Product Announcements

Ever since I first started playing bluegrass music 35 years ago, I have been hearing stories of musicians parking their acoustic instruments in front of stereo speakers to help break them in faster. The idea was that music from the

Steve Martin may not have taken home the IBMA Banjo Player of the Year Award, but he is taking his own Deering Goodtime Banjo model with him on the road this month. Deering has created a special headstock brand for

Sim Daley has introduced a new mandolin, built to Adam Stefffey's exact specifications. Sim hasn't decided yet whether it will officially be dubbed the Adam Steffey Model, but that is what it will be no matter what its called. It's the

I had a chance to speak with Chris Pandolfi of The Infamous Stringdusters today, and he caught me up on a couple of projects he is working on going into the Fall. The band is heading into the studio next

AcuTab is soon to release a new instructional DVD from Mountain Heart fiddler, Jim Van Cleve. The product is actually a two disc set, featuring over 4 hours of instruction from Jim. Disc 1 contains a good deal of instruction in

OK...  I know what you're thinking. How can a voice capo fit around your neck? That's not what it's about. Voice is the name of this interesting new device from Artioli Designs which allows a guitarist to "hold down" a common

Just this past week, two major US banjo manufacturers have announced the availability of banjo hardware made to vintage specifications. Both Huber Banjos and American Made Banjo Co. are now producing parts for sale to banjo builders - both professional and

C.F. Martin introduced their latest custom, artist signature guitar this past weekend at the Summer NAMM show in Nashville. It's the D-28 Dan Tyminski Custom Edition, made to resemble his classic 1946 herringbone, the one he has used on the road

Deering has reintroduced their popular Sierra banjo, with a new inlay pattern in the neck. The Sierra is Deering's least expensive tone ring banjo ($2699), making it perhaps the lowest priced professional model banjo made in the US. It is offered

Brance and I spent the past two days in the studio with Barry Bales, shooting an AcuTab bass DVD which will be released later this year. Adam Steffey, Kenny Smith and Jim Mills were also on hand for the shoot. Barry