As we approach the Holiday Season we should take a moment to remember how fortunate we are. We hope tha the Peace of the Season will find its way to you. This is also a good time for us here at Saga to thank you for supporting our efforts to give some of the world’s musicians proper tools. That path sometimes leads to strange places, but just as often it is happening right here the in San Francisco Bay Area. (There are some, I suppose, who think that San Francisco is right up there with Uzbekistan when it comes to being weird – but don’t believe that!) Form does follow function, and an instrument should look as good as it sounds. In fact, that is usually the case. A poor quality pawnshop guitar most often looks and sounds the part. If special care is being given to all the minute details that seperate a good instrument from a bad one, then the finer cosmetic details deserve to be addressed.
The tradition of musical instrument making is our teacher. The efforts of such legendary companies as Bacon and Day, Bay State and S.S. Stewert are a great place to look for inspiration. Our new Blueridge Gospel Guitar is a case in point. In recent years, as church liturgy has changed, fretted instruments have become a part of many services. While most modern guitars in the higher price range are now cut, glued, and assembled by computerized “cookie-cutter” machine tools, Blueridge Guitars are made in the traditional way by artisans who are proud of their skill. When you listen to the Blueridge Gospel you will feel and hear the difference. Saga’s designer, the legendary Greg Rich, went back to the images and icons of early Christianity for guidance in creating the Gospel’s striking appearance. A magnificent abalone and pearl, chalice and cross design graces the headstock, while the ancient locked ring symbol of the Trinity marks the fingerboard positions. The result is one of the most beautiful guitars ever made. We are happy to be part of the tradition of excellence of the Musical Instrument Industry. We thank you again for joining us. Happy Holidays!
Richard Keldsen
San Francisco
September 2003