Originally Posted by
Rograt
As you can see I am relatively new to this forum, even though I have been on other music forums for 20+ years. Having done some searches I have come to realise that this is only one of a number of builds that Mark has kindly shared stage by stage with the forum, and it is clear that both Mark and his instruments are hugely respected. I had intended to just lurk on this thread and let Vinny work his magic but I now feel people might also like to know the story behind the particular Cameo.
I can’t recall the exact process of identifying a Campellone as a future acquisition but can say that I have followed the market for a long time. I still have my 60’s Gibson brochures, including for the Citation, and a number of relevant books - including The Chinery Collection. In 2020 I considered getting an L5 or similar. That Christmas both of my parents became hospitalised and while recovering in separate hospitals they caught Covid. Short story, I lost them both within 2 weeks. They never saw or spoke to each other again after going into hospital and among the horrors of that period was me only being allowed into a Covid ridden hospital to break the news to my mother about my father.
Still raw from our family experience I contacted Mark about a possible build a little unsure of my requirements other than that this instrument should not only mark the losses sustained by my family but should also try to be a reminder to future generations of the widespread horror. I quickly realised and fully understood that Mark had, as much as possible, standardised his models so it probably took 10 seconds to decide on a Cameo and in subsequent conversations we agreed on a few options to make this Cameo both a family reminder and something a little different. Essentially these consisted of a two pickup arrangement and a tailpiece plaque with some statement of remembrance. I did ask about the Citation style heel but Mark explained that his tooling didn’t allow for it and that I could ask nearer the time but he didn’t really want to deviate from his processes.
Although I then went into the waiting list, communicating with Mark has been an absolute joy - sometimes purely discussing guitars in general. Nevertheless things had gone quiet when I got the news that a few people had deferred their builds and would I like to move into the next batch. That decision was instant so thanks to you guys who have decided to wait. Your slot went to a very good cause!
As great as it has been dealing with mark up to the build I can say that dealing with him during the build is truly magical and I will actually be quite sad when it is all done (and thrilled to have the instrument of course). As you can see, to shut me up Mark is entertaining my lust for a bound heel - and what a spectacular piece of work it is. Of course now that I have seen his template I understand what a departure it is. Someone in another thread referred to mark as a saint and I have done the same in one of our emails. He sure is!
Things have moved on a little and I have decided to name the guitar, with Mark honouring my parents in a personalised label under the treble F hole. Pic to follow. I am now with the rest of you in waiting and watching. I have asked Mark for a more faded, vintage Blueburst and being the star that he is he is going to attempt to do something. I am sure whatever he does will be absolutely great. To a degree this is like awaiting the birth of a child and to me, for the above reasons and with a few detail embellishments, this will be a very special instrument, even for a Cameo.
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