Some big changes. The transition of the Dinkytown location of The Podium to the location of the former Guitar Rodeo is happening and the new Podium is open for business. There will be a few months of work with remodeling, website maintenance, inventory acquisition etc. but everything looks great for a very successful continuation of the same iconic Twin City music landmark that has been a big part of all our lives for many years.
The new owner is Jim Tordoff, former proprietor of Guitar Rodeo, gigging musician, and former Podium employee in the 70's. He is joined by 29 year Podium legend David Roos. There is no doubt in my mind that under their capable hands this new incarnation of our favorite hangout will thrive.
Jim Tordoff, his son Zimmer, and David Roos
I visited this week and left two instruments. An IRW/Sitka OM and a double side Mahogany/Sitka OM.
They were well received. Twin Cities guitar icon Lonnie Knight had this to say about them after playing.
Marty called this morning, he and Terry were headed to Guitar
Rodeo/Podium with Terry's newest instruments. I got to play them both
and... oh, my.
Marty wisely handed me the Hog first:
Without question one of the finest mahogany guitars I have ever played... sweet, rich, full (tennis shoe not included). I'm not going to include any builder details, I'll leave that to Terry (except to say that these both have Brazilian rosewood fingerboards and bridges). So I just played this thing for about 5 minutes and absolutely fell in love... until…
Rosewood and sitka... the first chord almost broke my heart, it was so sweet. The neck has the same feel that drew me to Goodalls, the set-up was perfect for me. Beautiful high-low balance, articulate... Amazing dynamic range, a wonderfully expressive instrument. With many guitars you have to dig in a little bit to get the sound to open up, this thing goes from a whisper to a roar with the same beautiful voice at every level. I told Terry, and I meant it, that this guitar rivals anything I have ever played at the Podium... ever... EVER. Our Mr. Kennedy is truly a world-class luthier.
Contact information for the new location.
The Podium
4151 Minnehaha Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55406
(612) 331-8893
http://www.guitarrodeo.com/blog/2013/07/the-podium