Zeta Violins are back. Following a 2 year shutdown . . . Zeta is once again producing fine musical instruments.
Looking for a new fiddle? . . . browse our site and check out the many artist and custom models we built in our 1st production run. Listen to James and Natalie playing and testing the 1st new Zeta’s.
Is your legacy Zeta instrument in need of some repair? . . . contact us for a quote and repair scheduling.
Some very cool ZETA's built last year. Take a look . . . enjoy!The entire year of 2019 found us shipping to customers a very nice variety of Legacy, Artist and Custom models. I've listed some of our favorites right at the top of the album. Unfortunately the tyranny of production . . . combined with my time spent on ZETA's new Mandolin development . . . well . . . it kept me so busy I couldn't even get our shipment pictures posted. Very frustrating. I have sworn to do better in 2020 . . . but I did want to get the balance of 2019 shipments posted 1st. I trust you are all enjoying your new ZETA's!
Thank You Mandolin Cafe!
Mandolin Cafe - ZETA Announces Launch of "The Stage" Model Mandolin Line
www.mandolincafe.com
BELGRADE, MONT. Steve Carlson, owner of ZETA Violins, well known as the founder of Flatiron Mandolins (1980-1993), as well as 7 years with Gibson resurrecting their Gibson mandolin line (1987-1993)...NAMM 2020 was awesome in many respects. The Fiddle Player's Hang was over-the-top. Special thanks to Matt Bell for holding it, to Patrick Contreras for all his coordination behind the scenes and all the players for showing up to play. Hope we do it again next year.
It's been 28 years since I took a mandolin to the show and this year marked a true milestone for ZETA . . . introducing the first models in our new ZETA line of custom built acoustic and acoustic/electric mandolins. Scott Tichenor and J.P. Cormier took 'em out for a test drive on 'Lady Be Good'. Thank ya boys!
Today ZETA officially launches our new Facebook page at: ZETA Mandolins
Come join us and give us a like. And a big welcome to our new ZETA Mandolin dealers:
Elderly Instruments . . . Lansing, MI . . . (517) 372-7880
Carter Vintage Guitars . . . Nashville, TN . . . (615) 915-1851
The Mandolin Store . . . Surprise, AZ . . . (623) 933-8319
Thanks for your support!
Wow! . . . so what do you get when you bring together top electric violinists for a blowout bash. Well . . . it was fantastic! One of my favorite moments was the jam hand-off from Ernesto Lago to Rob Flax. So many performances I will long remember. Well done everyone.
Tonight. . . NAMM 2020. . . Patrick Contreras and his band are going to set the place on fire!! Come join us!!
Happy New Year from ZETA!
As we close out 2019 and welcome in 2020 we hope you will enjoy this 'Hendrix' inspired rendition of 'Auld Lang Syne' by Matt Williams and his ZETA JV45.
Happy Holidays to each of you from the crew at ZETA Violins! We hope you had a great year. Thanks to all of you ours was fantastic and we're looking forward to 2020. In thanks and celebration we thought we'd bust out some moves for you to enjoy . . . so ENJOY!
ZETA's 'PHAT' Thursday jewel this week is a JV45 Reissue Trans-Red Black_Edge Burst featuring Flame Maple Top and Back with Imbus Neck and Gold Trim. This beauty is added to our 'Field of Dreams' inventory and available to ship . . . now.
For Pricing, Details and Ordering . . . click here: zetaviolins.com/product/jv45-reissue-trans-red_blkedgbrst
That's 'PHAT' . . . Pretty Hot And Tempting . . . by ZETA.
ZETA's current 'Field of Dreams' inventory . . . click here:
www.facebook.com/pg/zetaviolins/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1998002306980146
This specific 'Field of Dreams' item has sold and is no longer available for immediate shipment.
This model - JV45 Reissue Trans-Red_Black Edge Burst can be ordered here:
zetaviolins.com/product/jv45-reissue-trans-red_blkedgbrst
ZETA shipments continue to be a varied selection of models with custom woods. Our PHAT series may have revealed a new ZETA favorite. We built a 2nd Tobacco Burst Modern with 2 necks (this time flame maple necks) only to sell it before we got to post it as a PHAT inventory item. Have to try again I guess. Our shipments went off to Sweden, Durham, NC (EVS), Washington, Florida, Illinois & Romania, (Fly Music). Enjoy your ZETA my friends!
This months repairs were iconic and a joy to work on. ZETA continues to repair our many road warriors out there . . . keeping them in tip top working order!
"Loving the sound of my new Strados Acoustic Pro from ZETA Violins! Switzerland, 2019 European tour, Stanley Clarke 'Song to John' solo." Evan Garr
Evan Garr's new Strados Pro hit the ground running in Europe . . . on tour now with Jazz Legend Stanley Clarke. Evan's new Acoustic Pro features ZETA's Strados Bridge, geared Wittner fine tune pegs and Preamp Tray for easy access individual string volume adjustment/balancing.
On the eve of their European tour, Evan gave his Strados Pro a good warm-up with a performance at the Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe, Detroit . . . featuring Artist in Residence Stanley Clarke. The audience was in a trance! Take a listen here. vimeo.com/329204349
2019 Stanley Clarke European Concert Schedule:
April 9th . . Cully, Switzerland . . . Cully Jazz Festival
April 11th . . Fontaine, France . . . La Source
April 13th . . Prala, Cape Verde . . . Kriol Jazz Festival
April 16th . . Tampere, Finland . . . Tampere Hall
April 17th . . Moscow, Russia . . . Dom Muziki
April 19th . . St Petersburg, Russia . . . Music Hall
April 20th . . Paris, France . . . Seine Musicale
April 23rd . . Brno, CZ . . . Sono Centrum
April 24th . . Nove Mesto nad Vahom . . . Blue Note
April 25th . . Bratislava, Slovakia . . . Bratislava Jazz Days
April 26th . . Prague, Czech Republic, State Philharmonie
April 27th . . Wendelstein, Germany . . Jazz & Blues Open
For more info, venue, tickets, etc . . . goto: stanleyclarke.com/ (click on the 'Shows' link)
We hope you can attend one of these shows. A great opportunity to catch Evan on his ZETA Strados Pro or his custom ZETA Signature Jazz Fusion . . . performing with one of the true legends . . . Stanley Clarke!
I started playing (I mean learning) banjo when I was 18. My hero was John McEuen, banjo player and multi-instrumentalist with the Nitty-Gritty Dirt Band. 'Clinch Mtn. Backstep' and 'Randy Lynn Rag' ('Uncle Charlie' album) . . . unbelievable . . . I wore that album out. When I first saw the 'Dirt Band' perform live at Tulagi's on the Hill in Boulder, CO (circa 1972) . . . I could only marvel at John's banjo and fiddle playing. I grew to love that music more and more . . . and who could have guessed that love, that passion, would grow to mold my life and career.
John McEuen was first introduced to ZETA when John McFee (of the Doobie Brothers) loaned him his ZETA fiddle during a gig at Cheyenne Frontier days. It was the mid-80's and after that first introduction John pursued getting his own ZETA . . . and has been playing one ever since.
I've been following John's music and career for so many years, including the 'String Wizards', and enjoyed reading his recent book 'The Life I've Picked'. WOW - what a great read! So now here it is, ahh . . . well . . . ahh - a long time later, and as the owner of ZETA Violins I couldn't help but reach out and see if he was interested in replacing his old ZETA with one of our current Acoustic Pros. He thought it a grand idea and so his new ZETA fiddle was born (after a little collaboration of course).
In John's words:
" It is unusual, this fiddle. I almost feel like someone 'did a deal with the devil' as from the first bow draw I sounded better than I ever have, which continued as I played it .... and then tried it out in a concert. It continued to make it just seem easier, and like a great book, it was hard to put down! Then taking it to its first show yesterday (Sat., 3/15), at the incredible Folly Theater in Kansas City, many people went out of their way to say 'that's a great fiddle'... Rodney Dillard (I had him on the show too) even commented that I had never sounded better and he has heard me since the beginning. Thank you Zeta/Steve for making my music , and because of it my show, better!" John McEuen…
. . . and thank you John McEuen . . . a full 'Circle' for me for sure my friend. Hope to see you on the road one of these days.
ZETA's shipments made it to the post office despite our snow and cold here in Montana. Shipping a very nice variety of Legacy, Artist and Custom models to North Carolina (EVS), Illinois, Texas, UK, Romania and Ecuador! Wow . . . 1st time to Ecuador.
Enjoy your ZETA my friends!
ZETA's 'PHAT' Thursday offering this week is a Strados Modern featuring a Tobacco Burst Flame Top with a Straight Maple Neck, Traditional Pegbox and Gold Trim . . . available as either a SV24 or SV25. We made both a 4-string and a 5-string matching neck, so it can be ordered either way. Currently it is setup as a 4-string and added to our 'Field of Dreams' inventory . . . available to ship . . . now.
For Pricing, Details and Ordering 4-String . . . click here: zetaviolins.com/product/sv24-artist-flmmp_stmp-tobbrst
For 5-String . . . click here:
zetaviolins.com/product/sv25-artist-flmmp_stmp-tobbrst
That's 'PHAT' . . . Pretty Hot And Tempting . . . by ZETA.
ZETA's current 'Field of Dreams' inventory . . . click here:
www.facebook.com/pg/zetaviolins/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1998002306980146
For general Ordering, Payment and Check-Out info . . . click on our 'FAQ's' link here:
zetaviolins.com/faqs . . . and follow the questions, 'How to Order', 'Purchasing from Overseas' and 'Payment Options'.
ZETA's January shipments also included a nice trio of Cellos. Two headed off to Electric Violin Shop, Durham, NC. A Trans-Blue Artist and a Ensemble Model - Natural Alder Top with an oil finish. Check them out next time you stop by their shop!
A special order Fretted model, also Alder top, was picked up at our ZETA shop by a Livingston, MT customer . . . quite fun to play.
ZETA's trip to NAMM this year was a great time hangin' with ZETA Artist Patrick Contreras. We enjoyed meeting up with Matt Bell of the Electric Violin Shop . . . and the many players and 'Violin People' at Matt's 'Violinist Meet-Up'.
Meeting with our friends, customers & vendors is always a good time. This year Patrick and ZETA spent a good amount of time testing equipment and lookin' for a good jam.
Check out some of Patrick's Jammin' here: vimeo.com/315541491
ZETA also spent some time with Rob and Allison Turner at EMG . . . going over specs for the new ZETA Mandolin Pickup & Preamp.
The whole NAMM trip was topped off with a wonderful Italian dinner at Carolina's . . . where Patrick treated us to an evening of . . . well . . . the many sounds of Patrick Contreras. WOW!
Patrick's cover of 'House of the Rising Sun' had many of Carolina's patrons peeking around the corner to 'see who it was': vimeo.com/315544962
ZETA January shipments were out the door just as we left for NAMM in Anaheim, CA. This years early shipments included our 1st Jean-Luc Ponty models for 2019 . . . shipping to Fly Music in Romania (2-Imbus and 1 Fusion). Shipping to Electric Violin Shop in Durham, NC was an Acoustic Pro 4 and Pro 5 . . . plus a spectacular special order custom JV45 Trans-Blue Black Edge Burst, Flame Maple Top/Neck, Dbl-Edg, Dbl-Lam, with the 'Heartbeat' inlay in Silver Wire. A big 'BIG' thanks goes out to ZETA Artist Nicolas Draps for allowing us to use his personal design as a new ZETA insignia. I LOVE IT! Thank you Nico! (check out his work here: www.nicodraps.com/)
It was just in December we made the 1st Trans-Top Green with Black Body/Neck and I'm lovin' that combo. Our 1st in 2019 is a Trans-Red Black Body/Neck heading out to Russia.
Sometimes when your not sure which model you want to order we send out a demo so you can try the 'sound and feel' of a particular model over another . . . perhaps its Jazz vs Strados, Imbus vs Fusion, Wide vs Sandard or Slim, etc. Our final violin shipment was just that . . . a Reissue Black Imbus to Pennsylvania. Can't wait to make his custom. Enjoy your ZETA my friends!
ZETA's 'PHAT' Thursday delight this week is a CV45 . . . a Jazz Classic featuring a Tobacco Burst Flame Top and Neck with traditional Pegbox and Gold Trim. This beauty is added to our 'Field of Dreams' inventory and available to ship . . . now.
For Pricing, Details and Ordering . . . click here: zetaviolins.com/product/cv45-classic-artist-flmmp_flmmp-tobaccobrst
That's 'PHAT' . . . Pretty Hot And Tempting . . . by ZETA.
ZETA's 'Field of Dreams' inventory . . . click here:
www.facebook.com/pg/zetaviolins/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1998002306980146
It's 'PHAT' Thursday here at ZETA. Today marks the beginning of our weekly 'FOD' series . . . ZETA's very own 'Field Of Dreams'.
This weeks 'PHAT' offering is a beautiful JV45 Reissue Trans-Blue Black_Edge Burst, Flame Maple Top, Imbus Neck with Gold Trim . . . all dressed up and ready to ship.
Available to order here: zetaviolins.com/product/jv45-reissue-trans-blue_blkedgbrst
That's 'PHAT' . . . Pretty Hot And Tempting . . . by ZETA.
Could it Be? . . . a sparkly Templar Treasure mysteriously eludes the Oak Island Treasure Hunter's and finds its way to our ZETA shop.
A real 'Top-Pocket Find' . . . Could it Be?
Wrapping up a great year here at ZETA. An eventful year for us as we started shipping our Violas, Cellos, Basses and MIDI Mandolins. Merry Christmas Chicago, North Carolina, Germany, Romania, Florida, Washington and New York.
ZETA's Fall shipments 2018 . . . a nice variety of customs mixed with our standard models.
Hello France, Romania, Finland, Italy, Argentina . . . California, Illinois, Michigan, Florida, Montana, North Carolina and points beyond. Enjoy your ZETA's!
Winter has set in and I'm working hard finishing up our ZETA mandolin . . . launching soon!
UPDATE (10/03/2018): James is now 20+ days out from his open heart surgery and recovering nicely. Recovery is slow but steady and he's now able to play fiddle for a bit each day . . . getting back some of his strength. James wishes to thank all of you for your support, well wishes and prayers. He's sure looking forward to rejoining 'Songs from the Road Band' as soon as possible.
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ZETA friends and family . . . Our very close friend and ZETA Artist James Schlender is in Cardiac ICU at Mission Hospital, Asheville, NC with a serious infection in his heart valve. The valve is leaking severely due to the infection. Currently, open heart surgery is planned for Monday, to replace the worn out valve. Our thoughts and prayers are with James and his family as he prepares for this very serious surgery.
As you know, James' playing has been featured in many many many of our promotional ZETA videos. Most recently he has been touring with 'Songs from the Road Band' out of Asheville. His band-mates have set up a medical fund to help defray the rising medical expenses.
James . . . much love buddy . . . all our prayers from Maxine and I and all your ZETA family and friends. Thinking, believing and praying you and your family through this.
ZETA family . . . please join us in our prayers for safe keeping and for James' full recovery . . . and consider helping as you feel led.
Click here to support James Schlender Medical Fund organized by Sam Wharton
www.gofundme.com
James was born with a heart defect. He underwent valve repair surgery in 2011 (he was 17 years old). His valve now has developed a severe leak and he will need a valve replacement surgery in the very ...ZETA's flagship JLP5 Jazz Fusion Violin heads out to the the Cremona Musica Festival & International Exhibition in Cremona, Italy. AWESOME!
Our summer here at ZETA just keeps sizzling with several beauty's leaving our shop, shipping worldwide . . . just last week!
Browse through all our shipments this summer:
www.facebook.com/pg/zetaviolins/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1769846009795778
Listen to Evan Garr performing with Jean-Luc Ponty at Chene Park, Detroit, MI: www.facebook.com/zetaviolins/videos/1429746827161872/
Watch Evan as his new ZETA Signature JV45 Model is revealed for the 1st time:
www.facebook.com/zetaviolins/videos/257089644912898/
Finding time to work on Vintage ZETA's is always rewarding in the end. Kind of like revitalizing the ZETA troops out there. When packing for shipment back to their owners I find myself humming . . . 'On the Road Again . . . '
'Sunset Drive' . . . Jean-Luc Ponty live at Chene Park with special guests Evan Garr and Ralphe Armstrong.
Seeing Jean Luc Ponty and his band perform anytime is a rare and special treat. But adding to our enjoyment . . . we were able to spend some real quality time with ZETA Artist Evan Garr. The entire event (two days) was magical indeed. Hope you enjoy our album of photos covering ZETA's trip to Detroit, Baker's (Piano Lounge) Jazz Club, and Chene Park.
Chene Park sound check with Jean Luc Ponty, Jamie Glaser, Rayford Griffin, and special guests Evan Garr and Ralphe Armstrong.
