Pupil’s Newsletter

SEPTEMBER 2020 Elwyn Jordan. Guitar, Bass, and Banjo Tuition.

We are back! Well, the Newsletter is anyway. And some lessons have resumed, albeit online only. You can read all about that—where we’re at with teaching—in the article below. The photo here shows an online lesson under way. As well as that, I take another look at how the music industry is doing, in a feature that’s a kind of follow-up to the one in the last issue. And there are lots of other news items and feature articles as well; so enjoy the read!

being in the more-vulnerable age range, it made In This Issue.... sense to stop. What’s Happening With Lessons? 1 As I explained, for me that was an involved The Pandemic & The Music Industry 3 process. As I was already, officially, semi-retired New Fenders 5 (I’d cut back a bit on my teaching a couple of Tuners Feature 9 years ago), it meant formally shutting down the Age Can Adversely Affect Guitars 11 business. Some assistance packages were available Stretches For Musicians 12 for self-employed, but already being in receipt of a YouTube Clips (3 of them!) 14 part-pension put me in a different category. So I And lots more of course! just, officially, retired. (But always with a view to “coming out of retirement” in the future!). I don’t have to tell you what the situation with the pandemic is at the moment, because you all know. Here in Australia we are much better off than many countries around the world. And in NSW particularly, we are doing pretty good— well, we were until some outbreaks started happening around Sydney. That, and the dreadful situation in Victoria (which is thankfully improving as I write this), has shown just how easily serious out-breaks can spring up. And that has created a strange new world that we are living in. For example, who could have imagined, at the As detailed in the last Newsletter—which start of this year, that we would be wearing face- was published back in April! — I had to stop masks to the supermarkets? teaching. Government-imposed restrictions meant Now, while in some areas measures to I had to anyway, but my wife and I decided to pull prevent the spread of the virus have increased -the-pin on our teaching operations just before the (such as wearing face-masks to the final boom fell to close things down. Especially supermarkets!), some of the restrictions have been eased. Private music lessons are allowed to Elwyn Jordan Music Tuition. http://elwynmusic.homestead.com happen, provided COVID-safe rules are adhered was able to keep it at the same level for longer, 2 to—such as allowing 4 square-metres per person in but I really should have applied an increase a room etc. Gradually, other teaching services have before now. Consequently, it has now been started back up again. So, where am I up to? increased—as I outlined in the letter I sent out—to Well, there are a couple of factors involved. the lower end of what professional teachers are The first is that, as I explained previously—and charging. also explained in letters I have written to all my But getting back to my lessons, the second pupils—having been forced into retirement, as it factor is that I am still very much concerned were, I don’t intend coming back to full-time about the situation with this pandemic. As we teaching. Well I wasn’t full-time before, as I have seen, it only takes one person, perhaps not mentioned, but my intention was to enjoy some even knowing they are sick, to start an outbreak; an retirement, but also still do some lessons. outbreak that can, potentially, have devastating To this end I have investigated alternative consequences for those most at risk. So face-to- teaching services, for face lessons are still on hold for the moment. those who might However, I have started online lessons. wish to take that This took a little bit of setting up (including buying option. I don’t know a new laptop), but I have it up and running now. any of the teachers at Haworths ZOOMING INTO LESSONS! personally, but from Yes, I am using Zoom for my online what I can establish, lessons. Zoom is interesting. Since the lockdowns they seem to be began in March, Zoom has become the program for doing a good job. video-conferencing and meetings etc. Until then I’d They are significantly more expensive than what never even heard of it, but it has been around for you have been paying here, but around the same quite a while. The company actually began in 2011, sort of figure as other ―studios‖ (some of which I and launched its product in 2013. It was founded by have heard bad reports about). Eric Yuan, who came to the US from China in Laura Holt is located in Dapto and was 1997. It’s a bit ironic isn’t it, that a man from China recommended. I have spoken to her on a few would be responsible for developing a video- occasions, and I’m impressed with what she does. platform for helping us all communicate during a She has been teaching for about 15 years, is a good pandemic that came from China! teacher, and, like me, places a strong emphasis on It was a success with businesses, but it was learning the theory of music as well as just playing. 2020 when it really took off in the general public. Her available times are limited though, as she has a That is reflected in its market value. In 2019 it was young child to look after. The other thing is that her listed on the stock market with a value of $16 background (and specialty) is in classical guitar. billion. In 2020 it is now worth $42 billion. So, while she does teach ―all styles‖, she does so (Wouldn’t you have liked to have bought shares in using classical guitar and fingerstyle playing. that last year!). Pupils are welcome to bring a steel-string acoustic Anyway, back to for lessons, but she doesn’t have facilities for our online lessons. Yes, electric guitar. Her fees are more than you were they are done with Zoom, paying here too, but at the lower end of what most and as with face-to-face professional teachers are charging. lessons, we book you in at a regular time each week. Payment is made by deposit into my bank account. The lessons work much the same way as face-to-face lessons, except we do less playing together. At first the connection was a bit laggy, On the subject of fees, it has been 8 and having me and the pupil both playing at the years—2012—since I last increased my fees. An same time didn’t work. It’s better now, but still not increase has been long overdue, but I haven’t ideal. Other than that though, it works the same as bothered, until now. A change in tax obligations (I always. You (the pupil) play through your lesson no longer had to include GST in my fees) meant I piece of music you’ve been practicing, and I give you new material—theory, chords, strumming distant future when I will invite some pupils 3 styles, whatever. I play the piece of music I’m back to face-to-face lessons. giving you, and you can record it onto a phone or Finally, please feel more than welcome to tablet etc, just as you would if you were here. I call me if you have any questions, or just want to scan the music and email it to you. chat about your lessons or your music, or even just So, after a bit of shaky start (with the lag) it to chat generally. is now working quite well. Actually, although the photo on the front page shows me using a laptop, I’m now using the computer instead. The wi-fi output from the modem we got when we first connected to the NBN is not too flash, and has given I wrote last time about the music industry, problems on some and how it is suffering in this Pandemic. Back then other devices. In the studio it has to go through two I mentioned the hurt that was being felt by venues walls to get here, so I suppose that slows it down. I and those working behind the scenes, as well, of did have a webcam on the computer (that a friend course, as the artists themselves. Most musicians gave me just after the lockdown began), but while and bands at least start out doing what they do it was handy for joining an online group with my because they love playing and love performing. church (and once with a car club), it wasn’t ideal When that is stopped, it has a huge effect. It’s not for teaching. The position of the camera wasn’t just that they are ―out of a job‖, they are out of a ideal, and I (naively!) thought that the camera was way of life they enjoy. For professional mirror-reversing the image. But I discovered that it musicians, their whole life is about music – being wasn’t: in fact most webcams seem to mirror- out and performing to people. Now, suddenly, reverse the image on your screen; but not at the there was no performing and no people. other end. I found a way to reposition the camera, Quite a number of solo acts especially (but and so now I am using the computer—which has a some bands too) took to live-streaming single songs hard-wired connection to the modem. So getting – and at times mini-concerts – on YouTube. This is the laptop was $1,000+ that I didn’t really need to something I wrote about last time. For them it spend! (I could still be using the old laptop I relieved some of the frustration of not playing: bought in 2008! :-) ). there may not have been a live audience, but it It’s different though, isn’t it. I still find it allowed them to perform and know that people hard to look at the camera when I’m talking, rather would be tuning in and watching. than look at the person on the screen. Even for me personally, I felt – and still So anyway, if you are interested in feel – the frustration of not performing. The resuming lessons via Zoom, just give me a call. performing I do is nothing like that of a pop-music star, or working band, but I did hold regular FACE-TO-FACE WILL COME! concerts in nursing-homes, as you know; as well as I will, at some stage, resume face-to-face the occasional gig at other places. A couple of lessons. (At least that is the intention!). I’m just not those ―other places‖ include the occasional gig with sure when. There are many times when I think, my folk trio, Three-Sixty, and the annual coming- “Just open up. Start face-to-face now!” I really do together of our ukulele group, Uke-N-Jam, at the miss that face-to-face teaching. Online lessons are Springstrum ukulele festival. All those gigs are off. okay, but it’s not the same as sitting in the same So even if you only do it a little bit, when that room with each other, doing it in person. I want to ―little bit‖ is removed, you miss it. get back to doing that! It’s a heart-and-head Some of us followed suit with the thing! The heart says, ―Do it now!‖; but the head professionals and took to YouTube, playing solo says, ―Just wait until we know what’s happening performances. A pupil, and regular at our nursing- with this virus and we know it’s safe to open up‖. home concerts, Darren, put a few songs up. I did I do feel that, even if I’m wearing a mask in also. Phil Hall, one of the regulars in our concert the supermarket, it will get to a point in the not-too- group and Three-Sixty, embarked on a mission to do a different song every day; something a friend commented, ―I think a lot of the artists are 4 of his, who was doing this, inspired him to do. Phil doing it for the love of it.‖ he said. Which is got to something like 120 days and songs, which is what I mentioned above. a fantastic achievement. Booking agent Geoff Trio said that booking So, what has happened in the intervening 4 acts had its challenges as some bands were willing or 5 months? to change their act to cater for smaller audiences Well, partly the situation has continued. while others would not. He said that, ―The good Many artists are still doing YouTube performances old rock-and-roll days will be a long time coming – ―Songs From Home‖, as Mary Chapin-Carpenter back.‖ He said that a lot of the bands are trying to so accurately puts it. But some have organised adapt and tailor their show to be able to have a sit ticketed YouTube shows. You pay to watch. That down audience: their only choice is to run with way the artists get to perform, and you get to see the restrictions or not play. them perform (even if only on-screen), and they get Ben Tillman of Yours and Owls is a a little bit of money. It’s tough for them – there’s booking agent for a number of venues around the no ―JobKeeper or JobSeeker for unable-to-perform Illawarra and said they had been focusing on musicians! smaller emerging acts in this ―strange new world.‖ Recently I read an article in the Illawarra He said that the mainstay Yours and Owls festival Mercury that shed further light on what is was all locked in and booked before the country happening in the music industry. What I’ve written went into lockdown, so it was easy to reschedule next is partly a paraphrase of that, along with from October to January next year. comments of my own. They are also thinking ―outside the square‖ Michael Chugg, the promoter who brought with smaller concepts such as organising drive-in acts like Elton John and Bob Dylan to Wollongong, gigs with local band Hockey Dad for Bulli said, ―It was good the government has realised it’s Showground. ―The more bands who continue to a billion dollar industry and it needs their attention; write music and be ready for when it's open, and not just now but going forward. It's made the be willing to play in more non-traditional setups, Australian government very much aware of just the better.‖ He said. how big it is and how it affects so many other And perhaps that’s the bottom-line for the industries; like hotels to trucking industry, venues entertainment industry at the moment; adapting to and staff and our road crews and technicians: they this ―strange new world‖. Gigs are slowly coming have really struggled‖. So Australian entertainers back, albeit with restricted numbers and social- are getting some support, although not much of distancing audiences. The artists will, as mentioned it is filtering down to the artists themselves. It above, have to accept playing for less money. will help to reinvigorate the live music scene in Audiences might have to pay more for less Australia though. It all helps. But Michael Chugg entertainment. But if the artists, venues, and says he doesn't expect international artists being audiences can work within these limitations and able to tour in Australia until at least July next year. compromises, then at least we will have an The up-side of that, as he says, is that, ―It puts the actual live-music scene again! spotlight back on local Australian artists.‖ To illustrate how things have changed, before the pandemic hit Bulli Heritage Hotel was putting on about two gigs a week, with around 200 attending each gig. (That surprised me that they were doing so many, but that’s what they said). After using the closure to renovate, they reopened with a mix of free and ticketed gigs each week, but with audiences restricted to about 20% capacity. Publican Andy Bells said it was an expensive exercise as they barely broke even, but they wanted This year has been a series of cancelled to help struggling musicians while also putting events. At the beginning of the year I had a pretty some life back into the venue. For the larger acts, full diary of events—concerts at nursing homes, playing to a small crowd isn't very economical (we had about 20 of those!), our annual either, despite many now playing matinee shows. Springstrum ukulele festival, and a (unconfirmed) ―For them it sucks, as they now have to work twice performance at the annual Folk By The Sea festival as hard for half as much money.‖ And as he further with my Three –Sixty folk group. We managed just three nursing-home concerts at the beginning of the rest of the guitar isn’t). Fender have for a long 5 year before the lockdown happened. And since then time made a wide diversity of models, with it has been a continual run of notifications of things almost every pick-up configuration imaginable. being cancelled. An annual charity event I run in Long gone are the days when Fender meant single- memory of my late grandson, who passed away in coils, Gibson meant humbuckers. It was at least last January 2015 from a brain tumour, had to be century (before 2000), that Fender started building cancelled—or at least postponed indefinitely. I’m electric guitars with twin humbuckers—their take involved in the classic car scene, and that has also on Gibson, if you like. This new (it was released seen a continual run of events being cancelled. last year, so not “new” as such) range does that, There are several big shows during the year that I and takes it a step further. like to take part in, and they are all off. Mahogany body, With music, the cancellations have even Rosewood fingerboard run into next year, with the annual Folk Festival, w i t h 2 2 f r e t s , held in January each year, being cancelled, and the Humbuckers, even those Tamworth Country Music Festival And National ―witch’s-hat‖ style knobs; Awards also being cancelled. sounding like a Gibson, And of course all those gigs—hundreds of isn’t it? (Okay, yes, concerts in various places and in various Fender used the ―witches genres—have all been canned as well. Were you hat‖ style knobs too—and planning on going to some particular concerts this of course they have year? I was. Well, they are all off! Mostly Rosewood fingerboard postponed, with hope of re-scheduling, but some models too). just straight cancelled. Except Fender All of this adds to the impact this pandemic didn’t just give it is having. As a musician, it is disappointing not to humbucker pick-ups, it have the opportunity to perform: I look forward— gave it three of them! So as do the others involved—to the performances this Strat-style guitar we’re involved with during the year; so it’s retains its usual 3 pick-ups disappointing when that has been taken away. And (with 5-way switch), but shows we wanted to go and see; it’s disappointing makes them Humbuckers. that we can’t go and see them now. All we can do What makes this is hope that things will get better, concerts will guitar different to a flash- be rescheduled and everything will start back up pickup Gibson is the fact again. that, typically Fender, it has a tremolo system—the usual Fender Standard type. The body is finished in a cream colour—as you can see—and has a white plectrum-guard. Also visible in this digital-only Newsletter, is the gold- coloured hardware, which really sets this guitar off nicely! The guitar is a Mexican model: it’s made in Okay, enough of the depressing stuff, let’s Mexico, not in US. That is no bad thing though; look at some other things that have been Mexican Fenders are good guitars! (I have a happening in the world of music. Mexican Tele). As I said, I haven’t seen them advertised FENDER TRIPLE-HUMBUCKER GUITARS locally, so I don’t have details of availability and These have been a while coming to price. Being Mexican, (and looking at prices Australia. They might be on sale somewhere, but I overseas) they are moderate price, and great value. haven’t seen one, or seen them listed. They are interesting to look at anyway, (And you can always JAPANESE FENDERS get one from overseas if necessary—there are some Still on Fender, Fender are now making places who do international sales). guitars in Japan. This is a bit ironic, because they They are called the Blacktop range; have done this before—but back then they were presumably because the headstock is black. (The called Squier. Now, perhaps a little bit of history that you won’t find stated in the Fender brochures. back when. These are top-quality instruments, 6 Back in the 1970s and 1980s there were and you pay for that quality. Retail is around many guitar makers in Japan producing decent $3,000, give or take. (Haworths have them on quality guitars; with many being copies of well- special for around $2,500). Bass guitars are a bit known US models. Fender and Gibson were the over $2,000 retail. main ones, of course. (I should mention that not all guitars were “decent quality”: there were some GRETSCH G6659TG PLAYERS EDITION shockers too!). I remember a pupil in the late 1980s who had an electric guitar (I forget the brand now) You might expect a that was a copy of the Fender Strat—very good Gretsch guitar retailing for guitar too! And at a fraction the cost of a genuine around $4,500 to be made US Fender Strat. Fender probably didn’t mind too in the US; but you’d be much when the guitars that looked like theirs were wrong. This model of the rubbish, but when they started to become good famous iconic guitar brand quality good sounding guitars, Fender did get more is made in Japan. That’s no worried. And they called in the lawyers. They sued bad thing though: as several manufacturers for breach of copyright, and indicated in the previous generally told these manufacturers to “Stop!” item, Japan produces top- Then they decided to, basically, make their quality instruments. own copies. They set up manufacturing in Japan, T h e G r e t s c h and called their guitars Squier. They produced G6659TG Players Edition Squiers in Japan for quite a few years, until Broadkaster Jr. Center- Japanese-made guitars in general went up in price; Block Single Cut with so they moved to making them in other countries String-Thu Bigsby and (where labour was cheaper). old Hardware, Ebony Anyway, now they are back! Except this Fingerboard, Azure time they carry the name ―Fender‖. Metallic, to give it its full The body of these is name (more like a detailed a more traditional Fender description), is part of the Alder. It is a ply design, Professional Collection having three layers of range, and now carries the timber. Broadkaster name. (And yes, that is how it is spelt!) The neck is Maple, The guitar has a body made from laminated with a Rosewood Maple. The neck is Maple, with an Ebony fingerboard. A neat little fingerboard. As mentioned in the name / trick with the neck is the description, the neck extends through the body, dots along the side of the giving it a solid centre-section (like a Gibson 335 neck are luminous—making etc). There are 22 frets. The scale-length is a them easier to see when Gibson-like 625mm (24.6 inches). It has a Bigsby playing on a darkened stage. tremolo system (as the name tells you). The pick- (Or when there are bright ups are Full’Tron made in US. They are new to spotlights shining on you the range, and are described as having a loud, full making everything in their range sound, and a distinctive ―growl‖ to their tone. shadows hard to see). The It has the usual 3-postion toggle switch. neck shape is listed as The controls are unusual. They are firstly Modern C—D. There are 22 unusual in that there are three located in the usual frets. place, but with the fourth located on the cut-out And they come with ―horn‖ of the body. They are also unusual in that Fender’s standard-style, but you get two Volume controls—one for each pick— kind of semi-floating, then a Master Volume, and Master Tone. Gretsch tremolo. (The bass-pate is always do things a little differently! more curved, and they hinge on two posts, rather Gretsch guitars sound wonderful (and often than the traditional line of screws). unique), but are not the easiest guitars to play. Although made in Japan, they are not a Well, not always anyway. This has a standard U- cheap line of guitars, as those first ones were way profile neck, which means it is a deep, rounded shape, which is not the fastest or easiest-playing 7 neck, but is still a preference of many traditional players. The body is slightly smaller than traditional Gretsch guitars though, which makes it easier to reach around and play. They are available at Haworth Guitars. MORE FROM HAWORTHS And still at Haworths, worth mentioning is NEW AT HAWORTHS this electric from Squier that is just $599. And Glenn and the guys at Haworths always another unusual shape. have something new to announce, and their latest The Starcaster was a news includes some discounted specials. The model that Fender introduced in Epiphone Uptown Kat ES Topaz is another guitar 1976 as an attempt to get into the in the arch-top range, like the Gretsch. Also like the semi-acoustic electric game. It Gretsch (and Gibson 335) it has a neck-through was styled like the Gibson ES body design, making it a semi-acoustic. The pick- 335, with semi-hollow body and ups are upgraded versions of Epiphone’s Probucker double cutaway with f-holes. So it units. was basically Fender’s version of The body is laminated Maple and Poplar, the Gibson ES335. and the neck is Mahoghany, with an Ebony This guitar though is quite fingerboard. Hardware is gold, giving the guitar a different; using an offset-Strat great appearance. type shape. The body is still a Normal retail is $1499, but Haworths can semi-hollow, with the neck save you $210 on that. running through the centre and a Looking at solid-body electrics, there is a hollow chamber each side. Fender Offset Duo-Sonic with There are two humbucker a similar discount, bringing the pick-ups, featuring active price down to just $989. electronics. Wow! A guitar with active pick-ups This is how Haworths for under $600—that’s amazing value! describe it: The neck is a slim design with satin finish, ―At Haworth Guitars we which makes it feel good and easy to play. The love this Fender Duo-Sonic body is a matte-finish. To me, matte-black looks Guitar's lightweight comfortable like undercoat, but some people like it. It’s great body shape, smooth-feeling C- value anyway. shaped maple neck, 22 medium And after all those electrics, an acoustic jumbo frets and the string- would be good. And the Cole Clark Angel 2EC is through-body hardtail Strat at a discount of $650 on normal retail. bridge with bent steel saddles as You know the story— well as the bitey Duo Sonic Cole Clark was started up by a single-coil bridge pickup and couple of guys who worked at the smooth-sounding Duo Sonic Maton but decided to strike single-coil pickup in the neck out on their own, as they had position. dreams of making guitars that The Duo-Sonic has been were a bit more around since 1956—just a unconventional, and different. couple of years after Fender And they became incredibly produced the Stratocaster. As successful! They are great you can see, it features two guitars, no doubt! single-coil pick-ups. Haworths describe the guitar The Angel 2EC that is as, ―Becoming an underground sensation that on special is the Blackwood helped create alternative music in the dingy clubs model. This uses Australian of New York City.‖ The new version has some Blackwood for the top, as well upgraded features, including a slim-profile neck as for the back and sides. It’s with 22 frets. A uniquely styled guitar, with a unusual having the same unique sound. timber for the whole body. It is made in Mexico. The timbers are solid too, not ply. Haworths describe the guitar like this: patriotic, which was what Reagan was picking 8 ―This Angel 2EC sounds big and warm and up on; but the song is actually a protest song. It with the Grand Auditorium Angel body shape, the speaks of young Americans being sent off to war, high and low frequencies ring prominent and not being granted any recognition or honour on acoustically. The Cole Clark 3-way pickup system their return. When Bruce sings, almost like a chant, sounds bright and well balanced when in use and in the chorus, “I was... Born in the USA..” it is the Queensland maple neck with natural satin finish directed at the aristocracy, or the “have’s” of feels comfortable and easy to play.‖ society; the implication being it is coming from one Normal retail is $2899, but you can get it of the “have-nots”. What he is saying is, “I was for $2249. And that includes a hard case. born in the USA, just like you: you’re no better than me, I’m no worse than you”. So it was PICKS YOU CAN HOLD ON TO actually a criticism directed at people like Reagan. Who hasn’t struggled with holding onto The song was used again after the terrorist their pick? It’s one of those difficulties everyone attacks of September 2001. After those attacks has, to begin with anyway. Over time people have there was a great movement of solidarity— tried various ―cures‖. Some have roughed up the Americans wanted to stand united against these surface with sand-paper; others have tried putting horrific attacks. Lots of traditional patriotic songs masking-tape on them. Others have glued a piece were played on radio and TV; including ―Born In of an embossed nylon pick on them. You used to be The USA‖. But, as I described, the song is not one able to get picks with a piece of calk glued to each of solidarity; it points to sociological division side. I haven’t seen those for a long time, but they within the country. And it’s been popping up from were available to buy; and may still be. time to time ever since. Well, Fender have come up with another There’s a long list of people who have solution. The Mojo Grip is like a rubber sleeve objected to politicians using their songs without that slips over the top of the permission; a list that runs from Adele to the pick. It has raised lines and Village People. (Google ―musicians who banned writing embossed on it to politicians from using their songs‖ to read about the give your fingers that non- artists and their songs that were used). slip grip. Rubber being a non- Tom Petty’s ―I Won’t Back Down‖ has slippery material anyway been used by a few different politicians apparently. makes them even more non- You can understand why a politician would want to slip and easy to hold. use it, but it would be polite to ask first! Buy them online, or In recent times, it has been Donald Trump from your local music-store—if they keep them in who has upset artists by using their songs without stock. (I haven’t actually tried one). permission. He has used Neil Young’s ―Rockin In The Free World‖ in his initial campaign in 2015, ―STOP USING MY SONG‖ and again in more recent times. Neil Young has American presidents have a habit, it seems, objected, and this time has sought legal action. of using songs not only inappropriately, but also (Several artists have issued ―Cease and Desist‖ without asking permission. Bruce Springsteen’s directives to pollies who have used their songs ―Born In The USA‖ is perhaps the most notable of without permission). Queen objected to the Trump those songs. Back in 1984, Ronald Reagan, in his campaign using ―We Are The Champions‖ as a presidential campaign, made reference to the song, prelude to a victory speech he was to give and mentioned Bruce Springsteen by name. The following a victory during the early stages of the photo below is from the album of the same name. election. The most recent one—which is what gave rise to all this being talked about again—was John Fogerty, who said it was ―confusing‖ that Trump had ―Fortunate Son‖ playing in the background as he disembarked his plane at political rallies. The song is, like Springsteen’s ―Born In The USA‖, a protest against the “have’s” of society; people who can use wealth and position to buy their way out of things they don’t like or want to do. In particular, On a superficial level the song sounds (again like Springsteen’s song), Fogerty made reference to the war in At the time I bought the first one, I had 9 Vietnam; and the fact a good quality Korg tuner. It was very accurate, that ―fortunate ones‖ (of but being so made it slower to use. These tuners which he says in the weren’t quite as fiddly to get the needle right on the song he is not) were in-tune mark. That’s because they have more able to get out of being tolerance for what they accept as being in-tune. (I’ll called up for military explain this term and its importance later). So, service. He said he being quicker to use, it took up less time to tune found it ―confounding‖ that Trump would use the instruments in lessons. And it was pretty good song because, “It seems like he is probably the anyway. They cost about $30, at Haworths. fortunate son.” (Click here to see his response to When the first one died, I bought another the use of the song). one the same (but with a different brand name). It’s been a good tuner, and I’ve used it to tune my own guitars as well. Especially since my good quality Korg stopped working a few years ago.

HUXLEY This is another one where the brand name means nothing. I bought it at Aldi, where all their music gear carried that name (even though they would have been made by a variety of different manufacturers). I bought one of the first clip-on tuners made: an Intellitune. It cost about $55 at the time; from Wollongong Music Centre. I was a bit disappointed with it: it was quite accurate, but not as responsive as it should have been. It was also slow to use, because it would often take a while to respond to the vibrations of the guitar. I now carry it as a back-up unit in my acoustic guitar case. On my desk at the moment are four tuners. I bought another one—a cheap one from Yes, four! And none of them are what I would call somewhere, I forget where. But the battery was top quality. I’ll get to the issue of quality, and a bit constantly going flat—even though I didn’t use it of history, shortly, but first I’ll tell you about these much. I threw it away. four I have on my desk—and why I have four! About 3 years ago I was having a look in Aldi on one of their music sales, and saw this tuner. MONTEREY BC850 $9.99. I thought it had to be worth ten bucks, even This is the oldest if it was rubbish! So I bought one. I was impressed! one. For many years it has Not only did the battery not go flat, it worked well, been the tuner I use in picking up the vibrations from the instrument just lessons. It’s the second one as well as my Intellitune. Better actually. But the I’ve had; although the first accuracy is ultimately compromised a bit by the o n e w a s n ’ t c a l l e d ―arrows‖ type display. (A needle on a dial is the ―Monterey‖, it was called most accurately readable type of display). ―Belcat‖. (That’s what the I don’t use it very much, especially when ―BC‖ stands for in the tuning pupil’s guitars. That is partly because I don’t model name). They were like clipping things onto the woodwork of pupils’ first called Belcat, then instruments. That’s a bit silly really, because these they were produced with other brand-names (like clip-on style tuners have basically taken over the ―Monterey‖); but they were the same unit. market and are the most popularly purchased units. They don’t damage the instrument by clipping needle on a dial (as per the Monterey). So you 10 them onto the headstock, but ....!? I don’t know, I can spend the time to get it right—to where the just feel as if I am doing something with the pupil’s needle is exactly pointing to the mark. So I ordered instrument that they may not like; that they may it in. It cost about $30. think might leave a mark or something. As I said, It is accurate—if you take the time to get it given the prolific use of these tuners it’s silly exact—but the microphone quality is perhaps not really, but .... That’s just me! top-notch. I find it jumps around a bit; sometimes getting confused what note it is hearing. Play, for SNARK example, a D string, and it will often respond to one of the overtones, and show an A, or a B etc. So In February I got it is good, but still not quite as good as I want. But I some music shop use it, and it is the one I use most. vouchers for my birthday. So I thought I would buy QUALITY a good quality tuner, to Can a tuner that cost $30 today (and I’ve replace my Korg that had seen both of the last two advertised for under that) stopped working a few years ago. I should have a be as good as one that cost over $100 30 years ago? good-quality, top-line tuner! Well, given the advances in electronics, and the A visit to Haworths revealed that those old- way today’s technology is far cheaper (relative to style top-quality tuners just aren’t around any more. past times) than it ever was, I suppose the answer is The last really good one I bought (the Korg) cost yes, it can be. But is it? My experience says no; well over $100—about 30 years ago! they aren’t. None of the tuners I have bought are Korg was always the brand to get in as accurate in their display, or work as well in tuners. When electronic tuners first became response to sound, as the ones that were generally available—back around 1980– the brand available say 15 or 20 years ago! Are there better was Korg. I bought one, and it gave what I once ones around? I don’t know—I still think there must worked out to be over 40 years worth of average be! But I haven’t found one. use. (I, of course, was using it several times every day). Another brand that came along not long after, TOLERANCE was Boss. Excellent quality tuners. A bit of theory / background. The pitch of a I went to Wollongong Music Centre to see string (that is, what note it produces) is determined what they had. They didn’t have those top-shelf by how quickly it vibrates. The faster the vibrations Korg or Boss tuners either, but what they of a string, the higher its sound: the slower the recommended was Snark. It cost $30. vibrations the lower the sound. As an example, the Now, it is quite a good tuner, and works A string (5th string)_ on a guitar vibrates at pretty well, but it has the same problem of accuracy 110Hz—that is 110 times a second. So to be in the type of display—a block-style band that perfectly in tune the string has to be tightened to a moves around a kind of dial. For general purpose tension that causes it to vibrate at exactly 110 times use these tuners—all of the four I have—are each second. At 111 Hz it is too high; at 109Hz it is more than adequate. But I was after the sort of too low. But would you hear that? For example, if top-quality units I used to have. that A-string was vibrating at 109 times per second, instead of 110, would you hear that it was out of KORG CA-2 tune? Well, generally, no. It’s possible, especially if So I then went the next string was, say, 1Hz too high, but in real looking online. Surely terms, no, you wouldn’t. And can you imagine how there has to be top-line fiddly and precise you would have to be on turning tuners being made! the tuner knobs to get that level of exactness?! So They might not be the manufacturers of tuners build in a range in popular, given the which they consider you won’t notice if it is that proliferation of cheap tiny smidgeon too high or too low. It’s a principle units and even phone apps, but they must still be you might call, ―Close enough is good enough‖. made, surely! I searched for Korg. And that is called ―Tolerance‖. What I found was the Korg CA-2; basically The trouble is, different manufacturers vary an updated version of the last Korg tuner I had. The in the amount of tolerance they build into their display is digital (LCD), but it is in the form of a tuners. The tuners with the coloured-band type of display could never be that accurate! And the ones own tuner we could be just slightly out of tune 11 with the little red and green lights would be with each other. So we realised that we needed flashing all over the place if they tried to be that to all tune to the one tuner. We used my tuner. accurate. So there is that range within which they A couple of years later (1983) Boss released set their tuner to indicate it is in tune. its tuner, the TU-12. This had a couple of That was the difference between the advantages: firstly, it was automatic; it didn't have Monterey and the Korg I used to have (and the a knob to turn. And secondly, it was chromatic; it Korg I have now). Both have a needle-on-a-dial could tune to every note in the chromatic scale. type display, but the Korg required you to be closer The next big advance came some time later to the exact figure than the Monterey (or Belcat as (I’d be guessing at the year, and a quick Google it was originally). And getting it that much closer search couldn’t find it), when tuners went to quartz took extra time and fiddling. Thus the Korg was technology, replacing the old analogue. The more accurate, but it took more time to use. The display was an LCD panel with a needle on a dial Monterey was close-enough and quicker. type display. Accuracy had arrived! Variations There are a lot of tuners out there that between one tuner and another had (mostly!) been have too great a tolerance. With both the Snark eliminated. And then came clip-ons and phone apps and the Huxley, I often find that after I’ve tuned and ... But you know all about those! my guitar, it is still not quite in tune. Okay, you have to have a good ear to pick it, but if you have, then it’s noticeable. A final touch-up by ear is then required to get it all sounding right. The Monterey is better probably (about equal to the Snark), but generally pretty good. The Korg is a bit more accurate (less tolerance), but as I mentioned, it doesn’t always hear the note correctly and so jumps Now, that might seem a strange title—do around a bit. acoustic guitars actually suffer over time? You thought they improved with age, didn’t you! Well, HISTORY they do! As the timber ages, it matures, it changes, This was the at a structural molecular level, to enhance the tone first guitar tuner that it has been producing. New acoustic guitars sound, was generally available well, new: but once they’ve had a few years of to the public, that was service they sound better—the tone matures. made specifically for However, time can also change guitars for the guitar. It came out in worse. Andy Powers, from Taylor Guitars, about 1979 I think: explains in the article I have reproduced below. maybe 1980. (I couldn’t Let me emphasise though, what I wrote in find the exact year). It was a Korg GT-6. I bought the previous sentence: time can change things for one in about 1981. the worse, but it is not necessarily what happens. It had an actual needle on a dial, and there So you shouldn’t expect these maladies to occur; was a big rotary switch on the front that had 6 just be aware that this is what can happen. Now, positions; one for each string. So you turned the over to Andy. knob to each string as you tuned it. That was what eventually stopped working. We all love to pick up an instrument that Because it was all analogue, with a feels perfect. And the best instruments seem to mechanical needle registering against a dial, it was communicate their music-making readiness from possible to go out of accuracy. So there was an the first moment we feel the strings and neck. I wish every instrument could permanently stay in adjustment fitted so that you could adjust it to that state of readiness, but they won’t. They correct pitch. The idea was that every few months change over time, though in many ways for the or whatever, you compared it to a tuning-fork and better. The woods resonate more easily, the wound the adjustment in or out to get it registering dynamic range expands, and touch sensitivity and exactly on the mark. expressiveness become more immediate. All these Because of this, it was advisable to use one improvements contribute to the played-in comfort tuner when a group was tuning up. For example, I of a mature guitar. was playing in a band at the time and we all had Along with this wondrous ripening, tuners, but we found that if we all tuned using our however, comes a distortion of the guitar’s geometry. And I’m talking about more than simple tricky wood joinery and glue. 12 setup details. A guitar’s neck angle is one of the Guitar makers strive to achieve a most important contributors to a guitar’s playability. perfect balance. The goal is to make a guitar So, how it could go wrong without appearing to be flexible and responsive enough to sound glorious broken is, for many players, a mystery. and express a player’s every musical thought, yet For a moment, think of the guitar simply as be strong and stable enough to respond slowly to a structure for holding the strings. That structure is the inevitable effects of time and use so it can assembled from two pieces—a body and neck— dependably serve the player. joined near the centre of the strings stretched So, take a close look at the saddle on your across them. The string tension exerts quite a load favourite acoustic guitar’s bridge. Most players will on our string holder, and over time, the holder will have their guitar set up periodically in response to start to give way. Both the body and neck are fairly the guitar’s use and increasing age; and with each flexible. They usually need to be in order to vibrate setup the saddle will typically be cut lower and and make the sounds we love. It may seem lower. When the saddle is so low as to be barely surprising, but wood is not a stable, uniform protruding from the top of the bridge, and the material. It’s dynamic and in a constant state of portion of fretboard over the body has bent up flux, responding to both its surroundings and the away from the rest of the neck, the time has come vibrations our playing introduces. This is a to restore the relationship. And when all is said and significant reason why it can work so well for a done, you’ll get to fall in love with your guitar all musical instrument. over again. The neck is usually fitted with a truss rod to help balance out the string tension and prevent the neck from bending too far forward. This helps with the slender portion of the neck, but can’t counteract the stretching that happens at the neck heel. And that flexible body? Quite simply, it starts to bend. The back of a guitar is usually built with a slightly convex shape across both its length and width, and it will start to stretch. The sides of the guitar where the neck is attached will slowly twist. The top will try to bend—as if caving into the soundhole— developing a subtle “S” shape along its length. Then we have the joint between the neck and body. While it is rare for a joint to come loose, there can be enough play in the joint to give a little. To further aggravate the strain a guitar feels, the woods the guitar is made from experience a constant ebb and flow of humidity and temperature, which continuously alter the strength Playing music is good for the soul, and and dimensions of each component. Slowly (almost good for the mind, but not always good for the imperceptibly), the top of the guitar will shrink as it body. The fact that we mostly play sitting down ages. Not in the way that short-term exposure to low humidity can be rectified and re-expanded by can create problems, especially if we sit for long an extra dose of humidity, but rather as a periods of time. With instruments like piano, for permanent, subtle shrinking toward the centre, example, and also guitar, we can have a posture of brought on by age and oxidation. leaning forwards over (or towards) our instrument. What we see as a result is a guitar slowly And that’s not especially good for posture. I have folding in toward the soundhole, causing the strings posture problems that I am sure have been created to migrate farther and farther away from the by over 50 years spending considerable amounts of fretboard as years go by. And the farther away the time leaning over a guitar and positioning my body strings are, the greater the leverage they exert and arms in such a way as required to play it. against the body and neck—thereby accelerating Another issue is developing and the guitar’s deformation. maintaining the physical ability to play: our fingers It sounds fatalistic, but the remedy is relatively simple in concept. Separate the body and and hands need to be flexible and possess the neck, recut or shim the joint that unites them, and necessary dexterity to enable us to play. affix the two guitar halves with the perfect As with any physical activity, there are relationship restored. This task can be easy if the exercises we can do to help prevent problems and two parts were attached to each other using help our ability. fasteners, or more difficult if they were married with One programme I have looked at over the euphoniums), or who often play lengthy, 13 years (but never really got into) that seeks to complex works solo (hello, concert pianists and prevent or correct posture-related problems is the strings musicians). Keeping your body in good Alexander Technique. This is said to be very physical shape is essential to playing your best, no matter what your musical instruments. Endurance, good, and I really should have done something with control and overall flexibility will aid in preventing it. So let me recommend that to you now. common injuries like tendonitis and muscle However there are some exercises that I sprains, improve your posture, and ultimately help have done, and continue to do. Some are stretches you to become a stronger musician. that were given to me as remedial measures—to try In addition to to improve the posture and spinal problems that I your regular have. Others are good general stretches to do cardiovascular and anyway. I also have some exercises for the hands, s t r e n g t h - b u i l d i n g to keep the fingers nimble and flexible. I even e x e r c i s e s , t h e have that as a written-out lesson that I give people. following are helpful (Let me know if you would like a copy of that sent stretches for musicians to complete to you). prior to every practice One thing I have learnt about exercises; and and performance. that is it is better to do them to prevent problems Think of this routine as rather than to cure them! (Although I must admit essential prep prior to playing, just as you’d warm that I don’t do my exercises and stretches near as up and tune your instrument. much as I should!). Concentrate on keeping slow, fluid For example, carpal-tunnel syndrome is a movements and breathing consistently throughout problem that often befalls musicians—guitarists this 10-step stretching routine. especially it seems. There is an exercise for that (to help ease the pain from it, or help prevent it) that I Neck/Shoulder Movements do—as a preventative measure. 1. Place your ear on your right shoulder. Gently Another exercise I do I got from a pupil and slowly press your head toward your shoulder with hand on the same side, while keeping many years ago. He was a brick-layer. Now, I think opposite shoulder relaxed. Hold stretch for 12 of brickies as being strong, tough people; but in his seconds. Repeat on other side. work his hands were always pretty much aligned 2. Place one arm straight across your chest while with his arms: the action doesn’t require bending gently pulling it in toward your body with your the hand forwards or backwards, relative to the opposite hand and hold for 12 seconds. Repeat arm. He began getting pain in his wrists. He went with other arm. to a doctor, and then a physiotherapist who asked 3. Start with your arms at your sides, raise them him, ―Do you stretch your wrist muscles?‖ He outward and upward over your head, then return, replied that he hadn’t been doing any specific relaxed to sides. Repeat 10 times. (Like a jumping exercises like that. So the physio showed him a jack without the jump.) 4. With arms relaxed at sides, gently shrug your stretch exercise to do. Having previously learn that shoulders up toward your ears. Relax and repeat there are exercises that are good to do as a 10 times. preventative measure, that we mostly only find out about when it is too late and we get them as a Elbow Movements remedial measure, I thought it would be good if I 5. Extend arms straight out in front of your body, did that too. palms up, without locking your elbows. Bend and There are exercises I could recommend straighten elbows slowly. Repeat 10 times. To (such as those I mentioned), but I’ll list some here build strength, add 5 to 10-pound weights in each that I got from an article on musicnotes.com. (A hand. few of these are ones I do anyway). This is 6. Similarly, extend arms out to your sides without basically a straight re-print of that article. locking your elbows. Bring both elbows up so that your fingertips are touching at the back of your

head. Return to sides and repeat 10 times. 10 Essential Stretching Exercises for Musicians Wrist and Finger Movements Many people may not understand how 7. Place arms in front of you with your fingertips physically demanding playing music can be, extended. Rotate palms up/palms down 10 times, especially for those of us who have to hold the then wrists up/wrists down 10 times. weight of an instrument through a long 8. “Wave” by keeping arms in front with fingertips performance (we’re looking at you, marching extended upward. Rotate wrists outward, toward your pinkie side, then inward, toward your thumbs, certain songs in particular. I enjoy listening to 14 repeat 10 times. most of what she does. She usually plays guitar 9. Still keeping hands out in front, extend your too. The one who is playing guitar here is her lead- fingertips straightforward with palms down. Gently guitarist, Toni Lindgren: she is a great guitarist! pull your fingertips from the top, toward your body, I like this track because it’s a different with your opposite hand until you feel a healthy version of the song (I like the creativity of doing stretch in your wrist, hand, and fingers. Hold for 12 songs in your own style), and especially Toni’s seconds then repeat with other hand. Next, do the same, only pull fingertips downward toward your guitar playing. What is impressive about this is the body. Hold for 12 seconds on each hand. smooth transition between very clever and effective 10. Spread fingers on both hands out as far as you fingerstyle, and full-chord strumming: she switches (comfortably) can, then squeeze into a moderate seamlessly from finger-picking to strumming and fist. Repeat 10 times. Gently shake out your back again. She does it so smoothly that it looks hands. easy almost; but it takes skill to get it that smooth and that good. Check it out! Here’s the link. PS: It’s important to note that if you do start to experience pain while playing, it’s best to consult CHET ATKINS—3 OF HIS VERY BEST with your doctor immediately. Likewise, if any of the stretches or exercises cause pain, STOP immediately, as that can be your body’s warning sign that something isn’t quite right. If not treated right away, over-use injuries may turn chronic, keeping you off the field or out of the music room much longer than you’d like. Stay limber!

Chet Atkins is, of course, a legend of guitar playing! He has been an inspiration to Well, it’s been a while since our last countless guitarists over the years, not the least Newsletter, and I never know when the next one being Tommy Emmanuel. Chet played electric and will be (although I do hope to get another one out acoustic, (probably electric mostly, actually), and soon), so I thought I’d throw in a few clips for you used fingers (in his legendary style) or sometimes a to have a look at. All quite different too; and pick. This video combines 3 tunes—two of them including at least two fabulous iconic guitarists. I’ll fast and one slow; so you get a good demonstration start with this one. of his ability and versatility too. REINA DEL CID, ―YOU’VE GOT A FRIEND I don’t know when this was recorded— IN ME‖ perhaps 1960s? Anyway, have a look. Click here.

PHIL EMMANUEL, ―APACHE‖

Reina Del Cid (not her real name) is not the greatest singer, although she sounds good on Well, after a couple of acoustics (although the guitar Chet was playing was actually more just $1500—a huge $1200 off retail! And the 15 electric than acoustic) I wanted to feature some marks were only minor, and didn’t affect the electric guitar! I was actually looking for guitar in any way. A Maton CW80 had $650 something a bit heavier than this, but this came up slashed off the retail because it had a ―slight mark‖ and I decided to put this one up instead. It is still on it. The mark was so slight it was hard to even great electric guitar playing! see it! Phil Emmanuel was Tommy Emmanuel’s More significantly for me was a Fender brother. Sadly, he died in May 2018. (Chet Atkins, Telecaster, made in Mexico. Significant for me from the previous video, died in June 2001). For a because I loved it! ―It was a beautiful guitar, and long time during their younger years (and before felt great to hold and play; the neck being quite Tommy became famous as a solo guitarist) they thin, unlike some Teles that, traditionally, have a played together as ―The Emmanuel Brothers‖. more chunky feel to them.‖ I wrote at the time. I Anyway, they were both brilliant guitarists! While lamented my lack of money to buy it! (Even with a Tommy turned more to acoustic, Phil mainly $400 discount!). Five years later I did buy one played electric. though! So the ―love-affair‖ with the Mexican ―Apache‖ was a big hit for The Shadows, Tele began on that day 10 years ago. back in 1960. So it is an appropriate one to feature, Bruce Mathiske, the brilliant jazz guitarist, as we celebrate its 60th birthday! held a concert in Dapto Ribbonwood Centre. A The Shadows were a very melodic band: great performance! And what a lovely guy he is their style was to play melodies, not just improvise too! He had time to chat and sign autographs after and shred. (I don’t think they called it “shredding” the show, even though he had to drive back home back then!). I’ve always been a big fan of The to Newcastle and be on stage at a gig at 11am next Shadows because of this; their melodic style with day! great guitar playing. Phil Emmanuel plays this Southern Stars had just been held, and I famous much-covered tune incredibly well! His had a few pupils involved with that. version is very much The Shadows style (but with a Coincidentally, the Newsletter had an fancy flurry of notes at the end!). I love this article on exercising your fingers for playing. melodic style of electric playing, and Phil does it so well, and with such great tone from his guitar too. TWENTY YEARS AGO Check it out! Click here. Twenty years ago Tommy Emmanuel was in town, giving a concert at the University Theatre in Wollongong. This was unusual at the time as it was the first totally solo tour he had done. It’s interesting, we tend now to think of Tommy as a solo performer, but back then he mostly toured with a backing band. Zoom (no, not the video-conferencing software!) had produced an up-dated version of their brilliant little 505 effects unit, dubbed the Normally, with these multi-month issues, I 505II. Smaller, with more features, and also go back over the history for each month, but cheaper! What more could you ask for?! especially as I’ve called it the September issue (and It was back in 2000 that former pupil, just skipped the months we missed), I’ll just look at concert-regular, and long-time friend, Dick the history of September. Kostrubiec took his family on a holiday to the U.S. After he returned he wrote a series of articles for TEN YEARS AGO these newsletters recounting details of his travels, The Newsletter of September 2010 began with particular interest paid to the musical with a report on a nursing home concert we’d encounters he experienced along the way. These done at Diment Towers. (Oh, I miss doing those stories I found fascinating! Both from a travel concerts! And feel so much for the residents, who perspective and from a musical one. The first don’t get music groups coming in to entertain them instalment appeared in our newsletter in September now!). 2000. He told stories of visiting Nashville, and Haworth Guitars had a warehouse sale getting first-hand experience of how the music with some great bargains! For example, a Fender scene worked there, as well as visiting interesting Precision Bass, with a few minor marks going for places such as Gracelands, the former home of, and now museum and memorial to, Elvis Presley. He battery—a typical 9-volt one—enclosed within 16 also visited the old Sun Studios in Memphis, and the unit. The display was digital. Terry bought me the poster you see framed on the wall reasoned that a needle that was mounted on a in my studio. He bought the poster, made the frame spring had the potential to register incorrectly, (he was excellent with woodwork) and presented it depending on possible variations in the tension on to me as a gift on the occasion of my celebrating 25 the spring. So his had an LCD panel that displayed years of full-time teaching, 4 years later. the frequency of each string. Very reliable and very accurate. A very clever man!! TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO Twenty-five years ago I went to another I mentioned Haworth’s great guitar concert. It was billed as ―Guitar Trio‖ Warehouse sale in the Ten and was to feature three top-class guitarists; Paco Years Ago section, and said Pena, the great flamenco player, the brilliant most of the ―minor scratches‖ (especially on 12-string!) Leo Kotke, and a etc were very minor indeed. classical player Pepe Romero. Unfortunately Pepe There were some that were Romero had to return to Spain. He was replaced by more seriously damaged, like an up-and-coming young Australian guitarist by the this Maton. Sale price was $75. name of Slava Grigoryan. I was enthralled by all of these great players, and especially impressed Have a look at this latest offering from with the 19-year old Slava! (Amazing to think that Fender. Gibson should probably sue them for that young guy is now 44!). plagiarism! Fender have Glen Campbell is perhaps known mostly long ago produced guitars for his singing, but he was a great guitarist as well! with twin humbuckers (to In fact he was one of the top studio guitarists in the get the Gibson-ish U.S. for quite a while. He also released a few sound!), but this is a very instrumental albums (I’ve got at least a couple on blatant Gibson-copy. Twin record) before he ever made it big as a singer. And humbuckers, stop - he was in Wollongong at the Yallah Woolshed tailpiece, Tunamatic-style back in September of 1995. I caught the end of the bridge, and the volume show and enjoyed it very much. and tone knobs and even Keith Urban (another brilliant guitarist!) the pick-up selector switch was also at the Yallah Woolshed; although I didn’t located just where they are get to see that one. on a Gibson Les Paul. The body is Tele shape, of There were a couple of new bass guitars course, although looks in the photos I’ve seen, to be for pupils back in September of 1995. One was for arched, like a Les Paul. a left-hander who had started playing on a right- handed bass that he had strung left-handed. But September brings playing an electric upside-down has difficulties - Father’s Day; so here is a not the least being that the controls get in the way. somewhat embarrassing So a new left-handed bass was much appreciated (look at the short hair!) by the pupil! photo of me and my D a d , p e r f o r m i n g together at my cousin’s wedding in 1966. Dad has a harmonica mounted on his guitar, and I am holding a Melodica. I was playing guitar by then, On the subject of tuners, one of my former but when performing with Dad I played melodica pupils, Terry Braddock, worked as an electronics or sang, while Dad played guitar and either sang or engineer, and he designed and made his own guitar played harmonica. tuner. I remember when he first came to lessons, he brought along the tuner he’d made. It was quite a Well, that’s it for now. Hopefully I’ll get large unit, and was powered by a battery like a another newsletter out soon, but until then, Dolphin torch battery. The whole thing took 2 Enjoy your music! hands to carry it! But he subsequently built another one which was much more compact, and had the Elwyn