005 - Guitars Made From Whisky Barrels, Harmonics, & Tony Furtado's Cello Banjo

Summary: 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.