Is this Mark Whitfield's new D'Angelico???

[Chazmo]

That D'Angelico sounds great. If it works, it works.

[sgosnell]

I agree, John. A set pickup vibrates with the top, giving a more complex sound, IMO. I do have a couple of guitars with floaters, and thumbwheel controls, and I use putty and small blocks to couple them to the top, to some extent, and I prefer that sound. The DeArmond Rhythm Chief pickups do sound different to me than other floaters, though. I've tried a Vintage Vibe Johnny Smith style pickup on one, and I much prefer the RC. My taste in sound may be different from anyone else's, though.

[John A.]

I agree, John. A set pickup vibrates with the top, giving a more complex sound, IMO. I do have a couple of guitars with floaters, and thumbwheel controls, and I use putty and small blocks to couple them to the top, to some extent, and I prefer that sound. The DeArmond Rhythm Chief pickups do sound different to me than other floaters, though. I've tried a Vintage Vibe Johnny Smith style pickup on one, and I much prefer the RC. My taste in sound may be different from anyone else's, though.

Agrees, RC’s manage somehow manage to get a warmer sound than most other floaters. There’s some kind of secret sauce there.

[Woody Sound]

Going by the floating bridge, I don't think it's a semi, but ICBW.

Also, the pickup in the first photo (the Marchione) is different than the one in the vid.

[JWMandy]

Love Mark's playing - especially the early stuff.

Curious about the controls. FWIW, I'm working out some specs for Steve Holst laminate. Thinking of a knob on the pickguard by the bridge for VOLUME ('cause I mess with it a little) and a dial for TONE under the pickguard ('cause I don't mess with it much). Anyone else do similar? Views on the ruggedness of the dials?

[Woody Sound]

I like Benedetto's design with the pots on the other side of the f-hole, near the rim.

[sgosnell]

... Curious about the controls. FWIW, I'm working out some specs for Steve Holst laminate. Thinking of a knob on the pickguard by the bridge for VOLUME ('cause I mess with it a little) and a dial for TONE under the pickguard ('cause I don't mess with it much). Anyone else do similar? Views on the ruggedness of the dials?

The Schatten thumbwheels seem rugged enough for me, I haven't had one break. Putting a regular pot in the pickguard and a thumbwheel under it should work. It's not the usual, but that doesn't mean much. I've never done it that way, mostly because I don't like having pickguards on my archtops. I put the thumbwheels inside the treble f hole. That's far from the only way to do it, it's just how I prefer it.

[Artichoke]

The Soho is a very attractive guitar IMO. Has anyone on the forum had a chance to play it yet?

- AC

[David B]

The promo video is up.

$2299

Introducing our newest fully hollow thinline archtop, the Excel SS Soho. Developed alongside NYC jazz legend Mark Whitfield the Soho is a jazz-inspired take on our SS model, featuring a single floating mini humbucker and remarkable playability.Guitar - Mark Whitfield Bass - Russell HallDrums - Kush AbadeyFilmed at The Django in New York CityDesigned in collaboration with New York City jazz icon Mark Whitfield, the Excel SS Soho embodies both the timeless tone and teeming energy of the city that never sleeps. Featuring a fully hollow body and single Kent Armstrong "Jazzy Joe" floating mini-humbucker, the SS Soho offers warm, round low-end as well as an articulate mid-range perfect for dynamic lead-playing—and a slim C-shape neck and 16" fingerboard radius make faster lines effortless. Premium components such as Grover Imperial tuners, Jescar fretwire, and a Stairstep tailpiece bring exceptional feel and timeless vibe. A laminated spruce top featuring a Dark Cherry Burst finish pays homage to Whitfield's all-time favorite jazz boxes while striking the balance between traditional and modern.

[David B]

[David B]

[Sam Sherry]

Mark is featured on 2022's "International Jazz Day" NPR broadcast, which we watched last night.
It was a GREAT show -- 'inside' jazz, vocal-heavy, with many highly-musical moments.
Mark played great!

Vocalists:
Shemekia Copeland
Jose James
Liz Wright
Gregory Porter
Youn Sun Nah

Guitarists:
Mark Whitfield
Leonard Brown, Texas bluesman

Trumpet:
Randy Brecker
Jeremy Pelt

Sax:
David Sanborn, alto
Erena Tarkubo, alto, whom I had not heard about
Ravi Coltrane, tenor

Also:
Edmar Castaneda, harp
Gregoire Maret, "harp" i.e. harmonica
All-female band from North Africa by video
Zakir Hussain, tablas

Bass:
James Genus, doubling
Marcus Miller, BG
Linda May Han Oh, DB -- she is SO sympatico with Ms. Carrington

Keys:
Herbie Hancock
John Beasley
Helio Alves
Joey Alexander

Drums:
Terri Lyne Carrington
Brian Blade -- dagnab, I love Brian Blade's playing. On "Maiden Voyage" he did that Brian Blade Thing -- every measure is unique, totally connected and without patterns or rote moves. What a musician!

[Artichoke]

Mark is featured on this year's "International Jazz Day" NPR broadcast, which we watched last night.
It was a GREAT show -- 'inside' jazz, vocal-heavy, with many highly-musical moments.
Mark played great!

Nice! Was he playing his new signature guitar?

- AC

[sgosnell]

Was this the NPR broadcast from 2022, or which year? From what I see, the 2023 broadcast won't be until the 30th, with different musicians than the one you mentioned. I suppose I need to search other years.

Edit: Yes, the one with the musicians mentioned is 2022. The 2023 broadcast is scheduled for April 30th, the usual date. Thanks for the heads-up, I never knew about these before.

[SOLR]

Mark is featured on 2022's "International Jazz Day" NPR broadcast, which we watched last night.
It was a GREAT show -- 'inside' jazz, vocal-heavy, with many highly-musical moments.
Mark played great!

Drums:
Terri Lyne Carrington
Brian Blade -- dagnab, I love Brian Blade's playing. On "Maiden Voyage" he did that Brian Blade Thing -- every measure is unique, totally connected and without patterns or rote moves. What a musician!

Always loved his drumming, but how about on guitar too, and singing....,

S

[SOLR]

Hijacking my own thread...


this drumming
S

[Gitfiddler]

After listening to Mark Whitfield's videos I thought his playing was excellent, however the Soho's tone was very bright and plinky...to me.
I thought the same when I heard him perform on PBS using this same guitar. Maybe that is how Mark sets his amp or studio EQ?

That said, the demo of the same guitar, played by Eduardo Mercuri sounded like a completely different instrument! It was lush and thick, yet articulate like a fine, thinline archtop. It sounded great! If I were in the market for such an instrument the Mercuri video would convince me of its archtop sonic potential.

[Sam Sherry]

Always loved his drumming, but how about on guitar too, and singing....,

Hijacking my own thread...

Hey, if not you than who?

Here's the flipside -- Nora Jones on guitar and on Nora-Like-No-One-Else Vocals

[Dennis D]

Mark is great, which is not news. Hadn't heard that pianist before -- don't know his name, but I expect I'll be hearing it. I love the way he comped and soloed.

I agree completely, and had to hear some more of him - Emmet Cohen.

Found this --

In the old days when I found a pianist like this around town, I'd camp out at his gigs !!!

[SOLR]

Julius Rodriguez - Piano.
Mark Whitfield - Guitar
Peter Washington - Bass
Joe Farnsworth - Drums

S

I agree completely, and had to hear some more of him - Emmet Cohen.

Found this --
In the old days when I found a pianist like this around town, I'd camp out at his gigs !!!

Emmet is a Great pianist but, not the one from RPJZZ's post!

Julius Rodriguez is the one in the original reply......

S

[Dennis D]

Emmet is a Great pianist but, not the one from RPJZZ's post!

Julius Rodriguez is the one in the original reply......

S

My apologies, and thanks.....

I thought I saw that name as the title of the vid......No clue where I got that.....

Again, apologies and Thanks.

[SOLR]

My apologies, and thanks.....

I thought I saw that name as the title of the vid......No clue where I got that.....

Again, apologies and Thanks.

Emmet's Place is a regular event EC from Emmet's home......featuring Emmet on piano and top names guests.....my guess is he just sat this one out (the Mark Whitfield evening)

Enjoy

S

[2bornot2bop]

Julian has a nice album out, on YouTube.

and here’s a Gospel tinged Take The A Train live

[2bornot2bop]

Oh, and I forgot…he’s a drummer, bass player, guitarist, and organist too!

[SOLR]

Julian has a nice album out, on YouTube.

and here’s a Gospel tinged Take The A Train live

IT's JULIUS.......

Good stuff.thx for posting

S