• Two Old Hippies Announces the Retirement of Bruce Weber Sr. as General Manager of Weber Fine Acoustic Instruments

    Bruce Weber announces his retirementBend, Or. — In October of 2012, Weber Fine Acoustic Instruments was acquired by Two Old Hippies Stringed Instruments located in Bend, Oregon. The company was relocated to Bend, 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.

    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."

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    Comments 26 Comments
    1. mandognome's Avatar
      mandognome -
      Bruce, you have forever changed my musical journey for the better. I am grateful for your contribution through your instruments and your faith, commitment to excellence, and generous spirit. Hope you get some fly fishin done and maximize your time spent on the things and people you enjoy the most in your retirement! Glad to be counted among those who have some great Webers to play and pass on to the kids.
    1. Emmett Marshall's Avatar
      Emmett Marshall -
      While I am really happy for you Bruce, I am honestly not too thrilled that you are no longer in that position. I am totally obsessed with the sound and build of my Weber OM. Best of luck to you Bruce, and thank you for building such wonderful instruments for all of us to enjoy.
    1. Gates Richards's Avatar
      Gates Richards -
      I love my '08 Gallatin Octar! Many thanks for your craftsmanship and passion!
    1. trevor's Avatar
      trevor -
      Its sad to see Bruce go, happy retirement Bruce. I have had countless excellent Weber mandolin and mandolin family instruments over the last 15 years, and I am looking forward to many more.
    1. trev's Avatar
      trev -
      Have a long and happy retirement Bruce, I have a Bitterroot F style mandolin, and have just last week taken delivery of a new custom Bitterroot A style, F hole 22" OM, with maple back and sides and a free upgrade to the Rawhide burst finish. They are both fantastic instruments, both in sound and fit and finish, the people at Weber are doing a great job.
    1. Mgottlieb's Avatar
      Mgottlieb -
      Bruce, love that I'm experiencing my mandolin journey predominantly thru two Bitterroots crafted in Logan. Your skills, guidance and mando veritas have been invaluable to me, and to quite a community it seems. Looking forward to the flows of our transitions. See you at the MT Folk Festival in a couple weeks.