and a Blackbird) is going further with the best of satisfaction. Thanks!”

NEWSLETTER - June '09 THE NEW AGE OF SOBRIETY The rise of Obama has given rise to a new global perspective that is not just the new US president’s style and politics, but has arisen from real world demands and conditions. Cars with less fuel consumption, limits on executive salaries (just as Obama limited his own), negotiations and dialogue as the first weapon to solve world problems, and all others actions of the White House are more like the world wide web, where everything can be easily known and shared and democratically discussed. The reasonable way of life of real world people, with real world problems, living under the same roof and looking for the best co-existence. In a recent guitars festival in Sarzana, I enjoy and applauded the great performance of “Hussy Hicks”, the Australian girls that reminded me and the public what real world music is all about: sweat, beat, tapping feet, feel, passions of smart players and real human beings! You do not need an introduction to know who they are, or to know if they are on MTV or in the top hits list. Just the joy of good music in a live concert…… No tricks. No bullshit!! This is where the music business should restart. So my feeling is that the quest for “real” is a very positive track for our future. And I feel this is also a 100% Manne feature we have always kept in mind, and which has been consistently testified to by the comments of our customers. Large manufacturers often let investments in marketing grow, while shrinking the product costs to the limit, so that ultimately the most expensive part of an instrument is the cost to convince people to buy it. We have always tried to put our emphasis upon doing our best to be creative and offer the best quality for a reasonable price, so our customers can be truly proud of his handmade instrument. I think our new slogan should be…… Manne, No Bullshit!		Christian Mayer the drummer seduced by Manne bass Gianluca Mosole: no bullshit!
		ELIE AFIF “Hallo Andrea! I was at the Jakarta jazz festival “Java jazz fest” and in “Womad fest” in Abu Dabi (UAE) this year. Everyone asked about the bass I'm using (Woody Acoustibass) A few days ago I was playing with Bobby McFerrin. Thank you for the bass again. The gig with Bobby was really amazing. He is beautiful musician, I think for me “the perfect musician”. The show was great, and honestly the sound of my bass when i was playing the chords was great man. That tone is magical. It is really a killer!!!!!!!! And seriously it is so easy to play with such an instrument in any situation, using the Piezo pick-up while swinging, especially when you hit the string near the fingerboard you get really upright sound. Everyone noticed, with my bass ( MY MANNE) you can get all tones you're looking for, you just have to love it :) & I really do !!!!! Again thank you guy for this piece of ART. I can say it was made with love!!!!!! Peace” Thanks Elie for giving me this great sentence I agree with: “...you can get all tones you're looking for, you just have to love it :)”
ACCORDO-MANNE PRIZE The most widely read Italian guitar magazine is not print on paper and is not sold at newsstand. Accordo is the biggest, most popular and widely read musical media in Italy. With almost 20,000 registered visitors, it is a live portal full of info, news and articles under the supervision of the editorial office. The prize idea was to highlight the quality of journalistic contributions made by readers. From 15 May to 15 September there will be a pre-selection of the material, tagging with the prize banner the best articles sent by readers. Then a winner will be nominated by the jury. The prize is a beautiful Raven Satin Special with a Mastergrade top you can see in the picture, in the hands of David Bromberg at the Sarzana (Italy) guitar festival. The site is in Italian so … for those of you that can do it … take paper and a pen and check your writing attitude! Thanks to Alberto Biraghi, Luca Jurgen Friso, Susi De Pretis ed Elen Annnicchiarico for their valuable work!		David Bromberg playing the Raven
		MOAB SHORT SCALE Stefano Antonietti has been playing Manne instruments since 2002, a Basic Bass with a Piezo at the bridge and an ash body. When he walked in the shop, he already had precise ideas in mind, but not yet in their final form. So he evaluated some instruments comparing them to his older Manne, checking different combinations of woods and layouts, discussing the pros and cons of various features, and together we looked forward, targeting in the viewfinder the “dream bass” until we focused on the right picture. The Bass should be a rock bass, with a defined tight rock sound, a war m and low overall tone with solid fundamentals but with a clear definition. The process materialized a new Moab satin with a 32” short scale, a feature that Stefano preferred, with a Ash body, a successful feature of his previous Manne bass and a compensation or let's say a tone correction for the shorter scale and the perfect choice for the tone desired. Stefano took pictures while the bass was taking shape, so it could be very interesting looking at our work and the bass progression. See the pics is his facebook album
SARZANA INTERNATIONAL ACOUSTIC GUITAR MEETING Alessio Ambrosi did it again: the 12th edition of the festival was successfully entertaining, a great public event with concerts, courses and exhibitions of luthiers, distributors and guitar freaks. This year's mood, contrary to expectation, was positive and exciting. Hot new performers let the gigs list expand, giving a great and diversified offering. Great quality products and people using the meeting for deciding the next guitar with which to fall in love. This is the festival where I found out about Hussy Hicks. These Australian girls gave me goose-bumps with intense vocals and incredibly good guitar work, without overly flashy gimmicky licks (popular among so many acoustic players). The feel of the performance was A-Plus and I am sure Hussy Hicks will have a great success everywhere they will play. Tracy Stephens plays bass for Hussy Hicks. I met her while she was staring at a beautiful Acoustibass-5, and after realizing she was not Italian and a bass player, we went on testing the basses which she enjoyed so much. Then she told me she was going to play on stage with her mates. So Tracy performed on all Festival stages checking out an Acoustibass, a Newport Special-4 and a Malibu. Thanks so much !!!......and they will be back in Italy in September and on a worldwide tour, so if you have a chance, don't miss them!		Hussy Hicks
Elen Annicchiarico taking care of the baby		The Manne cellar
MATTIA “THE DUDE” “Celts considered Druids charismatic personalities. In the absence of written history they were in charge of handing down the facts of the Clan and keeping the traditions alive. They were the depository of human knowledge got from their progenitors, trained for twenty winters before being invested by the Druid status. Their wisdom was undoubted and they were considered by the people as princes. Here is a pearl of their wisdom: “Fortune is the (skill) ability of men that are able to affect the events” So, if a casual meet at Andrea's concert let us know each other, my fortune was the way we let that event become my entrance in the Manne family, owing a guitar that is not just an object, but also a dream... an idea... a belief so strong to wake me up in the middle of the night to let it be confute. Yes, is like that, as are two nights that I am not sleeping alone... but with my VENTURA SATIN SPECIAL, with “that” color... so lustful and elegant... “That rug really tied the room together” but now there is my Manne and everything has changed. Thanks for the patience, the professional attitude and work, the cordiality of the communications. I hope to become for you what you became for me, very nice characters that will not be forgotten! Thanks to Mr. Manne & C. Mattia Bertin” Well … thanks dude but...(for those that are into Big Lebowsky cult): is this your homework, Larry? Have you ever heard of Vietnam?”

		-------------------------------------------------- NEWSLETTER - May '09 MUSIKMESSE All the guest we had this year at the musikmesse complemented the booth and the instruments. The entire range of available Manne instrument models made a great display of sexy shapes and appealing woods. We had Stefan Aedo and Roberto Dalla Vecchia hitting the stage and offering a demonstration of the acoustic and electric sides of our guitar catalog: Stefan did a multi style demo with his Taos Italian Yew top, while Roberto performed his own compositions with his DSR acoustic. Horea Crisovan and Tommy Denander also showed up and gave some demonstrations of their considerable talent. The Messe is also the right occasion to meet old and new customers, distributors, and visitors. Thanks to all who stopped by! A review of the booth and a brief description of two of the most unique instruments in the booth (in Italian) is available on the ACCORDO website, n°1 Italian musicians' community.
VINDRA Here is some Swedish news from Daniel Castman: “I’m now in the middle of the recording of VINDRA’s ”Official” debut album ”Heroes Of The Unfinished Symphony”. On the 26th of March we entered the studio, White Light Studio in Linköping. For my recording I have exclusively used my Manne Ventura cherry top and my Manne Taos Standard. So all electric guitars played by me are with ”the one and only” Manne. The release date is 12th of June. The Manne logo will be printed in the inlay of the CD-package. In November we signed a record deal with Blue Topaz Records. Recently we went to the ”MTV Nordic unsigned” and also ”Miller Fresh Sounds” finales and played at Cafe’Opera in Stockholm, after thousands of online votes. In February we had a big iTunes success with the track "Dreamer" hiting the "top ten" list for the most downloaded songs on Swedish iTunes. We also went top 50 on the official Swedish DigiListan as most downloaded song in the whole of Sweden.
		MATS HEDBERG Mats is a swedish native and Manne player, residing in Rome for many years. IMPATIENS is a new project of Hang Camera, a group of percussionists featuring also Billy Cobham, Mats Hedberg, and other italian players. 11 traks around the particoular sound of the steel drums, hang and cais drums, rithe the research of a “lirycal rithm”. Nu-jazz atmospheres, minimalism and polyrythmic figures. http://www.trelunerecords.it Mats is also working on some new recordings. One of his favourite session has been with Morgan Ågren, a swedish drummer that formerly has been in the Frank Zappa band for several project as the grammy award winning “the Zappa's universe” with Steve Vai on guitar.
Impression of Paul on his ... REDWING I Just finished playing for about an hour. I had high hopes for this guitar and let me say I am not disappointed. This is an incredible instrument. The neck is perfect. Sometimes builders who are very good in the wood working department are just marginal in the fretting department. That is definitely not the case here. This guitar plays like butter. Low action, just the way I like it, and not even a hint of fret buzz. The neck is perfectly straight. The finish on the guitar is stunning and really brings out the figure on the top. The pictures on the web site do not do justice to the guitars. The contours on the body along with the rounded edges make the guitar a pleasure to hold and touch. The pickups sound great and I will definitely spend many hours exploring the tonal possibilities. I could not be happier with this guitar. The entire experience has been a pleasure. In fact I am thinking about selling off some some stuff to raise funds for a Blackbird. Thanks for a great experience. Paul
		Impressions of James on his... REDWING II The Redwing has landed! I'm delighted with the guitar and the excellent job you have done with the custom finish. The neck is just sublime and the variation of tones and spectrum of sounds from the pick-ups is just awesome. My Redwing is equally at home whether I'm country picking or slicing out a heavy rock riff. My thanks and admiration to the guys at Manne - again, for surpassing my expectations. As you know this is my second Manne and the new guitar looks at home alongside my Taos Special. I've been playing for 30 years or so and I can say without hesitation that you make the best necks I've ever had the pleasure to play. Straight out the box, plugged in and five hours of my life just slipped away. My sincere thanks. James
Music Party This month a new Guitar show was born in Pordenone in the northeast region of Italy: Music Party offers a new idea that highlights the direct demonstration of the instruments by players, instead of just a static exibition. The organization of the event was done by Luca "jurgen" Friso and "accordo" the main Italian players web community. For this event we put on duty our old time friend Claudio Rudella, a super-active guitarist that with dozens of bands that keep him on a never-ending rocking tour all across Italy. Claudio demoed our new Traditional line of instrument: Blackbird, Nighthawk, Raven and Redwing. You can see the demos and an interview on a dedicated page of the Accordo website Thanks to Luca and Alberto Biraghi for the great job.....highly energetic and professional.

NEWSLETTER - April '09 RECIPE FOR THE CRISIS n°2: Once again satisfied customers that rediscover a love relationship with their instrument!		We are used to receiving letters of thanks from our customers, but this letter has an extra feel that made me realize that many of our players really do understand our work and sacrifice, without even knowing us personally, or our story and daily efforts. This make me think that after all, we do much more than strings passing on frets. We put all of our efforts, talents and passion into a musical instrument with the wish that the player can feel exactly what Zac wrote to us. So (violins in the background) let me thank warmly you, Zac, and our other customers that through your kind letters and comments allow us feel a real sense of satisfaction from human to human interaction. This is the best that our work can give us. This form of love coming back proves to us that we are “doing it right”. Thanks to you all !!!
Dear Manne, Back in 2005 I came across one of your basses in Atlanta, Georgia. I was in the market for a nice custom five string and when I entered the shop a finely shaped, beautiful piece of artwork caught my eyes. I picked up the bass and read the label, it said Manne. I immediately knew it was the one for me. It felt heavy, well-built, a bass that could be a true workhorse. I plugged it in and immediately realized its present, smooth tone, and elegant feel. I played around with its tone and realized its diversity; It was able to exhibit a true smooth, clean tone, and with a few changes to the tone knobs, a dirty low down funky beast of a tone. I bought it. I had to. Since then it has been my workhorse both in the studio and on stage. I could not be any happier. So here's a little bit about me: My name is Zac Litwack, and I am currently a Recording Industry student at Middle Tennessee State University studying audio and sound recording. Although I am a student for the recording studio, my true passion lies with bass performance. I play both upright and electric, but I am a bit more proficient on the electric. I play in jazz bands, cover bands, rock bands, and do studio gigs all around the Nashville, TN area. My main performance focus is an independent rock band called Hello Spencer, you can check out our press kit if you prefer here. After gigs I am always approached by one or two fellow bass players who were in the crowd. They always ask, "what kind of bass is that? you have amazing tone." I reply in the only way I can, "it's a custom guitar maker called Manne, and I couldn't be with any other bass." Graduation is soon approaching for me, and I have decided that I want to make bass performance and publication my life. I intend to get a job playing, and a job promoting and or writing for bass publications. I have attached two pictures of me playing at gigs. I hope to keep in touch with your company. If anything, I hope this email warms your heart. Thanks and keep making great basses, Zac Litwack
		8 STRINGS “A solid Guitar , perfect intonation, fast neck also if is a 8 strings. The bridge pickups is moved a bit further up to the neck compared to the stock instruments, and it becomes perfect to get a fat, filling rhythm like I do. The pick-ups finely define the distortion leaving the execution and the parts be clean and precisely hearable. The sound is basically very defined, so it sounds like the guitar is already pre-mixed to obtain a balanced mids and basses. The neck pickups has the right sustain for various style of solo parts, the speedy one just as the more melodic. A very versatile guitar, good for various styles, from extreme metal to a more blues sounds." Emiliano Sicilia, guitarist and composer, recently entered in the Manne family with a killer 8- string. His latest project “REGARDLESS OF ME” was born in Milan on June 2007. The music is a Progressive Metal/Trip Hop that has the atmospheres of Massive Attack, Portishead, Dream Theater e Katatonia. Recently the band signed for LOCOMOTIVE RECORDS, a prestigious label with a catalog of great musicians as Ritchie Blackmore, Grave Digger, Prong, Primal Fear, Stryper, Annihilator, Mago De Oz and many others.
Blackbird singing... Outstanding, simply outstanding This is the only thing I can say after I tested in deep my new Manne Blackbird with “Gio”signature on the 12th fret, my third fantastic Manne! I do not want to talk about her look even if she's beautiful! Very nice binding, the progressive and elegant burl of the top. The neck and the versatility are the same as all my other Manne I own, in a word: SUPERLATIVES! The guitar plays rock so good, but at the same time she can be unbelivably clean. Last night I put her on duty with the band and I was in heaven. In all the situations she was doing the job. I'm not a luthier, nor a Guitar hero, but I just enjoy having fun playing with my band, so I don't know if is because of the woods, or the pickups, or the whole thing, but this guitar sounds much better than any other guitar I tested, but FAR more better!! The sound is always defined also when I play with maximum distortion, zero vibratins, zero unexpected reactions, it's incredibly simple to play, and of course I was already well used to the versatility of Manne ... but this exceed that!!! I strongly suggest the Blackbird as a very high quality instrument at a very friendly price for the quality. THANKS MANNE!!! Once again, a BIG THANKS!!! Giovanni Livraghi
		New bridge The Blackbird is a recent addition to our line of traditionally shaped instruments. As you may know the basic concept of making traditional shapes for us was mainly a challenge to apply our own innovations, while keeping a traditional look, to offer an instrument fully developed in our style. So the blackbird has easy and full access to highest frets and our trade mark playability and features. Then we turned our attention to developing a more efficient stop tailpiece design that could enhance the sound transmission more efficiently than traditional bridges. The best possible way to do that is having a flat bottom surface, and screw the tailpiece directly to the body top. No need to lock, counterlock and so on just a stable tailpiece in strong contact with the body. We produced the first prototypes in crude cold rolled steel that is the classic old time material, but we are planning it also in Aluminium for a wider tonal range.
Ticket to ride James Doug has been our customer for many years. Our relationship with him has gone further than the guitars, as he lives in Scotland and is a passionate (and ex employee in the business) of the most famous liquid coming from there: Whisky! single malt! Scotch! So we probably have had more emails with James about special edition, ages, and bottle to suggest than about guitars. James already owns a Manne but recently had an idea that from an inner secret wish became a inquiry for a wonder to realize: he still has many old tickets from concerts he has attended in the late 70’s and early '80 including the first concert he ever attended. So he delivered them to us and we created a Redwing with the tickets embedded under the high gloss finish. Memorable concerts and great legendary players, memories, all now on his instrument ready to be played surely with a very personal emotional background. So James: Thanks for letting Manne be a part of your musical inspiration, and on my next trip to Scotland I won't miss the liquid collection! Slaintè!!!
		MUSIC MESSE IS HERE!!! This year we will have several artists presenting their talent and our newest production. Stefan Aedo will perform an interesting demo that highlights the various tonal differences between our various models. His skilled performance will surely be interesting and entertaining. Roberto dalla Vecchia will present his latest CD “Unknown legends” with his tasteful DSR Manne Acoustic and with some of our brand new Acoustic models that we will present in Frankfurt. Horea Crisovan, one of our oldest friends and international Manne artists, incredibly busy and talented, will rock the stage demonstrating also his Manne Baritone guitar. Horst Keller will demonstrate and perform taking to the limits his Manne Raven. So if you are going to attend the music Messe in Frankfurt take note: Manne booth Hall 4.2, Booth E17

NEWSLETTER - March '09 IN BLOOM The Swedish "Manne band" In Bloom is up to date with a tour in Japan in June this summer. They are also going to record a promo EP in the spring with their Manne instruments. David Sivelind (Manne trea) and Pär Eriksson (Manne Semiacustica) from In Bloom think that their Manne instruments have really flavored the sound of the band in a very good way. “Many people says that they have never heard this sound before”, says Pär Eriksson. Pär and David tunes their instruments a minor 3rd down. Pär especially really has developed his own sound because of the special piezo in the bridge of the Semiacustica. "I use distortion in my sound and usually it muds, but the piezo mic brightens it up, and I get my own special sound" In Bloom has now reached top 17 for most viewed videos at Youtube this month with their new song “Somewhere” and the band has a brand new new blog.
		Italian guitar shows A very relaxed Bass Day in Rome on March 01. Many great players did a very professional and entertaining show all afternoon. Andrea Fascetti (in the picture) did a great job with his fretted lefty Acoustibass-7. Also our long time friend Mats Hedberg performend with his friend and bassist Lorenzo Feliciatti. But .... are all the many Bass players in Rome and central Italy so lazy that they would miss such an interesting happening? So the next upcoming shows will be: 28 March:VICENZA ACUSTICA, the top acoustic guitar event in northeastern Italy, with Massimo Varini, Jacques Stotzem, under the supervision of the master Roberto Dalla Vecchia 22-24 May: Sarzana's international acoustic guitar festival. and of course the Frankfurt's MUSIKMESSE. Come and enjoy it with us !!!!
MANNE IMPRESSIONS Kai Muhlenbruch is a passionate German guitarist, songwriter and guitar teacher. Here are some impressions on his Manne: “A new start with a new Guitar :) AND WHAT A GUITAR!!! We (Seventh Avenue) are about to play some shows in Germany with the band and one in Finnland! So I went to PPC and I found your guitars. Well, I don't know were to start, if I am honest, first of all the tone is flawless and unbelievably rich. Although I prefer those thicker necks and Stratshapes...well I don't know why, but this guitar nearly plays by itself...That satin white is awesome too!!! I am not sure if I ever saw such a perfect satin finish on a guitar...I mean I am a woodworker myself. I took it to the rehearsal and was blown away with how well it matches my amp :))) That was the second WOOOOOOW-feeling you guys gave me^^ At first I did not really care that much about the bridge that's on the guitar, and I normally prefer string-through construction... BUT it delivers unbelievable sustain and tone...THAT'S WHAT I WANT...JUST AWESOME!!! I have to rethink the concept of my Custom Manne again!!!You know, I will take my time to choose wisely...... I have to, because the beauty and quality of your instruments makes me refigure everything over and over again! A+++++++++++++++++++++ Mille grazie maestro!!! ROCK ON & GOD BLESS!!!
		New Names and New Versions Approaching the upcoming Frankfurt Messe (01-04 April) we decided to reorganize names and versions into a more organic and simple classification or our production. The versions names of all the range of our instrument will be named: SATIN: instruments with handrubbed satin finish, with body in korina or other available essences. SATIN SPECIAL: instruments with hand rubbed finish and with a body featuring a top that can be usually in Burl Poplar or Walnut, or other essences available. GLOSS: instruments with Hi-gloss finish and body in korina or other available essences. GLOSS SPECIAL: Instruments with Hi-gloss finish and a body featuring a top that can be usually in Burl Poplar or Walnut, or other essences available. Then we switched the Name of The RAVEN Bass into MALIBU bass to avoid the confusion between guitars and bass models. And is our small tribute to the dude: If you go to malibu watch out from the police chief... Some more Blackbird version were produced under custom request as you can see in the gallery.

NEWSLETTER - February '09 OBAMA Celebrations We had the pleasure of having two Manne instruments playing in Washington at the Obama official Inaugural Celebration. The great young bass player Mark Walker performed with his Manne Moab at the Lincoln Center Inaugural Celebration Concert on January 20, 7:00pm - 9:00pm with Spur of the Moment & Maysa and Richard Smallwood & Vision, and also at The People's Inaugural Gala for Michelle Obama on Sunday, January 18 with a musical anthology tracing the African-American experience, featuring Grammy-Award winning musician and composer Richard Smallwood. Mark is one of our most recent US endorsers. With his Moab-5, he is reaching more and more audiences and these Inaugural shows were a great honor and a big professional reward. Also Justin Young (call him Justin, Jrok or Levite, you Decide!) played a Manne Raven in a concert at an Inaugural ball celebrating accomplishments of various political figures. It was held at the Italian Embassy in Washington on January 20th.
		ZERO HOUR Jasun Tipton, guitarist for Zero Hour, is one of our long time friends and endorsers. He is the one that helped our development of the 7-string guitar versions and together with his brother Troy did a lot to promote our instruments among rock-metal players. After building for Troy a new bass with their last CD artwork, this was Jasun’s turn to go for a brand new 7-string with the same look. The Tipton twins are the Californian part of our Manne family: easy, friendly and smart. But watch out! When they hit a stage, be prepared to ROCK!! "What can I say other than I LOVE THIS GUITAR!!! The thing about Manne guitars is that the’re top notch in every category. The tone, playability and looks are nothing less than amazing. The greatest compliment you can receive is when a friend, student or listener of your music picks up your guitar and says I think this is the nicest guitar I've ever played. I want to thank Andrea for always building the goods and always supporting my brother and me. MANNE RULES!! I want to thank our bro's Richard and Sean of Manne USA for always being so great to us, and our bro's at Manne guitars international Alex and Thomas for all their great support as well.
Worldwide sales Danish DB Musik transformed into a new company: GUITARISTER.DK which means "The Guitar Players" As the named suggests the new company will concentrate on specialty guitars, basses and all related products, distributing these products to dedicated dealers, including a retail shop that the distribution company owns. Bruno Barcelli, the owner, is ready to present and promote Manne into Danish market. We also have a new distributor in Spain: Bilbao Trading. They will be busy at the Spanish musical instrument fair from 04 to 07 February with Manne instruments in the booth. We will be present at the upcoming Frankfurt MusikMesse from 1st to 4th April, in Hall 4.2, Booth E17. Presenting our new enlarged catalog of instruments, we will exhibit the entire new Mannedesign production, as well as a great selection of Manne custom shop instruments. Take note and don't miss that!
		New Inlays Available A new inlay process is available with our instruments. Utilizing laser cutting technology, we are now capable of customize your own fingerboard with your signature, or mark the fret references with your customized symbol or band logo. Write your signature following instructions on options page under Custom fretboard inlay, scan it, saving it as an .SVG file type or a .JPG file type. The result is particularly stylish and will let you leave a definitive fingerprint on your instrument. The logo or signature can be finished in an ivory colored resin and will look great.

NEWSLETTER - January '09 ROBERTO DALLA VECCHIA Our old time friend Roberto just released a new CD. Listening to it my first impression is that his music totally represent himself and is a direct expression of his character: pure, sincere, serene, tasteful, with strong faith and values. The musical values come first, leading to a distillate of personal, mature, music form without adherence to any gimmicks or trendiness. “Unknown Legends” offers a rich and ingenious synthesis of American sounds and Mediterranean flavors, expressed with inventiveness and energy, and full of instrumental precision, always arranged with an attentive eye to tradition. The CD features Roberto’s powerful acoustic guitar and other stringed instruments, dobro (Enrich Novak), whistles (Paolo Bressan), cello (Giovanni Costantini) and upright bass (Stefano Versolato), playing themselves through a collection of quiet and thoughtful songs full of atmosphere and lively driving tunes. Says Dalla Vecchia: “I like the idea of recording music that is appealing for his honesty and simplicity in an acoustic yet contemporary approach. “ The CD was recorded at Magister Studio, Italy, and mastered at The Sound Lab, USA.		Says Roberto: “I mainly used my new Mannedesign DSR guitar with rosewood back and sides and spruce top. The guitar has a wonderful sustain and a very balanced sound. According to Andrea Valfrè, the studio sound engineer, it is a very friendly recording instrument. I also used my Taylor 710 whenever I overdubbed a second guitar part to give the tune a more colorful tonal palette. Both guitars were recorded using just one microphone - a wonderful Neumann USM 69. The main room of the recording studio is quite large with a natural reverb of about 2 seconds!”
HOLYDAY Nice WISHES I love Manne guitars and especially my Taos Natural. I still can't put her away. I just want to say thanks to you and your great Team for so much addiction and passion. Manne forever !! Stefan Schönebeck - Germany Big best Wishes, also from my '92 Manne (unbeatable) Giangi. Thousands Millions of wishes to the nicest italian guitars: MANNE )))))))))))))) Stefano Many wishes to the master builders of our Lands..... And keep Manne Rocking!!! The Trieste Manne fan club Let us wish you a great holidays, buon natale e buon anno, And show our appreciation for great instruments and molto simpatico liutaio. a presto. Kévin , Walter, Tanguy - Core of Heaven – France
Mark's quote: "Whether it's for live performance or studio session... the Moab is my choice. The Moab is the most consistent sounding bass I've ever played. I love the tone and feel of it... It's the only bass for me. The Raven, by far, is one of the F-style baddest basses I've ever played on. I dare anybody who plays a Fender to test it out and not want to buy it."		MARK A. WALKER Mark A. Walker has worked with national Jazz and Gospel recording artists throughout the United States and his skills are featured on various national recordings. With the release of his his debut instrumental CD entitled "Forever Yours", Mark took his career to the next level, creating a soulful blend of jazz tunes. Mark can currently be found in the studio mapping out his sophomore project as well as producing for some of today's top artists. Additionally, you can catch him on the road performing with a variety of extraordinary artists. Mark was introduced to Manne by his manager, D. Knagui Giddins of S.O.I. Talent Management Firm. "Andrea and his team at Manne provide the best one-on-one service I've ever experienced. His care and attention to Mark's needs should be a model for other guitar companies in the industry. Mark is one of the most humble and loyal cats I know. He's played one company's basses for nearly 20 years. In November of 2007, Mark and I discussed buying a new bass. We decided to go to NAMM 2008 and while we were there, I ran into my friend Mauro De Nadai from Lucky Music in Milano. He told me to take Mark to the Manne Guitars booth... Now; Mark and I are church boys, and when I went ahead to scout the basses I saw one called the "Moab" which instantly reminded me of the Old Testiment in the Bible. Mark knew the moment he touched it, that it was his new bass. After he played it; I remember him saying to me, "...yeah bruh, we've made it to the promised land."
REDWING Another shape is added to our line of TRADITIONAL STYLE MODELS: The REDWING is another classic on wich we applied the Manne concepts adding playability, performance and wide range of customization. So currently, further to our Classic line, the original Manne Shape of the Taos,Ventura and Semiacustica, you can choose the manne features on your favourite traditional shape with RAVEN, BLACKBIRD, BLACKHAWK and REDWING. The Manne flock is ready to let traditionalist rethink about innovation, feel and quality. And there is a full wide choice of possible customization available to build you your personal dream. The Redwing we build has a typical Manne layout with a multichambered hand rubbed satin finish korina body with burl polar top (one of our classic features), as well as a classic bridge and pickups. The body shape for the Raven has the noticeable absence of a neck heel, making the neck playable up to the very last fret. We can build the body with or without the binding, and also with more classic solid color high gloss body finishes.