Michael Lewis is a builder truly worth raving about. His Ritz series 'Django' and 'Wingfeather' had us breaking into a cold sweat last winter. These are some of the most beautiful instruments we've ever had the pleasure to play. Some of the most exotic tonewoods to grace an instrument betray Michael's eye for a great slab, and not one to disappoint, his "King of Clean" attention to detail leaves the finished product mind-bending and ear-boggling. (We've reviewed one of his Django mandolins in our Builder's Spotlight showcase.)

In addition to these guitar-body masterpiece designs (which we revere), he's also recently tackled the two-point symmetrical body with his 'DS' series, as well as the assymetrical 'DC' model, both with the signature clean line of a Michael Lewis instrument.

If you're ever at a festival or exhibit where you can get your hands on one of his Magnum Opi, run to walk to his booth. Or for the time being, check out his website:
Michael Lewis Instruments

Posted by Ted at 11:18 AM

November 17, 2005 | Christmas Carols

Tone like a chocolate silk pie--that smooth, creamy, rich texture can only be accomplished with the right combination of exacting control of "sweet spot" between the frets, quick unflinching finger shift to the next position, and impeccable Right Hand Pick/Left Hand Finger coordination...

John Reischman comes to mind; too much hoopla is made about his cherished Gibson Loar instrument, not enough about the fingers. We'd make the same observation about David Grisman's playing. We have to get around the distraction that he has an arsenal of really good instruments, and pay attention to his technique. (Yes, again it's the "fingers!") The Dawg could make even a crappy mandolin sound good.

A vastly underrated tonemeister we'll mention here is that of Canadian, Emory Lester. We've just finished a review of his latest release, "Christmas Carols." This one's guaranteed to please the ears of all, even the mando-indifferent spouse will enjoy this one. Celebrate the season with this study in mandolin tone.

Read review: Christmas Carols

Posted by Ted at 03:58 PM

November 10, 2005 | Gypsy

Watching this amazing DVD of "Bireli Lagrene and Friends."

This concert of some of the world's best Gypsy guitarists demonstrates the benefit of left hand finger control, and resolute pick attack. Considering the whole Django "gypsy jazz" genre originated in acoustically hostile environments, these (unamplified!) guitarists fought for sonic presence midst the clanking of cappachino cups, dancers courting, and bar-room brawls over those courting. That doesn't even consider the familiar "brawl" for acoustic space with other members in the ensemble...

Not content with the European folk harmonic vocabulary established in the 19th century, Django Reinhardt propelled the chord extension up the ladder, paralleling his American jazz counterparts across the Atlantic. This made the demand for fat, articulate tone even more of a challenge. (No G-Chop here!) No piercing pure major chords, just the drama of rich but smooth dissonance!

At the time, the guitar was considered a comping "percussion" instrument. The instrument itself was not engineered for lush solo playing in the dance hall, and it was quite a battle to change it's role, but Django almost single-handedly revolutionized the way a guitar's acoustic capacity is perceived today.

Witness the strength, the control, and the determined force in the Left Hand fingers of these Gypsy pickers--amazingly, up, down and across the fingerboard. This is a terrific lesson for mandolinists, who don't have the fret stretch of a guitar, but still whimper and wince at the pain of a five fret 1st finger to pinky stretch.

Oh, and despite the pyrotechnical speed and wizardry, many of them today use a 3.0 gauge pick!

Posted by Ted at 09:11 AM

November 04, 2005 | Muscles

We believe good finger control on the mandolin involves a sturdy but flexible pinky.

Our FFcP approach promises to develop this both systematically and thoroughly. We make no apologies working this often-indolent digit. However, we will confess we've had feedback on the physical stress and emotional duress endured in developing these muscles from a few readers.

Hang in there; it's worth it...

When you get confidence with these exercises, it's on to new muscles:

Lesson #2

Posted by Ted at 02:41 PM