Ever find something you really value during routine cleaning? Such is the case with our "Clean Sweep" picking exercise prepared for our June '07 Tip & Trick entry. It's amazing what a focused 3-4 minute investment of time can do to the rest of your practice session (let alone long-term cummulative pedagogical benefit), and this is one of those special exercises that can get your pick, grip, and ear set for maximum tone throughout the rest of your practicing. It's also a great performance warm-up.

Give it a try: Sweeping for Tone PDF

Posted by Ted at 05:12 AM

March 28, 2008 | Spring Cleaning

Once in a while, it's just a good idea to do some spring cleaning. With over 600 pages on the JazzMando site (and growing weekly), we like to annually regroup and categorize so that new readers (and veterans) can get caught up on some past pedagogical gems.

If you've got some free time this weekend for some cyber exploration, pull up a laptop and browse through some of the topics and titles you might have missed. These are divided up somewhat like what our three-prong approach of Tactile, Aural, and Mental; have some fun and feel free to offer feedback if any of these articles trip your trigger or inspire questions:

Enjoy updated lists:

Fingers
Ears
Brain

Also, don't miss our ever-increasing archive of past issues of Mel Bay's MandolinSessions.com, a free webzine educational service.
For an entire listing: Jazz Mandology.

Posted by Ted at 05:45 AM

March 26, 2008 | Don and John

We're excited to hear about the reprise collaboration of two of our all-time favorite acoustic string musicians, Don Stiernberg and John Carlini. We've reviewed two of our very favorite jazz CDs, Angel Eyes and By George recorded by the two masters, and know Don did some background guitar for John Carlini's recent project, Further Adventures, produced by our good friend and JazzMando site sponsor Steven Briggs of Blue Night Records.

Don and John are touring New Jersey with bassist Brian "Brain" Glassman April 10-13, with a workshop April 12th in Chatham.

For more details read the Mandolin Cafe News Release: Don Stiernberg and John Carlini Tour.

Posted by Ted at 07:10 PM

March 24, 2008 | DPM Shirts

Spring has sprung (at least on the calendar, if not on your snow shovel...). Now's the time to get your Dogs Playing Mandolins T-Shirt, short-sleeve, double-stitched fabric Hanes "Heavyweight", in pristine white 100% Preshrunk cotton, double needle sleeves and hem with shoulder to shoulder tape; these comfort-soft shirts are adorned with those Dogs, larger than life in four-color print:

Click picture for close-up

We just reloaded again in the JazzMando Merchandise Center, so head over and show your support for the site with a shirt purchase.

Buy: Dogs Playing Mandolins T-Shirt

Posted by Ted at 05:39 AM

March 22, 2008 | Sponsor watch: Acoustic Vibes Music

We're proud to have Jeff Looker and Acoustic Vibes Music as JazzMando sponsor, and one glance at his inventory on the Acoustic Vibes website will tell you why. Located in the greater Phoenix area (Tempe), in addition to many incredible boutique lines of guitars and banjos, he's got a slew of premier mandolins in stock, including New MAD(3!), Collings (9), Breedlove, Weber, and of course one of our favorites, Phoenix (7!).

Where else are you going to actually find two USED Phoenix Jazz mandolins under the same roof? Check him out; do your civic duty with your tax return and re-invest it in the (mandolin) economy!

Visit Website: Acoustic Music Vibes
Contact Jeff Looker and while you're at it, thank him for sponsoring this site!

Posted by Ted at 04:57 PM

March 20, 2008 | The Mechanic's Corvette; James Condino

So what does a luthier play? What kind of collection does he/she keep for personal enjoyment? Our friend James Condino, arguably one of the greatest mandolin innovators alive today weighs in with his personal thoughts and experiences in this captivating article on "The Mechanic's Corvette," a journal in the life of an instrument and it's maker. If you're as captivated by the pictures as we were, you'll want to check out his website, as well.

When Condino isn't repairing or building, writing for Mandolin Magazine and Fine Wood Working, or teaching instrument building classes, he can by seen mountain climbing, wild water rafting, or dodging urban traffic on bicycle. This man lives life on the edge, and builds that way too!

Enjoy: The Mechanic's Corvette

Posted by Ted at 12:26 PM

March 18, 2008 | Speaking of 5ths; we're FIVE, tomorrow!...

We've just reached a landmark. On March 19, 2003 we registered the domain JazzMando.com and started documenting our own exploration into the magic of fifths tuning and how easily the world of jazz could be explored through this symmetry. Five years later, we're still doing it, having developed the systematic FFcP approach to attacking the fretboard, tips on chord production, "What's New," a regular news entry updated every 2-3 days, our "Tips and Tricks" section added to weekly, and of course, the Jazz Mandology feature at Mel Bay's MandolinSessions.com.

It's been a great ride, three collaborations with instrument builders (Rigel 'Gypsy Q' and Q-Dola', the Old Wave Solocomp JM), and are currently prototyping the Clark JM Two-point with that world class young punk Austin Clark. Of course our JM flatwound string series (over 1400 sold!) with the JM11, JD13, and our soon to be released JM10B ball-end electric mando, we've tried to encourage instruments and accessories that make smooth, linear playing more effective and comfortable. We're looking forward to the future; Happy Fifth Birthday to us...

This kind note from our friend and mandolin software innovator, Craig Schmoller: "When worlds collide--Traveling a Jazz Mandolin road through a BluegrassLandscape--That's gotta get lonely. It takes a lot of vision and love and a profound understanding of the instrument's potential to maintain that course--And some guts to crash both the Jazz and Bluegrass parties at once, too! JazzMando.com is blazing that trail. There are precious few, if any, resources that bring these worlds together like this place, providing powerful insights from a uniquely jazz-mandolin perspective, tons of examples, tips, tricks. You are having an impact on the music world, one player at a time--You are certainly the single greatest factor in hooking me on the mandolin family after decades of wandering the guitar-wasteland. Thanks JazzMando.com for introducing me to the Instrument of the Future! You are an essential resource, don't stop--The best is yet to come."

Posted by Ted at 09:52 AM

March 16, 2008 | In the oven

Looking at pictures of instruments in the making can be like viewing the proud expectant father's recent ultrasound photos of his yet to be born infant; cool to those who've been through the process before. We promised updates of the new Clark JM from the Boise, Idaho builder. The latest are formed sides and back from some delicious maple quilt. Our goal remains to make the new signature model repeatable; something you will want to own, too!

We're zeroing in on and experimenting with some pickups (thanks to those of you who've already offered recommendations). Now we're in quandry over which gorgeous finish to go with, his earthy Cherry Cola-burst or his semi-atomic Tequila Sunrise-burst.

What do you think?

View more on the amazing craftsmanship of Austin Clark.

Posted by Ted at 08:51 PM

March 14, 2008 | More videos at DjangoBooks!

Some remarkable new video viewing DjangoBooks.com, including rare footage of Fapy Lafertin and Tim Kliphuis, and an incredible collaboration of Robin Nolan, David Grisman, & Frank Vignola:

Robin Nolan, David Grisman, & Frank Vignola
Fapy Lafertin and Tim Kliphuis

Get caught up: Django Books Video Archive

Also highly recommended reading:
Michael Dregni: Gypys Jazz; In Search of Django Reinhardt and the Soul of Gypsy Swing

Posted by Ted at 03:39 PM

March 12, 2008 | Django in June Deadline

A Django in June deadline is coming up, and we'd be remiss in not reminding you to take advantage of an Early Bird special prior to March 31st. This from camp administrator, Andrew Lawrence, "I'm happy to report that registrations for Django Camp are coming in from around the U.S. and Canada and it looks like we're in for another amazing year. I'd love to count you in as well, so let me remind you that after March 31, the cost of camp tuition will go up by $50 per month. Please pre-register now if you haven't already. It will save you a few bucks and help me make sure that we are ready for you with adequate staff and facilities come June.

Please swing by djangoinjune.com for the details that interest you most and don't hesitate to contact me if you have questions or concerns."

Camp information: Django in June

Email: Andrew Lawrence

Posted by Ted at 05:29 AM

March 09, 2008 | Classics of the Brazilian Choro--You are the Soloist

Drooling over those pictures of Hamilton's Zouk reminded us to get on the stick and review a magnficent Choro series recently submitted by the Global Choro Music Corporation. Formed a couple years ago with the mission of broadening access to Brazilian Choro for the rest of the world, they've introduced a highy professional series of books with accompaniment CDs, "Classics of the Brazilian Choro--You are the Soloist."

These are the rage around the JazzMando laboratory. These CDs are truly inspiring and a great opportunity to dig even deeper into this Brazilian treasure.

Read our reveiw: Classics of the Brazilian Choro--You are the Soloist

Posted by Ted at 02:53 PM

March 07, 2008 | In the oven: Hamilton's new Zouk!

Sneak preview of Hamilton de Holanda's new Bouzouki; we've been privileged with exclusive shots of Hamilton's new ax from Brazilian builder and friend, Tércio Ribeiro. If it isn't the first, it is certainly one of the first Zouks constructed in Brazil. 27 frets with the soundbox meeting at the 16th fret, it is made with fine German aged Spruce and Brazilian Rosewood (30 years old cut), ebony thick enough to waive the need for a truss rod. The bridge will eventually be sculptured bone, similar to his bandolims.

The next project for the Brazilian craftsman is a bandola.

More pictures of Hamilton's 10-string

Contact Builder: Tércio Ribeiro
(Portuguese is helpful, though not necessary.)

Read review Brasilianos

Posted by Ted at 05:55 AM

March 05, 2008 | Fletcher Brock 5-string

Some pics of a very cool 5-string Fletcher Brock mandolin sent to us by virtuoso jazz picker Bryce Milano. Bryce's latest incarnation is with some Philadelphia music veterans in the ensemble Beau Django, a four piece acoustic string band that features traditional gypsy jazz music.

Crafted by Pacific Northwest builder Fletcher Brock, the Archtop Jazz Mando 5-string is actually the artist's second custom instrument from this world-class craftsman. Some amazing shots:

Pop-ups:
View Brock Top 1
View Brock Top 2
View Brock Top 3
View Brock Cutaway
View Brock back
View Brock Headstock

Builder's Website: Fletcher Brock Stringed Instruments

Posted by Ted at 05:26 AM

March 03, 2008 | AC3MN11 Mandolin Case

Finally, a mass market case that solves a lot of problems for the builder (and owner) of non-traditional shaped mandolins, the Access AC3MN11 rectangular nest wood case. We've had a chance to run this through its paces in the JazzMando Lab and couldn't be happier.

It's a simple idea, leave the nest open to where the mandolin is stabilized at key body points, but don't outline the F-scroll of the Florentine body. The instrument won't slip around, and you can still accommodate the horn of a Rigel G or CT series, swap out an F5 for an A5, or even better, fit a guitar body mandolin securely. The universal design allows the dealer to stock one and not five cases, and the custom builder doesn't feel like he/she has to stick the customer with a hefty custom case up charge. (Put the money in the mandolin, not the case!)

We've photographed some of the usual suspects and written our thoughts on these in an in-depth review:

Read: Access AC3MN11 Mandolin Case

Company website: Access Bags and Cases

Posted by Ted at 06:03 AM

March 01, 2008 | Roland GK-3 MIDI pickup. For mandolin!

Latest research project in the JazzMando Laboratories, the wide world of MIDI with a Roland GK-3 MIDI pickup recently installed on our Jonathan Mann EM-5 electric 5-string mandolin. Fertile ground for some terrific new fertile sonic ground, we're uncovering the ins and outs (13 pins worth) of MIDI cables, proper magnetic tracking distance, and ergonomic positioning. All seems to be working effectively; the real challenge is adapting proper playing style, however.

Sure, a synth module can make sounds like a sax or organ, but is there a proper picking technique that can emulate their attacks, or convincingly affect the nuance and phrasing of these instruments? Hardly, and our goal is to come up with something more appropriate, less novelty. So far, the best direction is capturing the approach of some well known guitarists, Pat Metheney, Lee Ritenour, Al Demiola, for example, but we're hoping to uncover patches that fit the electric mando best. Layering a synth pad an octave up sounds great, and the vibes and "whistle" sounds are incredibly intuitive; we've yet to scratch the surface.

We're using Roland GK-09 Guitar Synth Module, and hope to try it out on a GK-20 soon, too. We'll be weighing in as we progress. For now let's just say the GK-3 was very effective putting this project on (single) course. String spacing was perfect, although we only needed 5 of the 6 string poles.

More to come as we document our fun!

Geek Specs: Roland GK-3 MIDI pickup

Special thanks to Joey Arata and Paul Alfery from Roland US in setting up this project over a couple brews and some Mastadon bones at Winter NAMM this year.

Posted by Ted at 06:35 AM