Willcox Guitars had a strong showing at the recent Summer NAMM Show in Nashville, thrilling convention-goers with artist booth performances and the exhibition of their premium instruments.
One highlight was the raffle drawing, on day two of the show, where a lucky attendee was awarded his choice of a Willcox Atlantis ElectroAcoustic Guitar or Saber Bass. Locally based multi-instrumentalist Tony Marvelli was the winner, and he eagerly chose the Atlantis, which he proudly held as he grinned and posed for photos with Willcox personnel.
Marvelli states, “Thank you Christopher Willcox, Tom Kowalczyk and the folks at Willcox Guitars. The Atlantis guitar not only plays like it was built for my hands but it has the most stunning sound of any guitar I’ve played in my thirty-plus year career. Putting this guitar through its paces has proven to be a thrill. I cannot recall when I have played an electro-acoustic guitar with the dynamic response the Atlantis has. Two thumbs up on a fantastic instrument. It will be my ‘daily driver’ on all my upcoming performances.”
An experienced instrumentalist on guitar, electric bass, mandolin, keyboards, and drums, and currently residing in Nashville, Tennessee, Tony Marvelli has over 35 years of professional experience as a recorded musician and live performer in a variety of musical genres. Currently, he is Adjunct Professor of Music Theory and Instrumental Studies with the National Praise and Worship Institute at Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville and a private instructor of guitar and electric bass. He has contributed to Gibson Guitars’ Gibson’s Learn and Master music instruction programs, occasional blogs for PraiseCharts.com, and independent writings related to the music industry and musicianship for the worship guitarist and bassist on his own personal blog. Tony has performed and recorded with a variety of artists, including The Marvelettes, Sandy Patti, Andre Crouch, Melinda Doolittle, Natalie Grant, Point of Grace, Casting Crowns, and many others.
Atlantis is the first ElectroAcoustic guitar to employ the LightWave Optical Pickup System, which uses infrared light technology to sense string vibration for a rich, natural amplified acoustic guitar sound, rich in harmonic content – without the feedback of mics or the harshness of piezo pickups. Piezos also have very poor attack characteristics, while the LightWave Optical Pickup has enhanced sensitivity and wide dynamic range, capable of catching all the subtle nuance and articulation of the player’s style.
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