Acoustic Tuesday Show with Tony Polecastro

May this Acoustic Tuesday find you reflecting back on a month of guitar progress, acoustic discoveries, and positive momentum that continues to march forward... well... right into the month of March. Acoustic Tuesday presented by http://tonysacousticchallenge.com  Five acoustic discoveries are on the menu today so let's skip the appetizers and devour the main course.  Fingerpicks are one of those necessary evils for certain styles. If you are seeking a certain level of cut and clarity while finger picking your guitar or are a banjo player that likes to cross over, finger picks are just part of the deal. The thing that stinks is that they can be very very uncomfortable. That's where Guptill Music comes in with their wonderful fingerpick brand, Pro-Pik. Pro-Piks come in a huge variety of styles and sizes to make sure you get the right tone and fit that you need. I particularly like the brass number 3 split band models for their comfort and warmer tone, but there are so many options to pick from and the cool thing is that they even offer specifically sized small picks for children or players with really tiny fingers. This really only scratches the surface, you have to check out the full line to really see just how vast the offering is from these folks.  https://www.guptillmusic.com/ https://www.guptillmusic.com/propik-ec-split-wrap-finger-picks/ Now let's check out some guitars from over the pond for you to ponder... I have to start this with a bit of a disclaimer and that is this: I am a traditionalist and I like guitars made of wood... That being said I understand and see the uses for carbon fibre instruments. I have never played a carbon fibre instrument that really resonates; I'm talking top and back. I love the feeling when you strum a chord and it's as if the guitar kicks you in the belly. I was surprised to find this feeling from a carbon fiber instrument, particularly the Emerald Guitars X20 Woody Select Series. I was dumbfounded at how much the guitar sang and how much projection it had. It has a very clear and focused tone and it very freely offered volume. I recently reviewed that model so make sure to check out the full review to really hear it, and if you like wood guitars I think you will be surprised at its tone, I know that I was.    Click here to watch the review http://emeraldguitars.com/ http://emeraldguitars.com/guitar-galleries/?v=7516fd43adaa This week I am listening to a band named after a raccoon. Mapache, Spanish for "raccoon" is a band that you will no doubt love if you gravitate towards duos, warm harmonies, and beautiful guitar interplay. Mapache is made up of Clay Finch and Sam Blasucci and together they conjure up a sound that resembles bands like The Byrds, New Riders of the Purple Sage, and the Grateful Dead (think "American Beauty" and "Workingman's Dead"). Their voices mix together so well as do their guitars. One guitar is a resonator, and the other seems to be a Martin D18V or something along those lines. This is a duo that I discovered after seeing them open at a local show and I was completely floored by the music that I heard. Essentially I rushed to their merch stand to get their album immediately after they got off stage. I urge you to dig into their album as well.   https://youtu.be/XeqEbH6zk10 - "In the Morning Light" https://youtu.be/6k_sdiulSIE - "Chico River' https://youtu.be/fyhuAqYDoIQ - "Loretta" http://amzn.to/2CdHZ8r - Self Titled Album https://mapachesounds.bandcamp.com/ If you could only have one guitar tool on a desert island, what would it be? For me it would be the Daddario/Planet Waves Pro-Winder, and I would recommend you consider this for your desert island tool as well. This thing is an unassuming accessory that has saved my butt on numerous occasions. Usually, when you change strings you need the winder and the wire cutters, which is no big deal at home, but when you need them both in a pinch often times one goes missing. The pro winder is a string winder, but it has the string cutter built in, and it actually works... it cuts the string! It's not just an object shaped like a wire cutter, it does the job very well. So be sure to check these out if you have never seen them before. If you get one make sure to keep it in your case or gig bag... it will definitely save you in a bind.  http://amzn.to/2nVbHL6 - Planet Waves Pro Winder http://www.planetwaves.com/pwProductDetail.Page?ActiveID=4115&productid=551&productname=Pro_Winder_Guitar The acoustic instrument hot spot, Elderly instruments, in Lansing, Michigan is in a class all by itself. This is the type of shop that you can go to and walk out having learned a ton of new information, and not only is this typical in their physical store it's also an experience you can have on their website. Elderly really has it all... if you are looking for something, anything acoustic I can assure you they have it, and if they don't they can likely get it. Elderly has quite the depth when it comes to acoustic guitars, both vintage and new. The great thing about these folks is that not only do they stock a ton of instruments... their knowledge is vast and wide-ranging when it comes to all things acoustic. Make sure to check out their site for acoustic instruments, accessories and two of my favorite parts: the vintage web vault, and the collectible ephemera section. Tons of treasures await, and like I said you will no doubt learn something surfing their site or talking to them on the phone. Happy guitar shopping!!! https://www.elderly.com https://www.elderly.com/vintage/web-vault https://www.elderly.com/catalog/category/view/id/575 This Acoustic Tuesday just crossed the finish line hands waving in the air and a smile on it's face.  Thanks to you #guitargeek for making Acoustic Tuesday what it is. Until next week stay in tune and keep on time. Cheers,Tony

Salutations my string strumming #guitargeek friend! Acoustic Tuesday presented by http://tonysacousticchallenge.com This day greets you with some mouth-watering #guitargeek accoutrement so let's dig right in.   There are some guitar books that you just need... Plain and simple. They are the kind of books that you can keep in your guitar room or set on your coffee table and no matter where they are everyone who picks them up enjoys leafing through them. One such book is from the series, Images of America, and it's focused on none other than C.F. Martin & Co. This book is packed full of really outstanding factoids as well as some amazing pictures of the factory, guitars, artists, and even historical ledgers from the 1800's. This book is a must-have for any #guitargeek looking to round out their library.  http://amzn.to/2nIFaYG - Images of America C.F. Martin & Co Every now and then a #guitargeek has to show some love to other instruments, and what better instrument to show love to than one that is often under-appreciated and misunderstood. Yes, our beloved 5 string brother, the banjo. The banjo is an outcast of sorts, but it is one of the most beautiful instruments when played well and even more so when built well.  Ome banjos in Boulder, CO is one of those banjo builders that you absolutely need to know about. Ome banjos was founded by Chuck Ogsbury. He and his small team of builders, build some truly magnificent instruments both open back, resonator, and even tenor style banjos. These are must-see works of functional art, by one of the best teams in the banjo business.  https://www.omebanjos.com/ https://www.omebanjos.com/banjos/5-string-flathead/vintage/juniper/ https://www.omebanjos.com/banjos/5-string-open-back/old-time/minstrel/ This week I am listening to a duo that is musically tight, technically proficient, and really good at melting face. They are the type of musicians that inspire by helping you see what's possible on their chosen instruments. Their chosen instruments are acoustic guitar and dobro and playing these instruments with precision are Trey Hensley and Rob Ickes. Trey flatpicks with speed, accuracy, and outstanding tone, not to mention his voice is one of those that is impossible to forget. Rob plays the dobro with a surgical exactness and an expressiveness that is off the charts. Together these two make phenomenal music that you absolutely must hear.  http://www.robandtrey.com/ http://amzn.to/2BjaqVA - Country Blues http://amzn.to/2BdzQUR - Before the Sun Goes Down https://youtu.be/DpmvW85UD8E - Ballad of a Well Known Gun Bozeman, Montana really seems to be an epicentre of luthiery and overall guitar geekery. I have featured local makers before on Acoustic Tuesday and they all build instruments, but Bozeman is also home to one of the best tuning machine manufacturers in the world... Waverly Tuners resides right here in the Gallatin Valley, and my oh my do they make some jaw-droppingly beautiful and extremely precise tuning machines. Waverly is known for high-end tuning machines built to last and designed to match the aesthetic of your guitar. You can choose a variety of styles of buttons for the tuners from plain chrome/steel all the way to black pearl and even ebony or snakewood if you want. Make sure to check out their offering on StewMac's website I am certain you will be amazed at the possibilities.  http://www.stewmac.com/ http://www.stewmac.com/Hardware_and_Parts/Tuning_Machines/Solid_Peghead_Guitar_Tuning_Machines/?facet=%7cBRAND%3aWAVERLY http://amzn.to/2C33xEE - Ivoroid Buttons http://amzn.to/2C33Y1K - Classic Butterbean To wrap up this wild ride of acoustic action we feature some of our very own #guitargeek family. Today you get to take a sneak peek at some guitarsenals from our very own Acoustic Tuesday viewers. It's always a treat to see what our fellow #guitargeeks have in their collections and this week is full of some great guitars. Make sure to watch the show to see the featured guitarsenals, and if you wish to participate it is super easy, it just takes 3 simple steps:  Step 1: Wear your Guitarsenal shirt, if you don't have one just click the link below and pick your color and size.  https://teespring.com/guitarsenal_polecastro Step 2: Take a picture with your family. This means everybody... all your acoustic guitars and associated instruments and of course your spouse or siblings, as well as your furry guitar loving pets.  Step 3: Send that picture to support@tonypolecastro.com with the subject line #guitarsenal. Voila! Just like that, you will be featured in an upcoming episode of Acoustic Tuesday.  There you have it, another Acoustic Tuesday has been gently tucked in so that sweet acoustic infused dreams can ensue.  Make sure to sleep tight #guitargeeks and have dreams of ever-growing guitarsenals. Cheers,Tony

Greetings guitarsenal wielding #guitargeek and welcome to the totally tubular Tuesday now known as Acoustic Tuesday! Acoustic Tuesday presented by http://tonysacousticchallenge.com Without any hesitation, let's knock out 5 items for your #guitargeek radar... A classic #guitargeek problem... too many instruments and not enough space. Welcome to the world of the Hercules triple stand. This is a great stand that I have used on countless gigs. It holds three instruments and is adjustable to accommodate differing heights of various instruments. I have used this to hold my banjo, dobro, and guitar at a gig and it works fantastically. It has a weight activated instrument yoke to avoid missteps and accidents and is built like a tank. They don't name these things after a Greek God for nothing. If you are looking for something for your guitar den or a stage stand for a jam, this is one that should definitely be in the running.  http://herculesstands.com/us/products/fretted-and-bowed-instrument/guitar/multiple-stands/gs432b/ http://amzn.to/2DdyPet So it's official I received my second shipment from Tiptonic picks containing the actual fingernail picks. After getting my first shipment with the activator and sizing chart, I sized my fingernails with the included sizing chart and went forth with the order. They came in and I ripped open the box to find a nice circular shaped organizer, nail file, and comprehensive instructions. After trying them on and giving them a spin I would definitely say anyone who likes to pick with their fingernails would certainly benefit from them. There is some time involved with the sizing, but it is time well spent. Once you get a solid fit, activate the pick, and apply it; it really feels like part of your nail... and the best part they come off and can be put on again after another activation. I was skeptical that they would come off cleanly but lo and behold they did, and once I got used to the feel of them I really started to enjoy having the picks on. Quick note: the instructions that come with them are comprehensive so definitely read them before putting the picks on.  https://www.tiptonic.com/ This week I have a sonic treat for you, presented in the form of what I'm listening to. This week I want to feature an artist that is really out fo this world... Antoine Dufour. Antoine is most certainly in the modern fingerstyle category and he is an outlier in my opinion. His playing is off the charts. From the innovative melodies to the unique percussive patterns he integrates, Antoine's repertoire is wide-ranging and extremely dynamic. His knack for creating memorable melodies is his strong suit and he follows that up with rhythmic rollercoasters. All in all, Antoine is someone you need to be aware of as he is very clearly pushing the boundaries of what a single acoustic guitar can do.  https://www.antoinedufourmusic.com/ https://youtu.be/2Z1wa2wmFtM http://amzn.to/2BYlLHz - Back & Forth http://amzn.to/2Bc8zC5 - Convergences American Music Furniture Cabinets To see a fine specimen of an acoustic guitar in its natural guitar habitat is a thing of beauty... a rare sight, but when witnessed it is inspiring. American Music Furniture actually makes that very thing; A humidity-controlled guitar habitat. It not only safeguards your instruments from fluctuations in humidity, it also puts them on display in a very elegant way. The cabinets are made from solid hardwoods and can be custom built and tailored to your very own instrument collection. If you want to lock your instruments in place they offer the "neck-tie" system so your instruments will be nice and secure. Oh, and speaking of humidity, your guitar habitat can contain a humidifier or dehumidifier depending on your location. The slick thing about the humidifier area is that it is hidden yet easy to access so your instruments can be healthy and happy all the while maintaining a super clean aesthetic. These are a truly beautiful way to store your instruments for everyone to see and enjoy all the while keeping them safe and sound.  http://americanmusicfurniture.com/ Back on Acoustic Tuesday Episode 23, I asked a very specific question to Andy Powers regarding Taylor's new V series bracing. I was confused and curious about the notion of bracing effecting the intonation of a guitar and was hoping to gain some clarity. So I asked Andy If he would send me a cell phone video explaining the impact. Well, I am happy to report that not only did he send a video, he also invited me out to the factory to discuss the racing in person. More details on the Acoustic Tuesday episode so be sure to check that out for all the juicy details of the Taylor V Series Saga.  Yet another Acoustic Tuesday has been set up and knocked down all with your guitar geek help!!! I hope this week finds you strumming and smiling!!! Until next week happy pickin'!!! Cheers,Tony

Happy Tuesday my proud guitar geek friend! Welcome to another rousing rendition of Acoustic Tuesday sure to knock your socks off and send your flatpick flying.  Acoustic Tuesday presented by http://tonysacousticchallenge.com Sit down, pour yourself your favorite beverage, and soak up these 5 guitar geek items coming your way: [ATTENTION] Those who like to pick with their fingernails... this one's for you. On a past episode of Acoustic Tuesday, a viewer left a comment about some fingernail picks that I should check out. So as any #guitargeek would I ordered some. I am talking about Tiptonic fingernail picks here and I have to say that my curiosity is sufficiently piqued. These are similar to acrylic nails without the harsh chemicals and the trip to a nail salon. Developed by musician and inventor Jack West for the picker that doesn't to commit to acrylic nails and who can't stand the feel of standard metal fingerpicks. So far half of my starter pack order came in and I am very excited to report next week on how they feel and work.  https://www.tiptonic.com/product/tiptonic-starter-kit/ https://youtu.be/QQ2Gn-VK46U This next item is an official Acoustic Tuesday round two. Way back on Acoustic Tuesday episode 3 I featured Caitlin Canty. Caitlin is a fantastic songwriter with an absolutely stellar voice whom I strongly recommend, and guess what?!? She has a new album coming out on March 30th. Her newest album Motel Bouquet is set to release early Spring and it sounds like it will be magnificent. Currently, she is doing a pre-order for the album through pledge music so if you want to make sure you don't miss this one be sure to check out her pledge music page and see what's available when you pre-order the album. From house concerts, guitars strings, and seeds from her very own garden it's all there.  https://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/caitlincanty https://youtu.be/hhhEybSjBok This week I am listening to a folk and bluegrass-infused group that has tight harmonies, superb songwriting, and a cast of characters that play their instruments expertly. Lindsay Lou & the Flatbellys are just plain outstanding... I mean words cannot do justice to a group that can go from blues to old time to smokey jazz feeling songs in one fell swoop. This group has it all dobro, banjo, upright bass, mandolin, acoustic guitar, and a lead singer whose voice is captivating and nearly addicting. They have a few albums out and all of them will take you on a musical journey you will surely want to repeat.  https://www.lindsayloumusic.com/ https://youtu.be/cFjByii_Q4g - Old Song https://youtu.be/siDeIcGs3KY - River Jordan http://amzn.to/2FSOH6W - Release Your Shrouds http://amzn.to/2FWultq - Ionia Pickguards are one of those guitar accessories that are easy to forget about. I mean you buy a guitar and they are just there doing their thing. They protect the top of your guitar and end up being a nice accent around the soundhole of the guitar. The pickguard is also an opportunity to aesthetically upgrade your guitar. Back when I first got my HD35 Martin was using those weird pixelated pickguards and I couldn't stand the look so I upgraded to a tor-tis pickguard. The tor-tis material closely imitates pre-war style pickguards and it happens to be very scratch and impact resistant so it makes for a great pickguard. I should also mention that the patterns and swirls that this material develops look absolutely scrumptious. If you want old school firestripe they have it, old style 30's swirl pattern it's available, and they are all made at LMII. Be sure to check these out if you are looking to upgrade your guitar's pickguard or if you happen to be building your own guitar.  (Quick disclaimer: most manufacturers are using very nice looking and well-made pickguards currently so an upgrade may not be necessary. Also, if you are planning on swapping out your pickguard make sure to contact a luthier before starting to be sure your method is safe and won't harm your guitar)  https://www.guitargal.com/collections/pickguards?view=all http://www.lmii.com/products/mostly-not-wood/pickguard-material/tor-tis-pickguards This Acoustic Tuesday we celebrate the all mighty guitarsenal... in fact, we celebrate 8 guitarsenals. Eight of our very own Acoustic Tuesday #guitargeeks shared their very own guitar collections with us. They donned the official guitar geek uniform (the guitarsenal T-shirt) and took a picture with their guitarsenal. Make sure to check out the video to see some really outstanding guitar collections and meet some of your fellow guitar geeks. Oh, make sure not to forget to send pictures of your very own guitarsenal in. All you have to do is where the shirt, take the picture, email it to support@tonypolecastro.com and you could be featured in an upcoming Acoustic Tuesday episode.  https://teespring.com/guitarsenal_polecastro That's another Acoustic filled Tuesday in the books. Have a fantastic week and be sure to share The Acoustic Tuesday show with your guitar geek friends.  Cheers,Tony

Welcome to another Tuesday which so happens to be gracefully infused with maximum acoustic guitar geekiness! Acoustic Tuesday presented by http://tonysacousticchallenge.com Here are your 5 guitar geek items for the week: Acoustic guitars and large pedalboards don't necessarily have the same relationship as peanut butter and jelly, but the company LR Baggs is on course to change that. LR Baggs is currently in the process of releasing their Align Series Acoustic Pedal Suite and these things looks, well... sweet. Between their size, their aesthetic, and their overall functionality I cannot wait to get my hands on these and give them a proper test drive. In the Align Series, there is an Active DI, an Equalizer, a Reverb, and what looks to be a compressor. These should be hitting stores soon so be on the lookout and be sure to give them a try.  https://youtu.be/h9ta-t-Bt0o https://www.lrbaggs.com/align-series-acoustic-pedal-suite Purchasing a vintage guitar can be a scary experience, especially if you aren't able to give the instrument a full once-over in person. There can be so much hidden and downright scary things lying under the top, which is why it's nice to have a store with a great reputation and a specialty in vintage instruments. Lowe Vintage Instrument company in Burlington, NC is one of those very stores. They have fine examples of some seriously iconic vintage instruments and it just so happens that vintage is their wheelhouse. From Gibson to Martin, Flattops to banjos to mandolins, both Ed and Will Lowe have done a fantastic job in curating a brilliant collection to peruse. A mention must also be made of the videos that they put out showing off these instruments being played by some of the finest.  https://youtu.be/vBrca-Ww_8c - PreWar Guitar Co played by Presley Barker https://lowevintage.com/ I love it when Youtube blackholes prove fruitful. About 11 years ago when I was first getting into the dobro I discovered something that is about as #guitargeek as you can get, and that happens to be exactly what I am listening to this week. Long ago I stumbled on this song called "The Blackest Crow." It was being performed by Bruce Molsky and Julie Fowlis, both incredible artists in their own right, but that song led me to discover so much more. I soon learned that that performance was part of a much larger musical undertaking called the transatlantic sessions. Think of it like this, Marvel and DC (you know the comics) combine forces and all of the superheroes are on the same side... well that is exactly what the Transatlantic Sessions are for the acoustic world. Some of the top acoustic musicians in the world gather together to play one another's songs and my-oh-my are the results truly stupendous. Not only is this a treat to listen to, but you can actually watch it as well, which is what I recommend.  https://youtu.be/d6jh1vqNvMs - The blackest Crow https://youtu.be/lwllcWC_FL4 - St. Anne's Reel http://amzn.to/2DeI6SH - Series 1 DVD http://amzn.to/2Djg0Ka - Series 2 DVD http://amzn.to/2DmiNCo - Series 3 DVD http://amzn.to/2rhPzic - Series 4 DVD http://amzn.to/2DfxKSu - Series 5 DVD http://amzn.to/2DkXbpU - Series 6 DVD Taylor takes a huge leap in the history of the acoustic guitar with a complete revamp of the X bracing design. X bracing has been the gold standard for some time in the world of flattop steel string guitars and then along comes Andy Powers to shake things up in a major way. Just last week Taylor announced their new V bracing design, which essentially has two long braces running parallel to the guitar neck and then some additional support provided via tone bars running off of those longer braces. Essentially this new design will make the top more rigid which will add to the responsiveness and projection, all the while allowing the top to vibrate a bit more freely which will contribute to stronger single notes as well as an overall volume increase. I must say a huge tip of the hat to Andy Powers, Bob Taylor, and the entire Taylor crew for pushing the boundaries and contributing to the evolution of the steel string acoustic guitar.  https://www.taylorguitars.com/guitars/acoustic/v-class-bracing/story https://youtu.be/Ys_tScJ9NXw https://youtu.be/GkX-lzzG-GA https://youtu.be/_lrNq5Qktmk https://youtu.be/gj8M-wF3ZPQ Matt is back! The #Askmatt segment is back in full force and this week our bearded guitar brother Matt Chulka is back discussing a hot topic among acoustic guitar geeks... Torrefaction - The act of "roasting" tonewood at low temperatures to impart a more woody/earthy tonal profile. So is a torrefied top better than one that hasn't been torrefied? This week Matt gets asked that very question so be sure watch the show and see what his thoughts are on this hot-button issue.  May this Acoustic Tuesday bring a smile to your face and your ears as well! Have a fantastic week! Cheers,Tony

Welcome to another installment of Acoustic Tuesday #guitargeek friends. Acoustic Tuesday presented by http://tonysacousticchallenge.com Today's #guitar geek list is chock full of great stuff as well as a surprise or two so without any hesitation let's cut the ribbon on a new week full of #guitargeek... Starting with a soft breeze.... let's drift right into some accessories. A few episodes ago I featured Josh Turner's recipe for Nick Drake's tone and he had a very cool armrest on his guitar and someone asked about it... so I did some research. Lo, and behold I found a company whose strings I enjoy and who makes some stellar acoustic accessories. John Pearse also known as Breezy Ridge Instruments has some fabulous accessories to offer from straps to strings and picks to... you guessed it... beautiful armrests. Although the website isn't cutting edge they have some really outstanding things to check out. I would definitely look at their armrests as well as their bridge pin offerings, but along with that be sure to check out fast turtle picks. These picks are nice and beefy and have a comfy dimple for your thumb to rest in. They give you great tone and are very natural feeling... definitely a tonal experiment waiting to happen. http://www.jpstrings.com/armrest.htm http://www.jpstrings.com/brbpins.htm http://www.jpstrings.com/brpicks.htm A guitar maker that has my jaw on the floor... literally drool and all. As a guitar geek, I feel like there are so many amazing guitar makers right now... it's like we are in the midst of a guitar building renaissance. Preston Thompson, out of Sisters, Oregon is building some absolutely beautiful golden era style instruments. I'm talking hand-fit dovetail neck joint... hand carved bracing... hand graduated tops... Adirondack tops... the list goes on. After surfing the site I am officially convinced these are immaculate instruments with a tone akin to the hammer of Thor and the precision of Poseidon's trident. So then I find samples... goodness gracious me oh my... Jake Workman, Billy Strings and Molly Tuttle play these fine six strings... truth be told I spent a good two hours on the site and am smitten with these handbuilt gems. So as a guitar geek I feel obligated to urge you to do the same.  http://pktguitars.com/ https://youtu.be/OkdGym1uTvw https://youtu.be/QxuLnoL5I1Y Bluegrass is a musical genre steeped in tradition. This is one of the things that is so endearing about it and its overall musical form. People get together to jam and share ideas on this music that has lasted generation after generation, but every now and then someone comes along and shakes up the tradition... you know... stands out in a major way. Billy Strings happens to be one of those players. His flatpicking prowess is unreal. His knowledge of the musical genre is vast, and he is one of those young players that will forge new paths in the world of bluegrass all the while having the utmost reverence for tradition. Billy Strings is someone you need to hear.  http://amzn.to/2BpGBTQ https://youtu.be/Y3-728niBW8 https://www.billystrings.com/ I am always on the lookout for new magazines... but I am a little wary because it seems like so many are a bit advertisement heavy. No judgment of course, ads are a magazine's lifeline... I just like a good guitar magazine that has awesome content and the ads are fun and informative. I happened to find a magazine that does just that... Acoustic Magazine from the UK. This magazine is full to the brim with great album reviews, awesome gear features, and some really solid instruction. If you are a magazine fan this is one to put on your list for certain!!! You will have to convert the price from pounds, but I will say that it is a very exciting day when this publication gets delivered.  http://www.acousticmagazine.com/ During Acoustic Tuesdays it is often requested to see Levi or Noah play some music. Since Levi is a stellar drummer and Noah plays the bass and sings like an angel (a really tough angel) I thought I would share with you some of their music. Their band Golden Grenade performed on the award-winning Montana PBS show 11th & Grant with Eric Funk and it is officially out for the world to enjoy. So sit back,  let your eyes be delighted, and get your ears ready to smile because these guys just plain rock. Keep up the awesome work fellas!!! http://watch.montanapbs.org/video/3008447441/ 

Welcome to the wondrous day known world-wide as Acoustic Tuesday.  Of course with Acoustic Tuesday comes 5 Guitar Geek-centric items that are displayed in a list for you to peruse and research at your leisure. Acoustic Tuesday presented by http://tonysacousticchallenge.com Here goes nothin'... One of my favorite guitars in my #guitarsenal is my 1935 Martin 0-17... It is beautifully worn, plays like a dream, and to my ears sounds like angels singing, but to say I think twice about taking it to a bar gig is an understatement. So in a past episode of Acoustic Tuesday (AT#10) I checked out the Pre-War guitar company and these guys rock plain and simple... but I thought they were the only company currently doing the vintage/distressed thing... then I found Atkin Guitars in England. This company is doing some seriously fantastic work and anyone that's' in the market for a "newly made" vintage guitar Atkin Guitars should be in the running. This company makes some incredible looking and sounding "new" vintage guitars. They can distress, antique, and even make the guitar smell old (if that's your thing). The model that has caught my attention form these guys is their "white rice dreadnought." This model features an enlarged soundhole and the warmth and woodiness of Tony Rice/Clarence White's iconic D28, and damn if it doesn't look the part as well. http://atkinguitars.com/ - Main Page http://atkinguitars.com/shop-item/white-rice-relic-2/ - White Rice Model Page https://youtu.be/8vVb-52w1iI - White Rice Prototype Vid https://youtu.be/MEp_LTOglpM - White Rice Demo https://youtu.be/OCM7GsqYD0E - Model Explanation LP's, 33's, Vinyl, Albums... whatever you call these wonderful black circles of bliss... they are, in my opinion, the absolute best way to consume music. Don't get me wrong, I think streaming services are great, but when you can lay the needle down on a spinning plate of musical wonder you are transported to another dimension. I'm saying this because when you find a killer record store it's like you have found the gates to that musical wonderland... and I happened to find one... online... and you need to know about it. ReverbLP... yep same company (Chicago Music Exchange) that runs Reverb for instruments now has an online record store for everyone to buy and sell records (and cds if that's your thing). I have found some gems on there. To say that I have gone on a digital shopping spree is a total understatement. Set aside a night to pour a glass of something nice and get lost in the virtual record bins that ReverbLP provides.  https://lp.reverb.com/ This week I wanted to really dig deep in terms of what I'm listening to, and have I got a treat for you. I wanted to pay tribute to an artist that is largely responsible for getting me hooked on fingerstyle guitar. This is an artist who placed in the Walnut Valley National Fingerstyle Guitar Contest 4 times (First place in 1984, Second place in 1992, and Third Place in both 1986 and 1983). This artist I am referring to is none other than Eric Lugosch. Eric is an inspirational player, a phenomenal teacher, and incredible arranger. His albums are a treat to listen to and he has a knack for pulling beautiful tone out of his Ryan guitar. Make sure to give him a listen you will not be disappointed at all. https://youtu.be/_6PLoyJepEM http://ericlugosch.com/ http://www.ericlugosch.com/lessonhome.html http://www.ericlugosch.com/recordings.html http://amzn.to/2FjYVNi - Making Models http://amzn.to/2DbutnR - Black Key Blues http://amzn.to/2CXA43G - New Tradition Here's the scenario: you've learned some songs with your #guitargeek friends. You're thinking of playing your very first open mic, show, or maybe even you booked a show at a local pub... but what on earth do you call yourselves??? Creating a band name is incredibly difficult and their seems to be a very secret high level science behind it... enter the band name generator. This convenient website does all the calculating for you, no complicated equations, no band arguments... just pure band naming nirvana (see what I did there :-) ). Make sure to check it out, but beware it can be mildly addictive.  https://www.bandnamemaker.com/ What are you doing on January 22nd? Your answer should be something along the lines of "starting 10 days of acoustic guitar bliss", and doing the most important exercise of your #acousticlife.  How do you get this important exercise? How do you participate in the 10 Day play Every Day challenge?? How do you stay in the loop for some incredibly important announcements??? Make sure to v

May this Acoustic Tuesday find you feeling fantastic, joyous, and downright ready to get your full #guitargeek on.  This week brings another 5 guitar geek items to your attention. So without any further hesitation, we shall journey into the hallowed halls of the #guitargeek lair. Acoustic Tuesday presented by http://tonysacousticchallenge.com A personal wardrobe makeover designed just for the #guitargeek. So often during Acoustic Tuesday the feeling of guitar geeks uniting runs rampant, but after the show what do you do (besides sharing the show of course) to further promote living the #acousticlife? Well, you find a shirt that proclaims your full-blown guitar geekiness... which is why I hope you will consider fancying yourself a genuine, 100% original, guitarsenal shirt. What's a guitarsenal you ask? The shirt proclaims the definition of guitarsenal loud and clear and let's just say it happens to mention the word guitar geek. So be sure to check them out and proudly flaunt your extremely high level of acoustic nerdliness. https://teespring.com/guitarsenal_polecastro Do you ever feel like you have run into a guitar snob? It can be pretty scary. In fact, I would tend to believe it is a guitar geek's biggest fear. You know, that one person that seems to know it all or at least act like they do. The type that can make you feel like you don't belong. If you happen to ever need a guide to figure out what type of guitar snob you are dealing with, last week I released a video that shares the top ten types of guitar snobs, and I think you will be very surprised what they all have in common. Not only will their shared trait be a shock, but I also share a wonderful way to deal with them. So be sure to watch, you won't want to miss this one. https://youtu.be/lc2SWI2oD_E This week I am listening to an artist who I had never heard of, and I have to thank Acoustic Tuesday viewer Andrew D. for introducing me to the mesmerizing Colter Wall. Both of his albums (Self Titled and Imaginary Appalachia) are absolutely hypnotizing. From his playing, the dynamics, instrumentation, arrangement, and the songwriting his Self Titled album is a masterpiece. Oh and one more thing... the voice... to try and describe it would be futile, but what the hell... It's like George Jones, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, amongst others are being channeled through Colter. Don't misinterpret though... he isn't copying, Colter is all his own and his unique vocal stylings shine on songs that are written by a master's pen. http://colterwall.com/ https://youtu.be/qSYkikkitS0 http://amzn.to/2C8UlQc - Self Titled http://amzn.to/2A2i6aK - Imaginary Appalachia What are you doing from January 22nd through February 2nd? I'm guessing you're participating in 10 days of rut-busting, technique building, guitar bliss... right? Ok here's the scoop, I want all you guitar geeks to participate in the upcoming 10 Day Play Everyday Live Guitar Challenge. This is where I teach a new lesson each weekday for ten days starting on January 22nd and ending on February 2nd. All of us guitar geeks gather to learn, share, celebrate small wins, and participate in an exercise that will literally change your life. I'm not kidding. It will truly change your life for the better. Make sure you don't miss it. Make sure you're on the list so you get the announcement... www.tonypolecastro.com/get-acoustic-tuesday  I heard a Kevin Ryan guitar in person once and it was cemented in my brain as the most complete, rich, articulate, and sonically pleasing guitar I had ever heard. Each note seemed to drip with the richest tone, as if covered in tonal honey. It projected with laser-like precision and the notes were so carefully separated like a finely cut pie... Phew... is it hot in here? Seriously Ryan guitars are some of the most incredible small bench guitars being made today and they happen to be celebrating their 30th anniversary! So from all of us guitar geeks here at Acoustic Tuesday, Happy 30th anniversary Ryan guitars! Those 30 years were well spent too... the amount of innovations that they have introduced to the world of luthiery is staggering (they have a whole page dedicated to their advancements on their site and it is worth a look)... seriously you must check it out.  https://ryanguitars.com/ https://ryanguitars.com/design-innovations/ https://youtu.be/od8PDpZ13sU https://youtu.be/3NMaOijLoeM https://youtu.be/uCayFsenXpg Yet another Acoustic Tuesday is in the books so I bid you adieu fellow guitar geek and can't wait to see you on that 10 day play every day challenge for the most fun you will have with your guitar all year.  Cheers,Tony

The numero uno primo Acoustic Tuesday of 2018 is here! Happy New Year to you #guitargeek. What better way is there to kick off 2018 than to jump into 5 Guitar Geek items... Acoustic Tuesday presented by http://tonysacousticchallenge.com Mirror, mirror on the wall... or uhhh in your hand. There are some things that can be a lifesaver, and it may seem a bit vain to include a mirror in that category, but a mirror can save you from making a huge mistake. I am not talking about a hair that is a bit out of place here... Including a guitar inspection mirror is something that every #guitargeek should consider adding to their toolbox as it can be a fantastic negotiating tool. I know this seems weird but hang in there with me. Whenever you buy or consider purchasing a used guitar having a mirror on hand specifically made for guitar inspection is a lifesaver. You can look inside to check for repairs that may have been done, cracked or loose braces, and even inspect the bridge plate for overall health. Who knows what problems are lurking under the top of a used guitar... well you will know for sure with a guitar inspection mirror.   http://amzn.to/2BC3bpW - Inspection Mirror Banjos can really be a thing of beauty... truly I mean it, they can be beautiful both in sound and in aesthetic. Banjos are seemingly simple creations. A round rim, a tone ring, a neck, fretboard, tuners, and strings. That's it right? Not for Jason and Pharis Romero of Romero Banjos located in Horsefly, British Columbia. Jason handles the banjo making, Pharis does the inlay/design, and together they create some of the most eye appealing, heart-stopping, and beautiful sounding banjos. Form there design innovations to the materials that they procure these banjos are one of a kind and a must-see for any acoustic aficionado. But wait... #AcousticTuesday is for #guitargeeks only right!?! Absolutely, #guitargeeks eat your heart out because Jason and Pharis still fit the bill. They make some absolutely beautiful resonator guitars. They use some of the same beautiful design elements of their banjos in their biscuit style resonator guitars. Upon continued research, and of course wanting to hear them, none other than honorary TAC family member, Tony Furtado, did a handful of audio demos located on their site. These resos have tons of character both in the sonic and visual space.  https://youtu.be/aKVJ08joH1w http://www.romerobanjos.com/ http://www.romerobanjos.com/guitars/ http://www.romerobanjos.com/about/ All this talk of banjos leads me to what I'm listening to this week and it's none other than... well... Jason and Pharis Romero. Yes, not only do these two combine forces to make amazing instruments they join together to create gorgeous music. If you dig harmonies, simple yet beautiful arrangements, fine picking, and the kind of music you can just get lost in these two are for you. One of my favorite tunes is the "Ballad of Old Bill" as it shows off their storytelling as well as their vocal and instrumental prowess. Their album, " A Wanderer I'll Stay" is chocked full of acoustic awesomeness to make your ears smile and your heart full.  https://youtu.be/U3s8lNCkVgM http://www.pharisandjason.com/ http://amzn.to/2DgtLVp There are so many specialty picks out there it is hard to sample them all, but there is one that I have used that made a serious impact on me. Blue Chip picks, made in Knoxville, TN are truly an artisan flatpick that have a stellar lifespan (as long as you don't lose them). These picks are made from a highly specialized proprietary composite material that is not only very heat and wear resistant, it also is self-lubricating which means the pick releases the strings very quickly. These picks have a fantastic impact on the tone and they definitely eliminate some of the drag that you can experience when Flatpicking. Certainly, a geek item that is a must try.  http://www.bluechippick.net/ Hand cramps and pain are things synonymous with extended practice sessions, barre chords, and holding too much tension while playing. So often I find myself trying to smash the "meat" of my thumb just to relieve a little bit of the pressure and strain that builds up. When I was teaching lessons in person one of my students was a massage therapist and she recommended this little wooden ball with a smiley face on it... I tried it and my life changed forever... no joke. This little wooden tool by the happy massage company aptly named the happy massager made my hand muscles relaxed and took away the strain I was experiencing. If you find yourself with had pain trying to find a way to massage it away definitely check out the happy massager, it is a definite guitar geek aid.  http://amzn.to/2DjVGnn Alrighty, that wraps up the very first Acoustic Tuesday of 2018! Welcome to the New Year and may this year be the first year you experience a fully infused #acousticlife.  Don't forget to share Acoustic Tuesday with your #guitargeek friends and let's make it our goal this year to unite as many guitar geeks as possible! Cheers,Tony

Cheers on this magical morn of acoustic wonderment! Happy Acoustic Tuesday fellow guitar geek, let me be the first to tell you that this Acoustic Tuesday is the last of it's kind... Sorry, I don't mean to scare you, but it's officially the last Acoustic Tuesday of 2017 and my oh my will we send off this year with a #guitargeek salute! Acoustic Tuesday presented by http://tonysacousticchallenge.com I have another 5 items for you to place on your #guitargeek radar, so here goes nothin' A vintage tone master that gives you the recipe for one of the most signature acoustic guitar tones of all time... Nick Drake. Guitarist, Josh Turner has distilled the secrets of Nick Drake's infamous acoustic guitar tone, and he gets down to the nitty-gritty. I'm talking an in-depth study of what makes up Nick Drake's unique sonic fingerprint. I also want to point out that Josh Turner is a fantastic player who communicates in "guitargeekese"... you know, the official language of guitar geeks.  https://youtu.be/EzdQE3fJW2E Some tips to break the sound of silence... Playing guitar and singing at the same time is a seemingly easy task, but I know once I tried it, I found out that this was no easy feat. There were a plethora of problems I experienced when trying to do the guitar version of patting my head while rubbing my stomach. So last week I released a video that gave a 3 step process showing how to break down any song and use a system to play and sing it in no time. This is one that will bring some serious enjoyment to your playing, even if you just want to give it a spin and see how it goes.  https://youtu.be/ttSjXUlsuxA This week I went down a bit of a musical rabbit hole and discovered something rather unexpected. I started listening to Jill Andrews at the recommendation of a friend and discovered an absolute treasure trove of great music. The album I am currently hooked on is her album The Mirror which was released in 2011. My favorite tune off of that album is called "A Little Less" http://amzn.to/2BimTKp - The Mirror https://youtu.be/bIIQxQhUvGc - A little less w/ Josh Olliver http://jillandrews.com/ But there's more... Upon searching I found she is on the cusp of releasing a new acoustic duo album with John Groenwald. This new project will tour under the name Hush Kids and you can actually get a sneak peak of their new stuff and even pre-order the album on their pledge music campaign. https://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/hushkids Another Beard on Acoustic Tuesday? Is there even room? The answer is yes... Beard Guitars that is. Located in Hagerstown, MD Paul Beard and his small crew are making some absolutely stunning resonator guitars. Both round neck and squareneck instruments are coming out of this shop and they sound absolutely magical. Their attention to detail and function is unmatched and the quality of their setup is absolutely ridiculous. I know this first hand as I just ordered a guitar from them (a custom Belle Beard Squareneck) and it is truly magnificent. It rings like a bell and sustains for days (cue Spinal Tap reference). Seriously these instruments are the real deal and if you have any interest in resos specifically wood bodied spider cone style resos you need to be acquainted with this fine group of artisans on the East Coast.  http://www.beardguitars.com/ http://www.resophonicoutfitters.com/ https://youtu.be/n6lsvg1l_VU https://youtu.be/CHYvk6VZFUY Alright it's official, that is the last Acoustic Tuesday for 2017 thank you for an awesome year and I can't wait to share with you what 2018 will have in store... Let's just put it this way... Guitar Geeks will continue to unite in a major way Cheers,Tony

The sun comes up on yet another illuminating Acoustic Tuesday. This Acoustic Tuesday is ablaze with acousticness and sees guitar geeks continuing to unite.  Acoustic Tuesday tradition continues with another list of 5 #guitargeek finds for your #acousticlife... here come the waves of acoustic awesomeness. Acoustic Tuesday presented by http://tonysacousticchallenge.com Where did you place your drink? Whether you are playing a coffee house, an open mic, practicing with your PA at home, or just not wanting to spill your drink K&M stands has a fantastic solution. The mic stand drink holder... it's true these exist, and they offer incredible peace of mind. No more drops of beer on your pedalboard, no more accidental spills on your shoes, and most importantly no longer is your gear subject to spills from that stray chord, foot, or cat running through the room. This is a convenient little drink holder that screws directly to your mic stand elevating your beverage and keeping it out of harm's way, but just within arm's reach. Stay hydrated guitar geeks! http://amzn.to/2By9fPP Love is in the air and anniversary bells are ringing. As a #guitargeek it is imperative to celebrate major milestones when they happen in our tight-knit acoustic community, so... Happy 50th Anniversary to Larrivee guitars!!! I must say Larrivee guitars have always impressed in terms of consistency in tone and the outstanding quality of the raw materials that they procure and use. I had an L-03R once (it's a long story how that one escaped my grasp), and I absolutely adored the tone that came out of that instrument. Often times Larrivee flies under the radar, especially with some of the bigger manufacturers hogging the spotlight, but in no way shape or form Jean and his crew be unknown. These people make beautiful sounding and looking guitars, and as a #guitargeek they definitely need to be on your radar.  https://www.larrivee.com/ https://www.larrivee.com/videos https://youtu.be/aqBd_CJdxRo This week I veer a bit into the country realm... keep reading even if you swear you don't like country music... Holly Williams (Hank Jr's daughter, and Hank Sr's granddaughter) Is someone you need to know... rather, Holly Williams is someone you need to listen to. Her writing is deep, her voice expresses the lyrics with conviction, and the timbre of her voice is in a class all it's own. I am a huge fan of her albums, but the two that stick out the most are "Here With Me" as well as her most recent release "The Highway." There are moments of the full band, but they are few, and truly the acoustic guitar shines through on the majority of the tracks.  https://youtu.be/Yko39qfdNfE http://amzn.to/2z61Vfp - The Highway http://amzn.to/2C8KPgf - Here With Me To say that MTV unplugged saved the acoustic guitar in the late 80's and early 90's is a gross understatement... that show is single-handedly responsible for reviving the pulse of the acoustic guitar when it seemed like all hope was gone. Many artists played the unplugged show, but there is one in particular that is the focus of a new documentary premiering on February 10, 2018 on Showtime... Eric Clapton. This documentary chronicles his life, his struggles, and ultimately the love of music that keeps him hanging on. An absolute must watch for any #guitargeek https://youtu.be/nrAvDFmE9i4 http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/watch-revealing-trailer-for-eric-clapton-life-in-12-bars-w502050 Since the holiday season is upon us in a major way I thought the timing was right... The timing for a video dedicated on convincing your spouse that you need another guitar. But first let's be honest, these tactics can be used any time of year... it's true for all ten tactics I share in the video. If for any reason those 10 don't work I even throw in a bonus for you. It's your lucky day #guitargeek, that new guitar is just around the corner, make sure to watch and take notes. https://youtu.be/rMVozFW-NRs Jolliest of Acoustic Tuesdays to you #guitargeek and be sure to wake up everyday prepared to live your best #acousticlife. Cheers,Tony

Hello fellow #guitargeek, and welcome to yet another installment of weekly Acoustic Guitar wonder known as Acoustic Tuesday. I have 5 acoustic guitar geek items for you learn about this week so off we go down the yellow brick road to the Acoustic Land of Oz.... Acoustic Tuesday presented by http://tonysacousticchallenge.com Up first, an update to your guitar den. As a #guitargeek it is a must to have the obligatory guitar den.  A place where you can escape the noise of the day to day and make some music. Just you and the four walls. Hopefully, those walls aren't bare though... that would be uninspiring. After checking out Martin's merchandise shop, I found some things that would look just plain cool hanging up in a guitar den. Martin has recreated two of their older print ads on vintage tin sign material and they look really really awesome... They have also thrown a license plate into the mix. These would be at home in any guitar den and the beauty is when your friends come over they won't rip like a poster. Make sure to check out these stellar #guitargeek signs. https://www.martinguitar.com/1833-shop/vintagenostalgic-metal-sign-(piece-by-piece)/c-24/p-712 https://www.martinguitar.com/1833-shop/vintage-metal-sign-still-handmade/c-24/p-711 https://www.martinguitar.com/1833-shop/new-martin-still-handmade-license-plate-(black-with-white-logo)/c-24/p-1007 https://www.martinguitar.com/1833-shop/new-martin-still-handmade-license-plate-(white-with-black-logo)/c-24/p-1006 The book, Still Inside: The Tony Rice Story is an inside look at an acoustic guitar great. http://www.tonyricestory.com/written by Tim Stafford and Caroline Wright. I bought this book a while ago and thought, "How cool, I finally get to learn more about one of my guitar heroes..." And then I read it and I realized it was so much more. This book is not only a first-hand account of Tony's life (with segments written by himself), but it also has interviews and statements from some of the leading bluegrass players that are Tony's friends as well. All in all this book is an insight into Tony's life and how it parallels the history of bluegrass music in general. An amazing compendium of bluegrass history using Tony's experiences as the map.  Still Inside - The Tony Rice Story http://www.tonyricestory.com/ This week I am visiting the well of American Primitive Guitar, and I pretty much just fell straight in. A quick thank you to my friend Simone M. for introducing me to Daniel Bachman because this last week I was immersed in Daniel Bachman's catalog. He is certainly the next wave of American Primitive guitar and he brings his own style to the genre. His picking is precise and intentional, and he does this thing... I can't really describe it, but his right hand is a machine and his compositions are memorable as well as thought-provoking. The album that has me hooked this week is called River, it's not his newest release, it just happens to be the one that I am really digging into.  https://youtu.be/Wn1rDNKWrLU http://amzn.to/2jyQ8x2 http://danielbachman.com/ A special correspondent exclusively for Acoustic Tuesday? Yes! it's true! Matt Chulka from Eddie's Guitars in St. Louis, MO is here to guitar answer your geek fueled questions. In this first installment of the "Ask Matt" segment, Matt addresses the question of how to choose guitar body size when designing a custom guitar. Is your guitar too dry??? Let me share with you five ways to tell without any tools... not even a hygrometer.  Tip #1 - Fret ends poking out - If your guitar is thirsty the fretboard my shrink ever so slightly causing the fret ends to poke out ever so slightly. Your fretting hand will notice this immediately Tip #2 - Buzzing Notes - If you are experiencing a buzz that is of the mechanical nature (meaning not caused by the technique) then your guitar might be too dry. When your guitar drys out the top lowers ever so slightly causing the strings to be a bit closer to the fretboard.  Tip #3 - Weird Rattles - When the guitar starts to dry out the wood can shrink on the headstock causing the tuner bushings (metal rings around the tuners). to rattle. Tip #4 - Raised hard grain lines - When your six-string friend is parched one of the tell-tale signs are that the ridges of the hard grain lines becoming very apparent. I mean you can feel them and if you hold it in the light you can likely see them as well.  Tip #5 - The dreaded crack - Most likely on the center seem, but it can appear other places as well. If your guitar is too dry it will result in a crack so be sure to humidify appropriately.  I hope this Acoustic Tuesday was an enlightening one and one that helps you live your best #acousticlife Cheers,Tony

Good glorious morning my fellow guitar geek! Another round of Acoustic Tuesday is coming in hot and man oh man have I got some awesome finds this week. As with every Acoustic Tuesday, today's list is full of guitar geek finds that will spark your curiosity and fuel your #guitargeek fire. Acoustic Tuesday presented by http://tonysacousticchallenge.com Here goes nothing: An online school helping budding luthiers along on their guitar building journey. Art of Lutherie/Luthier's Edge run by Tom Bills is a paid online resource for you guitar geeks that wish to up your guitar building game. From video courses discussing fretwork, binding, guitar physics, and even how to make jigs, all the way to e-books and photo tutorials on fanned fret guitars, purfling, how to make side sound ports, and so much more. For any armchair luthier or repairman, this seems like an awesome resource. No more buying parts and materials and waiting for that magic moment. You can get instruction right in the comfort of your home or wood shop.  http://theartoflutherie.com/my-membership-options-page/ https://vimeo.com/127886829 Travel guitars always excite me and a while ago I had a chance to review a very interesting and up and coming guitar that qualifies as one hell of a travel companion. For anyone that happens to travel in less than desirable conditions, loves the outdoors, or just wants a guitar to bring on their travels that you don't have to worry about Klos guitars has the solution. This tiny carbon fiber travel guitar packs a wonderful punch and is extremely resilient. You can throw anything at this instrument and it'll keep on performing. Not only is it strong and tiny, it's also extremely convenient to pack. You can disassemble it, use the bag, or just the neck sleeve if you happen to toss it in your backpack. Oh and one more thing... they are currently developing a ukulele with the same technology... I cannot wait to see that little carbon fiber wonder.  https://www.klosguitars.com/ https://www.klosguitars.com/ukulele https://youtu.be/8lm7Q4K77qI This week I happen to be listening to another acoustic trio. The I'm With Her trio is one that is serious ear candy. With the likes of Sara Watkins, Sarah Jarosz, and Aoife O'Donovan once you hear one song you won't be able to stop listening. The harmonies are rich and lush, the instrumentation precise, and the overall vibe of their performances is inspirational, to say the least. If you are looking for some outstanding players, beautiful vocals alone and together, as well as dynamic song offerings you must check out these ladies. They have a new album, "See You Around," coming out on February 16, 2018, and they happen to be touring from January through May of 2018... do not miss them.  https://www.imwithherband.com/ https://youtu.be/BTDUDRIEifQ For the solo artist and beyond... So you've decided that you would like to plug in your acoustic guitar, try out singing through a microphone, and you have a goal of playing an open mic or a show... this is outstanding. But you need a PA system of sorts... an amp is too small for what you need... so what to do? PA systems can be confusing and hard to assemble even for someone with experience so I want to bring to your attention the Bose L1 Compact. This wonderful PA system is easy to assemble, sounds great, is perfect for the solo artist and can even be more flexible than just one input. This is the smallest of the Bose L1 systems but by no means is it lacking. It sounds great, is easy to transport, and can be set up in less than a minute.  https://www.bose.com/en_us/products/speakers/portable_pa_speakers/l1-compact-system.html http://amzn.to/2k9aLDS As a vinyl record lover, I feel the need to shed some light on a local record shop that I found truly amazing in its selection, shop knowledge, and overall cool factor. The Record Exchange in Boise, ID is full of amazing vinyl and has big-time wow factor... I mean it is located in a building called the Hitchcock building and it has birds painted on it... lots of birds. I happened to have visited this shop two times so far and each time was completely blown away and happened to score some killer records. If you are looking for something odd, something new, something borrowed, something blue, or even a rarity make sure to stop by the Record Exchange, give them a call, or check their website... there are many sonic treasures to be found.  http://www.therecordexchange.com/ Thus concludes the 15th round of Acoustic Tuesday. Be sure to fly your #guitargeek flag and enjoy every moment you get to strum the strings of the most magical instrument in the world... the acoustic guitar.  Cheers,Tony

Today's list of acoustic awareness covers movies, guitar makers, humidification and even a super strong mutant pinky. So without hesitation lets jump in. Acoustic Tuesday presented by http://tonysacousticchallenge.com First up is a guitar maker that hails from the land of cheese and cold midwestern winters. Petros guitars are lovingly built by Bruce and Matt Petros out of Kaukauna, WI and my goodness are they gorgeous. The first and only Petros guitar that I had ever played was owned by a co-worker of mine named Dale Petrsohn. I played Dale's fingerstyle model Petros guitar back in 2004 and it made a lasting impression. These guitars have a rich voice, are voiced to sing like an angel, and sustain for days. As an added bonus the Petros site features a shop where you can purchase some beautiful Celtic infused accessories like bridge pins, tuner buttons, inlay material, and the Petros' made purflex (a truly genius design for purfling).   http://petrosguitars.com/ https://petrosguitarshop.com/collections/all http://purflex.net/Purflex/Welcome.html https://youtu.be/nGK0QQWLPxw   A documentary is about to be released focusing on the acoustic fingerstyle movement and how much popularity and momentum it has. The Acoustic Uprising documentary features interviews from Kaki King, Andy Mckee, Tommy Emmanuel and more. The movie sheds light on how the unique fingerpicking percussive acoustic guitar style has developed and evolved over the years. It references artists who developed the style and those who continue to push it's boundaries further and further. http://www.acousticuprisingfilm.com/ https://youtu.be/sBSrRo5Lb6Q An acoustic power trio (and now quartet) that has my ears smiling in a big way. Brittany Haas (violin), Paul Kowert (bass), and Jordan Tice (guitar) combined forces a few years back to put out an absolutely stunning album featuring some hot picking, intricate melodies, and just overall virtuosity. Fast forward to 2017 they bring Dominick Leslie on board (mandolin) and change the band name to Hawktail. This is a collection of acoustic musicians who can push acoustic music to a whole new level so be sure to watch out for them when summer comes around and festival season is upon us.  https://youtu.be/kBxqmjEAE9o - Haas Kowert Tice "Grandpa's Cheesebarn" https://youtu.be/4LrssWrJKfY - Hawktail "Unless" http://amzn.to/2BaFhBf - Album "You Got This" Since winter is upon us humidification for your guitars should be something that is on your mind. I have tried all sorts of different products for humidification and each has their pros and cons. So for those of you who like the idea of humidipaks, but don't like the idea of the cost associated with them Oasis humidifiers are something you should check out. These have the benefit of lasting a good while between refills and they humidify the guitar case environment quite well. The oasis humidifiers are offered in both a guitar-specific model and a case humidifier model that are like little canisters that you fill with water to humidify your guitar. Once the water is added a gel-like substance forms within the canister. This substance as two benefits: 1.) Spilling is less likely, and it makes the moisture last a bit longer. One thing to know about these humidifiers though, make sure to keep the moisture at an ample level if left to dry out the membrane can crack and cause leakage which is obviously easily avoidable, but something to be aware of.  http://amzn.to/2hJElv6 - Guitar Humidifier http://amzn.to/2zZMQgh - Case Humidifier For those of you who want to build your pinky finger muscles last week I released a video sharing one of my favorite exercises for pinky strengthening. This exercise pairs your pinky with your index, then your middle finger, and finally your ring finger. This single exercise can not only increase your pinky's strength but also it's agility and dexterity. Definitely something to work into your playing routine that will affect your fretboard confidence in a myriad of ways.  https://youtu.be/ts1WnILa9RA So there you have it, another Acoustic Tuesday for your #guitargeek enjoyment!  

Acoustic Tuesday presented by http://tonysacousticchallenge.com This Acoustic Tuesday is an extremely special one that will not only save your guitar's life but also bring joy to your ears.  So without any more delay lets dive into the geekiness that is Acoustic Guitar If you use a strap at all with your acoustic guitar this item is for you. Three important tips before I share with you a product that could potentially save your guitar's life. Tip #1 always make sure your guitar is hanging correctly from your strap. Sometimes the ends can flip and when the guitar tries to hang it literally can just fall out of the strap. Tip #2 When using a cord with your acoustic guitar, always wrap the chord in the strap so if for any reason you step on the cord it will pull the strap and not your input jack. Tip #3 Never leave your strap on your guitar when it is resting in a stand. It can catch on a passerby and pull your guitar right off the stand. On to the product that will really help when using  a strap: plastic strap locks. These slip over the strap buttons on your guitar and create a barrier so the strap won't fall off. There are two here that I like. One is the Dunlop product that are two plastic discs that spin and the other is a rubber gasket type material that is good for oddly shaped strap buttons or bulky straps.  http://amzn.to/2ALiwE6 - Dunlop Strap Locks http://amzn.to/2yFb4sB - Guitar Saver Strap Locks An online "how to" repair database created by one of the top guitar geeks out there, Frank Ford. Frank Ford works at Gryphon Strings in Palo Alto, CA and he is a repair wizard, to say the least. He creates jigs and tools, he tackles difficult repairs, he even restores guitars. The coolest part... he documents all of it... every... single.. thing. If you have any question about restringing, how to do basic repairs, or are just curious about some of the work he has done you must be aware of this site it is a huge lifesaver.  http://www.frets.com/FretsPages/pagelist.html What I'm listening to this week: The Small Glories. It's true, I can admit I have an incredible soft spot for folk duos, with awesome harmonies and subtle instrumentation. My Dad informed me of this duo and they have all of the above in spades. Cara Luft and JD Edwards make up this duo, and between the two of them musical magic happens... The vocals alone can weaken your knees to the point where you have to take a second to get your bearings. Their debut album "Wondrous Traveler" is fantastic and one you should make some room for in your record collection.  http://amzn.to/2yDUIAs - Wondrous Traveler https://thesmallglories.com/home I've mentioned on previous Acoustic Tuesday shows that I used to work at the Old Town School of Folk Music, but I have never gone into detail on how much of an amazing place it truly is. This is a must-see for any acoustic #guitargeek. The school located on the north side of Chicago is quite honestly the epicenter for all things acoustic, and not just in Chicago. Old Town School has amazing classes from Flatpicking to slack key guitar, they have an outstanding music store called the Different Strummer, and they have a beautiful concert hall that features both national and local acts. It truly is a one-stop shop for all things acoustic and folk, so if you are in the area it would most certainly behoove you to drop in for a visit or even a concert. http://www.oldtownschool.org/ http://www.oldtownschool.org/concerts/ https://youtu.be/dK4k_C5x_zg Kalamazoo Gals. Written by John Thomas, chronicling the stories of the women who held down the fort at Gibson Guitar when the men were off at war. Not only does this book provide great historical context on when these lauded "banner" era guitars were made, but it also features interviews with the very ladies that built them. Stories are told of how they handled supply shortages and reasons why these guitars have some rather odd features. All in all this is a fantastic read if you are a Gibson buff and a double whammy if you like history sprinkled in there as well.  http://amzn.to/2yCTEwy - Kalamazoo Gals http://kalamazoogals.com/ That's a wrap for another enriching Acoustic Tuesday. May your week be filled with #smallwins and many smiles with your acoustic guitar in hand!!!