After Weber Fine Acoustic Instruments was acquired by Two Old Hippies Stringed Instruments, the company was relocated to Bend, Oregon and the workshop’s handcrafting practices were maintained.
For the last few years Bruce Weber Sr. has served as the general manger from his home shop in Montana. Bruce has recently decided to step down as general manager and focus on the instruments.
“My passion is working with the players, and I enjoy being on the bench,” says Bruce. Deciding they wish to remain in Montana, yet wanting to stay in the business Bruce is establishing a traditional stringed instruments warranty and repair center. He will continue doing all of the warranty and repair services for Weber Fine Acoustic Instruments. Bruce observed, “Mary and I are grateful for our on-going relationship with Tom Bedell and Two Old Hippies. Their dedication to honoring our forests while crafting the world’s finest acoustic instruments with all three of their brands, Breedlove, Bedell and Weber is bred deep in their culture.”
Bruce Weber Jr. continues in the Weber workshop in Bend and will expand his role to include product design and customer service. Bruce Jr. commented, “Weber is the world’s only brand offering traditional eight-stringed instruments in all sizes and shapes from the sopranolins to mandocellos. The skills of our craftsmen are unparalleled. I am delighted for my parents and look forward to my continuing role with Weber and Two Old Hippies.”
Tom Bedell, founder of Two Old Hippies, adds, “It has been a pleasure working with Bruce Senior. He has taught all of us so much about instrument craftsmanship. I am pleased we can work out a way for Bruce and Mary to continue the lifestyle that is important to them while maintaining their association with Weber Fine Acoustic Instruments.”
