Deering Banjos
When it comes to traditionalists, Banjo pickers get the prize. And when it comes to traditional, American made banjos, there is only one name, Deering. Tenbrooks, Vega, Maple Blossom, Goodtime, Bluegrass Senator, all common names in Bluegrass and all part of the Deering family.
For the beginning player who wants a good, solid, American made instrument, the Deering Goodtimes banjos are the only choice. These banjos represent the ultimate in value and quality. Priced at or below there overseas competition, they are unsurpassed in performance for the money. And the Goodtimes are not just for beginners. Go to any Bluegrass festival and count the number of Deering Goodtimes banjos being played by seasoned players. Still not convinced? Watch the Wreckers performance on the 2007 CMA awards. The banjo being played on national TV in front of millions of people is the basic Goodtime model.
Ever wondered where the banjo came from when you listen to one of your favorite groups and they suddenly have a banjo player? It's probably a Deering 6 string banjo played by a guitarist with a great right hand. Tuned like a guitar and having 6 strings and a traditional guitar neck, the Deering 6 string banjo opens up a whole new world for guitarists.
Traditionalists looking for an heirloom or professional instrument will find what they need in a Deering. Played by artists like John McEwen, John Hartford, Doc Watson, Tom Chapin and countless others, they have become the first choice of banjo players and enthusiasts.
Fender Guitars, Basses & Amps
What can you say about Fender? Since Leo Fender and George Fuller started Fender in 1946, Fender Musical Instrument Company has been the foremost leader in guitar and amplifier technology. Names like Stratocaster, Telecaster, Precision Bass and Jazz Bass, Twin Reverb and Bassman all shaped the sounds of modern music. If you look at the history of Rock and Roll, Fender musical instruments have been there every step of the way.
In 2007 Fender continues to build on it's heritage with models like the VG Strat and the G-DEC amplifier series. For the modern musician, Fender offers an instrument for any need. You can buy a re-issue that is so true to the original design that you can scarcely tell the difference or you can buy a totally modern guitar like the VG Strat which through modern digital electronics, gives you the sound of 5 different guitars in one.
Look at the history of Rock and Roll and the players who made that history and the instrument you see time after toime is a Fender. There's a reason players like Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Stevie Ray Vaughn, and Merle Haggard chose Fender. Try one today and help make the music history of tomorrow.
About Fender Amps... Fender Bassman, Twin Reverb, Dynatouch, Frontman, and G-DEC, Fender Amlifiers are available for any player at any level.
Fender amplifiers have defined the sound of modern music for more than 50 years and with amps such as the Supersonic, the G-DEC, and the Ultralight series, as well as all of Fender's great traditional models, will continue to do so.
The Music Center of Norwich has been a part of that Fender Legacy since the 1950's.
Serving the needs of musicians in Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachussetts and New York and throughout New England, we are proud to carry this great line of Fender amps.
Genz Benz Amps
What's the hottest name out there in high end amplification?
If you asked the guys in 3 Doors Down or Staind, they'll tell you Genz Benz. Seen John Hiatt lately? Yup, that's a Genz Benz Shenandoah series acoustic amp. Parrot Heads and Country fans have been listening to Genz Benz bass amplifiers with Jimmy Buffet's band and Toby Keith. From acoustic to country to classic and modern Rock, Genz Benz amps are out there night after night providing the best live amplification available.
The Shenandoah line of acoustic amps provide today's acoustic guitarists with an amp that will reproduce the pure acoustic tones of their guitar and still provide the flexibility to add whatever effects you may need. Genz Benz uses Alesis digital effects to let you shape the tone to the playing environment and music style so that you can provide consistent sound, time after time. For the solo singer/songwriter, the multi channel voicing of those effects lets your amp even double as a small portable PA.
The Black Pearl line from Genz Benz offers class A performance with a huge sonic pallet. In the studio you can dial up everything from a classic British tone to a modern growl to a Country chime. As a small venue amp it is a great compact all tube amp with killer live tone and versatility.
El Diablo. The amp that's taking modern rock by storm. The El Diablo 100 is the flagship of the Genz Benz line and is showing up more and more with top level national touring bands like 3 Doors Down and Staind. Offering modern tone balanced with vintage depth and warmth, it is the modern Rock guitarists dream amp.
Genz Benz provides both the professional and the discriminating amateur musician with the best amplification around at surprisingly affordable prices.
Guild Guitars
Information Coming Soon!
Hamer Guitars
In the late 60's and early 70's, if you lived in the Chicago area and you wanted to get the most out of your electric guitar, you went to see Jol Dantzig. In 1973 Jol and his partner decided that rather than working on somebody else's guitars, they would build a guitar from the ground up that would surpass any mass produced guitars on the market and Hamer guitars was born. Today, in an old mill on the Farmington river, in the Northwestern Connecticut hills, 10 craftsmen hand build 3 guitars a day. These guys, still under Jol's direction, are fanatical about what they do. There are no compromises here. Attention to detail and quality of material and workmanship are the rule. While the results are not cheap, Hamer guitars are second to none.
The Hamer line has a guitar for just about any player. From the semi-hollowbody Newport, the first guitar to ever receive a perfect rating in a Guitar Player magazine test, the traditional Hamer Standard, Vector, Studio, and Artist models, to the brand new Talladega, they have an instrument that has the sound you are looking for. And because every Hamer is handbuilt, you can even have the Hamer Custom Shop build a guitar to your own specifications.
The Hamer XT line is the Hamer for the guitarist who needs a less expensive alternative to the handbuilt USA line of guitars. These guitars represent Hamer's designs and models in a more affordable price range. Still designed in the USA by the Hamer team, they are manufactured overseas to the highest standards to provide Hamer innovation at a price for any guitarist.
For the pro musician or the discriminating amateur, Hamer and Hamer XT guitars will give you that classic tone and vibe with unmatched quality and craftsmanship. If you are looking to spoil yourself with your next guitar purchase.... look at Hamer.
Ken Smith Basses
For professional bass players as well as any player who wants to own the best bass available for more than 20 years there's been only one choice, Ken Smith basses. Players like Stamley Clark and Marcus Miller choose the Ken Smith bass for just that reason and now you can too.
The Music Center of Norwich is proud to carry the Ken Smith Bass line as well as Ken Smith bass strings. Serving Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachussetts as well as all of southern New England and New York for more than 70 years, the Music Center of Norwich is the place for all your musical needs!
Takamine Guitars
For over 40 years Takamine has been leading the acoustic guitar industry in innovation and performance. Watch a live performance and your as likely to see a Takamine as all the other manufacturers combined. Why? Because Takamine guitars are that rare blend of form meets function that craftsmen and designers so often talk about but rarely achieve. Playability, tone, durability, and industry leading electronics come together to create the kind of guitar both professional and amateur musicians can use to deliver their music, consistently, reliably, and most important, with great passion.
New for 2007 Takamine has expanded their EF series of guitars with the EF340S and EF360S Bluegrass models. These are all solid wood dreadnoughts built for the player who loves the big sound and playability of the pre-war acoustics.
We also have the 2007 Storm, this years Limited Editon from Takamine. All Mahogany with a rain, thunder and lightening inlay in the top, this is one of the most stunning guitars available.
From the beginning guitarist looking for an easy to play instrument that provides great value to the seasoned pro who needs an instrument that can express every nuance of their music, night after night, Takamine has the right guitar at the right price!
Washburn Guitars
Talk about staying power! In 1883, in Chicago Illinois, the first Washburn stringed instruments were built. 120 years later Washburn continues to build the finest string instruments, both in Chicago and all over the world. From the emerging Blues artists of the 1920's to players like Nuno Bettencourt, Jon Donais, Nick Catonese, and Joe Trohman who are leading the musical attack on the 21st century, Washburn's are there.
If you are looking for a modern guitar that will hold up to today's tough standards, instruments like the Washburn Idol, X- series and N-series guitars will fit the bill. Washburn hasn't forgotten their roots and the traditional players either. The Timbercraft, Cumberland, and Southwest series acoustics provide great acoustic and acoustic/electric tone at any price range. And the Washburn D series guitar's are the best selling, best performing, guitars on the market today. Washburn even makes mandolins and banjos for the bluegrass players.
If you want a combination of great value, great performance, and an impressive heritage from your instrument, check out the complete line of Washburn fine stringed instruments.