tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30347735008472207222024-03-12T16:34:47.834-07:00The New Eclectic Sound ExperienceOne Strat, One Acoustic, One Autoharp and what I have to say!drmiczakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06422298341147673150noreply@blogger.comBlogger127125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3034773500847220722.post-85065286795368310812016-09-04T12:53:00.000-07:002016-09-05T11:17:28.241-07:00Customize Your Electric Guitar With A Built In Tuner<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpnwvRCI-pNTLchY0TTgjuY_WLolapuhLE7qKCjICyiHkWliA6nXh8NbXQsZ-wJy88_wxCGydlFaqH99x5auyyvUhz9Y6ZnPExV9I_0cHzDpG1yFxk24CjCJrOdgeFKUXGvF_U4ho5iqc/s1600/DSCF2338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpnwvRCI-pNTLchY0TTgjuY_WLolapuhLE7qKCjICyiHkWliA6nXh8NbXQsZ-wJy88_wxCGydlFaqH99x5auyyvUhz9Y6ZnPExV9I_0cHzDpG1yFxk24CjCJrOdgeFKUXGvF_U4ho5iqc/s640/DSCF2338.JPG" width="492" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Six string or bass electric guitars can be customized.</span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #274e13;">If you have humbucker style pick ups on your electric guitar (<b><i>i.e. Fender, Gibson</i></b>) and are tired of carrying along a separate tuner, An <b>N-Tune On Board Chromatic Bass & Guitar Tuner</b> could be for you. </span><span style="color: #274e13;">Here's the original article, </span><b style="color: #274e13;"><a href="http://mariejmiczak.blogspot.com/2008/07/fender-standard-strat-gets-n-tune.html">Fender Strat Gets N-Tune</a>. </b><span style="color: #274e13;">I had one of these</span><b style="color: #274e13;"> on board tuners</b><span style="color: #274e13;"> installed beneath the </span><b style="color: #274e13;">Volume Pot</b><span style="color: #274e13;"> on my </span><b style="color: #274e13;">Fender Stratocaster</b><span style="color: #274e13;"> a few years ago and never looked back. Why? Well because before that, I had to bring along a dedicated pedal tuner and add it to my effects chain. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Before, I used a dedicated pedal tuner in my effects chain.</span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #274e13;">Now some musicians swear that pedal tuners diminish the guitar volume or effect the tone in some way. I can't say that I've noticed any real difference between before and after the <b>N-Tune</b> but just having one less pedal to pack in my flight case is a big deal.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Fender Strat with N-Tune installed.</span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><b>The N-Tune Onboard Guitar Tuner </b>fits behind the white pick plate on most Fender electric, humbucker pick up style guitars. These on board tuners come in different colors to match the following guitars: </span><br />
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<li style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style: disc; margin: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span class="a-list-item" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><b>Includes Black,White,Fender(TM) -Cream,Gibson(TM) -Cream and Parchment colored tuning rings</b></span></span></li>
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<span style="color: #274e13;">I'm am not very technically advanced so I had it put in at my local music store as some soldering is required. It's best to use a <b>9V Duracell</b> battery as mine has lasted for years without needing to be changed. You simply pull up on the <b>VOLUME knob</b> to activate this true bypass guitar tuner which automatically mutes any and all sound to the amp. Very quick and easy to tune as it is fully lit making it perfect for silent tuning on a dark stage.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: #274e13; font-size: 12.8px;">N-Tune is perfect for tuning up on a dark stage.</b></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #274e13;">The only downside is that once the battery goes, depending on your style of electric guitar, you may need to basically take the </span><b style="color: #274e13;">entire </b><span style="color: #274e13;">guitar face off. If you are into modifying your electric guitars then this shouldn't be an issue. As for me, I'm not into such mechanics and would prefer to leave something like that to the pros. I think my local shop charged me about $25 to install it. I would imagine they will charge a little less to just change the battery. All in all, I would still recommend it as it has spoiled me when it comes to playing my<b> Strat</b>. I know a lot of newer acoustic guitars with built in pick-ups have on board tuners now which is great. However for other more traditional guitars with humbucker style pick ups, this is an amazing innovation. You can find </span><b style="color: #274e13;"><a href="http://amzn.to/2bPUKMD">N-Tune On Board Tuners online on Amazon.com</a></b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #073763;"><a href="http://amzn.to/2bPUKMD">N-Tune On Board Tuner</a></span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><i>Disclaimer: Links to N-Tune are affiliate links for which I earn a small commission if purchased from. The reviews and recommendations are strictly my own honest opinions.</i></span>drmiczakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06422298341147673150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3034773500847220722.post-65549036499460525962016-08-22T10:48:00.000-07:002016-09-08T14:31:08.049-07:00How It's Made: Martin Guitar Museum and Factory Tours<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Martin Guitar Factory - Museum & Visitor's Center</span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><b>Martin Guitar Factory - 510 Sycamore St. </b></span><b style="color: #274e13;">Nazareth, PA 18064</b><br />
<b><span style="color: #274e13;">One of my favorite tours of all time are my visits to the Mar</span></b><span style="color: #274e13;"><b>tin Guitar Factory, Museum and Visitor's Center in Nazareth, PA.</b> In fact, I've taken many friends and family along as it is such a fascinating place to see how these uniquely American guitars are handcrafted into the iconic instruments they are. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">D-28 Marquis. Martin Guitar Museum & Visitor's Center</span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #274e13;">One of the most fun things to see is how select pieces of precious wood become guitars. There are a lot of steps and the guitar is passed along to a succession of crafts people along the way. What I noticed is that each technician exhibited a great deal of pride in their contribution to the creation of each instrument. Did you know that <b>there are over 300 steps involved in the making of ONE guitar?</b></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Martin Guitar technician in action. Just one of 300 steps along the way.</span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><b>The Guitar Factory</b> tour also includes a glimpse of restoration projects on old or damaged instruments. There are so many steps in the crafting and repair of these guitars as I have myself had one of my four <b>Martin Guitars</b> repaired (my beloved <b>D-16GT</b>). To this day you can NOT see where the repair was made and the finish looks just like it came new from the factory.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #073763;">A Martin Guitar technician shows off a restoration project. Gorgeous!</span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #274e13;">Friends who are in my <b>Bluegrass Club</b> asked me about this tour as many have yet to go. My question is, "What are you waiting for?" There is so much to see and learn. You will also pick up tips on how to properly store, feed and care for your own acoustic guitar whether it's a <b>Martin</b> or not. I've been a <b><a href="https://www.martinguitar.com/about/martin-owners-club/">Martin Owner's Club Member</a></b> for a number of years and have always found something new on these visits.</span><span style="color: #274e13;"></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Taking in the sights at the Martin Guitar Museum</span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #274e13;">What is so cool is that these museum and factory visits are <b>FREE</b> to the public. All tours depart from the <b>Lobby of The Visitor's Center</b>. So what are some tips for taking a walking tour like this? As this is a working factory, you should wear comfortable, <b>closed toe shoes</b>. You are allowed to take cell phone photos but no flash photography or video taping. Once you take the factory tour, head over to the <b>Martin Guitar Museum</b>, (in the same building) for an engaging history lesson on<b> Martin Guitars</b>. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">The "Picking Parlor" awaits at the end of the Martin Guitar Museum Tour.</span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #274e13;">Once you are done with the factory tour and museum visit, you'll find a little picking parlor available where you actually get to PLAY some of the more exclusive <b>Martins</b>. This is such a treat because even at a music store, you may not get to try out a <b>"D-35 Johnny Cash Commemorative Acoustic Guitar".</b> I mean, who gets to do that? </span><span style="color: #274e13;">YOU do! One of the many insider perks my friend. Hours are:</span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><b>FREE Tours are conducted at regular intervals between 11:00 am and 2:30 pm Monday through Friday at: </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "lato" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">The Martin Guitar Factory, Museum & Visitor's Center</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "lato" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">510 Sycamore St.</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "lato" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Nazareth, PA 18064</span></b></span><span style="color: #274e13;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #274e13;"><b>The factory is CLOSED Labor Day, September 5th, 2016</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><b>Click here for more information on visiting the <a href="https://www.martinguitar.com/about/visit-us/">Martin Guitar Factory</a></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;"><b>Check out my feature archived article on the <a href="http://mariejmiczak.blogspot.com/2010/06/martin-owners-club.html">Martin Owner's Club</a></b></span>drmiczakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06422298341147673150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3034773500847220722.post-18066857177813885922015-10-08T11:19:00.001-07:002016-09-05T11:19:16.195-07:00New LP Release: Thomas Starks Burn the Attic <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #073763;">Vocalist, Guitarist, Thomas Starks latest LP release, Burn the Attic.</span></b></td></tr>
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My friend, Thomas Starks of Seattle Washington, has just dropped his latest LP, <b><i>Burn the Attic.</i></b> Rooted in the music industry as a song writer and performer, he is a serious force to be reckoned with. Check out Thomas' music via his music sites listed below.<br />
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Facebook Fan Page</div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/ThomasStarksMusic" rel="nofollow" style="background: transparent; color: #196ad4; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/ThomasStarksMusic</a></div>
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Twitter</div>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/thomasstarks" rel="nofollow" style="background: transparent; color: #196ad4; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/thomasstarks</a> or @thomasstarks</div>
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Spotify</div>
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<a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/72iOx6z4wiIZvu0vaxYG1l" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1444249289822_48108" rel="nofollow" style="background: transparent; color: #196ad4; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/album/72iOx6z4wiIZvu0vaxYG1l</a></div>
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iTunes </div>
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Burn the Attic by Thomas Starks<br />
<a href="https://itun.es/us/lcmfu" rel="nofollow" style="background: transparent; color: #196ad4; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">https://itun.es/us/lcmfu</a></div>
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Microsoft Music Store</div>
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<a href="https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/search/result.aspx?q=Thomas+Starks&form=music" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1444249289822_48115" rel="nofollow" style="background: transparent; color: #196ad4; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/search/result.aspx?q=Thomas+Starks&form=music</a></div>
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Here is my interview with Thomas:</div>
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<b><span style="color: #274e13;"><i>Me</i></span></b>: How did you get started in the music industry?</div>
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<b>THOMAS</b>: I never set out to be a musician. I was always writing and truly thought I would one day spawn the "Great American Novel". What I had discovered in my writing was directly opposite to my goals. I found myself terrible at Prose and latching onto metaphor without difficulty. At 13, I picked up an acoustic guitar, taught myself some chords, and it just happened. I had something to say, RIGHT NOW, and it just seemed right to parlay my metaphor into this medium. I was never any good at waiting for anything anyway, so I suppose I started in the music industry when I was 13 and never looked back. </div>
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<b><span style="color: #274e13;"><i>Me</i></span></b>: What artists influence you?</div>
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<b>THOMAS</b>: I have been asked this question many times over the years. I used to have quick, canned answers, ones that just seemed to fit. But the world is so big. Right now, I am blasting "Marilyn Manson's" Killing Strangers because it's my mood right now. But at any given time, I morph. However, being that this is an interview, and a legitimate question asked, I would say I was raised on the great Singer/Songwriters such as Van Morrison, Lou Reed, Jackson Browne, and The Moody Blues. But I also loved just being in the moment with Jim Croce and Fleetwood Mac. There are just so many.</div>
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<b><span style="color: #274e13;"><i>Me</i></span></b>: What is your forte? That is song writing, performing, producing?</div>
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<b>THOMAS</b>: At one time, it was just song writing and performing. But at one point, I put the pen down and became a "Music Writer" ie; I interviewed folks for online mags and other publications. I learned so much about the business side of music. It changed me, it grew me up. I began to create a niche where there was none in some respect. I have performed at Rock Venues, Wine Bars, and also parlayed my skills to perform at places like Microsoft and Google. I would say as an artist, one MUST diversify in order to stay in the business, never take anything to personally, and LEARN EVERYTHING. What is my forte...My forte is simply knowing which hat to wear when I am presented with a new and challenging opportunity, and take that leap. I can play a song just as quickly as I can advice an up and comer on how to present themselves to a new venue for booking. And it is not because I am better, it is because I fell down...alot! But it's now how ya hit the mat, it's that ya get up. </div>
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><b><i>Me</i></b></span><span style="color: black;">: What are your follow up projects to the LP Burn the Attic? </span></div>
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<b>THOMAS</b>: Currently, I am working on my 3rd LP and I do expect it to be in it's final stages by Spring of 2016. While doing that, I am also acting as a Consultant to up and comers in the Seattle area as well. I remember the days when I would beat the street not knowing how or whom to contact just to get a gig. I believe in music and the arts, and I also believe in helping those who truly just want to make music because it is what they were born to do. When One finds their purpose in life, it is an exciting thing to be able to help. I have learned so much since I released "Burn The Attic". This 3rd LP will be more grown up, and much more solid, straight forward, and less metaphor. Life is what it is, and I plan to just tell it. </div>
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drmiczakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06422298341147673150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3034773500847220722.post-6473117592722019502015-07-20T15:16:00.001-07:002016-09-05T11:21:13.765-07:00New R & B Sampling - Myke The Artist<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEuI3-80MT1AUyqlSWjhQg8TnDuAC7svC40zpQzUakQy2NlbmfTOD_EI5SBv-84flRMVqYZoX982wnGr393x1KfgPR2AaVNm5mnImI-AVmYZ9XmNtL1AQtTlEvC3J8gRqI4HJxqrJijSA/s1600/0715151819a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEuI3-80MT1AUyqlSWjhQg8TnDuAC7svC40zpQzUakQy2NlbmfTOD_EI5SBv-84flRMVqYZoX982wnGr393x1KfgPR2AaVNm5mnImI-AVmYZ9XmNtL1AQtTlEvC3J8gRqI4HJxqrJijSA/s640/0715151819a.jpg" width="422" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #20124d;">Meeting Myke the Artist in NYC</span></b></td></tr>
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NYC,NY<span style="color: #073763;"> During my last trip to NYC, I had the opportunity to meet and sample some tracks from city native, <b>Myke The Artist</b>. This soulful R & B artist has a new album available called<b> "Chasing Paradise (Before I Found You)"</b> which is available via<b> iTunes, Google Play and Spotify.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">Myke's extremely versatile vocals have him stand out as more than just a one trick pony. His tracks vary from head bobbing to smokey-sensual and very relaxing. In fact, I could listen to him all evening! Having been raised in music culture, Myke started out singing as a young child in his local church choir. Later he attended high school for the Performing Arts and has recently graduated college.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">He writes his own lyrics and music. While his recordings often include the judicious use of Auto Tune, his vocals are pure, pitch perfect and beautiful. Take a listen to his current tracks and stop over to his <b><a href="http://facebook.com/myketheartistfanpage">Face Book Fan page</a> </b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;"><b>Myke is also on Twitter and Instagram: @MyketheArtist He's an up and coming talent to watch.</b></span>drmiczakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06422298341147673150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3034773500847220722.post-68153431914017450292014-11-07T13:01:00.001-08:002016-09-05T11:22:20.160-07:00Holiday Gifts: Audio Technica's ATH-M50xBL LIMITED EDITION Professional Monitor Headphones<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbcunCmOwxYVdjK5cCgemcYM4BquOv7Jv0dm0vxJ_dwz7RJVf0mGQ9JreCMuXnxNz-eQLcu7vdKRI7z4IKKRBDVdzhyphenhyphen1ctfjDHN9bMAJjbOaVSecrTvPuzmzuvi-JpQ2sOBMY1ZIOl7s4/s1600/IMG_2606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbcunCmOwxYVdjK5cCgemcYM4BquOv7Jv0dm0vxJ_dwz7RJVf0mGQ9JreCMuXnxNz-eQLcu7vdKRI7z4IKKRBDVdzhyphenhyphen1ctfjDHN9bMAJjbOaVSecrTvPuzmzuvi-JpQ2sOBMY1ZIOl7s4/s1600/IMG_2606.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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ATH-M50xBL</h1>
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LIMITED EDITION Professional Monitor Headphones</h2>
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<span style="color: #073763;">It's that time of year again! We find ourselves scrambling for just the right gift for the musicians and music lovers on our list. This year Audio Technica has come out with a Limited Edition version of the </span><b style="color: #073763;">ATH-M50xBL Professional Monitor Headphones</b><span style="color: #073763;">. These are studio quality cans for use by DJ's, recording artists, musicians and people who enjoy the muff-style headphones for general listening. Here's what they are saying at the Audio Technica website:</span><br />
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<i style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 23px;">Pure. Professional. Performance.</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 23px;"> </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 23px;">As the most critically acclaimed model in the M-Series line, the ATH-M50 is praised by top audio engineers and pro audio reviewers year after year. Now, the ATH-M50xBL (limited-edition blue) professional monitor headphones feature the same coveted sonic signature, with the added feature of a detachable cable. From the large aperture drivers, sound isolating earcups and robust construction, the M50x provides an unmatched experience for the most critical audio professionals. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 23px;">Also available in black (</span><a href="http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/headphones/99aff89488ddd6b1/index.html" name="goto1" style="background-color: white; color: #5e8295; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 23px; text-decoration: none;">ATH-M50x</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 23px;">) and white (</span><a href="http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/headphones/1000c1b0c122836e/index.html" name="goto2" style="background-color: white; color: #5e8295; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 23px; text-decoration: none;">ATH-M50xWH</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 23px;">). </span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">So as you can see, these are more than just a pretty face! The </span><b style="color: #073763;">ATH-M50xBL Limited Edition Professional Monitor Headphones</b><span style="color: #073763;"> come with a leather-like soft storage pouch and THREE different detachable cables and connecting options making them perfect for the studio or on the road listening with your Smart or iPhone. The pads are super soft and very comfortable to wear for extending periods of studio time.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmbYu4txQ0gHB4JimAxugIkVKCyCm5jYqNLzxgie58fXhAaT8IztLjzY3qMmdAapALM7QFRb6_Te6_81qN1Yvs3CNeOzr-0BAXUImG4XSki6JeKvStPpjeuHEIb5iVELx5-1Bd5mXnMt0/s1600/IMG_2593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmbYu4txQ0gHB4JimAxugIkVKCyCm5jYqNLzxgie58fXhAaT8IztLjzY3qMmdAapALM7QFRb6_Te6_81qN1Yvs3CNeOzr-0BAXUImG4XSki6JeKvStPpjeuHEIb5iVELx5-1Bd5mXnMt0/s1600/IMG_2593.JPG" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #073763;">Audio Technica's Gift Worthy LTD Edition Headphones<br /><br /></span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #073763;">Really you get the best of both worlds. Stylish accents in bronze over navy blue on the earpieces AND exceptional audio quality which brings out the nuances in the highs, mids and lows in your recorded music. I really like to use them in the studio for vocal practice with instrumental tracks and Karaoke recordings.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTnuRXChwS0a6v3MkqdB9S1u9nrnI4hYYs9-9Y1Z-btLL0Q6bELk5ra1s6kB928QlMUR2wja4ZipwPAySd04KpSar-LTB8gOpwBmG3w8d1JTwge8DzHS9f_vo7TS7mo0kNcohwtRB9vmk/s1600/IMG_2605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTnuRXChwS0a6v3MkqdB9S1u9nrnI4hYYs9-9Y1Z-btLL0Q6bELk5ra1s6kB928QlMUR2wja4ZipwPAySd04KpSar-LTB8gOpwBmG3w8d1JTwge8DzHS9f_vo7TS7mo0kNcohwtRB9vmk/s1600/IMG_2605.JPG" width="370" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #073763;">AT cans in the studio on my Karaoke System</span></b></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #073763;">This is a gift even the most discerning audiophile will appreciate. You won't believe your ears with these ultra clear headphones. Hear what you've been missing at <b><a href="http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/headphones/c8feef8909dbc020/index.html">Audio Technica</a></b>. More specs on the <b>ATH-M50xBL Limited Edition Professional Monitor Headphones:</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #073763;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<ul style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 23px;">
<li>Special edition blue color, with tan headband and earpads</li>
<br />
<li>Critically acclaimed sonic performance praised by top audio engineers and pro audio reviewers</li>
<br />
<li>Proprietary 45 mm large-aperture drivers with rare earth magnets and copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils</li>
<br />
<li>Exceptional clarity throughout an extended frequency range, with deep, accurate bass response</li>
<br />
<li>Circumaural design contours around the ears for excellent sound isolation in loud environments</li>
<br />
<li>90° swiveling earcups for easy, one-ear monitoring</li>
<br />
<li>Professional-grade earpad and headband material delivers more durability and comfort</li>
<br />
<li>Collapsible for space-saving portability</li>
<br />
<li>Detachable cables (includes 1.2 m - 3.0 m coiled cable, 3.0 m straight cable and 1.2 m straight cable)</li>
<br />
<li>Top choice for studio tracking and mixing, as well as DJ monitoring and personal listening</li>
</ul>
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<span style="color: #073763;"><br /></span></div>
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drmiczakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06422298341147673150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3034773500847220722.post-38529725602530036372014-02-13T15:16:00.000-08:002016-09-05T11:24:09.118-07:00D'Addario's NEW Planet Waves NS Artist Guitar Capo<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWdixOfet_pLLLvlC5i0K18Raalds6x_8w2ErmirIS8iDV8CmUgxqLv8i-77634VAqiK0FlwC39QigztzEMWHfj2aqeOsfaR8VvATuzapqF6uc-tbOKZqRW8Zmy_q6i8EZTdfYBg1_aLA/s1600/PlanetWavesNEWArtistCapo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWdixOfet_pLLLvlC5i0K18Raalds6x_8w2ErmirIS8iDV8CmUgxqLv8i-77634VAqiK0FlwC39QigztzEMWHfj2aqeOsfaR8VvATuzapqF6uc-tbOKZqRW8Zmy_q6i8EZTdfYBg1_aLA/s1600/PlanetWavesNEWArtistCapo.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://planetwaves.com/pwProductDetail.Page?ActiveID=4115&productid=748&productname=NS_Artist_Capo"><b>In the Studio: D'Addario, Planet Waves NEW NS Artist Capo, another guitarist's dream tool.</b></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #274e13;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Farmingdale, NY</span></b> <span style="font-size: small;">I'm sure you can imagine how important an artist's tools are to his craft, you can begin to understand how this also transfers to musicians. As artists of sound, we quickly hone in on accessories that work in a number of settings, such as in the studio or performing live. The point is that they have to be reliable and work every time.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>NS Artist Capo</b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-size: small;">So that's why I was pretty excited when<b> Planet Waves</b> sent me their NEW NS (stands for Ned Steinberger designed) Artist Capo to review. Their sturdy capos are all that I use right now but I was curious to see how they could possibly improve on an already good thing.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b> </b></span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH8LB9P69dRtKc-c1rhlGFcbVANPuOwlhsPYZQqE77FJkbtZfLzkivLkbQmNFZqx418Jt-j8LGlUoaFRA3f8iVS_mpa2wA_8PMqc8eRheKfmChfIQwbvFRaiFMOWfJKxFniCCJL_Jkdxk/s1600/PlanetWavesNEWArtistCapoPackaging.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH8LB9P69dRtKc-c1rhlGFcbVANPuOwlhsPYZQqE77FJkbtZfLzkivLkbQmNFZqx418Jt-j8LGlUoaFRA3f8iVS_mpa2wA_8PMqc8eRheKfmChfIQwbvFRaiFMOWfJKxFniCCJL_Jkdxk/s1600/PlanetWavesNEWArtistCapoPackaging.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://planetwaves.com/pwProductDetail.Page?ActiveID=4115&productid=748&productname=NS_Artist_Capo">NS Artist Capo in packaging</a></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;"><br /></span></b></span></span>
<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;"></span></b></span></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;"><br /></span></b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b> <span style="color: #274e13;">Design Details</span></b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-size: small;">You may think that a capo is something simple but the Planet Waves models which I use have a micrometer tension adjustment screw to tighten the capo in the smallest imaginable increments. Still even when you tighten it up, their patented trigger geometry only requires 1/3 the force to operate. This is really important to me as I have small hands and a woman's grip. So also like the previous models of their NS capos, this one is made of lightweight aircraft grade aluminum. </span></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiserEsIejLhT7iJZkFJQR2pQKRymFkgEmMoaNDO0pdD2bnEsy1dULKSUeayi9TutYvZXVlg7EJTgnNRC3XzwcGWOqjA6Zvt5vFeXrO4o4ZBdDWBzEb1GAibNYNFxlFAHNG6DiOx2mWAH0/s1600/Cupcakes+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiserEsIejLhT7iJZkFJQR2pQKRymFkgEmMoaNDO0pdD2bnEsy1dULKSUeayi9TutYvZXVlg7EJTgnNRC3XzwcGWOqjA6Zvt5vFeXrO4o4ZBdDWBzEb1GAibNYNFxlFAHNG6DiOx2mWAH0/s1600/Cupcakes+008.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763;"><b>Patented trigger geometry requires only 1/3 the force to operate.</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>So What's New?</b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-size: small;">Planet Waves new NS Artist Capo fits my <b>Martin HD-28</b> perfectly, so I truly enjoy using it on my acoustics with a similar neck shape. What's new is that the NS Artist Capo is tricked out with an <b>Integrated Pick Holder</b>. Sweet! It holds a guitar pick securely, giving you easy access without fumbling around for the one you've misplaced.</span></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiyz5ARBs9DkbL07Yhx6yF7z_DhCRLdk9VTcHX8EAPWdZLVjtttsBUjPkY9x-GOshxJbevebygApCf0n10Uenx_RNeFdg1aLKYHKso7B5KVQmVQUY1kC_Bz_h47CiyuaOsNrI-_oWAwsM/s1600/Cupcakes+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiyz5ARBs9DkbL07Yhx6yF7z_DhCRLdk9VTcHX8EAPWdZLVjtttsBUjPkY9x-GOshxJbevebygApCf0n10Uenx_RNeFdg1aLKYHKso7B5KVQmVQUY1kC_Bz_h47CiyuaOsNrI-_oWAwsM/s1600/Cupcakes+005.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763;"><b>What's new on the NS Artist Capo? This handy integrated pick holder!</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCtjj3kJ4EPQcH-Wo-4lfwttplLAG-_RZbz0aK-zwAnYYJ2Aepiqof_KcPZ4tPm_OTrWPSAoEI53ryFGo0fDOdPmDiRQ4Ek5m2qWya5282traNq58dQ26hSBLzrH6XqPasdVKEs51VrF4/s1600/Cupcakes+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCtjj3kJ4EPQcH-Wo-4lfwttplLAG-_RZbz0aK-zwAnYYJ2Aepiqof_KcPZ4tPm_OTrWPSAoEI53ryFGo0fDOdPmDiRQ4Ek5m2qWya5282traNq58dQ26hSBLzrH6XqPasdVKEs51VrF4/s1600/Cupcakes+006.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>NS Micro Tuner Holder</b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-size: small;">The second new feature is the NS Micro Tuner bracket which holds this super tiny tuner. I reviewed the <b>NS Micro Tuner</b> when it first came out last year so you can read that article <b><a href="http://mariejmiczak.blogspot.com/2013/10/daddario-planet-waves-ns-micro-tuner.html">HERE</a></b>.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-size: small;">So I was impressed to see that in addition to the integrated guitar pick holder, they also have a way of attaching the NS Micro Tuner. You can tune with the capo working in place on the neck or while clipped on the headstock. The NS Micro Tuner has a reversible multi color display so you can flip it around for easy viewing.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-size: small;">I like having everything within reach and this new PW capo allows you quick access to tuning and your guitar pick during a gig or studio set. The best of the best in my opinion. A high quality capo that does a lot more than just raise the pitch. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b> </b></span></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLx8HbTsVsXLuu9NqUcYoFv_OpDAC1x2j53ikq-VEj86MxealOfLu8hqRKZjZb_R5yJSvHqnT66-XgHX-8zb2SS5aBJ_vlAym_FLcVVCtARL7PblNvSKWqKerdXyd7zr14zHppRo1buMQ/s1600/PWNSArtistCapoOnGuitar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLx8HbTsVsXLuu9NqUcYoFv_OpDAC1x2j53ikq-VEj86MxealOfLu8hqRKZjZb_R5yJSvHqnT66-XgHX-8zb2SS5aBJ_vlAym_FLcVVCtARL7PblNvSKWqKerdXyd7zr14zHppRo1buMQ/s1600/PWNSArtistCapoOnGuitar.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://planetwaves.com/"><b>NS Micro Tuner Bracket and Integrated Pick Holder are unique to the NS Artist Capo</b></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Here Are the Specs from the Planet Waves Website:</b></span></span><br />
<h2>
<span style="color: #274e13;">Description</span></h2>
<span style="color: #274e13;">The NS Artist Capo utilizes a patented tri-action geometry reducing the force required to
open and close the capo while applying even tension regardless of neck profile. Combined
with the micrometer tension adjustment and direct horizontal pressure, the NS Artist
Capo virtually eliminates pulling the strings side to side and the need to retune during use.
Additionally, the trigger-style design and lightweight aluminum construction adds no obstruction
or noticeable weight to the neck of the instrument. The NS Artist Capo includes an NS
Mini/Micro Tuner mounting bracket, allowing you to add tuning capabilities to the capo.
Tuner sold separately.</span><br />
<ul class="product-bullets">
<li><span style="color: #274e13;">Designed for use on 6-string electric and acoustic guitars</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #274e13;">Micrometer tension adjustment assures buzz-free in-tune
performance at every fret</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #274e13;">Patented Tri-Action geometry offers easy use and even clamping tension</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #274e13;">Lightweight aircraft-grade aluminum construction</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #274e13;">Integrated pick holder</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #274e13;">Includes NS Micro Tuner mounting bracket</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: #274e13;">Planet
Waves products promise to be the most innovative professional
musician’s tools available. Our diverse capo line is no exception. Many
of our groundbreaking models are the result of a productive joint effort
between famed designer Ned Steinberger and Jim D’Addario. No matter
what style of capo you prefer, Planet Waves has the capo for you.
</span><br />
<br />drmiczakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06422298341147673150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3034773500847220722.post-20212251674237425272013-12-18T12:45:00.000-08:002013-12-18T12:45:02.294-08:00Artisan StudioWorks Stone Guitar Pick Jewelry<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSTviLUON5iPNeoIzeciL7WLFONfxSUthkdcintz_qQH794DX-BkQ_cbMjXL5MhPZGGncmB4RAYkQs6-R5TTcOWr_dwwdEd4_k7F75-ckOdFj0DVYohhqAbz5RdDm9hNvIWND0P5NGpn4/s1600/DSCF7079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSTviLUON5iPNeoIzeciL7WLFONfxSUthkdcintz_qQH794DX-BkQ_cbMjXL5MhPZGGncmB4RAYkQs6-R5TTcOWr_dwwdEd4_k7F75-ckOdFj0DVYohhqAbz5RdDm9hNvIWND0P5NGpn4/s400/DSCF7079.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://artisanstudioworks.com/"><span style="color: #073763;"><b>Beautiful Brazilian Agate natural polished stone from Artisan Studio Works, Santa Ana, CA</b></span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #073763;">Guitarists can also be classified as artists. I guess that's why <b>Greg Atkin</b> of <b>Strum in Comfort, (the original SharkTooth Pick)</b> introduced me to his <a href="http://artisanstudioworks.com/"><b>Artisan StudioWorks</b></a></span> <span style="color: #073763;">lovely natural stone pendants.</span> <span style="color: #073763;">These are beautifully polished and the lead photo is a translucent Brazilian Agate wrapped with sterling silver wire and a delicate rose design at the top. The necklace is made of black leather with a lobster claw clasp and built in extender. I know what I'm wearing for New Year's Eve. Fabulous!</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSGQWxomRBuGJuWw7cP-AaVDvyVweRuupZi-Uc4Wwnkf7OumaS0_vZjj_FXSLeg2X5jH-hURgUA7xPLz_fenEEFi0d1xlu9DLJgjKfj-H3OxlBVQt-bLs35QsfVJxS_5frTyxG0fK1_PQ/s1600/DSCF7076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSGQWxomRBuGJuWw7cP-AaVDvyVweRuupZi-Uc4Wwnkf7OumaS0_vZjj_FXSLeg2X5jH-hURgUA7xPLz_fenEEFi0d1xlu9DLJgjKfj-H3OxlBVQt-bLs35QsfVJxS_5frTyxG0fK1_PQ/s400/DSCF7076.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763;"><b>Interchangeable semi-open sterling silver wired pendant.</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #073763;">I still have one of the first stone pick pendants which I love because I can change the look by adding a different polished stone heart to the holder. These new sterling silver wired necklaces are even more dramatic and elegant. The above stone pick holder has a stylized G-Clef and can be changed to match your outfit or mood by switching out the stone of your choice. Stop by <b><a href="http://artisanstudioworks.com/">Artisan StudioWorks.com</a></b> to see more designs and products from artist, <b>Greg M. Atkin</b>.</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://artisanstudioworks.com/"><b><span style="color: #073763;">Artisan StudioWorks </span></b></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman',times,serif;">Artisan StudioWorks now has a secure & convenient <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Etsy site</span>
where you can purchase one of a kind guitar accessories and stone
guitar pick jewelry designed by artist Greg M Atkin. In addition,
several other artisans have helped develop hand tooled and painted
leather wrist cuffs, ornate guitar pins and a banjo clip.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman',times,serif;"><i>I'd like to thank my friend, artist Greg M. Atkin for sending me this collection and have added them to my <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/doctorm/lucky-gift-guide/"><b>Lucky Gift Guide</b></a> as well as my Guitar & Vocal Gear. </i></span></span></span>drmiczakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06422298341147673150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3034773500847220722.post-75723006979187626692013-10-23T13:55:00.000-07:002013-10-23T13:55:41.010-07:00D'Addario Planet Waves NS Micro Tuner<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkTiMUyiwDTm-5SwzzBvKF2tAxVPNtaULm8c9Rx5ZlRc1f2uokK0QO-5UpofZw5v_Dcep853z4jxvvWzReu3_wHRGDyazy5gWHYzv-Pvvsz75ZOUF0K1WFNn2hJgTXa9lJffO7rATuETg/s1600/PlanetWavesNSMicroTuner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkTiMUyiwDTm-5SwzzBvKF2tAxVPNtaULm8c9Rx5ZlRc1f2uokK0QO-5UpofZw5v_Dcep853z4jxvvWzReu3_wHRGDyazy5gWHYzv-Pvvsz75ZOUF0K1WFNn2hJgTXa9lJffO7rATuETg/s400/PlanetWavesNSMicroTuner.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://planetwaves.com/"><span style="color: #073763;"><b>You know what they say, "Small things come in good packages!" D' Addario Planet waves NS Micro Tuner for guitar, bass, mandolin, uke and banjo.</b></span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="color: #073763;">D'Addario & Co. Farmingdale, NY</span></b></span> <span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: small;">Just when you thought it couldn't be done, <b>Planet Waves</b> takes center stage with the world's smallest guitar tuner. I have their <b>NS Mini Headstock Tuner</b> which is also very small...so tiny in fact that I simply leave it on the guitar's headstock when placing it in the case! I reviewed it here along with other <b><a href="http://mariejmiczak.blogspot.com/2013/02/planet-waves-dual-action-capo-tuner.html">Planet Waves Guitar Tuners</a></b></span></span>.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #073763;">Small But Mighty</span></b><br />
<span style="color: #073763;">I really liked the <b>Mini Headstock Tuner</b> when it first was released. First of all, you couldn't beat it for portability but even more than that, it is extremely accurate. I used to use my <b>Tru-Strobe Pedal Tuner</b> before each studio session but now I just tune up with the Headstock Tuners.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnRNPaYLwX2WfJ9x5MgCOwQgv1NdcFwmUYk7DaDYDC58AzYMZ_3028rvx_QUm67fp82An8WvOqWGCreSck-Az_v6iiAPm5Fxh9KAMabEFI2BLqTblZIhI8OllApxYnTO1uUutye-7QPA0/s1600/PWMiniHeadstockTuner" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnRNPaYLwX2WfJ9x5MgCOwQgv1NdcFwmUYk7DaDYDC58AzYMZ_3028rvx_QUm67fp82An8WvOqWGCreSck-Az_v6iiAPm5Fxh9KAMabEFI2BLqTblZIhI8OllApxYnTO1uUutye-7QPA0/s320/PWMiniHeadstockTuner" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">PW's NS Mini Headstock Tuner is the forerunner to the new micro version.</span></b></td></tr>
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<b><span style="color: #073763;">Like Having a Built in Tuner </span></b><br />
<span style="color: #073763;">I had my <b>Fender Stratocaster</b> modified with a built in tuner that went under my volume knob. The thing is GREAT but when I have to change the 9v battery, I'll have to take the guitar apart. It wasn't easy installing it either. I took it to a professional music shop and had it done as I did not want to blow up my guitar . Why go through all of that when these tuners are small enough to be left of the headstock during transport?</span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #073763;">Performing with the Micro Tuner</span></b><br />
<span style="color: #073763;">Another thing that you'll like is that unlike some other tuners, the audience can't see it on your headstock! I've performed with it and no one could tell it was there. So stealthy. Since it's hanging out there on the headstock for the whole set, you can tune up as much as you like. Amazing.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA5Rgy_b0ATs8oMKM7SjykDhIeLLTm-tsOeSLCnRBViccrXe6JjbDKvaGOsBnbBlab81RFgCpp52w_VLjvXOHSUfU7BHUu1y9TyWYURTzdhNluStdIPDBSknW9duhfluvkdjInOnAoH3A/s1600/Cupcakes+134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA5Rgy_b0ATs8oMKM7SjykDhIeLLTm-tsOeSLCnRBViccrXe6JjbDKvaGOsBnbBlab81RFgCpp52w_VLjvXOHSUfU7BHUu1y9TyWYURTzdhNluStdIPDBSknW9duhfluvkdjInOnAoH3A/s320/Cupcakes+134.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>My Mini Tuner is there. Can you see it?</b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #073763;"><b>Mini to Micro Comparison</b> </span><br />
<span style="color: #073763;">So what is the difference between the two tuners, besides size of course? Based on how I've tried it, turning on the Micro Tuner is much easier. It has a dedicated, universal power button unlike the previous model which required repeated pressings to scroll through to the desired options. Same thing for turning it off. One button, one press. Genius.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Y0WKFWGAr_-xra5hmCHQzY4tK6b9-_Jduenlr7Z25QlrDe9xorvxWyfEo82RNIi16YDY1W5jflfWySlqSzT-qNcR0K_qr5tZSiQEDAfweJ7ZPkWsxir27u0rCstKpfI_Wc3W3E-Hz3o/s1600/PWMicroandMiniHeadstockTuners.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Y0WKFWGAr_-xra5hmCHQzY4tK6b9-_Jduenlr7Z25QlrDe9xorvxWyfEo82RNIi16YDY1W5jflfWySlqSzT-qNcR0K_qr5tZSiQEDAfweJ7ZPkWsxir27u0rCstKpfI_Wc3W3E-Hz3o/s320/PWMicroandMiniHeadstockTuners.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Micro on the left, Mini on the right!</b></span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="color: #073763;">NS Micro Tuner-The Wrap </span><span style="color: #073763;"> </span></b><br />
<span style="color: #073763;">Like the Mini model, (Ned Steinberger design), the Micro has an easy to use ratchet clamps and can be mounted on either the front or back of your headstock. The NS Micro Tuner has the added features of a reversible multi-color display</span> <span style="color: #073763;">and a visual metronome. The Power Button allows you to press to toggle the tuner off and on but the tuner automatically powers off in 10 minutes to save battery life.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;"><b>Color Codes</b>: The unit shows the actual note and Red indicates:out of tune, Yellow: almost in tune and Green: in tune.</span><br />
<span style="color: #073763;"><b>The cursor buttons</b>: allow you to press either arrow to adjust tuner calibration from 410-480Hz. While in Metronome Mode, press wither arrow to adjust tempo setting from 20 to 270bpm. Most tuners can't do that!</span><br />
<span style="color: #073763;"><b>Flip Button</b>: Press to change screen orientation. This is really helpful for tricky headstocks that make placement of the tuner hard to see. Orient the screen they way you want for easy viewing.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">You get TWO tuners in a pack so you'll have twice the tuning fun for multiple instruments. A great value all the way around and definitely something to consider for the Guitarist on your gift list this year. </span>drmiczakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06422298341147673150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3034773500847220722.post-74902584679069338642013-06-26T12:34:00.001-07:002013-06-27T09:11:24.961-07:00Joe Satriani's 2013 Europe Tour & Artist Designs<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWXVA3loRHhlTZ3BSECY_ECtJSGX1KUZEEqastKNlV5EvWXonfkBxJM5uMEWmzlMh4oUiFgUSe9ehfQHgF63uMMyTsS597IljHTfRLUY-iKMl_wV3DUOWOPvMyvjeFqDo4Dd9m1V-4FDk/s1600/JoeSatrianiand+DavidMiddleton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWXVA3loRHhlTZ3BSECY_ECtJSGX1KUZEEqastKNlV5EvWXonfkBxJM5uMEWmzlMh4oUiFgUSe9ehfQHgF63uMMyTsS597IljHTfRLUY-iKMl_wV3DUOWOPvMyvjeFqDo4Dd9m1V-4FDk/s400/JoeSatrianiand+DavidMiddleton.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #073763;">Guitarists, Joe "Satch" Satriani of the US and David Middleton of London, England on the 2013 European Tour. (Walthamstow, UK)</span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: #073763;">LONDON, ENGLAND: </span></span><span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-size: small;">Perhaps one of the most talented guitarists on the planet, Joe Satriani continues his 2013 European Tour</span> with a stop over in London, England. My friend and fellow musician David Middleton, (lead guitarist for <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/241958165868734/">Chaysa</a></b>), caught up with him backstage after his seriously riveting performance. All UK shows have guest Matt Schofield opening for Satch. Here is a highlight clip from Joe's London England concert:</span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ymOwdRGTzSs?rel=0" width="420"></iframe></center>
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<span style="color: #073763;">Joe is considered a guitar prodigy by most accounts and his virtuosity is near legendary. I so enjoy the way he uses guitar effects to the full but his skills continue to shine through. That is what sets him apart. Artistry like this doesn't rely on weird effects and gimmicks. One of the things I learned in guitar class was to get the basics first and then any effects you want to add would layer over good technique instead of replacing it.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;">Joe Satriani's artistry isn't just limited to music. A few years ago Joe designed a series of signature guitar Straps for Planet Waves. These are all his own, original designs reproduced for guitarists like me to enjoy. I have his <a href="http://planetwaves.com/pwSatrianiSignatureStraps.Page">Skull N Bones Design Planet Lock Strap</a> which is on my Aria Pro II Fullerton model below:</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn70HP8qm8fEXiI5BiQZhh_GvElRVZX62Uc6GhrkhW8eg4hi9CIxoT8lXpwnMxl3arFUwFIx1lr_QqVp3zWEUqwwz8aIVTHTmthKFt68UUlF0bee0xsXuhyphenhyphenpDYsKR5QhNNiUE0jcKYdJs/s1600/JoeSatrianiVIPPassEur2013Tour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn70HP8qm8fEXiI5BiQZhh_GvElRVZX62Uc6GhrkhW8eg4hi9CIxoT8lXpwnMxl3arFUwFIx1lr_QqVp3zWEUqwwz8aIVTHTmthKFt68UUlF0bee0xsXuhyphenhyphenpDYsKR5QhNNiUE0jcKYdJs/s320/JoeSatrianiVIPPassEur2013Tour.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://planetwaves.com/">Joe Satriani designed Guitar Strap by Planet Waves & signed VIP pass from my friend David Middleton</a></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #073763;"><a href="http://planetwaves.com/"><br /></a>
These designs are first drawn free hand by Joe and make up a complete series of artist-generated locking guitar straps with matching picks available at <a href="http://planetwaves.com/pwSatrianiSignatureStraps.Page">Planet Waves</a>.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTMeYSMr89JddIE9OOH2GdZZRoxwReUUb0GA9SLHfjSby1d3saMsNhgZhyphenhyphenY8GjxcBl9E4rsWBeVN8c8ExQmY96yrQcNJmpWbdgTxhMO-hMYjG48eDqqo73VRsOFRpYF-lvpFyDtwWqwNg/s1600/DSCF6330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTMeYSMr89JddIE9OOH2GdZZRoxwReUUb0GA9SLHfjSby1d3saMsNhgZhyphenhyphenY8GjxcBl9E4rsWBeVN8c8ExQmY96yrQcNJmpWbdgTxhMO-hMYjG48eDqqo73VRsOFRpYF-lvpFyDtwWqwNg/s320/DSCF6330.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://planetwaves.com/pwSatrianiSignatureStrapsPlanetLock.Page">Details on my Skull and Bones strap designed by Joe Satriani for Planet Waves</a></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #073763;">Below, Joe demonstrates and discusses his artistic method and creations for Planet Waves.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Y8VQYnK8zB8?rel=0" width="420"></iframe></span></center>
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<span style="color: #073763;">So if you can't make Joe's European Tour this year, pick up one of his artistic guitar straps. Here's <b><a href="http://www.satriani.com/road/">Joe's 2013 Europe Tour Dates.</a></b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYf6_Xq3uEudQBqAsWzLwbLcp_Khpm7XGGhP0ndHCqeAmMJpfELQ1dgtKb5vsFZZhLq26AM6il4yBfMpjZpwA4Ar4u1vOkgtflysBEyvUmDJS0dNeYoJkfWTA-0MsGikb-fiKVrsNBZ5w/s1600/JoeSatrianiVIPPassEur2013TourBACK.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYf6_Xq3uEudQBqAsWzLwbLcp_Khpm7XGGhP0ndHCqeAmMJpfELQ1dgtKb5vsFZZhLq26AM6il4yBfMpjZpwA4Ar4u1vOkgtflysBEyvUmDJS0dNeYoJkfWTA-0MsGikb-fiKVrsNBZ5w/s320/JoeSatrianiVIPPassEur2013TourBACK.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #073763;">Joe Satriani's signature on the back of my VIP Pass from David Middleton!</span></b></td></tr>
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<b><span style="color: #073763;"> </span></b>
drmiczakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06422298341147673150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3034773500847220722.post-6519740773692301612013-03-13T11:52:00.001-07:002013-03-13T11:52:22.845-07:00Irish Eyes Are Still Smiling <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHL0UR0X1TNRR1_7c3ZDRfVRaILGz6AEAZ6BrYSnHpH8tjWO8ojBymfD-k-pe0ANSsDqFptLVtWjzxUL1kJxZ_e-qSnzjDTg5BDIL0F9T6cvZUL6lN8WYQpJZdpyUKshEWcVqNBxUW3tA/s1600/IrishSongsCollection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHL0UR0X1TNRR1_7c3ZDRfVRaILGz6AEAZ6BrYSnHpH8tjWO8ojBymfD-k-pe0ANSsDqFptLVtWjzxUL1kJxZ_e-qSnzjDTg5BDIL0F9T6cvZUL6lN8WYQpJZdpyUKshEWcVqNBxUW3tA/s400/IrishSongsCollection.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><b>St. Patrick's Day Jam Materials</b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #274e13;">With Saint Patrick's Day coming up you might want to add a few Irish songs to your gig or jam. In fact, Bluegrass music is a direct descendant of Celtic music. Many songs we like to do in Bluegrass are simply adaptations of old Irish Fiddle Tunes. A few examples of Bluegrass tunes taken from Irish Seisuns are <i>Old Joe Clark</i>, <i>Cripple Creek</i>, <i>The Girl I Left Behind</i>, <i>Soldiers Joy</i> and <i>Shady Grove</i>. Other fiddle tunes like <i>Leather Britches</i> and <i>Pretty Polly</i> actually have Scottish roots.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMOLOXMNjieOKSH3WMpn586MUh6A41qZdJYPr7HWeS_Sf5tWtSC9SH8OZyFszLWEh4kZb6FI02YThsBQtCOC5p1HOVCr8A1ywKfA3QYiabf-VKWwzqAOfHEq1VCKlCJ5O6eIl1KW4CqAY/s1600/BigBookOIrishSongs.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMOLOXMNjieOKSH3WMpn586MUh6A41qZdJYPr7HWeS_Sf5tWtSC9SH8OZyFszLWEh4kZb6FI02YThsBQtCOC5p1HOVCr8A1ywKfA3QYiabf-VKWwzqAOfHEq1VCKlCJ5O6eIl1KW4CqAY/s200/BigBookOIrishSongs.gif" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Hal Leonard's Big Book of 75 Irish Songs!</span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #274e13;"></span><br /><span style="color: #274e13;"></span>
<span style="color: #274e13;">If you listen to and play a few of these, you'll appreciate the Celtic heritage that is at the core. In fact, there are about 120 fiddle tunes that make up the average Irish Session repertoire whereas you can get away with about 50 for Bluegrass. Another difference is like Jazz, Bluegrass allows for each jam participant to "take the lead" in what's known as a breakdown. Each player has the opportunity to embellish on the melody and add some fast licks and improvisation on the spot.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13;">Musicians such as <b>Merle Travis</b> raised the breakdown to a highly sophisticated art form so much so that while traditional Celtic music does not allow for this, Bluegrass has flourished on its account. There's something about having poetic license to create on the moment that appeals to the soul of most musicians. There's something incredible about taking that break and doing something amazing with it!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><b>Musicians Who Have Defined the Genre</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;">When you think of Bluegrass, you have to list <b>Bill Monroe</b>, <b>Earl Scruggs</b> and <b>Merle Travis</b> among the first generation of artists who shaped the sound. Many Bluegrass artists hail from Appalachia among the Blue Ridge mountains where our Scottish, Irish and English ancestors first landed when coming to America. The backbone of the music was Celtic but the flesh was shaped by a fusion of African (banjo) and uniquely American influences<b>. </b> </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFzNfSC6Pn0IfvaMnv0qIz-a2RLjGh4REsPJBkH19xSbjByUKl762rhm7j2Ooxedvf4zhW7wfiJwWDBmfHGPbPX29P92Fr3VCimBMkek3dNPAYzig_LyiBpAqrzFSLDhiGhW-3-oST_Q4/s1600/Thom+Bresh+OnStage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFzNfSC6Pn0IfvaMnv0qIz-a2RLjGh4REsPJBkH19xSbjByUKl762rhm7j2Ooxedvf4zhW7wfiJwWDBmfHGPbPX29P92Fr3VCimBMkek3dNPAYzig_LyiBpAqrzFSLDhiGhW-3-oST_Q4/s320/Thom+Bresh+OnStage.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thom_Bresh"><span style="color: #274e13;">Thom Bresh, son of Bluegrass pioneer, Merle Travis</span></a></b></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #274e13;">Today, punk rock fusion bands like <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dropkick_Murphys"><b>Dropkick Murphys</b> </a></span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;">have aggressive elements of traditional Celtic music blended in. Ever checked out an Electric Autoharp? Have you ever heard a rock-bagpipe? It's being done and it's fresh and exciting to hear what newer artists are coming up with. They are pushing the limits of what we would recognize as core Irish & Scottish music. However, the challenge is to be true to who you are without simply regurgitating the same songs from the past. Check out NewGrass too.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13;">I think once you become familiar with the origins of a particular musical genre, there is no stopping what innovations you will come up with. This St. Patrick's Day, take the time to play a few Irish tunes and see where they take you!</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ_xXmIc1HUXADZys_D2GkEaKsoFKPB2bX46utmQuiBKYiVu1BR9IjSDqsIGtwRi1vDZJNIhHcNrtbfZbFnyhU32JlClluLYvfqycg0gP7Q4tkEdfczja_jot6OaDfupbqHrrQBQ0tfUw/s1600/BelmarMcGrath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ_xXmIc1HUXADZys_D2GkEaKsoFKPB2bX46utmQuiBKYiVu1BR9IjSDqsIGtwRi1vDZJNIhHcNrtbfZbFnyhU32JlClluLYvfqycg0gP7Q4tkEdfczja_jot6OaDfupbqHrrQBQ0tfUw/s320/BelmarMcGrath.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><b>Playing our guitar and Autoharp at the Belmar, NJ St. Patrick's Day Parade</b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #274e13;"> </span>drmiczakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06422298341147673150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3034773500847220722.post-6543348773581557892013-02-18T13:44:00.000-08:002013-02-20T13:22:39.596-08:00Planet Waves Dual Action Capo + Tuner<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvPmboJ71vk4LhsE3s_jP3aGV-67kgjM3yb4BNVhWcDvSIhMzFmpvuLs0TQGVd4O0fYyxfaswiJdt8blAaaeD7ePskxkb3eo2F4q-lOajA34L-h7xr4oEf9METe0qiyGzkCTxRhP53RB4/s1600/PWDualAC%2526T.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvPmboJ71vk4LhsE3s_jP3aGV-67kgjM3yb4BNVhWcDvSIhMzFmpvuLs0TQGVd4O0fYyxfaswiJdt8blAaaeD7ePskxkb3eo2F4q-lOajA34L-h7xr4oEf9METe0qiyGzkCTxRhP53RB4/s320/PWDualAC%2526T.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://planetwaves.com/">Planet Waves NS Dual Action Capo & Tuner</a></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="color: #274e13;">Spring is the time that we think about playing out more at jams, gigs and music festivals. Folk festivals are some of my favorites for informal performing. I like the New Jersey Folk Festival for that reason. I can remember people in the audience bringing their instruments to play along with us up on stage. Now THAT is audience participation! So anything that helps make bringing an instrument along easier is going to get my attention.</span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjHnaYoaTjIgasUds9TK1dJeYRDDo5oYeMyIObso334onsbjTzU7T3PtY4uL8pwliNC-P0frhOIennnyXyeRwa1KQBGxsMqm25WUV_fLj_qD_3VAXycUHb_h12Ibf-1hQOsN88-b7_0pg/s1600/DSCF2367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjHnaYoaTjIgasUds9TK1dJeYRDDo5oYeMyIObso334onsbjTzU7T3PtY4uL8pwliNC-P0frhOIennnyXyeRwa1KQBGxsMqm25WUV_fLj_qD_3VAXycUHb_h12Ibf-1hQOsN88-b7_0pg/s320/DSCF2367.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><b>The PW Capos fit my Martin Guitar necks perfectly</b></span>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b><span style="color: #274e13;">Planet Waves NS Dual Action Capo... </span></b><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhow6zds6hhZ7ijsJUP8-B4E2FDfLfqBzxHRzZQpNL6XTK9Jwd9-RqGI-AMQK8chJto_PVOX73j_W0o63ON5tieHpFbMaNWfVme-t8hLUkRAMYPyij1jNkeAWkIncTSST3eh06UWkhp0mI/s1600/PlanetWavesDAC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhow6zds6hhZ7ijsJUP8-B4E2FDfLfqBzxHRzZQpNL6XTK9Jwd9-RqGI-AMQK8chJto_PVOX73j_W0o63ON5tieHpFbMaNWfVme-t8hLUkRAMYPyij1jNkeAWkIncTSST3eh06UWkhp0mI/s1600/PlanetWavesDAC.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><b>PW NS Dual Action Capo</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #274e13;">When the original Planet Waves Dual Action Capo first came out, I loved it. It is sturdy, easy to adjust, (I could actually take it off and move it on the fly) and stays put. The adjustable spring allows for the perfect fit and the curved back seems to fit my Martin necks perfectly.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #274e13;"><b>PLUS Tuner</b> </span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;">My womanly hands are small but I have no problem clamping and unclasping the Dual Action Capo. So when the upgrade arrived, I had no problem switching over. The mechanism is the same only now you have a little tuner on the end! The tuner is very accurate and easy to activate. The only downside is that it doesn't display the actual note. I've used it mostly to tweak a properly tuned guitar using a pedal tuner like their<b> Tru-Strobe</b>. Once your guitar is tuned to the proper notes, you just need a little fine tuning so seeing the note you are playing is not as important at that point.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfdudZVB4XApfRC2g_TBbP3IvcGvj4JMkBt9im3U1eeOLb0HpC4Q_tui79ETlgAC20lUsosS9KHrjIN9tVNYO5-4MiSXUpQLSSZarEni7bU1bqBwy3jJUzC4CW491kemxDsuz5ASuwDhU/s1600/PWCT11_Pedal_Tuner+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfdudZVB4XApfRC2g_TBbP3IvcGvj4JMkBt9im3U1eeOLb0HpC4Q_tui79ETlgAC20lUsosS9KHrjIN9tVNYO5-4MiSXUpQLSSZarEni7bU1bqBwy3jJUzC4CW491kemxDsuz5ASuwDhU/s320/PWCT11_Pedal_Tuner+copy.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://planetwaves.com/"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Planet Waves Tru-Strobe Pedal Tuner should be your starting point for accurate baseline tuning</span></b></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHsgI1sd1VsYGb_b4V7lZPnLvWntl28Yp71b1kWhq0HXIKUIlfd85C9fY3IpKr1IUgp1K_pQPzkN4EO1wdAYHnu1L-ACwpHEaXY1T6cRoBXhbVJJL7dkKRPuuE2wxPp37hKLbfYT5Tw1k/s1600/pwCapoTunerSideView.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHsgI1sd1VsYGb_b4V7lZPnLvWntl28Yp71b1kWhq0HXIKUIlfd85C9fY3IpKr1IUgp1K_pQPzkN4EO1wdAYHnu1L-ACwpHEaXY1T6cRoBXhbVJJL7dkKRPuuE2wxPp37hKLbfYT5Tw1k/s1600/pwCapoTunerSideView.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><b>NS Capo Tuner</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #274e13;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="color: #274e13;"><b>Planet Waves NS Dual Action Capo - Tuner</b> </span><b><span style="color: #274e13;"> </span> </b><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;">One of the things that I like about this combo capo & tuner is somewhat obvious. You don't have to bring two guitar accessories as you have both the capo and tuner in one.</span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;">What is cool is that you can offer it to someone whose tuner is failing and they always say. "Wow, your capo has a tuner on it too?" You look like the genius in the room and your playing buddy gets their instrument tuned.</span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;">Here are the specs on this tuner straight from the Planet Waves website:</span><br />
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</a><br />
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<a class="lightbox" href="http://planetwaves.com/resources/jdcplw/images/products/pw_prod_PW-CP-08_detail1_1.jpg" id="ctl07_mainImageLB"><img height="28" src="http://planetwaves.com/templates/images/promark2011/magnifying_glass_28x28.jpg" width="28" /></a></div>
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<td class="productDescriptionTD" valign="top"><h2>
<span style="color: #274e13;">NS Capo Tuner</span></h2>
<span style="color: #274e13;">
</span><span style="color: #274e13;">The NS Capo Tuner combines the widely acclaimed NS Dual
Action Capo with a Planet Waves precision chromatic tuner. the first of
its kind, the NS Capo tuner provides accurate tuning at any fret or when
clipped on the headstock of your acoustic or electric guitar. the
patented compound action of the dual action capo reduces the force
necessary to open and close the capo. it also eliminates side pulling
the strings out of tune, a common issue with standard trigger-type
capos. lightweight, accurate and easy to use, simply adjust the
micrometer tension knob just enough to eliminate string buzzing and
enjoy repeatable in-tune performance at every fret. Designed to fit
standard 6- and 12-string guitars. The upper lights indicate sharp
conditions in the same manner as the lower lights indicate flat
conditions. Tuner will automatically power off after 4 minutes.</span><br />
<ul class="product-bullets">
<li><span style="color: #274e13;">Designed for acoustic and electric guitars with radiused fretboards </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #274e13;">Intergraded Single hand operation tuner and Micrometer tension adjustment assures buzz-free in-tune performance at any fret</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #274e13;">Single hand Aircraft grade aluminum construction</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #274e13;">Aircraft grade aluminum construction</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #274e13;">Designed for 6- and most 12-string guitars</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: #274e13;">Planet
Waves NS Series capos are the result of an ongoing collaboration
between famed product designer Ned Steinberger, Jim D'Addario and Planet
Waves.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnRNPaYLwX2WfJ9x5MgCOwQgv1NdcFwmUYk7DaDYDC58AzYMZ_3028rvx_QUm67fp82An8WvOqWGCreSck-Az_v6iiAPm5Fxh9KAMabEFI2BLqTblZIhI8OllApxYnTO1uUutye-7QPA0/s1600/PWMiniHeadstockTuner" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnRNPaYLwX2WfJ9x5MgCOwQgv1NdcFwmUYk7DaDYDC58AzYMZ_3028rvx_QUm67fp82An8WvOqWGCreSck-Az_v6iiAPm5Fxh9KAMabEFI2BLqTblZIhI8OllApxYnTO1uUutye-7QPA0/s320/PWMiniHeadstockTuner" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">PW Headstock Tuner</span></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #274e13;">I mostly use the tiny PW Headstock Tuner these days because it shows the the musical note and it is small enough that I can leave it on the headstock and put the guitar in the case. It sort of lives on the headstock now and I haven't noticed any scratches or discoloration as a result.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #274e13;">However I still bring along the NS Capo Tuner to gigs to use and to have in case one of my band-mates tuner fails or gets left at home. This goes for myself as well!!! It's good to have a backup plan and having a dual action capo / tuner like this on board is just good policy.</span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;"> </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir9nrd5OviSJjZZrQSYEWC1fblK22OMgqQgGv_gOo4CE0wSQ0qbLA41wbmP7l5Q57K5uZTrhENG35DLPxatS9fqO-pyuJ0Jj6wTaox6NlHAB2FhGvUAyl6SmKSd7KJQwt_4fhBANl1yoU/s1600/DSCF5639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir9nrd5OviSJjZZrQSYEWC1fblK22OMgqQgGv_gOo4CE0wSQ0qbLA41wbmP7l5Q57K5uZTrhENG35DLPxatS9fqO-pyuJ0Jj6wTaox6NlHAB2FhGvUAyl6SmKSd7KJQwt_4fhBANl1yoU/s320/DSCF5639.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><b>My Karaoke Machine allows me to change keys for my vocal track keys which I then capo up the neck of the guitar.</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />drmiczakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06422298341147673150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3034773500847220722.post-6324444422560322142013-01-27T16:29:00.000-08:002013-01-27T16:29:43.346-08:00Eagle Mania!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-yi66PK6G898wQKe6t0pWy_F9WT8b6YLxzKSalDsfxNzgbI8UNaYBjjVXHQVyhIjkJ4bLDhcv3Ok09CDzUgDkW1p0zjK6ATx2MXfNkN5rVBnUxpAOtej7qMi3H-Atk3cSDjPoF0YaOsg/s1600/EagleManiaKenDarcyPlaying.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-yi66PK6G898wQKe6t0pWy_F9WT8b6YLxzKSalDsfxNzgbI8UNaYBjjVXHQVyhIjkJ4bLDhcv3Ok09CDzUgDkW1p0zjK6ATx2MXfNkN5rVBnUxpAOtej7qMi3H-Atk3cSDjPoF0YaOsg/s400/EagleManiaKenDarcyPlaying.jpg" width="352" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://eaglemaniaband.com/"><span style="color: #073763;"><b>Steve French (l) and Ken Darcy tearing it up during Eagle Mania's set at Monmouth Co. Library HDQ's in New Jersey</b></span></a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763;"><b><br /></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #073763;">I have to say I truly enjoyed a pre-Valentine's Day treat catching <b><a href="http://eaglemaniaband.com/">Eagle Mania</a></b> (an Eagles Tribute Band) in concert this afternoon. If you know the Eagles, you know their tight, complex harmonies are truly something to hear...and to replicate. If you can remember me covering Hwy 61's concert, (they are a <b>Bob Dylan</b> tribute band) it really takes musicians with a heart and soul of respect for the original artists. While I really appreciated their music, most of Bob's stuff is before my time even though I play some of his music on acoustic guitar. Bob Dylan was not what I danced to when I was in high school. It was the Eagles! The concert was only 90 minutes but flew by as they did: Take It To the Limit, New Kid in Town, Boys of Summer, Tequila Sunrise, The Best of Your Love, Lying Eyes, One of These Nights, Already Gone, Desperado, Hotel CA, Life in the Fast Lane and quite a few encores (by that time I was up dancing)! </span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXPmnk09Y4NMT3NBDLbHxWyjmj8YYeSomMVVht1Ob-RlQcNEPJSVvcL7rOGK8ClrGF-_TCFbnsfnCWIJUuwlZJKsva2y77nPA_toq-0Z9AvxeiRQ1JIPqo3YHFYLi92aKHQdj7nf1MxvA/s1600/EagleMania3Playing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXPmnk09Y4NMT3NBDLbHxWyjmj8YYeSomMVVht1Ob-RlQcNEPJSVvcL7rOGK8ClrGF-_TCFbnsfnCWIJUuwlZJKsva2y77nPA_toq-0Z9AvxeiRQ1JIPqo3YHFYLi92aKHQdj7nf1MxvA/s400/EagleMania3Playing.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #073763;">Frank Marino, Steve French and Ken Darcy of Eagle Mania doing "The Long Run"</span></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #073763;">So I think I was a bit more critical of their performance because 1.) this was MY music and 2.) I actually remembered how the songs went. When music is attached to some of your most joyful memories, you want to hear them done perfectly. <b>Eagle Mania</b> did not disappoint! The lead vocals were clear and tender and the music itself conjured up the essence of the Eagles' 70's style of rock. Implementing a double necked guitar for the Eagles iconic <i>Hotel California</i>, guitarist <b>John Gaechter</b> hit every note and riff just like the original recording. </span><span style="color: #073763;"><b>John Weiswasser</b>'s drum solo was fantastic as was his entire performance. The flavor of the Eagles is less rugged than let's say Credence Clearwater Revival but bears similar southwestern, Tex-Mex guitar strains that makes them identifiable as a LA formed group. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #073763;">Monmouth Co. Library Headquarters is an acoustically sound venue and while the capacity tops off at 500, it was estimated that there were over 700 people in attendance throughout the building listening in. How people were able to sit there without getting up to dance was beyond me but I did see a few (myself included) who could not resist. As a musician and vocalist, my greatest reward to see the audience fully getting into the concert and enjoying themselves. I hope this first concert of the year is a harbinger of things to come in 2013. That bands like <b>Eagle Mania</b> will be invited again to perform and bring back memories for yet another generation of music lovers. Check out Eagle Mania's schedule of upcoming concerts at their fan page on <b>Facebook</b>: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/EagleManiaBand?ref=ts&fref=ts"><b>EagleMania Band</b> </a></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC1kuEfT2An2Vjca95TfzM6QpoRefbrOJ15kuiIQx7fGboZ9Di1jDRcuUd-iJTLpmpuGoK-mSppcBcEETYD4XKuWiQoVVXcTRxREbOHHA6GJIW6FTgJVMw9TvMVrQCBEBcKkS6jhU-gcU/s1600/EagleManiaKenDarcyDrM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC1kuEfT2An2Vjca95TfzM6QpoRefbrOJ15kuiIQx7fGboZ9Di1jDRcuUd-iJTLpmpuGoK-mSppcBcEETYD4XKuWiQoVVXcTRxREbOHHA6GJIW6FTgJVMw9TvMVrQCBEBcKkS6jhU-gcU/s400/EagleManiaKenDarcyDrM.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #073763;"><b>Lead vocalist-guitarist Ken Darcy and Dr. M</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />drmiczakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06422298341147673150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3034773500847220722.post-75390285916948921862012-10-30T18:11:00.000-07:002012-11-04T16:10:43.239-08:00Red Taylor Swift's Latest Album Release<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhic4Zh6w7LUg4ICuzlJwENVPDY5XIz8Ekrer8Q6I3RQt2vl9NX1qOZZXMPKHBlcrT6ysoUtCXp7JUC0gmIybrA4-0EvusmMNd6JnvIpKOy-TCoyDgZ0P5VlwOMgp4ruXFCq-u9iYvN6j0/s1600/REDTaylorSwiftAlbum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhic4Zh6w7LUg4ICuzlJwENVPDY5XIz8Ekrer8Q6I3RQt2vl9NX1qOZZXMPKHBlcrT6ysoUtCXp7JUC0gmIybrA4-0EvusmMNd6JnvIpKOy-TCoyDgZ0P5VlwOMgp4ruXFCq-u9iYvN6j0/s320/REDTaylorSwiftAlbum.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #274e13;">Taylor Swift's latest Album, Red dropped October 22, 2012</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13;">One of the things that I respect Taylor for is that she is one of the few truly creative young singer-songwriters on the scene today. Like Justin Bieber, Taylor got her start on YouTube as THAT is one of the social media places up and coming artists hang out to exchange ideas and music. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLP6WkUb7VAn-89y2ns2W2CVioSUeAZRzFRa6y-QjjHQzToTtT6FzYCiTSE5eaOojd9HLMDhBmAhI7GJBPFC7AuO5Rfn61ckGW6TGjoezFuNbylZHOnDnptzI_jvjCafzv0wV2KUAx5PA/s1600/taylorswiftATMics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLP6WkUb7VAn-89y2ns2W2CVioSUeAZRzFRa6y-QjjHQzToTtT6FzYCiTSE5eaOojd9HLMDhBmAhI7GJBPFC7AuO5Rfn61ckGW6TGjoezFuNbylZHOnDnptzI_jvjCafzv0wV2KUAx5PA/s320/taylorswiftATMics.jpg" width="141" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Taylor using AT Mics</span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #274e13;">Her latest endeavor, <b>Red</b>, is her latest full length album under <b><a href="http://bigmachinerecords.com/">Big Machine Records</a></b> recorded in Nashville, TN (Blackbird Studios, Pain in the Art Studios). This is Swift's fourth studio album since her last commercially successful release in 2010 of <b>Speak Now.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><b>Taylored Style</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;">I'd have to say that Taylor's pure vocals and effervescent style merge country and pop seamlessly so that neither emerges as dominant. She writes and sings about what she knows which she revealed on the Ellen Degeneres Show includes horrible intuition in picking the right guy!</span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;">Women can relate to those love lost themes and men wish they could have a chance on Taylor's arm. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13;">The first track, <b>State of Grace</b> right out of the blocks reminds me of an updated version of the iconic Bruce Springsteen E-Street Band anthem, <b>Born to Run</b>.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13;">The album title <b>Red</b>, is one of my favorites. "Loving him was burning red..." I think most can relate to someone who made us feel that way especially if they were the one we didn't end up with. Both <b>Treacherous</b> and <b>I Knew You Were Trouble </b>are honed from the same theme. Taylor's propensity to lead with her heart instead of her mind. The album has its share of slower ballads, which I am not terribly enamoured with but they are done with tenderness and virtuosity. I really like Track number 6, <b>22 (Keep dancing like we're 22) </b>as it has a great beat and reflects my feelings when I'm skating. Actually I feel like I'm 15 when skating but you get the idea! Likewise I really enjoyed Track #9, <b>Stay, Stay, Stay.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13;">Taylor has time for the old slow stuff. Dollie Pardon is the queen of country ballads and while Taylor has nothing to be ashamed of vocal-wise, her youth and exuberance are better showcased with more upbeat and even quirky offerings. A great example is the music video featured below. Check out the cool <b>Autoharp</b> cameo!<b> </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><b>We're Never Getting Back Together Again</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><b> </b> </span><b><span style="color: #274e13;"> </span></b></div>
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drmiczakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06422298341147673150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3034773500847220722.post-19303395623141203592012-10-05T13:55:00.002-07:002012-10-26T18:23:43.056-07:00The Singing Machine Pedestal Karaoke System<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAyS6Ng9A-FPUsEqNGe9o2Jhicb3EsoBJMecueijci00eRth-ZclevSGpfhF5drXOFoXmzLaAJIynOhNa6a1SrGkGJmuLlq8ASKdYTbt1PrZCkBnofYKc0huGN_GBt5Slg2gF-N_m5s6E/s1600/TheSingingMachineinBOX.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAyS6Ng9A-FPUsEqNGe9o2Jhicb3EsoBJMecueijci00eRth-ZclevSGpfhF5drXOFoXmzLaAJIynOhNa6a1SrGkGJmuLlq8ASKdYTbt1PrZCkBnofYKc0huGN_GBt5Slg2gF-N_m5s6E/s400/TheSingingMachineinBOX.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://mariejmiczak.blogspot.com/2009/12/rockin-new-year.html"><b>The latest pedestal Singing Machine delivered to my studio in time for the holidays!</b></a></td></tr>
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As soon as fall hits, I look forward to spending more time in the studio, working on my vocal tracks and doing some recording. Last month was my birthday so my wish was to get a new Karaoke System. I reviewed my first <b>Singing Machine</b> in 2009. That was the<b><a href="http://mariejmiczak.blogspot.com/2009/12/rockin-new-year.html"> iSM 1010</a> </b>which was purchased at Sam's Club. I loved that thing and we did use it for lots of studio sessions and holiday parties. The only problem is that after a while, (about 2 years) the CDG player stopped working properly. The music and mic would cut out. Maybe it was due to the fact that I didn't have it plugged into a power surge strip like my other musical electronics. Whatever the case, it no longer worked properly and there is only a 90 warranty on it. Customer service was of no real help and I've seen similar complaints about this company's karaoke products/service online.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDttPqy1HtTcNR0BMgEY81eAzaCrp0rXm2xybLcBQCk4jIlkCQQ-ZrtsCczjGJm8WGA8YUy5ydUYU2s6hp8ONFKN3nZGjl3xrHWmFm7R2maUdUAggWdgbUEsYorVW-HKgm0cOvXQmNosM/s1600/TheSingingMachine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDttPqy1HtTcNR0BMgEY81eAzaCrp0rXm2xybLcBQCk4jIlkCQQ-ZrtsCczjGJm8WGA8YUy5ydUYU2s6hp8ONFKN3nZGjl3xrHWmFm7R2maUdUAggWdgbUEsYorVW-HKgm0cOvXQmNosM/s1600/TheSingingMachine.jpg" /></a><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Surge Protection </span></b><br />
So before plugging this new unit in, I purchased a surge protector and so far so good but I will keep you posted on what happens. Even with a surge protector, I unplug all of my electronics during a lightening storm. Since I owned the previous model, I can tell you a bit about the differences & similarities between the two. <span style="color: #274e13;">First the similarities</span>:<br />
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Both have very good sounding twin tower speakers with tweeters <br />
Both have both a plug in and a remote mic<br />
Both have random play, program, repeat track features <br />
Both allow you to dock your iPhone, iPod, etc. to stream music<br />
Both have a 7 inch full color screen, (it will also play videos from your iPhone, iPod like a television screen)<br />
Both have a FM Radio and AUX settings <br />
Both are built somewhat thin plastic parts<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir9nrd5OviSJjZZrQSYEWC1fblK22OMgqQgGv_gOo4CE0wSQ0qbLA41wbmP7l5Q57K5uZTrhENG35DLPxatS9fqO-pyuJ0Jj6wTaox6NlHAB2FhGvUAyl6SmKSd7KJQwt_4fhBANl1yoU/s1600/DSCF5639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir9nrd5OviSJjZZrQSYEWC1fblK22OMgqQgGv_gOo4CE0wSQ0qbLA41wbmP7l5Q57K5uZTrhENG35DLPxatS9fqO-pyuJ0Jj6wTaox6NlHAB2FhGvUAyl6SmKSd7KJQwt_4fhBANl1yoU/s320/DSCF5639.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The new iSM1028XI Singing Machine</b></td></tr>
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The unit is made in China and suitable for home use, not professional KJ work although we had many parties with it. The Singing Machine is made of lightweight plastic and simply not sturdy enough for heavy use or taking on the road. <br />
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<b><span style="color: #274e13;">The Differences:</span></b><br />
The newer model <b>Singing Machine, iSM 1028XI</b> does not have a built in video camera as did the previous model. It was poor quality anyway so unless you really enjoy seeing yourself singing on the 7 inch screen, you could do with out it.<br />
I will say that the quality of the microphones has improved but the only vocal effect is still echo which can be turned up to +4. There is a key control allowing you to raise or lower the pitch of the song by four increments. You have to open the CD player door manually, (the previous model had a button) and there are a few more controls to adjust the brightness and color quality of the screen.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #274e13;">The Take Away</span></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMeWbed-ZBiJt7V4CMqDyYMGUW-awSZPtevlQrSL2DIxzy5YkhUAJI8cFrr-OYloM27vToInKvKFP8tNfc1ZMhKSkl5fha_raQ7I1bNkabXmxPzsrq6p7bXIQs2_v4MaWksDqPwQa-q9w/s1600/Cupcakes+159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMeWbed-ZBiJt7V4CMqDyYMGUW-awSZPtevlQrSL2DIxzy5YkhUAJI8cFrr-OYloM27vToInKvKFP8tNfc1ZMhKSkl5fha_raQ7I1bNkabXmxPzsrq6p7bXIQs2_v4MaWksDqPwQa-q9w/s320/Cupcakes+159.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><b>I prefer sending lead vocals through a studio mic</b></span></td></tr>
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The Singing Machine is what it is. You can read other reviews on the web telling how these machines broke right after the 90 warranty was up. I'm going to give them the benefit of the doubt however as I have had other electronics that weren't surge protected get fried after the terrible lightening storms we so often have in the north east.<br />
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I like having the graphics and lyrics right there for studio practice but prefer to use the Singing Machine for the music and back up vocals while using <b>Audio-Technica </b>studio mics for the lead. The lead vocals are sent through my Voice Tone Create and Roland Stage Amp stack. If I am playing guitar, I plug into my guitar amp (Tech21 NYC) so the result is a full surround sound with the different parts beings picked up by the various mics and coming through multiple amps.<br />
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I also like to just sit on a stool and sing through the Singing Machine with the headphones on. This really gives you an intense vocal workout and with the iPod docking feature, I'm able to access many more Karaoke songs via YouTube. I've gotten so much enjoyment from this karaoke system that I took a chance and replaced it but as mentioned before, took extra precautions and invested in surge protection. Take it out for home birthday, Christmas and New Year's Eve parties and you have an instant ice breaker. Karaoke is VERY popular and having two microphones included with this unit allow for duets and harmonizing. Think about getting a Karaoke machine for your home for the upcoming holiday season. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicRr26FDZoGo4-J8DYGRhpGCFtwTaDLuxifRDLFVs2QB6LzxfHFuR14RSOFREATZm5F5ldR8dwuCA1vkjMbYPSjIrT923bPMflGU3EsJ0Va93ZfROOkH9QI5pkeG_CWomZREBKgV4fjk0/s1600/DSCF1437.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicRr26FDZoGo4-J8DYGRhpGCFtwTaDLuxifRDLFVs2QB6LzxfHFuR14RSOFREATZm5F5ldR8dwuCA1vkjMbYPSjIrT923bPMflGU3EsJ0Va93ZfROOkH9QI5pkeG_CWomZREBKgV4fjk0/s320/DSCF1437.JPG" width="246" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><b>Fall is studio-time!</b></span></td></tr>
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<br />drmiczakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06422298341147673150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3034773500847220722.post-70294423459157383672012-09-18T12:28:00.000-07:002012-09-18T12:28:22.632-07:00Travel Guitars<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjweYHtVPiUJpVnmeES4bJYuiB8cvFfYJu3kWqDq0MXaJoxGmNQe5EtHPx6T8NXK4BcepGpbREiuJw0tJba7kGQlvhjne8tkHOqG1SCVt8bdwyumbrPKgKPeABtskbQ7-BYWvM91fvbVOY/s1600/LittleMartinonCabinBed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjweYHtVPiUJpVnmeES4bJYuiB8cvFfYJu3kWqDq0MXaJoxGmNQe5EtHPx6T8NXK4BcepGpbREiuJw0tJba7kGQlvhjne8tkHOqG1SCVt8bdwyumbrPKgKPeABtskbQ7-BYWvM91fvbVOY/s400/LittleMartinonCabinBed.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://martinguitar.com/"><span style="color: #274e13;"><b>This Little Martin LX1E is the perfect travel size!</b></span></a></td></tr>
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One of the things we always like to take to our vacation cabin and on the road is a good travel-sized guitar. These are 3/4 scaled guitars so they are a quarter smaller than a full-sized acoustic.<br />
I have played a Baby Taylor which is a very lovely guitar but did not have the option of a built in pick-up. I also found the headstock to be a bit heavy, so it made playing the Baby Taylor a bit unbalanced for sitting down playing.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxZsg4eN-fYsa8oKhvWjzZkgX6vxlBQ-Za7zaCh5tMggs1La7Ir-EXgLYM9I8ZGB-uN9dIgqLRhxDoFsMMuqr2hYO7g5VeSjh09VGs_-qR5WeWYzr04uIXZq8MV9VPVi2fJVSKoYchGUQ/s1600/BabyTaylorGuitar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="121" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxZsg4eN-fYsa8oKhvWjzZkgX6vxlBQ-Za7zaCh5tMggs1La7Ir-EXgLYM9I8ZGB-uN9dIgqLRhxDoFsMMuqr2hYO7g5VeSjh09VGs_-qR5WeWYzr04uIXZq8MV9VPVi2fJVSKoYchGUQ/s320/BabyTaylorGuitar.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">The Baby Taylor is a 3/4 scale travel guitar</span></b></td></tr>
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<b><span style="color: #274e13;">Pack Your Guitar </span></b><br />
Still, what makes either of these guitars so versatile is that they travel well. Catching a flight? Both guitars will easily fit in the over-head bin so you don't have to worry about checking it. The same thing on a train or bus. We've even broken out the Little Martin and started playing on the train. The other passengers loved it! It comes with its own little gig bag so traveling with this guitar is pretty simple.<br />
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><b>Travel-Worthy Construction</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5cK5SeW_v727N2xKcGdgsxcwPOFjZl1_0BrcWRNg5hrkw9CfN5N67p_aRafXGMFxtO5VMu5dDpVu-iUpH8YDoLsHqLCkkEWYrmEhoyWFarcl4Pqcko12pWeebUAHC9oWPKx0K5G9NXLU/s1600/LittleMartinatRevGen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5cK5SeW_v727N2xKcGdgsxcwPOFjZl1_0BrcWRNg5hrkw9CfN5N67p_aRafXGMFxtO5VMu5dDpVu-iUpH8YDoLsHqLCkkEWYrmEhoyWFarcl4Pqcko12pWeebUAHC9oWPKx0K5G9NXLU/s1600/LittleMartinatRevGen.jpg" /></a></div>
The construction materials also make these travel guitars hold up where other acoustics would die. We took the Little Martin to an outdoor music festival (RevGen) one Labor Day Weekend and left in in a burning hot car for about 3 hours. When I retrieved it, the guitar was fine...in tune even! Don't try that with a regular sized guitar. Part of the reason for the Little Martin's travel-worthy ruggedness is that the soundboard or guitar top is Sitka Spruce but the sides and back are of compressed wood. This is also known as HPL or high pressure laminate. This material is not going to react as violently to changes in temperature and humidity but some purists prefer the sound of an all wood guitar.<br />
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The Baby Taylor has a Sapele arched back and sides plus a Sitka spruce top. Sapele<span> is an exotic wood which is sometimes called African mahogany and has the same reddish-brown color. So the Baby Taylor is in fact a solid wood guitar. You'll have to decide what is more important, sound quality or road durability. Both guitars are played and taken all over the world so it is not as if you have to give up one for the other.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ScDzK8USwt6u6oGiDKpwoMXHFjuZq9tVVEvIp7DhbsW5A79lTjXptVjV4HixmVO_4852XvxlxqBea7RDOGzTysEMWO34PkUDxcr5qRWQVp8XdWhmevQr7UEQvusm0fdjfg4jwkQ73_8/s1600/LittleMartinatCabin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiebSWOuL6sfiHcDrabd_ZvD8PtzbXYB-yQDphPO0dQC6rtcjw5YW7uLbBBW1xmUco8CNxlgltxnBge23hl_z-K1R5WE1C0uWiBMhtPOK0DPgKi8HMq6f636LZ_YO5_TF_Q-Asey94zzwY/s1600/CabinMartinGuitarCase.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiebSWOuL6sfiHcDrabd_ZvD8PtzbXYB-yQDphPO0dQC6rtcjw5YW7uLbBBW1xmUco8CNxlgltxnBge23hl_z-K1R5WE1C0uWiBMhtPOK0DPgKi8HMq6f636LZ_YO5_TF_Q-Asey94zzwY/s400/CabinMartinGuitarCase.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">The Little Martin at our outback cabin. The cool gig bag is included with the guitar.</span></b></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;"><br /></span></b></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;"><br /></span></b></td></tr>
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<b><span style="color: #274e13;">Martin Backpacker Guitar</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfTkamxDNSr1geN671BFv2HnUMArXzgR0lgnFkuUZjstwNW0Ns3ALfXfVMqDJN2-UIkQalEVKqmJZ7l0hRTUzc0q1DS6cwkRUNmwEznLjV9CHYnuz6IOqwy6fFwImVj3NHNiR-m1TZG58/s1600/MartinBackpacker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="107" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfTkamxDNSr1geN671BFv2HnUMArXzgR0lgnFkuUZjstwNW0Ns3ALfXfVMqDJN2-UIkQalEVKqmJZ7l0hRTUzc0q1DS6cwkRUNmwEznLjV9CHYnuz6IOqwy6fFwImVj3NHNiR-m1TZG58/s320/MartinBackpacker.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><span style="color: #274e13;"><br /></span></b>
<span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="color: black;">This is another alternative to hauling a full sized guitar on tour. The Martin Backpacker has been a major hit among our armed force members. Why? Well for one thing they are very easy to ship and nearly indestructible once they get there.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="color: black;">These little travel guitars weigh only 2 1/2 lbs and offer a pretty loud projection for its size. Don't expect it to have the sound of the Little Martin or Baby Taylor. It is more uke-like as far as tone goes but the fret board is more familiar to full sized guitar players. The only thing I found when playing the Backpacker is that the headstock is quite heavy. Sitting down with one in your lap is going to be tricky so I'd recommend using a guitar strap. </span></span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #274e13;"><br /></span></b>
<span><b><span style="color: #274e13;">The McNally Strumstick</span></b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVg05k09lot-uLEr5qRITUU7andHZSy80ttNvj-uRfL8bBRDZi5sGI_U_u8ZiW0OADUpRIW7b8OpCdb5ULbTHKZWgYiAfZh2c-ACPjgO4tLjg13QyOqy4g4RMRl0pB9cou4d2yds2MNOs/s1600/StrumstickGrand-CutHigh-Shad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVg05k09lot-uLEr5qRITUU7andHZSy80ttNvj-uRfL8bBRDZi5sGI_U_u8ZiW0OADUpRIW7b8OpCdb5ULbTHKZWgYiAfZh2c-ACPjgO4tLjg13QyOqy4g4RMRl0pB9cou4d2yds2MNOs/s320/StrumstickGrand-CutHigh-Shad.jpg" width="65" /></a></div>
<span><b><span style="color: #274e13;"></span></b><span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://strumstick.com/"><b>The McNally Strumstick</b></a> isn't really a guitar but I'm including it among possible substitutes for travel guitars. This is their Grand Model and is tuned to the key of D. The sound is higher than a guitar but really pleasant and with only 3 strings, well, no wrong notes! That's because it is based on a diatonic scale.</span></span></span><br />
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<span><span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="color: black;">It resembles a stick dulcimer but is really it's own thing. I believe the German people have a similar instrument called the "sheitholt" which is played like a dulcimer. </span></span></span><br />
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<span><span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="color: black;">The Strumstick also comes with its own carry bag and you can order a little soundboard pickup for amplification if you wish. I have played this instrument at folk festivals and visiting hospitals and nursing homes. It really has a delightful sound that is perfect for traditional old English and Celtic music. The company offers a lot of customer support with videos and music book instruction.</span></span></span><br />
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<span><span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="color: black;">This instrument is much smaller than even the Baby Taylor and Little Martin so if size is an issue you might try this! </span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2IHe7_RUdLOoSM8uVz1eR-GJxEBq1EmN7MUC32bATGTzem1XfqIOKwMkV9ZJKdQB5vIE9s12ajr0MIWGXjjtZIPiA34xd_jElOnmNdzu40FNNpXUXL492aS4rlAMaOogSW7uzW2U22vw/s1600/DSCF0943.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2IHe7_RUdLOoSM8uVz1eR-GJxEBq1EmN7MUC32bATGTzem1XfqIOKwMkV9ZJKdQB5vIE9s12ajr0MIWGXjjtZIPiA34xd_jElOnmNdzu40FNNpXUXL492aS4rlAMaOogSW7uzW2U22vw/s400/DSCF0943.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><b>The McNally Strumstick being played at the New Jersey Folk Festival</b></span></td></tr>
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<span> </span> drmiczakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06422298341147673150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3034773500847220722.post-91722860626498819452012-06-09T17:17:00.000-07:002012-06-11T08:58:48.927-07:00Edens Edge Debut Album<br />
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<b>Edens Edge</b> <b>debut full length, self titled album drops Tuesday June 12th! "Too Good to Be True"</b>? Almost. This Arkansas-bred, Nashville based trio has been profiled as one of <b>Billboard's "Artists to Watch"</b> and chosen as a <b>CMT Listen UP! Artist</b>. Just last year they joined three major Country tours - <b>Reba</b> <b>McEntire</b>, <b>Lady Antebellum </b>and <b>Brad Paisley's</b>. This summer <b>Edens Edge</b> will kick off their opening slot on the <b>Rascal Flatts</b> <b>"Changed Tour"</b>. Their <b>Top 20</b> single <b>"Amen"</b> offers tight harmonies and a rocking bass. <b>"Skinny Dippin'"</b> is fun and upbeat with a little childhood naughtiness we all remember. <b>"Last Supper"</b> is sadly tender and haunting dealing with a couple's breakup. <b>"Feels So Real"</b> sounds more experimental for this group but they pull it off with confidence and smooth elegance. <b>"Who Am I Drinking Tonight"</b> reminds me of an old-fashioned honky-tonk two step, the kind that made <b>Shania Twain</b> a household word. Rowdy enough without being loud and over the top.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9LwH_ycJMpLO-HUOv7niAJnUv9_br4IJ71hUfYP73HcM1flT6DyIW-03Jjdf9382OWyEZM4tnXPSoF1g8D6FMyFZdc62qHCmO5enLvrNyG81MaM04EfijE8UyY0CSQvvVcw5cNhI-Fp0/s1600/RebaMcEntireCDCover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9LwH_ycJMpLO-HUOv7niAJnUv9_br4IJ71hUfYP73HcM1flT6DyIW-03Jjdf9382OWyEZM4tnXPSoF1g8D6FMyFZdc62qHCmO5enLvrNyG81MaM04EfijE8UyY0CSQvvVcw5cNhI-Fp0/s200/RebaMcEntireCDCover.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://reba.com/music/">Edens Edge toured with Reba last year</a></td></tr>
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Look for the last track, "<b>Christ Alone" sung acappella to be their signature anthem. </b>They sing this every night to close out their set. Well chosen and telling of the band's true focus and intent.<br />
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On each and every track, however (10 in all), <b>Hannah Blaylock's</b> pure, soaring lead vocals add sparkle and interest to what could easily become common country fare. <b>Edens Edge</b> is the real deal and the group's vocal and instrumental virtuosity show a complex and sophisticated side of country music not often seen today. Impressive to say the least. </div>
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<b>Pre-sale of Edens Edge Signed Full Length Self Titled Debut Album are available at the band's website: </b><b><a href="http://edensedge.com/">Edens Edge</a></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJJbkCY5e0jyIKultTTymfbUMjRty6qudHYbK13mtTB1fSjDWeJvySHAvju9fGjCy-ENqzcJFAm8iNdSVbuC38qwCuyAjl3VcAhXLhLNC20w48eGEhqI3lLRDGC2WeNRX0DeHqrhqGS6A/s1600/EdensEdge_COVER_SelfTitled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJJbkCY5e0jyIKultTTymfbUMjRty6qudHYbK13mtTB1fSjDWeJvySHAvju9fGjCy-ENqzcJFAm8iNdSVbuC38qwCuyAjl3VcAhXLhLNC20w48eGEhqI3lLRDGC2WeNRX0DeHqrhqGS6A/s400/EdensEdge_COVER_SelfTitled.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13;">This band overview is posted on the <b>Edens Edge</b> website:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13;">"When it comes to making great music, kindred spirits somehow seem to </span><span style="color: #274e13;">find each other and such is the case with Edens Edge. Three talented</span> <span style="color: #274e13;">young musicians from Arkansas -- Hannah Blaylock, Dean Berner, and</span> <span style="color: #274e13;">Cherrill Green --make their debut on Big Machine Records with a vibrant</span> <span style="color: #274e13;">sound that honors country music’s roots while creatively pushing the</span> <span style="color: #274e13;">envelope with their seasoned musicianship, dazzling harmonies and</span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;">insightful songwriting. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13;">With one listen to Edens Edge, it’s obvious the trio has forged a unique
sound shaped by their individual influences and anchored in their own
distinctive gifts. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13;">Each grew up in rural Arkansas where farming, faith
and family provided a firm foundation and offered a springboard for
their musical aspirations. "</span>drmiczakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06422298341147673150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3034773500847220722.post-71107760366270102492012-05-08T16:12:00.000-07:002012-05-08T16:12:00.558-07:00Holy Fire Overdrive - Distortion Pedal<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG6P7DuX4_5zFG283JMrmXZkN85DrTSJUao7TKJjIG-NOBCKCksv5HGuaByLvSpu3AglOTHTg_sXIHCYGAsFTcmvmDYww7AD5bxe-1vHbTsakyi0yStRBcwOqjXRvmVEfdfdQFgxgJpvw/s1600/Holy-Fire+guaranteePedal.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG6P7DuX4_5zFG283JMrmXZkN85DrTSJUao7TKJjIG-NOBCKCksv5HGuaByLvSpu3AglOTHTg_sXIHCYGAsFTcmvmDYww7AD5bxe-1vHbTsakyi0yStRBcwOqjXRvmVEfdfdQFgxgJpvw/s320/Holy-Fire+guaranteePedal.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://creationaudiolabs.com/"><b>Holy Fire Overdrive - Distortion Pedal by Creation Audio Labs</b></a></td></tr>
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We may have just a few boutique pedals, vintage ones or a whole case. Each pedal adds something to the signal chain...we just don't sound the same without them. See <b><a href="http://mariejmiczak.blogspot.com/2010/05/custom-pedal-boards-vs-boss-gt-10.html">Custom Pedal Boards vs BOSS GT-10</a></b><br />
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Add to this the fact that some guitarists prefer single boxes to a multi-effector unit and you will get even more opinions on how to create tone. I think the argument goes something like if one box blows up, it is easy enough to remove it from the pedal chain and continue with the gig. If something happens to your multi effector, well you might find yourself playing without any effects at all. I've done lots of shows with both and never had a problem although I DID have my Fender PA System shut down on me...a couple of times!<br />
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Since I play mostly acoustic guitar onstage, all I need is a little compression and chorus. In the studio however, I like to dirty it up a little and a slightly distorted Fender Strat is what I record with.<br />
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<b>HOLY FIRE OVERDRIVE - DISTORTION</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-JIb1CVkCx695hlw-gWn9MFgpRgM_Y77_4P4Gzicly5UEtAdTH4s-REzXdfyCZ3jU687SX3W0nhsXEoFNJJOnYYqSGeBDLbaJfTRPKuJsAVjh4h4fcUhhN9u55zsuKmDC_Yt6PP4y-KU/s1600/CAL+-+Banner+-+Unleash.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="43" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-JIb1CVkCx695hlw-gWn9MFgpRgM_Y77_4P4Gzicly5UEtAdTH4s-REzXdfyCZ3jU687SX3W0nhsXEoFNJJOnYYqSGeBDLbaJfTRPKuJsAVjh4h4fcUhhN9u55zsuKmDC_Yt6PP4y-KU/s400/CAL+-+Banner+-+Unleash.png" width="400" /></a>One of the cool things about my vintage Crate Amp (GT-20) is that it has built in overdrive. Not the best but for a solid state amp, not too shabby. As this 20 watter is more of a practice amp, I've had to use a direct box to have it heard onstage. Still overdrive and distortion are still the lynchpins of classic and contemporary rock and having those features built into my Crate has been a plus.<br />
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<b>The Holy Fire Overdrive - Distortion Pedal</b> is the real deal however, truly a boutique pedal. Each comes with a 10 Day money back guarantee so if you're not pleased with your tone, ship it back. The pedal has the following features:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Clean and Transparent GAIN</li>
<li>Dynamic and Smooth OVERDRIVE</li>
<li>Thick and Rich DISTORTION</li>
<li>with high-cut control and unique L.E.D. interaction</li>
<li>Total Saturation with <strong>NO</strong> Tone Loss or Coloring</li>
</ul>
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You can compare boxes and if you are a true overdrive - distortion snob, you will hear the difference. <br />
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<br />drmiczakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06422298341147673150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3034773500847220722.post-39986702264964415022012-02-24T12:33:00.002-08:002012-02-24T12:41:08.023-08:00The Guitar Wheel<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-FbMF06ZKyyvdDuVKzenIMYax-Lt31l17FEG2GS33V2FIXCSxAZ83D3wdygLoLNVPX-W6_dBCZUJCGbsUlZCt4guoyiH1slg5gXbSZyYeusb_u3azdrcEf3Em74WGY87VE5LMmvzfdHk/s1600/GuitarWheelCorningObserverNewspaper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-FbMF06ZKyyvdDuVKzenIMYax-Lt31l17FEG2GS33V2FIXCSxAZ83D3wdygLoLNVPX-W6_dBCZUJCGbsUlZCt4guoyiH1slg5gXbSZyYeusb_u3azdrcEf3Em74WGY87VE5LMmvzfdHk/s1600/GuitarWheelCorningObserverNewspaper.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="color: #274e13;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Middle school children learning music transposition and theory with The Guitar Wheel. PHOTO Credit: <i>The Corning Observer Newspaper</i></span></b></td></tr>
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<div style="color: #274e13;"><b>The Guitar Wheel</b></div><div style="color: #274e13;">Wouldn't you like to ditch all those manuals and music books but still take along a library worth of guitar and music tr<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5eYUFjdfMmOe2fIaJjbASIdmLGJybVWd2XJryuDUvW1PjBjDLz4csxO0O8CLyhTTMuu6DL0pbBGoPRWgdPogNNcSvG-sjYoH91FcuNdNhF5-k5vHSsnysgos-ZHXt7pNjHpfndWmjksY/s1600-h/Guitarwheel.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274969233388839906" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5eYUFjdfMmOe2fIaJjbASIdmLGJybVWd2XJryuDUvW1PjBjDLz4csxO0O8CLyhTTMuu6DL0pbBGoPRWgdPogNNcSvG-sjYoH91FcuNdNhF5-k5vHSsnysgos-ZHXt7pNjHpfndWmjksY/s320/Guitarwheel.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 320px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 226px;" /></a>ansposition information? Well, it can be done. All that you need is <b>The Guitar Wheel</b>. Invented with some heavenly inspiration by Dennis Cheatham, the Guitar Wheel is a serious educational tool for musicians. You won't believe how much information is found on the Guitar Wheel but even more amazing is the fact that when you flip it over, it gives you a whole world of Music Theory too!</div><div style="color: #274e13;">The Guitar Wheel is very thin and easily goes where you go. To a concert, jam or guitar class, it is the one tool you will find indispensable for:<br />
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<b><i>Chord Inversions for alternate chord fingerings<br />
Enharmonic Equivalents<br />
Comparing Scales such as Major, Minor, Pentatonic & Blues Scales<br />
Determining Concert Pitch<br />
Transposing<br />
Finding Minor 7th Chords and Finding Dominant 7th Chords</i></b></div><div align="left" style="color: #274e13;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqlM6_wRWrElK6uxKv4Wf4IyhMnkvkCj2eRYTF09bPvkOKzY44KfW6HVdVzPB_sr9VqYdnoofnibEYHYAEmDvO4SkztI2tmbQeWcJ1FPzm8WA680O9y6HREiN25puBdXwjpN7dsqurGII/s1600/Cupcakes+050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqlM6_wRWrElK6uxKv4Wf4IyhMnkvkCj2eRYTF09bPvkOKzY44KfW6HVdVzPB_sr9VqYdnoofnibEYHYAEmDvO4SkztI2tmbQeWcJ1FPzm8WA680O9y6HREiN25puBdXwjpN7dsqurGII/s200/Cupcakes+050.jpg" width="200" /></a>Music Theory on the flip side of <b>The Guitar Wheel </b>offers even more with a piano keyboard & staff, concert pitch, intervals and transposing abilities built right in. If you are serious about advancing your composing and song writing skills to the next level, I highly recommend the Guitar Wheel. It is used in many guitar classes across the country with children as young as eight. The Guitar Wheel is configured like a<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDeYi3CL0eRdpQSzdcWwxk8ZM7s9IOk2s5bEZ3XqRHx-kuVXMvWQEJgvnYk4fDKzI1Ho_13C8Y5yGZSjxD2m_KVTERCizQpcUgidkGlT1Tj9kkkJFbN5c913X4lTxkUxRAwhgrWuO4HEE/s1600-h/GuitarwheelT.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275252428505673346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDeYi3CL0eRdpQSzdcWwxk8ZM7s9IOk2s5bEZ3XqRHx-kuVXMvWQEJgvnYk4fDKzI1Ho_13C8Y5yGZSjxD2m_KVTERCizQpcUgidkGlT1Tj9kkkJFbN5c913X4lTxkUxRAwhgrWuO4HEE/s320/GuitarwheelT.jpg" style="float: right; height: 320px; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 296px;" /></a> curved guitar neck complete with numbered strings and frets, therefore making it easy to visualize how the chording or fingering works. Understanding that most musicians don't play in a vacuum, the Music Theory side of the wheel brings in keyboard access with major and minor scales, pentatonic scales, blues scales, degrees and eharmonic equivalents.<br />
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<b>The Music Wheel</b> can be as simple or complex as you need it to be. All the same, it is an educational tool that will grow with you as you go deeper into music theory. This is important especially when you are spending about $15.00 for "Book One" then after out-growing that material, having to purchase Book Two. <b>The Guitar Wheel</b> is made of tough plastic, not cardboard and I figure if eight year olds can't destroy it, well, it should hold up for you.<br />
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MSRP is $24.95 and the wheel comes with an instructional DVD highlighting its uses. Order it online for a super discount at Amazon.com by clicking the link: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Guitar-Wheel-TM-gw01/dp/B001DW6RJC/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=musical-instruments&qid=1228243757&sr=8-1"><b>Guitar Wheel on Amazon.com</b></a></div><div align="left"><br />
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</div>drmiczakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06422298341147673150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3034773500847220722.post-37791153543636195022012-01-11T12:33:00.000-08:002012-01-26T17:43:04.279-08:00Performing with Your Own Microphones<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4VlqVRATRN11bAqeTGLcNvPef9xQs5TwIpsFcJuMY89-0iINVWfv-PWmiQqe81DY1pqyhR6y_2Nm7FzWRqJREoz-t6gcCzBrijTSOMj0a4ZBZ6j5TXE6KZAvDGXykx3jkqoPMIrUd7xU/s1600/AT2011_cma_awards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4VlqVRATRN11bAqeTGLcNvPef9xQs5TwIpsFcJuMY89-0iINVWfv-PWmiQqe81DY1pqyhR6y_2Nm7FzWRqJREoz-t6gcCzBrijTSOMj0a4ZBZ6j5TXE6KZAvDGXykx3jkqoPMIrUd7xU/s320/AT2011_cma_awards.jpg" width="142" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: #274e13;"><i>Audio Technica Microphones will again grace the stage for the 2012 Country Music Awards Show on April 1st. </i></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXdta6gH5__zfZJSHeODaDiDiqAIREmR47p45crc2hyphenhyphentjPUWiU69Jp4QfAafh_mF4lYyvwfIMQz541U5i6orlf-65M_KG_zVTIzEtYQ3EMH9sWBPZzpSqCI-JEm073XxF961_6UtCwrPw/s1600/AE5400ArtistEliteMicrophone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXdta6gH5__zfZJSHeODaDiDiqAIREmR47p45crc2hyphenhyphentjPUWiU69Jp4QfAafh_mF4lYyvwfIMQz541U5i6orlf-65M_KG_zVTIzEtYQ3EMH9sWBPZzpSqCI-JEm073XxF961_6UtCwrPw/s1600/AE5400ArtistEliteMicrophone.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="color: #274e13;"><b>AE5400 used on CMAs</b></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="color: #274e13;">Nearly every year it has been televised, <b>Audio-Technica's</b> have been the main mics used on the annual <b>Grammys</b> and <b>Country Music Awards Shows</b>. One of the things musicians depend on is a quality vocal mic. Surprises on a high budget production like the <b>Grammys Award Show</b> and CMA broadcast is not going to be tolerated. Take a cue from the pros on this one and check out this <b>Artist Elite Series AE5400 </b>they use on stage. Why do you think they use them year after year? I used to just keep the house microphone provided by the venue but quickly learned that can come back to bite you.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #274e13;">Whereas the soundman rules, you can still arrive early and speak with him regarding using your own mic. I've done this and you'd be surprised at how accommodating they can be. Besides most sound techs want to try new equipment so if you have a <i>really nice</i> mic or preamp, they are likely going to be interested.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIhHpZt42vatVBsZF-E-GRLY_elBS3M5XuJIRCoYGjbvJvEaYbo7VdoSpQ-uLT3mlUVfudkNeYkBbNXDxFdIMBgIC5qhK4vU3PH8ZKoturiB0HQvlzCguVpVUHmY_gdhCUdPWoLTgiUPo/s1600/Dr.MChurchStreetRamblers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIhHpZt42vatVBsZF-E-GRLY_elBS3M5XuJIRCoYGjbvJvEaYbo7VdoSpQ-uLT3mlUVfudkNeYkBbNXDxFdIMBgIC5qhK4vU3PH8ZKoturiB0HQvlzCguVpVUHmY_gdhCUdPWoLTgiUPo/s1600/Dr.MChurchStreetRamblers.JPG" /></a></div><b><span style="color: #274e13;">GETTING VOCAL</span></b><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;">One venue I played, I checked in with the soundman and discussed the equipment I was bringing. He assured me that he would be able to integrate it into the house sound system. The day of the gig, I arrived early and helped set everything up. The result was a smooth, comfortable performance with no mic issues or sound surprises. In fact, I was one of the first performers to bring and use a condenser mic onstage. The house mic was a dynamic, you know that good 'ol Shure SM58! After I finished the set, I took my <b>Audio Technica ATM710 Artist Series</b> condenser microphone with me. We later stopped by to hear the band that followed but... couldn't! The house microphones were barely picking up the vocals and instruments. They were practically shouting into them. </span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;">I knew <i>that</i> feeling. I don't (want to) remember how many places I've played using the equipment that was there only to have to just about scream into the microphone to be heard, (barely). Something like that just throws off your whole performance because now you've got to position yourself closer to the mic which may be unnatural to hold.</span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;"> </span><br />
<b><span style="color: #274e13;">INSTRUMENT MICROPHONES</span></b><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqHorDB4__fim-AALyWEN4B5Rj505kW8hRBFgwvjy01IVZtaURcMZmWXPY4adiez1oYZSqrEuuWV1b4ivSYeywpRXZSyg-nq9dq1ILdj2OxKF92cMDhE6pW9bWLS5bQLjc9_YncRN_L4A/s1600/at4081Ribbon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqHorDB4__fim-AALyWEN4B5Rj505kW8hRBFgwvjy01IVZtaURcMZmWXPY4adiez1oYZSqrEuuWV1b4ivSYeywpRXZSyg-nq9dq1ILdj2OxKF92cMDhE6pW9bWLS5bQLjc9_YncRN_L4A/s1600/at4081Ribbon.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="color: #274e13;"><b>AT 4081 Ribbon Instrument Mic</b></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="color: #274e13;">The same thing for your instrument and amp mics. Years ago, bringing something as sweet but fragile as a ribbon mic to a performance was pretty much unheard of. Ribbon microphones are amazing but dropping one means several hundred dollars down the drain. Now with new technology, the <b>AT 4081 Ribbon Mic</b> is much more rugged for travel and work outside the recording studio. In fact if you are using this equipment in the studio, i.e. a drum and bass machine, vocal preamps, guitar pedals, BRING THEM ALONG too. The familiar will make you more comfortable and confident when facing the crowds. </span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;">The main thing to remember is that YOU are the artist. Not to get all "Diva" on you but I think you'll find bringing your own microphones and preamps will give you the most control over your sound and performance. They you can relax and play.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSMMfpAGQy_fnc5Q6FnldHIqRSj9NeGIAnOqRJ37qn7dbylys8cf6XINxoE6GtNYZJvEd5ZYczhlyghCoitNVbF4Ez6_czp8Q07veCGuvNOK1CBM0M9zVvlvBUQ8_7rZokGSA-ZXjKQoQ/s1600/Cupcakes+511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSMMfpAGQy_fnc5Q6FnldHIqRSj9NeGIAnOqRJ37qn7dbylys8cf6XINxoE6GtNYZJvEd5ZYczhlyghCoitNVbF4Ez6_czp8Q07veCGuvNOK1CBM0M9zVvlvBUQ8_7rZokGSA-ZXjKQoQ/s320/Cupcakes+511.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="color: #274e13;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>My Voicetone Create vocal mic preamp & DR-3 Drum and Bass Machine powered by a Sanyo Pedal Juice. A little bit of my studio that goes with me on the road.</i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="color: #274e13;"><br />
</span>drmiczakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06422298341147673150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3034773500847220722.post-29883858817405178332011-11-30T13:38:00.000-08:002012-01-11T12:35:12.424-08:00Planet Waves Mini Headstock Tuner Review<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimVvuEQndeW59RXQOs_L2zR-I0z5RVUFtWRImLl9A-EypmA19p8U1aOECBvdljw1sqVUIMXNTKfGyDTReT2zU3_ce6X1FWZn41RBzaJFMropn-pRlZwgl-wT6xMpK-wR6qqD2H_aywZ8Y/s1600/PWMiniHeadstockTuner" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimVvuEQndeW59RXQOs_L2zR-I0z5RVUFtWRImLl9A-EypmA19p8U1aOECBvdljw1sqVUIMXNTKfGyDTReT2zU3_ce6X1FWZn41RBzaJFMropn-pRlZwgl-wT6xMpK-wR6qqD2H_aywZ8Y/s320/PWMiniHeadstockTuner" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="color: #274e13;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>NEW! Planet Waves Summer NAMM release of their Mini Headstock Tuner</i></b></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table><a href="http://planetwaves.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="101" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtEDKoQi8382cRe-1yaecxL_n3VVYD203fhF6Az291Bchzy7inOoREdZxPT2DRChEzfFHW_b9yVids1WHCxGhwRqs9BFFKNK6cZBHevnuEmy1ptc59UBqEo7IXdpWQRTwmGFay0X1hBBI/s320/PW_Logo_black_300dpi%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="color: #274e13;"><a href="http://planetwaves.com/"><b>Planet Waves</b></a>, the ultimate innovator in guitar gear has in fact done it again. As if it were possible to top their already super small Headstock Tuner, they have topped even that. Unlike the previous <i>Headstock</i> and <i>Dual Action Capo Tuners</i>, (which are fantastic by the way), the new </span><b style="color: #274e13;">NS Mini Headstock Tuner</b><span style="color: #274e13;"> actually gives you the note. This makes it even more complete because now you can see the actual note or key for more sure tuning. Don't let the tiny size fool you. Planet Waves makes some of the most accurate guitar tuners on the market.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPFZQOkj_SAcSwjwpQRMvqeb8FkxzqHFXR9CNpbtBXmMRAL3HIffUirvMqlAN8okhPsepJVXKvXeSPdbXrHuGw1Ba7RuhmalufJHoSYjRvDD5cpZ6RlwYx1wdVTi1w1T0bze_spmxO6gw/s1600/PWMiniHeadstockTunerFRONT" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPFZQOkj_SAcSwjwpQRMvqeb8FkxzqHFXR9CNpbtBXmMRAL3HIffUirvMqlAN8okhPsepJVXKvXeSPdbXrHuGw1Ba7RuhmalufJHoSYjRvDD5cpZ6RlwYx1wdVTi1w1T0bze_spmxO6gw/s320/PWMiniHeadstockTunerFRONT" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="color: #274e13;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Planet Waves NEW Mini Headstock Tuner</b></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="color: #274e13;">The new <b>Mini Headstock Tuner</b> still uses the red to green indicator to tell you when "you're there" but it is so small, it can rest nearly unnoticed on your headstock. No need to remove it! </div><div style="color: #274e13;"><br />
</div><span style="color: #274e13;"><b>UPDATE</b>: We tested this tuner in the studio on a Martin HD-28 acoustic which is a very loud and powerful guitar. Martins are known for their booming lows which causes some tuners not to read the low E at all. This wasn't a problem with this tuner and both the high and low E's were easily detected. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13;">Once you adjust the clip to the width of the headstock, there is really no need to take it off the instrument. Just keep in mind that you'll be looking at the underside of the headstock to read it. Not a problem because the LED lit screen is very bright and clear. It also automatically turns off after a set time if no signal is detected which will save battery life. This tuner takes watch batteries but due to its size, you'll see why no other type would fit.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13;">Some musicians prefer to see the actual note they are tuning to which is a plus with this tuner. Each note that registers is clear and bright with extra lines to tell you if you're going sharp or flat. Really I would recommend it being kept on the headstock as it is so small, it would be quite easy to leave behind!</span> <br />
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</div>drmiczakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06422298341147673150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3034773500847220722.post-53906269654585384912011-11-18T14:00:00.000-08:002011-11-30T10:44:03.920-08:00Great Guitar Gifts for Under $100!<center> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDcqN2ELzJApib_8yvVlQhU6-Ui0WxuswvIdNKxRP9L9nrSuiKIsyrrVks_55SP_SMVX3NdQaTBPFdXUjWLTWx21odRdujYx0zAMMzuRMl-MHnbgyW5_jv62zTM7flhyphenhyphennSRGSiQQZIy04/s1600/MartinStringDisplay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDcqN2ELzJApib_8yvVlQhU6-Ui0WxuswvIdNKxRP9L9nrSuiKIsyrrVks_55SP_SMVX3NdQaTBPFdXUjWLTWx21odRdujYx0zAMMzuRMl-MHnbgyW5_jv62zTM7flhyphenhyphennSRGSiQQZIy04/s1600/MartinStringDisplay.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #274e13;">Yes, it's that time of year again. Christmas! Most of these featured items are way below $100 with perhaps just one, (the Audio-Technica Headphones), being a bit more. </span></span></center><center><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #274e13;">See our <a href="http://mariejmiczak.blogspot.com/2011/11/christmas-guitar-gear-give-away.html">Guitar Gifts for Under $100 MUSIC VIDEO HERE!</a> </span></span></center><center><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #274e13;"> </span></span></center><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk1vHcgckR2XHW322VAhaLSNA-0yN21tV1a6tfXIC-SbBkUD4aOEFcYmkmbqeQ_8aD05WSZE-WvlvKAeJW4J2wPcSTWHplpEfZ3xmifFvF-UdMr-PJlw0Q9_KJvR11HUybxW9x5QuTx7I/s1600/Cupcakes+657.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk1vHcgckR2XHW322VAhaLSNA-0yN21tV1a6tfXIC-SbBkUD4aOEFcYmkmbqeQ_8aD05WSZE-WvlvKAeJW4J2wPcSTWHplpEfZ3xmifFvF-UdMr-PJlw0Q9_KJvR11HUybxW9x5QuTx7I/s320/Cupcakes+657.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<center><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #274e13;">All the same we've put together some tried and true gear that your favorite guitar player, (could that be you?) or musician would LOVE to see under the tree. Click this link NOW to enter our 2011 <b><a href="http://mariejmiczak.blogspot.com/2011/11/christmas-guitar-gear-give-away.html"><i>Holiday Guitar Gear Give-Away</i></a> </b></span></span></center>drmiczakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06422298341147673150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3034773500847220722.post-820107710665909562011-10-06T14:41:00.000-07:002011-10-06T14:41:28.043-07:00Guitar Stands: Stands that Deliver<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKo2qteoTDZKoOW8iihewnh9hmPBieDJ4uJbgj4VEKgd039wLpl2q1VdNNwIRvH35raT84LLC0bBG3xUsxt4xPQXHFsHG34NQ-CY-QX2JRfNvgYtRaeuUpExAp5p4CBhXNyLr_qNwgGGw/s1600/Cupcakes+122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKo2qteoTDZKoOW8iihewnh9hmPBieDJ4uJbgj4VEKgd039wLpl2q1VdNNwIRvH35raT84LLC0bBG3xUsxt4xPQXHFsHG34NQ-CY-QX2JRfNvgYtRaeuUpExAp5p4CBhXNyLr_qNwgGGw/s320/Cupcakes+122.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="color: #274e13;">Wooden & metal guitar stands at work in Martin Guitar's Pickin' Parlor</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_dvm_kuYv0Bfeaa1mn3Hf3tDtvc1ixcGpuzLbTrggjkylqrNw0yIdnZMtajcXKbsbTtVpqvGJrZMoLZSNlk8UKToJbDiflSJpo11_x0aG7TmCDhkgNI76v0-KFnAYjhpOe2y3PX7DWY4/s1600/HerGS415BGuitarStand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguL7qDfpi0EXk5s9FCK32skK6AcY3sH8CMgFpCKwtwIr54tHcvelYMvWqxgIfuXnWYKqfkXFAddCMVb8GMiit125WEPnQsYjxxLac70r0bkZ6uNWMVfGwhrATKu0OwL_lqDH5MUcBiYE8/s1600/HerculesGuitarMartin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguL7qDfpi0EXk5s9FCK32skK6AcY3sH8CMgFpCKwtwIr54tHcvelYMvWqxgIfuXnWYKqfkXFAddCMVb8GMiit125WEPnQsYjxxLac70r0bkZ6uNWMVfGwhrATKu0OwL_lqDH5MUcBiYE8/s320/HerculesGuitarMartin.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://herculesstands.com/"><i><span style="color: #274e13;">Hercules Guitar Stand's Auto Grip levers with a Dread </span></i></a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #274e13;"></span></i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #274e13;"></span></i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table>While a guitar stand choice is often a personal one, I'd like to think that I'm doing all that I can to protect my investment. I've been at an outdoor jam and watched in horror as my friend's prized dread accidentally blew off the bench. I've also seen a beautiful Taylor 800 Series get kicked off the stand and chipped by it's owner during a performance.<br />
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As disturbing as these events are, they don't have to happen if you: 1.) Invest in a quality guitar stand 2.) Take it with you where ever you play 3.) Use it religiously<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv5z55XnGNj0IR2lnrP_4h6WELJ13HxadjUyr6mUb6rXOr2yQkXh37dQigc9fLFn42EYfdVlF0dCd9vn0gYupAroZU7c8zbL15rz0meLjO-yek6gUmRGoTrRafzzqo16pQt1WL_9HiJQU/s1600/Cupcakes+539.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv5z55XnGNj0IR2lnrP_4h6WELJ13HxadjUyr6mUb6rXOr2yQkXh37dQigc9fLFn42EYfdVlF0dCd9vn0gYupAroZU7c8zbL15rz0meLjO-yek6gUmRGoTrRafzzqo16pQt1WL_9HiJQU/s320/Cupcakes+539.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://www.herculesstands.com/guitars/GS415B.html"><b>Hercules GS415B</b></a><br />
One of the best guitar stands that I've seen has been the Hercules line. In the photo above it is holding a huge <b>Martin Dreadnought </b>and here to the right it is holding a heavy <b>Fender Stratocaster</b>. I did not have to change or adjust the headstock yoke. So what ever guitar I am playing at the time fits immediately into this stand.<br />
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Some of the features I like are the automatically releasing headstock levers and padded legs. The whole stand folds up instantly in seconds, making very portable.<br />
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I use it in the studio and when it's time to play out, it goes with me. A carry bag is available (GSB001) so you can easily pack it on gigs or on tour. No matter what, when I take a break, my guitar is safe and protected from falling and breakage. I can really relax!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_dvm_kuYv0Bfeaa1mn3Hf3tDtvc1ixcGpuzLbTrggjkylqrNw0yIdnZMtajcXKbsbTtVpqvGJrZMoLZSNlk8UKToJbDiflSJpo11_x0aG7TmCDhkgNI76v0-KFnAYjhpOe2y3PX7DWY4/s1600/HerGS415BGuitarStand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_dvm_kuYv0Bfeaa1mn3Hf3tDtvc1ixcGpuzLbTrggjkylqrNw0yIdnZMtajcXKbsbTtVpqvGJrZMoLZSNlk8UKToJbDiflSJpo11_x0aG7TmCDhkgNI76v0-KFnAYjhpOe2y3PX7DWY4/s320/HerGS415BGuitarStand.jpg" width="184" /></a></div><br />
This is due to the fact that the whole stand itself tilts back on three legs which gives it a very stable base. <br />
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<div style="color: #274e13;"><i>Auto Grip System levers open when you lift the guitar, close to hold it securely. Yoke folds down for easy transport.</i></div><br />
<div style="color: #274e13;"><i>Comfort Grip feature quickly adjusts the height of the stand to fit a variety of guitar bodies.</i></div><i></i><br />
<div style="color: #274e13;"><i>Padded legs tilt back, giving the guitar a more secure resting position.</i></div><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid2ugX_Swqhewle1YaQ7LGkJHz59G_I9o4B8yVlgLL6LrB0rZX6_JD8kR8DlqOHTr4jJsZu6e3kGum8LVNnH8PQqp75f3zncWDmwqqMf8wctk1-Kay-MJ2KFKctMKA1Wx0TPgjSAeNc-Y/s1600/Farley%2527sStagePlayerII.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid2ugX_Swqhewle1YaQ7LGkJHz59G_I9o4B8yVlgLL6LrB0rZX6_JD8kR8DlqOHTr4jJsZu6e3kGum8LVNnH8PQqp75f3zncWDmwqqMf8wctk1-Kay-MJ2KFKctMKA1Wx0TPgjSAeNc-Y/s1600/Farley%2527sStagePlayerII.jpg" /></a><br />
<b>Guitar Stand & Stool</b><br />
Another stand that I like is the <b>Stage Player II</b> combination guitar stool and stand. This will hold both you and your guitar but just not at the same time!<br />
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Very comfy padded seat and foot rest. This packs up like a folding chair and is easy to take along.<br />
In fact I take it with me to most every gig, outdoor and indoor jam. I bring the Hercules Stand also which means I can offer this stand to someone who forgot theirs. <br />
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This guitar stool-stand makes a great gift so you might want to take note of it for yourself or a strumming buddy. the <b><a href="http://www.gavethat.com/2009/08/giving-guitars-buyers-guide.html">Guitar Buyer's Guide</a></b> over at <a href="http://gavethat.com/">Gavethat.com</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-qWxdbUgUXaTHMGuIBhbXN0K9QJEpRE5pLJy6RQUVEU4vza4JSAn_KOfqG4J-k5vdyqZM6obKHZkpNqRF_vGns8IBCqyEt9Dij3n3e7hGB844QZbvjHyP9Rnq_SkuCgDy12-qnMkL6pc/s1600/StagePlayer2%252520intro%2525202%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-qWxdbUgUXaTHMGuIBhbXN0K9QJEpRE5pLJy6RQUVEU4vza4JSAn_KOfqG4J-k5vdyqZM6obKHZkpNqRF_vGns8IBCqyEt9Dij3n3e7hGB844QZbvjHyP9Rnq_SkuCgDy12-qnMkL6pc/s320/StagePlayer2%252520intro%2525202%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13;">The Stage Player II is available now from Amazon</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>drmiczakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06422298341147673150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3034773500847220722.post-1076604169124028532011-09-30T18:03:00.000-07:002012-01-11T12:36:11.793-08:00Guitar Care: It's the Humidity<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhctLSHhQwW_OAie2Nw9-TMF3CqADIT70HiIgHs5JUZRcN3RRdLLOJMPSJW5YdWVlUXngUNp8sYKNN35fLpN8R3IrjQPPfygOxtETSlgu_X8JTyiLhBTYvcVHmfNA4HglHn5a3EYqSSGUU/s1600/Cupcakes+104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhctLSHhQwW_OAie2Nw9-TMF3CqADIT70HiIgHs5JUZRcN3RRdLLOJMPSJW5YdWVlUXngUNp8sYKNN35fLpN8R3IrjQPPfygOxtETSlgu_X8JTyiLhBTYvcVHmfNA4HglHn5a3EYqSSGUU/s320/Cupcakes+104.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="color: #274e13;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Guitar: "It's not the heat, it's the humidity!"</i></b></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioEl9leS4jIm2TzpArBUQ7OoFYq3X1fpgGD8p9N_UK_kKoveAEtJwxNVGFSNsLYtFlHQw3pXTmYwQveyOOxztJNsf13f2jv87GZpuX6e-dblR8-RjujCLLmO7CBcHYRMEQGI-QcsLFWHU/s1600/PW+HygrometerT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioEl9leS4jIm2TzpArBUQ7OoFYq3X1fpgGD8p9N_UK_kKoveAEtJwxNVGFSNsLYtFlHQw3pXTmYwQveyOOxztJNsf13f2jv87GZpuX6e-dblR8-RjujCLLmO7CBcHYRMEQGI-QcsLFWHU/s200/PW+HygrometerT.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh098BYwdQG5A6RwyrX5YGBB_mlVxKYVdKQLOxtfNHCElA0WCkDhPB28PlYaLQob_7MfDmTE00ZafxHp-tjkfJj1Z_AE2SnkP9G_4qkjq1e-Xnpfx3o3jmsG5Xy4Ebte5wdaT3Q-hbgexg/s1600/Cupcakes+651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh098BYwdQG5A6RwyrX5YGBB_mlVxKYVdKQLOxtfNHCElA0WCkDhPB28PlYaLQob_7MfDmTE00ZafxHp-tjkfJj1Z_AE2SnkP9G_4qkjq1e-Xnpfx3o3jmsG5Xy4Ebte5wdaT3Q-hbgexg/s320/Cupcakes+651.jpg" width="240" /></a>Now that fall is here, (or just about), we have to start thinking about the care & feeding of our acoustics a bit more. The best place to keep control over temperature & humidity is still the guitar case. I prefer the molded thermoplastic cases that came with my Martin Guitars and keep a hygrometer / thermometer inside each one. Gigbags are great but they are porous and will not maintain optimal humidity and temperature conditions very well. You need to get serious about storing and monitoring your instruments during times of excessive wetness as well as drier days that come with the fall. PHOTO: <b>Planet Waves Hygrometer</b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFd4Pr3dHY6joJj40FtpAfEbHn0SmzFvt2ZXCAxIaByMAinyTe1iJlNDeRC1efg90BkVLrv_ZIzuTa2yVx4vTsu3Szjh408UXz6sgGP27Nl86UiJ7DFqaLv02y64yrv2H-tycvIW1L-fw/s1600/AOS7146TravelUltrasonic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFd4Pr3dHY6joJj40FtpAfEbHn0SmzFvt2ZXCAxIaByMAinyTe1iJlNDeRC1efg90BkVLrv_ZIzuTa2yVx4vTsu3Szjh408UXz6sgGP27Nl86UiJ7DFqaLv02y64yrv2H-tycvIW1L-fw/s200/AOS7146TravelUltrasonic.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Now I've been guilty in the past of "over-feeding" my Martin acoustics as top guitar technician, Dave Doll can attest. I was using the older <b>Humidi-Pak</b> by Planet Waves without a monitoring system inside the case. As I could not tell what the levels were, the guitars became over humidified and difficult to play, (think REALLY high action). The Humidi-Pak claims to regulate the humidity, adding/subtracting moisture so you stay roughly between 45-55%. It's been very rainy the past few weeks and I have to say that the humidity in the case only went up to 59% so I'll call that a success. All the same, I think it's a mistake to leave any humidifying gadget inside your guitar or case without periodically checking to see how the guitar's levels are interacting with the environment.<br />
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Another way of dealing with low humidity levels is to simply humidify your ambient environment and store your guitars in a climate controlled room or area. Your recording studio should definitely be under climate control especially for the benefit of your most precious instrument, your voice. I like to keep at least one guitar out on the stand for easy access so it's great when the whole studio is properly keep at the right moisture level. PHOTO: Air O Swiss Travel Humidifier<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoK5CXEmCYNvv9-efGzdXMtHEkFL6-xQO_Np6fSfHv8vtiGoZaNonaJQiAlu2SmD_GSsMTKMDI0KcsE7gbiqLoZVLrWqWOY64VbTevSOX1rBHu7smBpzYD1mTMJPr2gb2YXZz7d8VLpkc/s1600/VirtuosoPolish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoK5CXEmCYNvv9-efGzdXMtHEkFL6-xQO_Np6fSfHv8vtiGoZaNonaJQiAlu2SmD_GSsMTKMDI0KcsE7gbiqLoZVLrWqWOY64VbTevSOX1rBHu7smBpzYD1mTMJPr2gb2YXZz7d8VLpkc/s200/VirtuosoPolish.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3khPgAczkUkj6vb6pmSzJOeluvv3K4Ip-GQeDwDgpbsM3g3_jSQlYggjLrf3gEZ-feayq61yHZoRCWKdALxP5mDYto1F260hy4u-u4xk2QNpnUzLCmb-55_0axPbTh7PlYkaJVPljaoI/s1600/MartinPolishCloth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3khPgAczkUkj6vb6pmSzJOeluvv3K4Ip-GQeDwDgpbsM3g3_jSQlYggjLrf3gEZ-feayq61yHZoRCWKdALxP5mDYto1F260hy4u-u4xk2QNpnUzLCmb-55_0axPbTh7PlYkaJVPljaoI/s1600/MartinPolishCloth.jpg" /></a><b>The BEST Guitar polish...</b><br />
I don't like to polish my guitars that often and I've been told to let the wood breathe for a full year on a new guitar. Part of keeping the wood moisturized is to use a good guitar polish. Everyone has their favorite mixtures and elixirs but <b>Virtuoso Instrument Cleaner and Polish</b> are some of the best I've ever used. The most impressive results will come if you clean and polish your guitar before they get embedded with grime and dirt. Still the Virtuoso cleaner does a very good job of even dealing with poor, neglected instruments. I like <b>Martin's Polishing Cloths</b> and try to wipe my guitars down after every use. Since they all have a light coat of Virtuoso Polish at this point, that;a quite easy and those forearm smudges are a thing of the past<b>. </b><br />
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<b>The Wrap</b><br />
Keep in mind that when you buy a new quality acoustic guitar from a reputable dealer, it will be kept in a climate controlled area such as what you see here at Russo's Music Center. Once the guitar leaves that perfect environment, it begins to dry out. The sound of that perfectly conditioned guitar is most likely what led you to buy it, right? You can keep that first spark alive by properly humidifying your instrument at home or in the studio.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="color: #274e13; text-align: center;"><b><i>This Martin Sustainable Series Guitar is kept in the store at 45-55% humidity.</i></b></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
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</tbody></table>drmiczakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06422298341147673150noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3034773500847220722.post-35278382620862759262011-09-28T16:42:00.000-07:002012-01-11T12:34:19.733-08:00Christmas Guitar Gear Give Away!<center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="405" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/SVhxDerUG9Q" width="425"></iframe></center><br />
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<tr style="color: #274e13;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Levy's Mock Croc Leather Guitar Strap-NEW for 2012!</span></b></i></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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<b><span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">WINNER...Dustin of Alpharetta, Ga! Great job Dustin and congratulations from all of us at Eclectic Sound, Levy's Leathers, Martin Guitar and Planet Waves.</span></span></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #274e13;">CLOSED! <i style="color: #274e13;">Entry Deadline was Midnight, December 19th, 2011</i></span></b><br />
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<div style="color: #990000;">Christmastime is here! <b>Eclectic Sound</b> wants to celebrate the reason for the season with this year's <b>Christmas Guitar Gear Give-Away</b> plus our fantastic <b><i>Video of</i></b> <i><b>Gifts for Guitarists</b></i>. We have BEAUTIFUL gifts for under your tree, (or maybe a special bandmate?), so check out the goodies this year:</div><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;"><b>2 SETS of MARTIN LIFESPAN TREATED STRINGS - Light and Medium</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz5X4rmBAFu7O3N2xKKPEPlPJtQxSJ6XTEPDE2j36r4PfsJWWY7qjowI-BBjr6CPlJfJdfQ4i2I7eY73UO56-D7LcxkutjvJOdVw__s5LD1WNSmUkJlQSCeFfKvuvtXXAPrGMFEuAZGBU/s1600/Cupcakes+566.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz5X4rmBAFu7O3N2xKKPEPlPJtQxSJ6XTEPDE2j36r4PfsJWWY7qjowI-BBjr6CPlJfJdfQ4i2I7eY73UO56-D7LcxkutjvJOdVw__s5LD1WNSmUkJlQSCeFfKvuvtXXAPrGMFEuAZGBU/s200/Cupcakes+566.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span style="color: #274e13;"> </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b><span style="color: #274e13;">Planet Waves 10 ft Circuit Breaker Cable</span></b></i></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSLhvkzU0gi1miQEfV3v9XwihI22Xlt4RH1-KOaVmiDNrSwpUrFv1kLwPBSUuH8BfJ0VO4euC2ihom9MPoTCff1Ty_jwpezFbfo9eVJNTMQbMGeGV90BlLCp3AA9sqpAjJqPfsJ-aGWV8/s1600/LevysLeatherTags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSLhvkzU0gi1miQEfV3v9XwihI22Xlt4RH1-KOaVmiDNrSwpUrFv1kLwPBSUuH8BfJ0VO4euC2ihom9MPoTCff1Ty_jwpezFbfo9eVJNTMQbMGeGV90BlLCp3AA9sqpAjJqPfsJ-aGWV8/s1600/LevysLeatherTags.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: #660000;">Levy's Leathers Gig Bag / Luggage Tags</span></b></span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="color: #38761d;">LEVY'S LEATHERS PREMIUM GUITAR GEAR!</span></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfv0tmxUmlQ0ByCaz7HN-DEmwYAu8RkX7XBqB80UCnXWTIWYbpqPeBIAp7S1IoBXStcT6eCkjrVH1enZT7Cg9tvi526hb4PfIdNJmUr-MxzvP2RyUwSkuPAg60Wfuifcu5_zdgCr1nDX0/s1600/LevysLeatherAccessoriesPouchBlk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfv0tmxUmlQ0ByCaz7HN-DEmwYAu8RkX7XBqB80UCnXWTIWYbpqPeBIAp7S1IoBXStcT6eCkjrVH1enZT7Cg9tvi526hb4PfIdNJmUr-MxzvP2RyUwSkuPAg60Wfuifcu5_zdgCr1nDX0/s200/LevysLeatherAccessoriesPouchBlk.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="color: #660000; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Levy's Leathers Accessories Pouch</b></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="color: #660000; text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="color: #660000; text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="color: #660000; text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="color: #660000; text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="color: #660000; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b></b></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="color: #660000; text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="color: #660000; text-align: center;"><b></b></td><td class="tr-caption" style="color: #660000; text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="color: #660000; text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="color: #660000; text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table>drmiczakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06422298341147673150noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3034773500847220722.post-53230736373615739472011-06-01T09:24:00.000-07:002011-07-20T13:40:01.991-07:00We Have a WINNER - Martin Guitar String Giveaway!<center><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1101938034" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEionwI-w0r9snWAx1hyphenhyphencVRnO0aq62OK0IRKXcuq5vpwDpnpV1Zh6T7A-k3du1o66S5lM9IARP1Z6NP3IasRqc4x2UUTxFNMgJn6ZCJ7ob2W2TfmN5aiudrOfLyuvmxKagf7n-qdb9fEeHE/s320/Cupcakes+733.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="color: #274e13;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://martinguitar.com/"><b>Martin's NEW Lifespan SP Strings treated with Cleartone!</b></a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="color: #660000;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">The WINNER of Eclectic Sound's Summer Guitar Gear Giveaway is <i>JOHN M. of New Jersey</i> who wrote:</span></b></div><div style="color: #660000;"><br />
</div><b>"<span style="color: #274e13;">That's easy - Playing the guitar on the deck in the summer reminds me of the summer of 1976 (and who doesn't want to remember being 18 again?) when we would haul our band equipment (who doen't wish they held on to that 62 Strat?) onto our drummer's patio a few times a week and practice the entire Peter Frampton Comes Alive album until Mr. Temborelli shouted from his window and threatened to call the police."</span></b></div><br />
<b><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;">John Wins:</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;"> </span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;">1 Set 80/20 Bronze Mediums</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;"> </span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;">1 Set 80/20 Bronze Custom Lights</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;">1 Set .012 Phosphor Bronze Lights</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;"> </span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;">1 Set .012 Bronze Lights</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;">Thanks to all of you who posted your thoughtful entries. Look for our next Guitar Gear Giveaway at Eclectic Sound! </span></b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Ilqqgk6zf64mbCKgTfdXy0-R0B3rkdDnZR2-jt-vgQPnPREVSJbx24fQ-XPCMY36D7U6Kg7eqwGysp_8_QFtaCWjuAnvf6JVeluOaiD3gA9Cb7ezIzoDHbIHydKf6sXo2K9748Wo63M/s1600/MartinStringDisplay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Ilqqgk6zf64mbCKgTfdXy0-R0B3rkdDnZR2-jt-vgQPnPREVSJbx24fQ-XPCMY36D7U6Kg7eqwGysp_8_QFtaCWjuAnvf6JVeluOaiD3gA9Cb7ezIzoDHbIHydKf6sXo2K9748Wo63M/s1600/MartinStringDisplay.jpg" /></a></div>drmiczakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06422298341147673150noreply@blogger.com10