We thank guest writer Mark Wilson of Onboard Research for this week's "Tips and Tricks" entry, excellent further fretboard theory vivisection entitled "A Tetrachordal Approach to the Major Scale Modes." We all know about the benefits of modes and scales in developing facility and improvisational skills; Mark takes us all a step deeper in unraveling the inherent simplicity of four-note patterns (Hmm... where have we heard that before?), dividing scales into two-part patterns, or Tetrachords. This could open a whole new dimension for you in comprehending scale theory.

Read article: A Tetrachordal Approach to the Major Scale Modes

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Posted by Ted at 06:39 AM

Gypsy's Music has introduced a new ergonomic cutaway model mandolin worthy of attention. Known for their entire line of efficient design mandolins, mandolas, and octaves, these American-made instruments with their own subtle beauty have achieved mass popularity in their brief two years of production. This most recent entry captured our eye, and we asked company founder and chief designer, Walt Kuhlman for more insight:

"I have been thinking about this body style for sometime now. Several things played into the design, one I wanted to maintain as much body volume as possible yet have easy access to the higher registers. I felt that moving to the 14th fret at the body would be number one, as I studied other designs I also wanted to keep in line with a 'Gypsy' look and will perhaps use a 'D' or oval sound hole in the future. I felt by moving the bridge forward I could pull more bass, with this I also created a high induced arch, hence I can string the instrument with much heavier gauges, (presently 38/11's, I feel that it would easily handle 40's as well). The volume and projection is very good and the balance between the bass and treble is strong as well. The action is low and the response is very fast."
Walt

For more information: Gypsy's Music Website

Read past Builder Review: Gypsy's Music Octave Mandolin

Posted by Ted at 08:09 AM

More Summer NAMM highlights at the Yamaha booth: the AUDIOGRAM3 which delivers a compact audio interface, complete with both a mono and stereo input channel. Providing maximum flexibility for recording from almost any audio source, the mono input channel features a combo-type connector that can be set for microphone or line level input, while the stereo channel has both phone and RCA connectors. Being USB bus-powered, no external power supply is necessary--making it a convenient solution for mobile applications.

Yamaha Audiogram 3 (and 6). Computer-based audio recording continues to evolve. The competitive $99 street price point established in other manufacturers' desk top audio interface have limited players to record tracks over existing stereo audio. For another $20 ($119 street), the 3rd line allows a player to record along with a stereo MP3 mix, stereo keyboard, or two other players. The Audiogram 6 gives 3 more channels. This is the next step in affordable home/hobby recording.

Website information and specs: Yamaha Audiogram

Posted by Ted at 05:22 AM

We came. We saw. We bought the shirt...

Sometimes, we dream of traveling exotic places and because of economics or schedule, the trip is just not immediately possible. Solution? Buy a shirt. You can get a pretty picture of a park in Paris, a gorgeous mountain landscape in Montana, or famous beach in the tropics on a shirt and just dream.

When MAS tries to get the better of us, as in the case of the 12 month wait on one of the new Clark JM series mandolins, the best distraction is to strut one of our cool new "Clark JM" T-shirts. These exotic Ash-colored short-sleeve, double-stitched fabric Hanes "Heavyweight", made of 100% preshrunk cotton, double needle sleeves and hem with shoulder to shoulder tape, are adorned with a terrific tilt view of the Clark JM, larger than life in four-color print. We're expecting a batch approximately July 14th, so if you want to preorder yours, you can be first in line when they ship out.

For less than $20 ($19.50), they come shipped prepaid to your USA mailbox. If you're one of those Big Guys that need an XXL, the extra fabric makes it $22.50, but you'll especially want to order yours early, as it seems we always run out of them first.

Check them out and use our handy online shopping cart:

Shirt Orders: Clark JM Commemorative Shirt

Posted by Ted at 06:21 AM

Who'd thunk it, but one of the coolest discoveries made by our NAMM research team was the line of entry level banjos at the Deering booth, "Goodtime Banjos." Street-priced in the mid $400s, they offer a respectable birch/maple rim 4-string tenor banjo worthy of attention. Of course they are known world-wide for their prestigious high end product, but these beginner instruments are a serious contender for the banjo hobbyist looking for quality, American-made crafsmanship and rich, vibrant tone.

Goodtime Specs:
Tenor 19 Fret
Slender Rock Maple Neck
Birch and Maple Rim
Satin Finish
Adjustable Tailpiece
Geared Tuners
$479 suggested list price

Website: Deering Banjos

Posted by Ted at 10:51 AM

We're preparing to retire yet another shirt design destined to be a collector's item, our Dogs Playing Mandolins classic T. A different shirt with new art is in the works; but the DPM are available today in Small, Med, Large, X-large, and XX-large.

This is actually a reprint from a page out of the "Getting Into Jazz Mandolin" book (release date moved back to August), except it's in full color. Heads up--we have a very limited supply left, and since we're approaching peak festival season, you'll see us running out of certain sizes within days.

For ordering details and closeup, visit the JazzMando Merchandise Center: Dogs Playing Mandolin Shirt

Don't miss out!

Posted by Ted at 05:45 AM

It's day two of the show for us, and we've had a few nice surprises. Didn't expect to actually get to try one of the new Eastman Giacomels, but there was a prototype, albeit one with a headstock logo miscue. Guess they ran out of Duct Tape. (Inside joke, nevermind if you don't get the Grisman connection...) The Eastman booth location made it heard to make any true sonic evaluation; way too much ambient hall noise, but let's just say they are bear a unique feel and response. We're hoping for a close up and intimate review in the future.

The new Collings A Oval are everything you'd expect of them. Warm, tubby sound, and the usual perfection in detail. It was great to meet Kim Warner of the Greencards in person, too. Great musician and nice guy.

We did run into Bill Bay (Pres. Mel Bay Publishing) at one of the "I'm not worthy" rooms at Gruhns Guitars the day before the show. Glad to hear the Mississipi floods aren't affecting them this time in Pacific, MO. He did say the "Getting into Jazz Mandolin" book was on tap. Just waiting for the presses, but probably won't make the June deadline as anticipated.

Heading back to the Sound to Earth booth this afternoon. Some amazing custom Webers there to spend quality time with.

Read more: Mandolin Cafe Report

Posted by Ted at 06:25 AM

Bags are packed and we're ready to camp out in the luxurious Downtown Hampton Inn in Nashville, TN for the 2008 NAMM Trade Show, June 20-22. After a three-year hiatus from the Music City (two years in Austin, one in Indianapolis) the exhibits are back after what many would argue was a mistake in moving. Ah, hindsight...

It's more of a broad industry show and not the greatest acoustic environment for auditioning instruments, but it's always great to witness new trends and hook up with old industry friends. We'll look forward to reports from our roving reporters, as well as pictorial documentary from the Site Administrator, Ted Eschliman who doubles as a columnist for Music Inc Magazine.

More to come...

Posted by Ted at 08:33 AM

It's here, and though we haven't recorded audio samples for you just yet, the new Clark JM Two-point mandolin is truly the cat's pajamas. She played well even out of the box, and after some playing and caressing, continues to flower and blossom. For more pictures, read our latest review:
Clark JM Two-point Mandolin

Posted by Ted at 05:19 AM

We've always had an affinity for 4-strings mandolins, but the recent acquisition of a Jean Paul Charles acoustic has been especially captivating. Built originally for friend and electric jazz mandolin pioneer Michael Lampert of some highly resonant Brazilian hardwoods, this flat top/arched back critter is a joy to play, and for its small size is deceptively rich in sound and character. It's very easy to play and runs the gamut of intimate and powerful in sonic capability.

Charles, a French ex-patriot has settled in Salvador Brazil where he repairs and builds bandolims and some unique high-quality original guitar, upright bass, and mandolin designs. A capable jazz musician himself, he's also recorded two amazing CDs in the late 80's we'd like to see distributed again.

Samples of the builder's playing can be heard on YouTube:
Tida Swing Part 1
Tida Swing Part 1

We're looking forward to hearing more from this builder!
Website: JP Charles Luthier
Contact Builder: Jean Paul Charles

Posted by Ted at 01:39 PM