KAPA‘A — There is no baby in the new lineup of guitars that hit the shelves at the Kaua‘i Music & Sound in Kapa‘a, said Dave Greenberg. “The closest thing to a baby in the Lag Guitars is the orchestra-sized
KAPA‘A — There is no baby in the new lineup of guitars that hit the shelves at the Kaua‘i Music & Sound in Kapa‘a, said Dave Greenberg.
“The closest thing to a baby in the Lag Guitars is the orchestra-sized instrument, which is not as small as the three-quarter sized ‘baby’ guitars, but it’s great for beginners, kids and women alike it because it is thinner and they can get around it easier than a standard guitar,” Goldberg said. “It’s got a bluesy sound, which is what it was developed for, but people love it.”
Lag Guitars, celebrating its 30th year in 2011, is based out of France, but after starting up a China factory, Greenberg said Kaua‘i Music and Sound added it to its primary line of Martin guitars.
“It’s entry or intermediate-level in terms of price,” Greenberg said. “But it’s got great sound for the price and getting it from the China factory helps with the pricing as well. Instruments from France cost higher.”
He said because Lag Guitars, at 30 years, is a relatively “young” company, pricing is very competitive compared with the more well-known brands.
Lag Guitars, in addition to celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2011, collected the National Association of Music Merchants Best in Show award for the second straight year in a row with the Lag Tramontane range, defined as “Winds of Change,” being selected best product in its category, according to the Lag Guitars website.
Joining that award, the Musical Merchandise Review awarded the Lag Tramontane range the best acoustic guitar line of the year, noting “remarkably high quality instruments with a top-notch European lineage.”
The Lag Tramontane acoustics keep the Lag Gallic flair with some aesthetic touches such as the signature headstock design and rounded, soft-edged binding, the website states.
The T66 range is the starting point, with affordable models featuring spruce tops and mahogany back and sides.
‘Ukulele are still one of the strong sellers, but guitars are a good option.
“I actually came in to get a classical guitar, but ended up with a Lag (steel),” said Lee Richards, a violin instructor. “I love it. I play it every day and every night.”
With the addition of a great value in a bargain-priced instrument, Greenberg said people getting an instrument can also participate in Kaua‘i Music & Sound’s instruction program.
“We have a great lesson program with two qualified teachers, Becca Smith who is a recording singer-songwriter whom the kids absolutely adore, and Lefty Cottingham,” Greenberg said. “These are private lessons done in our lesson room.”
Additionally, there is support in Tom Owens, who has been busy tweaking customers’ instruments, on Saturday, adding an electric pickup to an acoustic while Friday receiving a guitar which needed a neck adjustment for better fingering action.
Mike Odo, on the Kaua‘i Music Festival committee and a band director, brings his expertise to the Kapa‘a shop, which only recently was granted its permit for signage.
Greenberg said the new instruments, being added to the lineup in January, sold out the initial shipment and haveenjoyed good movement in the second shipment.
Visit www.usa.lagguitars.com or call 823-8000 for more information.
