Acoustic Tuesday Show with Tony Polecastro

Acoustic Tuesday presented by http://tonysacousticchallenge.com Welcome to another awesomely Acoustic Tuesday my dear #guitargeek. There is a ton in store for you this week, so grab a pen, some paper... A new take on guitar strings? Most often the question of "gauge" is one of the first we ask when asking about strings, but not with Santa Cruz's parabolic tension strings. There are two options with these strings, either a mid-tension or a low-tension set and per their recommendation, the low-tension strings are a good match for smaller bodied guitars while the mid-tension strings work nicely with larger bodied guitars. I am floored by the crispness of these strings and what really surprised me were two things: First, the out of the package feel... I'm talking before even putting them on the guitar... they are more supple than any other string I have tried. Second, they seem to immediately calibrate to your guitar and in an odd way adjust the EQ so each string has a clear slice of the sonic pie.  http://www.santacruzguitar.com/scgc-strings/ http://amzn.to/2AqACLg - Low Tension http://amzn.to/2zFNzDX - Mid-Tension Tonewood Encyclopedia. Is there such a thing? Yes, but not in the way that you may think. Being a #guitargeek requires a certain quality... let's call it an insatiable desire for all things acoustic. I have discovered a site that will have every acoustic #guitargeek in the world's mouth agape in wonderment. The tonewood data source... yes ladies and gentlemen this is a real thing and I was so happy to discover it. Ever wonder how tonewood hardness is measured? Ever been curious about the different terms for describing wood figure? Wondering what specific tonewoods are used for? Which tonewoods can cause respiratory irritation when working with them?  This site has it all. Yes, all of it.  This is a wonderful resource that was put together by a guitar geek and tonewood enthusiast, whose name I cannot find anywhere on the site, but nonetheless, a huge amount of gratitude is being sent their way.  This is a resource that is like the road map to living an incredible #acousticlife. http://tonewooddatasource.weebly.com/ What am I listening to this week? Well, the tone of the Wide Sky Guitars featured in last week's Acoustic Tuesday (Ep. #11) had me hungry for some old thumpy blues so I turned to none other than Lightnin' Hopkins. It's raw, it's real, and it has the rhythmic drive that I was searching for. His unique style is inspiring to watch and the way he plays looks absolutely effortless. The tone he gets out of the guitar is a mixture of dead strings and his unique attack. If you ever have a hankering for blues and haven't heard of Mr. Hopkins then you must... and well, if you have heard of him, you must revisit his catalog. Listening to him is a deep dive into the raw nature of old time blues.  https://youtu.be/VOI5y1ZUXVc - Baby Please Don't Go http://amzn.to/2ArE7kw - 8 Classic Albums Deodorant for strings...??? There are many things that can kill tone, but one of the worst is gunk building up on wound strings. Oh! and what about just the general tarnish that develops from environmental factors... Then there is the dreaded string squeak. Nothing can spoil a guitar party quicker than an errant string squeak. I had the same issues and then I discovered two types of string cleaners/lubricants that made my uncoated strings last longer and significantly cut down on squeak. Both the GHS Fast Fret and the Planet Waves XLR8 work miracles if your strings tarnish, you have gunk build up, or you are battling the squeaky strings.  http://www.ghsstrings.com/products/11464-fast-fret?category_id=1964826-lubricants-cleaners http://amzn.to/2zFbwLl - GHS Fast Fret http://www.planetwaves.com/pwProductDetail.Page?ActiveID=4115&productid=544&productname=XLR8_String_Lubricant_Cleaner http://amzn.to/2zriKzT - Planet Waves XLR8 Beginning guitar is an extremely exciting time, the lessons come fast and quick, motivation is at it's highest, and new gear is purchased en masse. At the start of every guitar player's journey is their first guitar, but how do you decide which one is the right one for you? After years of working in stores and reviewing tons of guitars, I sat down and made a list of my top 5 beginner guitars under $500, of all the guitars out there in this range, these ones stand out to me and each is on the list for a very specific reason. If you are in the market r want to help a friend make sure to check it out: https://youtu.be/Hk5zL_UXJDQ Another list complete and more things to help you live your best #acousticlife!!! Here's to another week of guitar geekiness and the smell of a freshly cut piece of Adirondack spruce.

Acoustic Tuesday presented by http://tonysacousticchallenge.com The smallest guitar to ever come out of the Santa Cruz Guitar Company's shop... I was pumped to get the chance to review the Santa Cruz Firefly guitar just last week, and I have to say I am impressed. The motivation behind the design of the guitar was to pack the tonal quality, comfort, and luxury of a beautifully crafted small bench guitar into a small, travel-worthy package. I have to say it is a success, the guitar has a focused voice, wonderful depth of tone, and an overall comfort that is rare in a travel guitar. Guitars of this size have a tendency to bounce around when trying to play them, but this one stayed put, I believe due to the body shape... namely, the way the waist of the guitar is cut in. This is a guitar that should definitely be on your list to at least try and consider if you want to bring an artisan guitar on your travels. https://youtu.be/Mrz99XedM94http://www.santacruzguitar.com/instruments/firefly/A small bench luthier you should be aware of... especially if you like blues-infused, barky, small bodied guitars. Wide Sky Guitars built by luthier, Patch Rubin, down in Taos, NM needs to be on your #guitargeek radar. I happened upon one of his guitars one evening in the midst of a bourbon-infused YouTube session. One of his models, the Wide Sky PL1, is a nod to the Gibson L1. If you have never seen a Gibson L1 look up the infamous picture of Robert Johnson... he is holding an L1. This guitar sounds tremendous, it's barky, it's distinct, it has great projection, and is very well composed with really nice note separation as well as articulation. It definitely has some modern improvements including a much thinner, more modern neck, and it is built like a flattop guitar but with a 15' radius instead of the standard 28.' I believe this is what gives the guitar such a distinct voice. This is just one of Patch's models you should check out. Quick disclaimer: my description of this model is based on my exposure to it through various videos on Youtube... I am still waiting to try one of these beauties out so I can more accurately describe its playability. http://www.wideskyguitars.com/about/bio/http://www.wideskyguitars.com/pl-1/https://youtu.be/QozZyH6IIekGuitar stands are great for gigs, open mics, and even bringing your guitar over to your buddy's house. Guitar stands even work fantastic at your own house for keeping the guitars out and accessible, but what if you are looking for a little bit more? I'm talking a little flash, you know something that puts the guitar on display... Acoustic Remedy guitar displays to the rescue. These gorgeous display cases are made by hand, one at a time and they do more than just display your guitar. These cases present your guitar in the most elegant fashion while maintaining a perfect climate (I'm talking humidity here) for your beloved six-string. These cases are eye appealing as they are functional. They are also available in an array of styles. While they are not cheap, they are fantastic for displaying your guitar with panache and more importantly keeping it protected. https://www.acousticremedycases.com/https://youtu.be/9zmWKkG1vYAhttps://youtu.be/oF-cTbAqLrEThis week I have a special musical treat for you, one that I think you will really dig. Especially if you like crafty lyrics, emotional voices, and the classic "heart on your sleeve" vibe I feel you should get from a songwriter. I discovered John Moreland a few weeks ago when Whitney and I went to see Iron & Wine in Missoula. In typical fashion, we showed up early wanting to see the opening act and man were we blown away by the performance of John Moreland. His album In the Throes is outstanding as are the other two that we immediately purchased from his merch stand upon his performance ending. The song that nailed me personally is called 3:59 am. That one is off the In the Throes album. High on Tulsa Heat and his newest album Big Bad Luv are also outstanding. Again, if you dig raw lyrics, true songwriting, and a voice that delivers the message with emotion John Moreland is your guy and I strongly recommend digging into his catalog.John Moreland - http://www.johnmoreland.net/https://youtu.be/1TAB3HleKCI (album version)https://youtu.be/awNw8MIeSiw (live)High on Tulsa Heat - http://amzn.to/2xpvq8BBig Bad Luv - http://amzn.to/2gI6iXtIn the Throes - http://amzn.to/2i5xcVSBeard and acoustic guitar love part two... Listen, it's not every day that you run into a well-spoken, enthusiastic, bearded, acoustic guitar aficionado. So when I see someone who fits the bill, I need to introduce them. As an acoustic guitar geek, you absolutely must be aware of Matt Chulka at Eddies Guitars in St. Louis MO. Matt is an absolute endless well of acoustic knowledge. His passion for the guitars, the tone, the building process, and even the smell of the tonewoods come through in his reviews. Oh and I need to mention how incredible he is as a player and human being. Now, I know you think I may be biased here since he has a beard and all, but seriously Matt lives acoustic guitars and he has access to some of the absolute best instruments by some of the most revered small bench luthiers in the industry. I am very excited to introduce you to Matt and even more excited to let you know that Matt and I have been corresponding. I have some exciting news about his involvement with Acoustic Tuesday that I look forward to sharing in future episodes, but for now, make sure to check out Eddies Guitars on the web and if you have any questions Matt is your guy. https://eddiesguitars.com/acoustic-guitarshttps://youtu.be/3ZYEc3sd9-Qhttps://youtu.be/K-Lk6_Foa9MI hope you have a fantastic acoustic afternoon, and a week full of guitar goodness. Remember to enjoy the journey and keep your eyes peeled for that next guitar because as a guitar geek we know full well that one just isn't enough.

Acoustic Tuesday presented by http://tonysacousticchallenge.com This special Halloween Acoustic Tuesday is infused with items all "acoustic" that are scary good. Let's dive into this terrifyingly terrific list, shall we?  Santa Cruz Guitars has always amazed me in their build quality, fit, finish, and most importantly... tone. I was able to get my hands on one of their Brad Paisley models based on their pre-war dreadnought model. The guitar has a really cool story behind it so please check out the review to get that and see the new review format which features a bit more playing throughout. I also want to make mention that they are using their own parabolic tension strings which rather than being gauge specific, they are tension specific. In fact, I loved the feel of them so much I contacted Santa Cruz to get some sets for my other guitars... I will report on how I liked them and how they sound in a future Acoustic Tuesday.  https://youtu.be/xVCeW695z-4 http://www.santacruzguitar.com/instruments/brad-paisley-signature-model-guitar/ http://www.santacruzguitar.com/scgc-strings/ https://www.fretboardjournal.com/columns/hands-on-santa-cruz-parabolic-tension-guitar-strings/ Music holds a magical power. To each and every #guitargeek it means something unique. Music manages to cut through and touch you right in your soul... it has a magical healing power. There happens to be an organization that is harnessing this power of music and helping out veterans here in the US. The program is called Guitars For Vets or G4V and it helps supply guitar lessons and guitars to veterans suffering from PTS. This non-profit organization is not in all 50 states yet, but it is growing and making differences in lives every single day. To hear some of the testimonials is humbling and inspiring all at the same time. I encourage you to check out their site and if you can donate, and if you can't that's ok just spread the word as much as you can as these people are truly changing lives and the world for the better... all through the power of music.   https://youtu.be/w6hL5RU85tw (News segment) https://youtu.be/AfkVpzCOBug (Individual Story) 1:47 http://www.guitars4vets.org/ What I'm listening to this week: Love Letter For Fire by Sam Beam and Jesca Hoop. This album is one that I got some time ago but never threw it on the turntable until recently. It was released in April 2016 and man oh man am I glad to have revisited it. Harmonies run rampant throughout the album, and the blend of their voices is heavenly. While listening to this album at TAC Studios, Noah mentioned that he really dug the "out of the box" song structure, which I guess I have to agree with him here, I dig it as well. If you happen to love harmonies, crafty songwriting, and subtle acoustic infused instrumentation this is an album that you will no doubt enjoy.  http://amzn.to/2zBrMd3 https://youtu.be/nD4df5tJqvc A pre-war guitar fresh from the shop... with that new guitar smell? As acoustic #guitargeek legend has it, being able to play the all-hallowed and super rare pre-war guitar is about as common as seeing Bigfoot playing a G run in between sipping some fine bourbon. If you are ever lucky enough to play a pre-war instrument (often referred to as an instrument from the golden age) it will forever be a point of comparison for every guitar you play from that point on. In short, pre-war guitars are downright amazing and their price tags reflect that... But what if you could get that pre-war sound and feel for a decent price? Enter, the Pre-War Guitar Co. Both Wes Lambe and Ben Maschal understand the magic that vintage instruments contain, and they build guitars based on the greats. They reference classic examples of pre-war Gibsons and Martins during their build process and the results are absolutely outstanding. I have only heard samples and seen pictures, but from what I have seen and heard, my jaw is on the floor. I can't wait to get my hands on one of these to put through its paces. Please if you ever get to play one of these make sure to let me know and I will do the same.  https://www.pre-warguitars.com/ https://www.pre-warguitars.com/about-the-builders/ https://www.facebook.com/prewarguitars/videos/623161331209886/   That's another Acoustic Tuesday in the books, I hope this list helps keep the #guitargeek momentum going and of course highlights some things that allow you to live your best #acousticlife.   Cheers and Happy Halloween!

Acoustic Tuesday presented by http://tonysacousticchallenge.com First up this week is some fuel for your Flatpicking, some gasoline for your G run, some diesel for your downstroke... you get the idea, but seriously first up on the list this week is some bluegrass inspired coffee. As a coffee drinker, I was ecstatic to find some blended coffee bearing the name "Flatpicker Fuel". This is a coffee blend by the folks at Coffee Fool and I must say that after a few cups I may very well be able to play a bit faster... It certainly allows me to speak at an increased rate. Make sure to check this coffee out along with the others that they offer.  http://www.coffeefool.com/Flatpicker-Fuel-p/2301.htm http://www.coffeefool.com/ A capo is a capo is a capo right??? Not necessarily so, in fact, the fine folks at Elliott Capos will tell you different. I first heard of these capos from Dave Grier's website, and I thought for sure upon purchasing one my playing was going to transform. Well, I am sad to report my playing didn't transform, however, I found one of the most quality capos I have ever had the pleasure of using. This small shop of family members makes the most finely machined stainless steel capos in a variety of styles and finishes. Make sure to check these guys out, and keep in mind that these are pricey buggers, but I can honestly say after having one for almost ten years now, they are very much worth it.  https://elliottcapo.com/ https://elliottcapo.com/shop/category.aspx?catid=6 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgsDOi1OfVx-qe1PZBIAkXw https://youtu.be/XrBtrbWSFb0 https://youtu.be/ppCeXNnnlqY As an acoustic #guitargeek you may not have a lot of pedals, but if you have one or even just a few it can become a huge pain in the butt laying them out on the floor every time you want to use them. Transport becomes difficult, and the odds of forgetting a crucial piece are increased, which is why I want to share the PedalTrain Nano pedal board with you. This stout, small format pedalboard is perfect for the acoustic player who has only a few pedals but wants to keep things nice and tidy. The nano is built like a tank and can handle about 3 standard size pedals (think pedal tuner, DI, and maybe an effects unit of sorts). Since getting the nano, my live setup has become effortless and things stay in the same spot. A must for any player who wants there sound to follow them wherever they end up. http://www.pedaltrain.com/nano http://amzn.to/2yYMsuw This week I have been listening to John Fahey... an official truckload of John Fahey. In fact a while ago I purchased the box set "Transcendental Waterfall," which was a treasure trove of John Fahey's studio albums. This latest John Fahey phase leads me to something else that I wish to share with you though... a movie. Yes, a movie inspired by what I am listening to this week. The movie, actually a documentary, is called "In Search of Blind Joe Death." This doc is about John Fahey, who he influenced, and his life in general. Even if you aren't familiar with John Fahey you will enjoy this doc, since the cast of characters is pretty vast and the stories told are quite candid.  Purchase Link: http://amzn.to/2z0QMcC Box set purchase link: http://amzn.to/2yhw4I6 Movie trailer: https://youtu.be/3NoXyb9AjJw Interview with director/producer: https://youtu.be/VjDfzIdFA_8 Music theory and fun rarely occur in the same sentence... in fact probably never in the history of the spoken word have fun and music theory been associated. I think this has to do with the image that the words "music theory" conjure up... Piles of books, the standard notation staff, Augmented 7/9 suspended chords, and just headache after a headache, but I am here to confidently say it doesn't have to be like that... rather it shouldn't be like that. I just launched the Fretboard Wizard course this week and it happens to kick off with a free "Guitar Theory for Everybody" video series. This video series will create mega lightbulb moments and uncover the "foundational 5," which are the core elements that theory is based on. If you understand the foundational 5 you will then be able to unlock many of the secrets the fretboard holds. The series comes with a downloadable workbook and truly will catapult your theory understanding into the next level. Make sure to click the link below to access the video series.  https://tonypolecastro.com/fw1 Continue waving your #guitargeek flag, and I can't wait for next week so you can see what geekiness I have in store for you. 

Acoustic Tuesday presented by http://tonysacousticchallenge.com Bob Taylor was kind enough to document his travels as he flew across the world... no joke... the entire world, and checked out wonderful examples of proper forestry and sustainable wood initiatives. This video series has it all. Ever wonder what Koa looks like in a forest? Bob covers it in Hawaii. Are you curious about what the furniture industry is doing to use wood more responsibly? Bob reports on that in Vietnam. Bob also touches base with the Ebony mill that he started in Cameroon. This is a wonderful, almost necessary peek into where the wood used on our beloved instruments comes from and offers wonderful perspective on what it takes to grow and properly harvest this wood. In the series Bob and his crew go to some pretty wild, far-reaching places... places you have to see to believe. Series Introduction: https://youtu.be/FIKYmZuMt6cGuatemala Quick Clip: 0:19 - 1:43 https://youtu.be/3SaafoQuqcoIreland 0:41 - 1:31 https://youtu.be/Bmv2RIIOrpcEntire Series Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIa-kz_oNaiTYa5ZWKYsKSML5eEAIQKu6 Mesa/Boogie has started their jump into the acoustic realm and they are doing it in style with the Rosette 300 Acoustic amp, as well as the Rosette Acoustic DI. These two pieces make up Mesa's first wave of products in the acoustic world. I must say I was a bit skeptical, but after putting both pieces through their paces, my skepticism changed to curiosity, which quickly developed into great respect for both of these pieces and their finer points. The tone shaping capabilities of both the DI and the amp are remarkable, and while it will take some time to dial in a good tone, the time will be well worth it because that tone will be mighty fine.  Rosette DI: http://mesaboogie.com/amplifiers/acoustic/pre-amp-series/rosette-preamp/index.htmlRosette 300 Amp: http://mesaboogie.com/amplifiers/acoustic/pre-amp-series/rosette-preamp/index.htmlRosette 300 Amp Review: https://youtu.be/PgZuCny2i6sRosette DI Review: https://youtu.be/_zfSiwKQK8E What I'm currently listening to: If you happen to be a sucker for harmony-laden acoustic music then what I am listening to this week will surely rattle your bones. The Honey Dewdrops are a husband and wife folk duo that have an outstandingly organic sound. And their harmonies... my oh my. The voices each of these two have are rich and powerful by themselves, but when added together I'm pretty sure it becomes a superpower... and I'm talking comic book stuff here. The Honey Dewdrops album that I am currently spinning is called Silver Lining. It was released in 2012 and the music truly feels timeless. The track that has me mashing the repeat button is called "No More Trouble." The banjo, the voices, the haunting modal sound... let's just say this song has it all, and you need to be aware of these acoustic superheroes.  Band Website: http://www.thehoneydewdrops.com/Song, "No More Trouble": https://youtu.be/1OyCeEIMvk4Album, "Silver Lining": http://amzn.to/2ytpaRr Dress up your thumb for the dance with the Dunlop Zookies thumb pick. So often with standard straight blade thumb picks a certain squeaky or scraping sound occurs. This sound isn't intentional by any means, the function of the straight blade counteracts the movement of your thumb when fingerpicking... or at least the natural action of my thumb... Enter the Dunlop Zookies thumb pick, this thumb pick has an angled picking surface (your choice of a 10, 20, or 30-degree angle) to limit the squeak and scrape, and also allow the picking motion to be smooth and frictionless. I found out about these by checking out Jerry Douglas' gear list on his website. After trying them at one gig some years ago, these are my go-to thumb pick for dobro (I like the M-20), and I have found they work quite nice on guitar as well.  Purchase Link: http://amzn.to/2yWHiPzProduct Page: https://www.jimdunlop.com/product/z9002m20-7-10137-00716-1.do?sortby=ourPicksAscend&page=6&refType=&from=fn A fly on the wall watching a Mule take form... No, this isn't a foray into poetry. I found two videos from Matt Eich and the folks at Mule Resonator guitars that document the process of building Charlie Parr's newest reso. Not only can you see the process (which was shot beautifully), but you can also see Charlie's reaction to getting the guitar. You can tell by watching him play it that he really enjoys this newest addition to his guitarsenal. It is remarkable to see the work that goes into one of these beautiful instruments and equally amazing to see the reaction of the artist for whom it was built for.  Building process - https://youtu.be/ruEE4iK5j9sCharlie's reaction - https://youtu.be/O2PI0kbvdlkMule review - https://youtu.be/q9c6TxKxsB4Charlie Parr Interview - https://youtu.be/hfeFYzsVuyIMule Resophonics Homepage - http://muleresophonic.com/

Acoustic Tuesday presented by http://tonysacousticchallenge.com Another week has passed and I can sense that you are in need of more guitar geekiness to fuel your#acousticlife, so here goes:   - My absolute favorite clip-on tuner: Being in tune is ruled 'A' number 1 when playing guitar either by yourself or at a jam. If you have ever searched online for a tuner the options are truly ridiculous... Actually, the options are almost on the verge of comedic. So I wanted to cut through all the options and brag about my personal favorite clip-on tuner, which happens to be the Polytune Clip. I love this tuner for four distinct reasons: 1.) Battery life. I have yet to change the battery in this tuner and I have had it for nearly two years at this point. 2.) Display. Whether this tuner is in direct sunlight, on the front or back of my headstock it reads clear and concise. A must for any tuner. 3.) Options. If you want to tune all strings at once you can with the poly tune setting. If you want to tune just one string at a time you can, and if you wish to strobe tune there is a setting for that as well. 4.) The Clip. This tuner shines due to its clip. It is made out of metal, it doesn't harm the instrument and it is durable as all get out.  http://www.tcelectronic.com/polytune-clip ( PolyTune Site ) http://amzn.to/2xeCyUn ( White Clip Tuner ) http://amzn.to/2xeyhjC ( Black Clip Tuner ) https://youtu.be/msORx8g0Hdg ( PolyTune Product Video ) - Good Vibes. The Best Kind of Vibes. Acoustic Vibes: Many days I virtually shop for guitars online, and one of my frequent stops is Jeff Looker's shop down in Tempe, AZ called Acoustic Vibes. This store is chock full of all things that #guitargeek dreams are made of. The swath of brands that he carries and the variety of guitars offered is truly unmatched. Jeff is an incredibly knowledgeable store owner who is a true acoustic guitar aficionado. I got to know Jeff when I was doing sales for Weber mandolins and to say he is a #guitargeek is an understatement. His showroom proves it. Huge variety, one of a kind instruments, and the kind of guidance you want when searching for your lifetime guitar. If you are in the area, stop what you are doing and call Jeff. If you are virtual guitar shopping, clear your schedule, you will not be disappointed. https://acousticvibesmusic.com/ https://youtu.be/PQAlC1bws3w ( 1:40 quote ) - What I'm currently listening to: I have gone down the rabbit hole of blues this week. In particular, foot-stompin', fingerpickin', mojo infused blues. So Big Bill Broonzy gets the nod for his album Big Bill Broonzy Sings Folk Songs. The opening track on this album, "Backwater Blues" is what is tugging at my ears... a hugely powerful voice, a sparse yet purposeful guitar, and so much mojo it almost comes out of the grooves on the record. Speaking of mojo... at one point in time, I had a chance to play Big Bill's (1946?) Martin 000-28 when I worked in Chicago. Talk about a religious experience... the tone, the smell, the thoughts of what that guitar had been through, a serious #guitargeek moment that connects me even more to this album.  https://youtu.be/i_Wb9CyOxBM ( Backwater Blues - Song ) http://amzn.to/2ykDKub ( Big Bill Broonzy Sings Folk Songs )  - Not your ordinary guitar cases: Your color options for guitar cases are generally, well, black. I know there are other color options out there, but I would venture to guess that the majority of guitar cases come in black. Black is cool, but artist James A. Willis is seemingly offended by a pure black case because he creates some absolutely glorious guitar case art. James takes cases and transforms them into tributes of artists who are icons in their genre. Not only does he make guitar cases art, he also creates beautiful guitar inspired wall art. Lucky for us #guitargeeks, Carter Vintage Guitars has made James' case art and wall art available on their website for a quick look or to take home and brighten up your guitar room.  https://cartervintage.com/collections/james-a-willis  ( Full Collection ) https://cartervintage.com/collections/james-a-willis/products/disappearing-railroad-blues-print-by-james-a-willis https://cartervintage.com/collections/james-a-willis/products/shokey-railcar-blues-print-by-james-a-willis https://cartervintage.com/collections/james-a-willis/products/james-a-willis-custom-jimmi-hendrix-case?variant=42307069315 https://cartervintage.com/collections/james-a-willis/products/james-a-willis-custom-kitty-wells-case?variant=31990401091 https://cartervintage.com/collections/james-a-willis/products/james-a-willis-custom-stevie-ray-vaughan?variant=42496411971It's a true fact that #guitargeeks hang out in groups. Since that's the case, please subscribe and make sure to tell your friends!

Acoustic Tuesday presented by http://tonysacousticchallenge.com Here is your weekly dose of guitar geekiness. These are Acoustic Guitar nuggets sifted from the sands of the internet for your knowledge and entertainment... and of course to propel the #acousticlife.   A luthier you need to know about: Bozeman very often feels like the valley of luthiers, being that Gibson is right down the road and there are ample amounts of small bench luthiers in the area. One small bench luthier that lives in Belgrade (just outside of Bozeman) is Dan Roberts. Dan is a master craftsman who started his career at Flatiron/Gibson, then moved to Santa Cruz Guitar company, and now has his own shop where he does some truly outstanding custom work. Dan draws his inspiration from the tradition set forth by the bigger manufacturers (read Martin and Gibson), but he enjoys making tweaks to it and loves the small shop environment for that very reason. Check out this video done a while back, which will give you Dan's thoughts on building and his philosophy behind custom guitars. #Guitargeek Alert!!! There are some beautiful shots of his shop in this video.  Daniel Roberts Shop Video: https://vimeo.com/59663806Daniel Roberts Stringworks Website: http://www.danielrobertsstringworks.com/ Guitar Gadget that has my curiosity sufficiently fueled: Flying with a guitar is no doubt a stress filled task that has us #guitargeeks pressed up against the windows of an airplane wondering if we will see our guitar case launched across the tarmac to an uncomfortable concrete resting place. Flight cases to the rescue!!! But wait... Flight cases can be very specific and often are custom built to an instrument's exact specs. So this means one case per guitar, but hold that thought for just one moment... enter Visesnut cases. These cases offer an internal strapping apparatus that allows one case to be used for similarly sized guitars... this means one flight case can handle more than one guitar. Flying with an instrument may have now gotten just one step easier.  Visesnut Case Website: http://www.visesnutcase.com/Visesnut dem0 video: https://youtu.be/xfjA4YX-gFgBuy from Elderly: https://www.elderly.com/catalogsearch/result/?cat=0&q=visesnut What I'm currently listening to: Currently I am stuck on Jeffrey Foucalt's newest release, Salt As Wolves. The tones on this album are fantastic, and I must say I may have broke an acoustic rule here as this album features some electric guitar, but hear me out... Salt As Wolves has the right amount of space, tasty guitar fills, stellar songwriting, and the type of songs that have you enthralled in their story. Jeffrey's vocals are whiskey smooth and his guitar work and tone fit each song to a tee. The stand out track for me is "Slow Talker," in fact check out the video link to see Jeffrey play with a past Acoustic Tuesday featured artist.  Slow Talker w/ Special Guest: https://youtu.be/dpyG6rhQ0owSalt As Wolves Album: http://amzn.to/2x6emVX A must hear microphone: I have seen multiple live acoustic shows in various venues, I have watched many youtube videos of my favorite acoustic artists and they all seem to have something in common... the microphone. An elegant, almost industrial looking microphone that sounds amazing. Ear Trumpet Labs offers some seriously beautiful looking and sounding microphones for acoustic instrumentation. In fact by the looks of it they are taking acoustic music by storm. Check out their site to lay your eyes on these beauties and check out the different models that they offer.   Ear Trumpet Site: http://www.eartrumpetlabs.com/Ear Trumpet Mics in action: https://youtu.be/SU30eXcwr38 I want to make sure you don't miss an episode of Acoustic Tuesday and the shenanigans that go along with it so please subscribe.

Acoustic Tuesday presented by http://tonysacousticchallenge.com Welcome to another round of #guitargeek findings that have my wheels turning, my brain-bending, and most of all my geek radar lighting up like the sky on the Fourth of July. A book necessary for the #Guitargeek library: A music theory book that's actually fun sounds about as commonplace as a unicorn prancing over a rainbow with a leprechaun hang gliding over headed showering the onlooking jackalopes with golden coins. I hope I painted an accurate picture for you... As rare of a bird as a fun music theory book is, Edly's Musical Theory for Practical People is actually fun and extremely informative. Quick disclaimer this is not a direct guitar theory book, but the concepts discussed are invaluable, and the way Ed Roseman writes is very conversational and easy to follow. If you have ever wondered about music theory this is a great first step.  Check it out here: http://amzn.to/2yd1GMM The Gadget that can create a worry-free guitar environment: Living the #acousticlife is an amazing experience. You have the jams with friends, the guitar shopping, and the #guitarsenal to go along with it. But, what happens when you go somewhere and you don't have a guitar stand... (cue record scratch sound). Sure you can put it back in the case, but that becomes a pain after 3 or 4 times of getting it in and out... and you certainly don't want that case lid coming down on the top of your beautiful guitar. Enter, Ultimate guitar stands, namely the GS1000 and the GS200 models. These stands fold up, are easy to travel with, take up no space and provide a secure environment for your guitar to live in when you have to set it down. A must have for any #guitargeek (I even leave an extra in my car for those just in case moments). Ultimate GS200 - http://amzn.to/2xnVNOKUltimate GS1000 - http://amzn.to/2x8JMfQ What I'm currently listening to: This week I drew some inspiration from the second annual TAC Jamboree, where we were lucky enough to be joined by none other than Tony Furtado. Upon reflecting on his visit to the Jamboree and TAC HQ I pulled up his live album the Cider House Sessions, as well as his latest studio release, The Bell. I am continuously blown away by the level of artistry and the reverence shown towards technique that Tony constantly puts on display. The track that has my socks shoot off my feet and through the wall is "Astoria" ... and it features a cello-banjo... a celljo? ...a banello? Whatever it's called... wow!!! Interview Clip: https://youtu.be/HGqsv8Zqc2w Angeline the Baker: https://youtu.be/KAjNRIWtiSc Astoria: https://youtu.be/O1s7YaFaDWQ Cider House Sessions - http://amzn.to/2xgBYZs The Bell  - http://amzn.to/2jDBsQz A whiskey lover/#guitargeek's dream???: Lowden guitars have always seemed a bit mythical in my eyes. I have gotten the chance to play only a handful of them (maybe two total) and they live up to their description for certain. They are built masterfully and their tone is deep and rich... upon a single strum you can just tell you are playing something special. George Lowden took that word special to a whole different level just recently, in conjunction with Bushmill's Irish Whiskey. The two have come together to celebrate craftsmanship and George has designed a guitar that uses a redwood top, ancient bog oak back/sides, and none other than Bushmill's Irish Whiskey barrel wood for some inlay and appointments. This is something you have to see to believe check out the link to see the video and of course visit the website for the full geeky details: Bushmill's Lowden Video - https://youtu.be/qH9H44rHMi0 Bushmill's Lowden Specs and Story -http://www.lowdenguitars.com/bushmillsxlowden Next week's Acoustic Tuesday will be one for the ages... keep your eyes peeled and your ear to the ground for the acoustic awesomeness headed your way. 

Acoustic Tuesday presented by http://tonysacousticchallenge.com Welcome to Acoustic Tuesday where you get a peek at some of my weekly guitar finds that have me excited, curious, and loving the #acousticlife. That being said, let's go ahead and throw some jet fuel on the #guitargeek fire this week, shall we?  - Guitar Gadget worth checking out: Humidification is the necessary evil of the acoustic guitar world. It's not necessarily the most exciting thing in an #acousticlife but a necessary one for sure. A company that caught my eye due to their work specifically in the humidification industry (think Cigar humidors and things of the like) is Boveda. They have a low maintenance system that has been developed for guitar, and in my opinion, it is a great option for those #guitargeeks with multiple guitars. Here is a link to their starter kit product: Boveda 49-Percent RH Two-Way Humidity Control for Guitars and Wood Instruments http://amzn.to/2xiNWDe And for more details on how to season your case check out their site: Boveda Site: https://www.bovedainc.com/store/music/guitar-starter-kit/ - What I am currently listening to: This week I am spinning Charlie Parr's new album, Dog. After interviewing Charlie two or so years ago I have kept up with his superhero-like touring and his musical projects. He recently had a stop here in Bozeman and I got to hear some of his new songs live and have a quick chat. Needless to say, I was more than excited for this album to come out and it truly doesn't disappoint. Here is the tune ("I Ain't Dead Yet") I think you should check out: https://youtu.be/kSKVkQ9Ohmg His new album Dog: http://amzn.to/2vUbLRg - What's inside my gig bag: Plugging in an acoustic guitar can be a bit hairy... the tone might be weird, it might sound quacky, and it may not represent your guitar the way you want. I had the same experience until the K&K pure mini came into my life. This pickup is a bridge plate transducer and one that I would consider if you are looking for great tone and an easy to manage acoustic guitar pickup. You can check it out here: http://amzn.to/2gQxF18 The K&K website: http://www.kksound.com/products/puremini.php - Guitar(s) that have me drooling this week: Upon perusing the National Resophonic guitars website I somehow stumbled upon a link to their custom shop. An hour or so later I came up for air and could not believe what I had just seen. These resos are absolute masterpieces that now will be forever "etched" in my memory. You have to see these unreal examples of master luthiers at work, and you will see what I mean about "etching." To have a look at these "one of a kind" gems click here: http://www.nationalguitars.com/custom-shop Keep your eyes peeled for next week's Acoustic Tuesday the shenanigans and #guitargeek gems will continue to flow.

Do you strive for clean buzz free barre chords??? Well, last week I released a lesson on barre chords that will start to put an end to the buzzy B chords and the fuzzy F chords that you may be experiencing. Be sure to check out this necessary barre chord lesson: https://youtu.be/87reIeqqVrs - A guitar I would love to add to my #guitarsenal:  I have had a chance to play a handful of new Collings D1A models in my life, and numerous broken in D1A models that have been played by other musicians, and I have to say they are magical. In my latest fantasy digital guitar shopping trip I found a torrefied D1A that caught my attention on Collings' custom page. The description of this guitar alone had my fretting fingers twitching, my ears perked up, and my brain spinning ways of how I could manage to get this guitar. See and read about it here: http://www.collingsguitars.com/custom-gallery/d1-a-t-torrefied/ - What I'm currently listening to: Caitlin Canty's Reckless Skyline album. This album is one that is easily a front to back listening experience, it seems to ebb and flow with wonderful artistic and dynamic balance. Caitlin's voice shines and the songs range from a stripped down whisper to a full band exclamation point. Although I like listening to the album in its entirety if I was to pick only one track it would be "My Love for You Will Not Fade." This is without a doubt an album that would feel at home in your collection. https://youtu.be/O4opwyj7L3U - The next guitar wonder gadget??? I found this gadget on Kickstarter and must first say that it has my curiosity piqued. A stabilization device for your guitar that not only can hold it in a myriad of positions but doubles as a guitar stand as well. Seems like a wonderful two birds one stone type solution. Check out the link for details, a descriptive video for the inventor, and a chance to contribute if you dig what this product is. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1798347341/maintaining-with-ease-displaying-with-pride?ref=nav_search - A must stop guitar shop: I love traveling and being that my son Ayden lives in Chicago, I find myself there quite often. Whenever I'm on the North Side of the city particularly on Lincoln Ave. I visit the Chicago Music Exchange. This store's walls are lined with all things guitar... and I'm talking all things guitar, from every era, of every style. This store is chock full of vintage guitars, new guitars, and a whole entire room dedicated to Acoustics... and when I say room what I really mean is an entire "wing" of the store. You will not be disappointed if you check these guys out. Here is their site with all the necessary info for your guitar pilgrimage: https://www.chicagomusicexchange.com/ Acoustic Tuesday presented by http://tonysacousticchallenge.com

Being a #guitargeek is no easy task. You have to keep up on all of the geeky acoustic guitar things that are happening in the world, but with Acoustic Tuesday you can now keep your finger on the pulse.   - A Little Practice Positivity & Inspiration: Every so often I find myself a little bummed out that I can't play exactly like my guitar heroes. I say things like I wish I could play just like Bryan Sutton, or I wish I could finger pick just like Tommy Emmanuel. The truth is everyone approaches guitar playing differently and your own unique way is what makes up your distinct sonic fingerprint. Your guitar heroes should inspire, motivate, and encourage; not be used for comparison because when it all comes down to it... we are all different, and we all approach music differently... hell, we even hear different things when listening to music. So embrace the way you play, strive for daily progress and when you find yourself bummed out wishing you could play just like your guitar hero, take a second, breathe, and be thankful for their unique music and approach, and know that you are bringing into the world your own unique music as well... and most importantly feel good about your musical journey!!! - A Guitar Gadget That's Worth a Look: Not sure if you would consider a guitar pick a gadget, but I get asked about my favorite pick all the time. So here it is in all its glory. The Dunlop Ultex Sharp 2.0mm pick. I included a link in case you want to try them out: ( http://amzn.to/2vu5DvW ) - What I'm currently listening to: Tunesmith Retrofit by Kelly Joe Phelps. I absolutely adore this album. Kelly's songwriting, his playing, and his knack for being in the moment shine through here. This is one of those albums that takes me back to a specific place... (on a red line train heading from Chicago's loop to the Old Town School of Folk Music (located on the North side)... this was around 2006). My favorite track on this one is: "Tight to the Jar"... The line ..."Melody sweet til it rolls out the ear and the beer flows free as advice" always manages to get me.  - A compendium of #lightbulbmoments: The book Art of Chords by Stephane Gagnon is chocked full of great information about how to look at chords in an analytical fashion to unlock their secrets. This book led to many #smallwins for me personally and if chord construction interests you then this is a book that should be on your list!!! ( http://amzn.to/2uHgmpD ) Have an amazing acoustic week and remember to keep on pickin'. Cheers,Tony Acoustic Tuesday presented by http://tonysacousticchallenge.com  

Here is your weekly dose of acoustic awesomeness to further solidify your status as a #guitargeek In case you missed it the hammer of Thor visited last week... I filmed a lesson on how to do hammer ons with the strength of Thor. Be sure to check that out here: https://youtu.be/NUSfT9Qspvc - An acoustic guitar tool supplier you may not be aware of: To say I am a sucker for all things guitar is a total understatement. I love getting the magazines, I love reading about the tools, and most of all I love thinking about the possibilities. One site that a friend turned me onto some years ago (Thanks Mitch!) is Luthiers Mercantile International, Inc. Check this site out if you want to geek out on raw tone woods, guitar setup tools, and even instructional materials. Basically if you have ever thought about building your own guitar, setting up your current guitar, or even repairing a friends guitar this site is a hidden gem. ( http://www.lmii.com/ ) - An iconic guitar and it's story: Tony Rice is a bluegrass fllatpicking legend no doubt. From his work with David Grisman, Peter Rowan, JD Crowe, Ricky Skaggs, Norman Blake, and countless others his approach, tone, and technique are like his sonic fingerprint. Another crucial part of his sonic fingerprint is his 1935 Martin D28 that has an incredible story to tell. Read about the guitar and it's various trials and tribulations in this killer Fretboard Journal article: ( https://www.fretboardjournal.com/feat... ) - What I'm currently listening to: Dan Tyminski's album "Carry Me Across the Mountain." This album shows Dan's diversity as a vocalist, guitar player, mandolin player, and even studio engineer. With the likes of Jerry Douglas, Barry Bales, Ron Block, and Alison Kraus; Dan keeps some incredible company on this album. The standout track for me is "Greens Fees." Check out the album here: ( http://amzn.to/2vGaXfx ) - The guitar (and player) that you have to see and hear right now: Ever wonder what a 1935 Martin 00-42 sounds like? Well wonder no more, Molly Tuttle does the honors for us here and puts this stunning example of a 1935 00-42 through its paces. Check out this video to see how focused and amazing this guitar is. If you have good headphones nearby, you are going to want those. The nuances of this guitar are simply intoxicating. Oh, and while watching this video I had a serious #lightbulbmoment about what is possible out of a D chord position(https://youtu.be/vWxCaJQ2KqY ) Have an amazing acoustic week and remember to keep on pickin'. Acoustic Tuesday presented by http://tonysacousticchallenge.com