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Meet Master Luthier at Benedetto Guitars, Damon Mailand

ByBob Bakert, Editor January 7, 2021January 7, 2021

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With great pride, Jazz Guitar Today brings you a video interview with Damon Mailand, the master luthier at Benedetto Guitars following Bob Benedetto’s retirement.

When Bob Benedetto set his mind to creating the benchmark for arch top guitars back in 1968, a time when Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton were dominating the musical landscape, I think most would have thought he was “nuts”… But, Bob had a vision, he realized that vision over several decades of producing and creating many of the finest instruments for the jazz guitarist, indeed works of amazing mastery of craft taken to art.

When Bob retired six years ago the responsibility for keeping “the flame alive” at Benedetto guitars was already set. Taking over for Bob as the master luthier at Benedetto is Damon Mailand … this interview is with that man… enjoy his story and thoughts on the challenge and success of the journey.

Bob Bakert talks to Bob Benedetto

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Bob Bakert, Editor

Bob Bakert’s love of all things guitar started when he was twelve years old. While starting with folk tunes and top 40 music of the day, his interest developed over the years to R&B, rock and of course, jazz. Bob has studied many styles of guitar but improvisation has always been at the heart of his style. He has studied with many prestigious teachers including NY studio legend Andy Roemer and GSU’s Dave Frackenpohl.

In addition to co-founding the Frank Hamilton School of Folk music in Atlanta, Bob has mentored several venues and concert series. He is currently on the board of directors for one of Billboard Magazines “Best Jazz Clubs”, The Velvet Note in Alpharetta, GA.

More recently, Bob was the “Rudder” at Eastman Stringed Instruments – providing guidance on a variety of sales, product development and artist relations projects. As with many in the Jazz Guitar Today audience, Bob has an insatiable appetite for guitar and a desire to share his love of the instrument.