Mario Proulx Custom Guitars & Mandolins--Still In Business?

[SpruceTop]

Back in April 2009, I added my name to Mario Proulx's custom-build list. I inquired a year later about my order status and heard from Mario's wife, Jenny, that I was indeed on the list. That was the last I've heard from them. Also, the website hasn't changed since I first visited it in 2009. My question:

Is Mario Proulx Custom Guitars & Mandolins still in business?

[llew]

No clue...I got on his 10 year build list long ago and never heard another word?

[mercy]

I think I recall that he retired.

[brencat]

Brian Kimsey would probably be a key person to ask.

[JBerry168]

And good luck finding one of his guitars for sale. I don't remember ever seeing one on the used market. I think when they sell, they sell by word of mouth. Bryan Kimsey basically designed Mario's OMD as a flat picking guitar and has done videos on them. Would love to have one.

[llew]

Originally Posted by JBerry168

And good luck finding one of his guitars for sale. I don't remember ever seeing one on the used market. I think when they sell, they sell by word of mouth. Bryan Kimsey basically designed Mario's OMD as a flat picking guitar and has done videos on them. Would love to have one.

That's the model I was going for too...

[mercy]

A lot of people make OMD's, put a tone deadening ebony strip just behind the bridge for flatpicking and youre there, or leave it out for a fingerstyle guitar.

[UncleJesse]

Originally Posted by JBerry168

And good luck finding one of his guitars for sale. I don't remember ever seeing one on the used market. I think when they sell, they sell by word of mouth. Bryan Kimsey basically designed Mario's OMD as a flat picking guitar and has done videos on them. Would love to have one.

There was a dread for sale on UMGF a month or two ago. I nearly bought it after conversing with the owner but ultimately went another direction. It was the first one I'd seen on the market.

[Kevin G String]

He used to post a lot on the MIMF forum. Was very helpful when I was building my OM. I heard his guitars would sell for a lot more on the second hand market than new.

I remember he was very passionate about what he did. Be a shame if he has retired.

[SpruceTop]

Hey, Thanks Folks, for responding go my OP! Maybe, one of these days I'll truck on up to Iroquois Falls, Ontario, (I was there back in 1958 as it wasn't far from my grandparents in Timmins) and see what's happening with Mario.

[kendallhadden]

He’s on Facebook. Not sure if he retired.

[Zissou Intern]

I put my name on his list over 15 years ago and never heard a word again. I did play a used Proulx D at Dusty Strings in Seattle probably a year ago. It was very nice, had a crisp tone. Mario posts on UMGF on occasion but have no idea if he is still building.

[mcduffnw]

Originally Posted by Zissou Intern

I put my name on his list over 15 years ago and never heard a word again. I did play a used Proulx D at Dusty Strings in Seattle probably a year ago. It was very nice, had a crisp tone. Mario posts on UMGF on occasion but have no idea if he is still building.

I would say that if your build slot has not come up in over 15 years that Mr. Proulx is no longer building, and has not been building in quite some time...or...he is building very very selectively, like only high profile clients and/or high dollar high profit level guitars.


duff
Be A Player...Not A Polisher

[Zissou Intern]

Originally Posted by mcduffnw

I would say that if your build slot has not come up in over 15 years that Mr. Proulx is no longer building, and has not been building in quite some time...or...he is building very very selectively, like only high profile clients and/or high dollar high profit level guitars.

Ha! Too true. I have thought about it maybe twice in the last dozen years. John Lowell plays a Proulx, and it sounds absolutely fantastic. If you can find a used Proulx guitar, or Mario pulls your name out of the hat, you're probably going to be very happy with it.

[SpruceTop]

John Lowell with his Proulx dreadnought, and I'm digging this concert!