This week, there is 1 student in the Student Spotlight, The Question of the Week is about asymmetrical necks, News is about the unlikely contest sponsor from whom you can win a guitar signed by all the members of Maroon 5 and my Take Note segment is about the Taylor Road Show, coming to a location near you.
Intro
So how were your last couple of weeks?
The news about Oklahoma was devastating and over the weekend, more tornado activity left destruction in its wake. I saw to Oklahoma, on broadway, and although I have never been to the state, the song lyric has always caused me to associate Oklahoma and wind. To call what blew through Moore, merely “wind,” is the understatement of the year. As much as I have been mentioning the relief effort for Sandy survivors, here in NJ, I have to spread my appeal to the Moore, Oklahoma survivors. There are several well-respected charities that are rushing relief to the victims. Here's a site that will give you a choice. You can go and literally help, on scene, donate air miles to assist volunteer travel or you can donate financially. Many survivors have been left with absolutely nothing or nothing and also lost loved ones.
We finally made it to the Jersey shore, not long after I recorded the last show. Although Sandy blew through on October 29th, there were still some rental units being restored to livable conditions, roofs being repaired and some of the board walk was replaced and some was still missing.
It was good to see that things are moving along, but seeing the old Christmas trees on the beech, where the dunes used to be was a reminder of everything that we didn’t see. The trees serve as a dune nursery.
This week, my student Shira, is sporting new DR Neons, like Bridget’s. She’s happy and loves the sound, feel and color. They look great on her transparent purple finished Luna Passion Flower guitar.
My Neons? They’re great. My nylon string guitar is approaching string change time. She’s been good but she’s starting to sound a little bland. Maybe I can make some time next week.
Hey, this Friday is the Les Paul 98th Birthday Gala at Ramapo College. I had planned to attend but something has come up and I cannot. I’m bummed because the first concert was great and last year didn’t disappoint. Were I able to go, I was planning to bid on the auction guitars. This is a reminder to Arno, who might be in the market for a Les Paul, and why not win an autographed one? Lani’s family enjoyed the Gala last year, so Lani, if you go again, have fun. I’ll be thinking of you. I regret that I’ll be missing Nicki Parrott. She’s an awesome stand-up acoustic bassist and singer. According to an email I received a couple days ago, there are still tickets available. If you’re thinking about going, don’t think about it any more. Get your tickets now. The theater is intimate and there isn’t a bad seat in the house.
You may be able to pick up Thank You, Les, Lou Pallo and the Les Paul Trio’s memorial to Les, while you’re there. They and numerous admiring musicians did wonderful work on the audio and documentary.
The full Les Paul in Mahwah: A Tribute exhibit will only be available to visit in its present, expansive state through the end of this month. The Mahwah Museum, in Mahwah, NJ, will close, as is their custom, for the summer and will re-open in September, with a pared down permanent installation of Les Paul exhibits. If you can possibly see the full exhibit, choose a Wednesday, Saturday or Sunday to do it. You won’t be sorry.
Student Spotlight
In the warm glow of the Student Spotlight is Bridget - what a surprise. She’s loving her pink neon DRs, but she was playing well and remaining dedicated even before the pinkness took over. She continues to progress well - not because she isn’t being presented with challenges - she is. It’s because she is consistently applying herself and overcomes obstacles. Excellent, Bridget. Keep up the good work.
Question of the Week
This week's question cam in by email from Emitt. He wrote, “You have gone into some good detain about guitar necks but I didn’t hear anything about asymmetrical necks. What are they?”
Well, someone is reading about guitars! Thanks for the question Emitt. Just as it says, and asymmetrical neck, the profile of which is modified in a way that moves the deepest spot on the neck away from dead center. I’ve never seen nor played an modified neck that didn’t move the deepest spot on the neck bass-wise. By that I mean closer to the 6th string. There’s no reason one couldn’t be made that had its deepest spot toward the treble side, but I believe it would hinder any guitarist.
So why make the neck asymmetrical? Well, if you have short fingers or the neck width is a challenge, or if you play mostly on the treble strings, an asymmetrical neck might help you play faster or longer, since the profile may allow you to reduce the pressure of your grip, which might allow you to play longer.
There are some good images online, of various asymmetrical neck profiles. Several makers use them and if you are having a custom guitar built, decide if a standard neck is best or if an asymmetrical one would benefit you.
Thanks for the inquiry, Emitt. A Guitar Technique Tutor podcast pick is on its way to you, in Idaho. You should have it in a few days.
If you have a question that you would like me to address on the podcast, please send it to me. If I use your question, I will be glad to send you a Guitar Technique Tutor Podcast pick.
News
In the news this week is something I was shocked to see. Did you know you can win a guitar signed by all the members of Maroon 5? Do you know from where you can win it? Not a guitar shop. From K-Mart!!! For real! There is no purchase necessary and the steps to entering are easy. You increase your odds of winning if you decide to use social media in addition to your traditional entry. All of the rules can be found on this Shop Your Way page. I’ll link to them.
I frequently mention guitar companies that are giving away guitars but this is a new one on me. Please consult your parent or guardian if you want to enter and you’re under 18..
I hope one of my listeners wins.
Take Note
My take note topic this week is The Taylor Guitar Road Show. It’s that time of year for road trips and our friends at Taylor Guitars knows that all too well. The Taylor Road Show will be in a variety of American cities, as well as European ones throughout the month of June.
If you’ve never attended a Taylor Road Show, it’s very well done, usually takes place in a guitar or music store and attendees get the opportunity to play a lot of Taylors - often more than the store ordinarily offers. The Taylor reps will also match you to the perfect Taylor for you. Tell them what you like to or aspire to play, allow them to size you up (pardon the pun) and they will suggest models with which you are most likely to live happily ever after. The Road Shows are a Taylor Tradition and they are excellent to broaden your general guitar knowledge and introduce you to one of the premier acoustic guitars made in the USA. If you’re in the market for a Taylor that the stores near you do not stock, it’s your opportunity to make sure it’s right for you, before you purchase. Check out the link and get yourself to the Taylor Road Show near you.
Raptor Picks USA
If there’s a guitarist in your life who is about to graduate from college, high school, middle school or elementary school, you may well be planning to acknowledge their hard work and mark their milestone with a gift. Maybe putting a little icing on the cake is in order. After all, graduation isn’t an everyday thing. Acknowledge their musical pursuits as well. There isn’t a young guitarist that wouldn’t appreciate the inspiration that a unique Raptor R Series guitar pick, with 3 different picking tips, can unleash.
The unique beveling of the molded acrylic pick offers amazingly silent attack. The Raptor R Series pick is destined to become a pivotal tool for creative guitarists of every playing level. Personally, I haven’t played with anything but a Raptor R Series since the very first time I touched one and I don’t think anyone will be disappointed once they play with a genuine Raptor R Series pick.
Get some today for the Class of 2013 guitarist in your life, or for you at RaptorPicksUSA.com Free Raptors with a purchase of 4 or more is just another way of “spreading the excellence, one guitarist at a time.”
Raptor™ picks are a registered design. All rights are owned by Black Carbon
Outro
Oh, Oklahoma, our words may be a fleeting comfort, but what you need is lasting relief. I’m hopeful that you will receive it.
If you’d like to further assist SuperStorm Sandy victims, Sandy NJ Relief Fund will put 100% of your contribution to excellent use. The recovery here is going to take years.
Bridget, you are a regular in the Student Spotlight. Whether you realize it or not, you are building something more than guitar skill. You’re building character with your consistency. Good for you!
An asymmetrical neck may be just the customization that will allow you to play more and better. Check them out.
K-Mart’s Shop Your Way site has all the details for how you can enter to win cool guitar signed by each member of Maroon 5. The contest ends June 15, so get right on it. Under 18, please check with a parent or guardian.
Want to play a variety of Taylor guitars that the shops near you don’t always stock? See when the Road Show will be in your area and take advantage of the array of instruments they bring, their assessment of what models would suit you best and the sheer delight of playing lots of Taylors.
Don’t forget the Les Paul in Mahwah exhibit at the Mahwah Museum in Mahwah, NJ which is open Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, and the marvelous tribute to Les Paul by Lou Pallo, the trio and other musical friends, called Thank You, Les. The 98th Birthday Gala is this coming Saturday. If you’re anywhere near Mahwah, NJ, don’t delay in getting tickets. It’s going to be a great night.
If you’re not comfortable, your guitar isn’t either, so don’t leave your guitar in a cold car or basement, or a hot car or attic. Humidify if your guitar lives in an environment in which there is less than 40% humidity. We’ve had the A/C on this week and my humidifiers are drying up more quickly than usual. Check yours every couple days to be sure your axes aren’t drying out.
The best way to subscribe to the podcast audio is through iTunes.
All Show Notes and Podcast Audio Files can be found on this blog.
If you're seeking expert competent guitar instruction in the Bergen and Rockland County towns in which I teach, such as Airmont, Allendale, Cresskill, Fair Lawn, Franklin Lakes, Glen Rock, Hawthorne, HoHoKus, Hillburn, Mahwah, Midland Park, Montebello, Montvale, Oakland, Oradell, Paramus, Park Ridge, the hamlet of Ramapo, Ramsey, Ridgewood, River Edge, Saddle River, Suffern, Tallman, Teaneck, Tuxedo, Tuxedo Park, Upper Saddle River, Viola, Waldwick, Washington Township, Westwood, Woodcliff Lake or Wyckoff please contact me. For lesson inquires, calling is best and my number is on the web site. If we can coordinate our schedules and you're a good candidate to learn to play the guitar, perhaps we can work together.
Whether the Dad or grad in your life is a beginner guitarist, a gigging professional or at any level in between, a genuine Raptor™ guitar pick will catapult their playing forward. Visit RaptorPicksUSA.Com to order some today.
Practice, and until next time, I'm D A Arlaus, doing my part to spread the excellence, one guitarist at a time.
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