Product Announcements

D'Addario has introduced two new strings sets for mandolinists, using the monel alloy wrap that is favored by many fans of the vintage tone. Monel is a nickel/copper alloy that looks like nickel, and is used to wrap the plain

Deering has introduced a new model in its Golden Series line called the Rustic Wreath, designed to capture some of the vintage appeal of older instruments in an economy-minded banjo. All of their Golden Series banjos are styled like the old

I wanted to begin this week by answering some concerns raised in the comments section and elsewhere about some of the contents of my columns, whether it be alleged pinball sexism, or alleged lack of respect for traditional bluegrass lyrics.

Deering Banjo Company has added three new gauges to its offerings for banjo players, along with redesigned packaging for the entire line. This brings the total to seven different sets for five string banjoists, plus one for six string, two

Molly Tuttle is the latest bluegrass artist to tie her horse to the Preston Thompson wagon, taking delivery recently of a new Thompson D-BA custom sunburst guitar at her home in Nashville. She posted a video sharing her excitement when it

We heard recently from the good folks with G7 capos, a British company that has made tremendous strides in capo design this past few years. Their Heritage model was reviewed here when it was introduced in 2016, and they wanted

At the recent SPBGMA convention in Nashville, banjo players were talking about the Czech Republic. No, they hadn't all suddenly taken an interest in eastern European politics or history. A pair of Czech builders were set up in the exhibit

High top sneakers are back in style, and have been for several years. Who would have guessed that the workaday shoes worn by basketballers in the 1960s would now be a fashion statement for everyone from young runway models to

Bluegrass pickers are like most other string musicians. Sometimes we feel a bit overwhelmed by all the new items and accessories thrown our way. Try these strings for vintage tone! This capo - or pick, or strap, or bridge pin

The tuner/capo combination seems to have hit its groove in the fretted instrument accessory market. A number of companies now offer them for sale, with a new, lower-priced version from Shenzhen Meideal Musical Instruments Co. in China may tempt a