Comments for Fretmentor's Blog

Comment on Time is on a Musician’s Side by Amy

Amy — Sun, 05 May 2013 00:25:15 +0000

I’m currently enrolled in school and study groups help, I’m gonna see if anyone in the class I’m taking with you want to practice…if anyone in Jupiter wants to help a beginner understand music theory please reply! P.S. I love this app and all your blogs!

Comment on Your Child’s First Guitar by Amy

Amy — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 00:51:07 +0000

Thanks! We are enjoying your lessons!

Comment on Your Child’s First Guitar by fretmentor

fretmentor — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 01:53:48 +0000

I am sure at $40 you likely got a decent deal. It is something your daughter can start out with and should she take here lessons seriously, then she can always get a better instrument in the future.

Comment on Your Child’s First Guitar by Amy

Amy — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 01:27:47 +0000

I purchased by daughters classical Epiphone at the thrift store for forty dollars…it came with steel strings but as you told me it needed nylon for a classical. Do you think I got a good deal? I think it’s beautiful and she enjoys playing it.

Comment on First Time’s A Charm by Tigerpaws

Tigerpaws — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 20:32:10 +0000

You did great Doug! I see you improving week after week….You keep on picking!!!

Comment on Road To Nechville by Lspencerini

Lspencerini — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 03:09:17 +0000

That’s a very nice banjo, FM. Beautiful and sophisticated.

Comment on The Gift of Music by Julia

Julia — Sat, 01 Dec 2012 23:28:22 +0000

Awesome!
I just finished playing at a assisted living facility this afternoon, and I utterly agree with you, Sylvia: It is amazing how even thirty minutes of music can bring such hapiness to people, because it is thirty minutes of pure joy. Music is called the “universal language,” and it is true; even if the person cannot speak, it can speak to their heart and work wonders for the human soul, no matter what sort things one might have gone through in their life. Every song has and tells a story, whether of happiness or sadness, and sharing those stories can bring people back to places that they have been, or help them to better enjoy and see the good things in the place that they are at.
What an amazing gift we have been given, both to enjoy and to give again, in music!
God bless!!!!!!

Comment on Six More Strings Silenced by Silvia White

Silvia White — Sun, 19 Aug 2012 21:04:48 +0000

I’ve been listening to their rendition of Orange Blossom Special….being new to Bluegrass, this is all new to me…..I learn new things everyday…..did not know Doc was blind! WOW!!!! Certainly did not slow him down…..what an inspiration!

Comment on Earl & Doug – Gone But Not Forgotten by Julia

Julia — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 16:33:40 +0000

Neither did I. Guess it’s a fiddle player thing. : )
I got to see Doug Dillard’s brother Rodney Dillard and his band at the South Florida Music Fest. More of a feast for the ears!!
I, too, loved watching the episodes that they were in. As a fiddling kid, I guess that it’s only natural to automatically adore the younger musicians in the world. Now, just put them on the Andy Griffith Show, and well… ; )

Comment on Keb Mo – A Night of Blues by lspencerini

lspencerini — Sat, 04 Aug 2012 15:56:42 +0000

Keb Mo is one of the first blues guitarists I listened to. I bought his first album and loved it. I have not spent much time listening to him lately, but this has inspired me to take a look at more of his stuff on YouTube.

Comment on Earl & Doug – Gone But Not Forgotten by Silvia

Silvia — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 18:33:48 +0000

I wasn’t familiar with Earl Scruggs until I started taking a Bluegrass class. However, I loved Doug Dillard from watching him on the Andy Griffith Show. My favorite episodes were those with the Dillard Family in them! He’s probably playing “Doug’s Tune” for St. Peter now. .

Comment on Keb Mo – A Night of Blues by Silvia

Silvia — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 18:00:52 +0000

Sounds like a great musician. Must admit I had never heard of him but will “You-Tube” him now! Thanks

Comment on Mandolins From A to F by fretmentor

fretmentor — Sat, 16 Jun 2012 16:23:13 +0000

Hello Gary

Thank you for your inquiry. Gibson vintage instruments can be very valuable to the right collector, especially if its in its original condition. However, monetary sense, its value will eventually be determined based on whatever a collector wants to pay for it.

On the high end, Lloyd Loar mandolins are the most sought after mandolins and the prices fetched are astronomical.

To determine the estimated value, you have to date the instrument and ascertain its condition. For instance A3 mandolins were initially made in 1902. Hopefully the instrument has all its original parts and has not been restored differently from its original condition.

You can date the instrument by the serial number. The 1898 date you speak of is more likely the patent date and not the date the instrument was made.

Some examples of serial numbers and dates of production:

1902 First serial number used in production (example 2501)

1913 (last serial number that year 16100)

1925 (serial number 80981)

The older models were heavier than more modern mandolin and bulkier but had a nice warm tone. There were a couple different A models made by Gibson in the early 1900s. Standard models had more traditional looking heads while others had curved heads (wide near the neck and curved and narrow at the top). The curved head mandolins likely bring over one thousand dollars (depending on condition).

So it is not a simple matter of giving you a rough value. Depending age, the model and on the condition , your instrument could be as low as $500 to highs that range in the thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars.

Comment on Mandolins From A to F by Gary Null

Gary Null — Sat, 16 Jun 2012 15:41:12 +0000

I would like to know what a “A” Style Gibson 1898 mandolin (Dark Rustic look) is worth. It is in great shape. It only gets played once or twice a year. Just a roundabout price would be nice. I am thinking about picking it up from my brother. We have had it in our family for some 38 years. I beleive his price is a little high.

Comment on Six More Strings Silenced by Brett McGill

Brett McGill — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 02:56:24 +0000

Doc Watson’s probably one of the main reasons I started playing guitar. I first heard him play Black Mountain Rag when I was a teenager and have been a fan ever since. Sad that I never got to see him in person.

Comment on Six More Strings Silenced by Matt

Matt — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 01:35:27 +0000

A sad loss. He will be sincerely missed.

Comment on Mandolins From A to F by mandolin picks

mandolin picks — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 10:57:54 +0000

Mandolins are classic instruments that have been around for quite some time now because of its interesting sound. Usually utilized in bluegrass and folk songs, it is truly a great instrument in its own right.

Comment on Pickin With Alan Munde by BROOKE A.

BROOKE A. — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 04:34:44 +0000

I REALY ENJOYED THE WORKSHOP WITH FRETMENTORS THIS PAST WEEKEND. I WAS ABLE TO HEAR FROM HISTORYS GREAT BLUEGRASS MUSICIANS. THE CLASS WITH ALAN MUNDE WAS VERY INFORMATIVE AND I HAVE MATERIAL TO WORK WITH FROM HIS HANDOUTS. THANK YOU DAVE AND MR. MUNDE FOR YOUR TIME AND EXPERTISE. I LOOK FORWARD TO FUTURE WORKSHOPS. THANKS AGAIN!

Comment on Fretmentor’s 3rd Annual Workshop – A Bucket List Item by Stacey Podell

Stacey Podell — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 19:04:32 +0000

Looking forward to a great weekend… The teachers sound incredible!

Comment on A Moment With Bela by Lspencerini

Lspencerini — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 14:27:43 +0000

That was a cool show. All of the band members were truly on that night. It gave me a new appreciation for what you can do with a banjo.

Comment on What Happened To My Frets? by John Kino

John Kino — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 23:25:07 +0000

Speaking of frets, I brought my guitar to the Martin Guitar Company in Nazzerath Pa. on the 24th of June. To have new frets and to ajust the action, I received the guitar yesterday the 24th of October.
sparks

Comment on What Happened To My Frets? by Jim Boyers

Jim Boyers — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 19:02:13 +0000

Where can I sell my mint copy of Frets Premier Issue?

Comment on Alison Krauss & Union Station by Edbird

Edbird — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 16:13:22 +0000

My wife and I were also at the show and it was indeed fantastic. She is amazing at both singing and playing, and everyone in her band is playing at an incredibly high level of musicianship. My wife loves Dan Tyminski and got a big kick out of seeing him take front and center stage for a few songs. And Jerry Douglas is, well, Jerry Douglas….

In addition, the venue (The Broward Center) is really nice and there is a row of restaurants and bars next door that makes the whole evening very enjoyable. If you get prepaid parking next to the venue the whole thing is very easy, despite the drive down from PB County. We were there for the Jackson Browne show a couple of months ago.

Comment on Recitals, Video & Nerves by Mary Mandy

Mary Mandy — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 22:56:30 +0000

It was a blast! I really enjoyed working with the group, even for the short time it was. I believe all my co-players understood and took seriously the concentration and attention each player needed to apply, and they all did it. What I learned about my own playing was that I tend to rush. Damn it! (If I’ve been doing this for awhile no one ever said anything) I noticed many players in all groups were very nervous, and perhaps we can talk about this in class – if we as players are really listening to the music, we won’t have any room in our brains to even think about worrying whether or not we’re going to screw it up, yes? Thanks for this exercise and I am so happy you’re keeping it going!

Comment on Alison Krauss & Union Station by lspencerini

lspencerini — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 20:10:55 +0000

Sounds like a great concert! I guess I was asleep at the wheel for this one. I listened to Alison Krause on her album with Robert Plant and was impressed by her. I wish I could have been there.

Comment on Recitals, Video & Nerves by Lspencerini

Lspencerini — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 02:52:50 +0000

I too did not really notice the camera when we got up there. It seemed to go very fast as well once we got started. I don’t want to critique my actual performance too much. I think all the groups did really well especially considering that I don’t think any of us have experience being filmed. It felt like we were in this together and that made it easier.

Comment on Recitals, Video & Nerves by Tigerpaws

Tigerpaws — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 22:21:36 +0000

I sort of blocked out the camera…(and everyone else for that matter).I just concentrated on the music and on what my group was doing. For me it wasn’t traumatic at all… However, waching myself afterwards … I didn’t like that….not that we played bad….I just don’t like watching myself performing…..Makes me feel very uncomfortable.

Comment on Time is on a Musician’s Side by fretmentor

fretmentor — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 16:03:28 +0000

G E -

Your point is well taken. The blog never intended practicing to sound like a four letter word “WORK”. Yet, if you work hard at anything you do, whether it is a baseball player working hard to get to the major leagues or a musician working hard to get to the next level of their play, the results can prove to be worth the effort. That was the point of this article. The word “work” should not be taken so literally. Thanks for your input.

Comment on Stelling’s Staghorn by buzzart410

buzzart410 — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 10:19:46 +0000

I have a Stelling “Moonshadow” , i love the way it plays and the beautiful workmanship. I plan to upgrade the rim with a Tony Pass. I’ll have to give a update after the retro fit.

Comment on Time is on a Musician’s Side by John Kino

John Kino — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 22:03:25 +0000

I am trying to learn the lead in “Under the Double Eagle” it sure is a long song and an awful lot to remember. I try to learn it by practicing a few measures at a time. It will take me a month or so to remember it, or like Uwe said, play it 4000 times and you will own it.

Comment on Is Practicing Music Frustrating? by John Kino

John Kino — Tue, 31 May 2011 19:38:44 +0000

I have been having a tough time trying to remember the lead and chords for “Arkansas Traveler”. That is really a tough one, but after playing it a hundred times or more, I am just beginning to get the first part of it. I find the chords next to impossible, 34 changes in 19 measures. Practice, practice, practice.

Comment on Fretmentor’s Second Annual Banjo & Guitar Workshop Featuring Jens & Uwe Kruger – March 26-27, 2011 in Lake Worth, Florida by Dave S

Dave S — Tue, 31 May 2011 00:31:12 +0000

Looks like a pretty amazing time! Just found out about Jens and Uwe and man are they ever amazing! Is this happening again next year by any chance?

Comment on Time is on a Musician’s Side by John Kino

John Kino — Tue, 24 May 2011 19:22:59 +0000

I try to get in a couple of hours each day, but it is tough. I try to concentrate on the songs that I cannot play. It seems like I must play the song many, many times befor I can start to memorize the song. Patience, Patience, Patience. Some times I run out of patience.

Comment on Stelling’s Staghorn by Jim Dray

Jim Dray — Thu, 19 May 2011 13:40:52 +0000

I would just like to say that I think we are all truely blessed to have someone like Geoff in our lives. He has created a legacy in a supurb banjo that will carry on for many years to come. Thank you so much Geoff for your creation to all musicians. We will cherish your instrument for years! By the way, I love my Master’s Cross. Definitely a God send.

Comment on A Music Student’s Plateau by John Kino

John Kino — Wed, 18 May 2011 00:58:23 +0000

I don’t think about hitting a standing plateu. I just keep practicing every day, but it takes for me alot of practice befor I can play the song without looking at the tabs. But not enough hours in each day, 36 instead of 24 for me would have been ideal.

Comment on Banjo, Guitar, Mandolin – Which is the Easiest to Play? by John Kino

John Kino — Tue, 10 May 2011 23:50:00 +0000

My son came for a visit and brought with him, his guitar. I find playing his guitar is much easier than playing my guitar. The strings on his guitar are much closer to the frets than on my guitar, I think it is called the action.

Comment on Stelling’s Staghorn by Rob Reid

Rob Reid — Tue, 03 May 2011 17:58:08 +0000

Big fan of the Stelling Banjo over here! Don’t own one of course but maybe someday! Cheers from Canada – Rob

Comment on Banjo, Guitar, Mandolin – Which is the Easiest to Play? by John Kino

John Kino — Tue, 03 May 2011 16:00:55 +0000

I find it harder to play the D chord on my Martin guitar, I put new strings on yesterday and found the first four frets have grooves into them. I guess my guitar is starting to show some wear from all the practicing I have done. I will be attending the Martin company annual picnic, on august 5th I will have the Martin company look at it and repair it at that time.

Comment on Is Practicing Music Frustrating? by John Kino

John Kino — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 18:10:51 +0000

As Ewu mentioned to us at the workshop, if you play a song 2000 times, then you will have perfected it, and practice very slowly. Songs I don’t mind but scales put me to sleep.

Comment on A Musician’s Need For Speed by John Kino

John Kino — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 23:33:48 +0000

I am having a hard time memorizing the lead in nine pound hammer, I slowed it down to 45 beats per minute from 120 beats per minute .

Comment on Time is on a Musician’s Side by John Kino

John Kino — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 23:55:06 +0000

I learned fly-away on the old version of it, but I find it tough to get accustomed to playing it the new way on tablerture. In midway on the new version, I find myself going back to the old way of playing it.

Comment on Fretmentor’s Second Annual Banjo & Guitar Workshop Featuring Jens & Uwe Kruger – March 26-27, 2011 in Lake Worth, Florida by Paul

Paul — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 01:05:00 +0000

Had another great time at the Kruger workshop this year. Uwe had us get up there and do a song with him, and then gave us suggestions on how to improve. Great one-one interaction. Worth every penny. And then we got a private concert on top of it!!

Comment on Fretmentor’s Second Annual Banjo & Guitar Workshop Featuring Jens & Uwe Kruger – March 26-27, 2011 in Lake Worth, Florida by Silvia

Silvia — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 22:19:36 +0000

Workshop was GREAT! Not only are they great musicians….and I mean GREAT! but they also have AWESOME personalities…..what great sense of humor!!!

Comment on Fretmentor’s Second Annual Banjo & Guitar Workshop Featuring Jens & Uwe Kruger – March 26-27, 2011 in Lake Worth, Florida by Liam Spenser

Liam Spenser — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 03:11:44 +0000

When I first was reeled into coming by my dad I was a little skeptical of how I would enjoy it and what I would get out of it, but when I went in there and talked to Uwe and watched him play, it was a completely different story. It was amazing to be able to go up and play a song with him right off the bat, and I enjoyed the class. I think next year I’ll bring a few buddies who are pretty good at guitar, and hopefully they’ll enjoy it as much as I did.

Comment on Fretmentor’s Second Annual Banjo & Guitar Workshop Featuring Jens & Uwe Kruger – March 26-27, 2011 in Lake Worth, Florida by John Kino

John Kino — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 00:14:49 +0000

I must admit FM was right to say we were in for quite a treat. These two guys are fantastic. I found it to be a pleasure to watch them perform, you can see and feel that they really love what they are doing and enjoying it at the same time. As Uwe said they play music six to eight hours a day (not practice), and know some 900 songs, with some played 2000 times so as to play them to perfection. I enjoyed listening to Uwe telling us what it takes to be a successfull musician and telling us the tricks of the trade. These two guys should write a book, it would be in demand to anyone who wants to be a professional musician. I guess its like any other trade, it takes alot of work and as I have always said 99 percent prespiration and 1 percent inspiration.

Comment on My Dog Ate My Music! by John Kino

John Kino — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 19:53:50 +0000

Comment on Fretmentor’s Second Annual Banjo & Guitar Workshop Featuring Jens & Uwe Kruger – March 26-27, 2011 in Lake Worth, Florida by Dave

Dave — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 11:55:39 +0000

The Kruger workshop was very entertaining when i went last year. I learned alot, and these fine musicians will definitely not disappoint you. Alot of fun.

Comment on Fretmentor’s Second Annual Banjo & Guitar Workshop Featuring Jens & Uwe Kruger – March 26-27, 2011 in Lake Worth, Florida by Alex

Alex — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 18:27:28 +0000

Starting to get excited about the Kruger Bros Workshop – having look over the workshop syllabus.
Didn’t realize it would be so extensive – rhythm techniques, guitar chord formations, progressions, blues techniques, etc. Even guitar amplification is on the list – and owning an acoustic-electric guitar – this topic is close to my heart. Can’t wait for the guitar sessions!

Comment on Fretmentor’s Second Annual Banjo & Guitar Workshop Featuring Jens & Uwe Kruger – March 26-27, 2011 in Lake Worth, Florida by Jay

Jay — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 12:43:41 +0000

I have viewed some of the Kruger Brothers videos on YouTube and they are fabulous. I am so looking forward to them being with us for the weekend for basically private lessons and a concert. Seems unbelievable to have them for ourselves.

Comment on Fretmentor’s Second Annual Banjo & Guitar Workshop Featuring Jens & Uwe Kruger – March 26-27, 2011 in Lake Worth, Florida by John Kino

John Kino — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 15:48:49 +0000

After reading all the wonderful coments on last years work shop, I am looking forward to this years work shop of the Kruger Bros. and concert.