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Video Samples Are Now Up !!!! Please check out the links to the video samples on the 'Players, Friends, and Links' page. Many thanks to the players that have allowed me to utilize the video of their performances for my unabashed self promotion :) Thank you Don Alder, Mary Flower, and Tony McManus! Don't forget to select the 'view in high resolution' tab when you get to the You Tube ste. I've just returned from the 'Newport in Miami Guitar Festival'. My thanks go out to Henry Lowenstein for putting on a very nice event! I've never attend an event that was so well organized and staffed (thanks to all the helpers in those yellow shirts and the great security team). I would especially like to thank Don Alder, Mary Flower, the Lee Boys, and Jamie Stillwell for their wonderful performances with my instruments (photos below)!!!!! Special thanks go out to all the guitar fans that came out to support the festival at it's new location. It was great getting a chance to meet and speak with so many new people and see some old friends. I'm already looking forward to next years festival.
Assorted eye candy at the Mermer Guitar Booth, Newport in Miami Guitar Festival 2008
Don Alder playing an all Koa 'Autumn Star'.
The Lee Boys cooking during an 'acoustic' set with a pair of all koa Mermer guitars.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ New Mutant: Here is a shot of the latest creation to come out of the shop. If you are interested in more details please refer to the 'multi-neck instrument' option on the 'instrument and options' page of this web site. The 2007 Harp Guitar 'Gathering' was fantastic. Thanks to Stephen and Linda Bennett for being such gracious hosts. Below is a closing shot of the sunday concert. Tradition requires that all participants gather on stage for the evening finale of The Water Is Wide. I am eagerly looking forward to the 2008 'Gathering' in Kansas.
Ok, how many harp guitarists does it take to change a string ? Below is a shot of John Doan (left, attacking the supra-trebles), Stacy Hobbs (center, two hand tapping the fingerboard), and the 'Pope' himself, Gregg Miner (right, slapping the sub basses), 'sharing' in the fun on my first 21 String Nova Style Harp Guitar (please refer to the harp guitar link on the 'Instruments and Options' page for detailed info). This is truly an example of cooperative playing... or is it just harp guitar abuse?
Had a great time at the 2007 Healdsburg Guitar Festival in Santa Rosa, California. I saw a lot of old friends, and made some new ones. I'd like to thank Clint Hobbs at Quest Guitars as he will be offering my instruments on his site: www.questguitars.net
Once again the Chet Atkins Appreciation Society was a wonderful time. I premiered 4 "fresh" instruments (I literally finished the rub out and string setup up just prior to jumping in the car for the 12 hour drive). My 13 year old son Rylan joined the team and made the trip with me this year. He had a great time and was a big hit with the Wyeth clan. Many thanks to Bill Stuart, Tony McManus, Tripp and Sue Weyth, Guy Van Duser, Claudia, Daniele Bazzani, and Mike Voltz.
In September I attended the Harp Guitar Gathering IV. Woow, blew my mind! The luthiers and players were just amazing. I have so many instruments swimming inside my head, it's just filled with new ideas. Thanks to Stephen Bennett for starting the event, Andy Wahlberg for hosting this years event, Mike Dooling for his openness and willingness to share all that he knows, Will Eaton for continuing his menorship, and to all the other players and luthiers that welcomed sue and I into their community. See ya next year, and I will have at least two new harp guitars for you to rip up (promise!). 
Well I guess the cat is offically out of the bag... Bill Moll, Executive director of the Association of Sting Instrument Artisans (ASIA) has stong armed me into the editors position at Guitarmaker, The Jounral of Fretted Instrument Construction and Repair. He says I volunteered, but how do you no to a guy that is as big as a grizzle bear (and has a disposition to match unless he has had 5 cups of coffee as soon has his eyes open). I'll do my best to be worthy of you all. Thanks for the vote of confidence.
Finally, keep an eye on the 'Players, Friends and Links' page, as my web master is working hard to get both audio and video clips up. Soon you will be able to see and hear perfomers with various instruments that I have built. You'll see the likes of Don Conoscent, Tony McManus, Daniele Bazzani, Acoustic Eidolon, and others as they come on line. Please check back frequently. Thanks! Rich Mermer, Jr. Many thanks to all the folks that have taken the time to contribute to the data base of information at www.harmonycentral.com . It is a wonderful recourse where you can get reviews of all sorts of music gear, including of course Mermer Guitars. I am pleased and honored to have my work included in the Acoustic Guitar Guide,'Custom Guitars: A Complete Guide to Contemporary Handcrafted Guitars' (String Letter Publishing, Inc.). The publication is beautifully done with full color plates of some incredible art/guitars. The book is available in both hard and soft cover and can be ordered through Acoustic Guitar at www.acousticguitar.com, or from Music Dispatch at (800-637-2852). Updated News On Scouts and The Guitar
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