***4/29/07***
Well, I am back in town from ParaLounge and it was a great time. Now it's time to get ready for The Rockers in the Rockies. I got an email from Adam Gussow formerly of Satan and Adam letting me know about his new website called Modern Blues Harmonica. If you get a chance to check it out please do. He's doing some great things over there. His new book "Journeyman's Road" is getting ready to be released also. So be on the lookout for that or order your advanced copy at amazon.com.
***4/26/07***
I will be out of town Friday, Saturday and most of Sunday. Please feel free to contact me via my phone 352-817-3679 with any questions. I will not be able to access a computer to check emails until Sunday night. Please be patient with my response until then if you use email to contact me. Thanks!
***4/25/07***
I have one more HarpGear Standard I am going to sell. This one is new and I have been holding on to it for a while. I am selling it to make room for more inventory. This one has upgraded transformers and an upgraded Weber 8F100 ceramic speaker in it and sounds awesome. You can choose to have a stock Weber signature series alnico speaker put in it if you would like. It is in the new style lacquered tweed cabinet with the CE compliant back and the heavy duty handle like the HG2. This model normally sells for more than the HG1 but I am letting this one go for $600 plus shipping. It is new and has a full warranty. If you are interested let me know. This one won't last long like the last one I listed.
***4/24/07***
Lately, I have been working on getting amps out the door and getting ready for a few upcoming events. I am working on a few more how to's and other odds and ends I will be posting soon but I have been staying very busy and I want to make sure anything I post is thorough. This weekend I'll be at ParaLounge in Live Oak, FL playing the didgeridoo and djembe so if you don't get a reply from me immediately on Thurs-Sun please be patient. It is out in the sticks and there is no internet. This is a big drum gathering held at The Spirit of Suwannee Music Park. I will also be trying to make it over to Musical Echoes for at least a day this weekend also to play some Native American flute and look around at all the great vendors. Next weekend will find me playing my favorite instrument again at the Rockers in the Rockies seminar in beautiful Boulder, Colorado. If you happen to be at any of these places please feel free to say hi to me if you see me. I love meeting new people.
***4/21/07***
Quite a few people have been buying HarpGear Shirts from Zazzle and I really want to thank all of you. If you get a picture of yourself wearing the shirt please send me a copy so I can post it. I really appreciate all your support and I will do my best to continue to help everyone I can out whether it be with an amp or just general information. Thank you!
***4/20/07***
Last night Jason Ricci and New Blood performed agian in Ocala and quite a few members of the Suncoast Harmonica Club showed up. It was great seeing everyone there and I had a great time. I am looking forward to going to their meeting that is being planned for the middle of May. We are talking about doing a harmonica tuning and setup class at that meeting. If you have never been to theri website you should check it out. It has a message board and other resources.
***4/18/07***
I got my plane tickets to the Rockers in the Rockies in Boulder, CO tonight. I'll be getting in on Friday the 4th early. If anyone else is going to be there early let me know and we can go check Chris M's show out Friday night at the hotel. I'll also be going to Jon Gindick's Tampa Jam Camp coming up also. Check it out over at Jon Gindick's site. Both of these events are going to be very educational and fun. If you are looking to get to your next level in playing I highly recommend these seminars. They are worth much more than they cost and the fun and memories will last a lifetime. Some of my best harmonica experiences have come from spending time at these get togethers and building friendships that have really grown. Just a note to say I get no monetary compensation for sending people to these events, just the opportunity to share these great experiences with new and old friends.
"Rockers in the Rockies" Instructional Getaway
Geared towards intermediate/advanced diatonic harmonica players
Instructors: Jason Ricci, Chris Michalek, and Michael Rubin
When: May 5-7 (Saturday through Monday), Noon-8pm each day
Where: Boulder Outlook Hotel, Boulder, CO
(http://www.boulderoutlookhotel.com)
How Much: $250 for all three days -- no single-day passes; special
hotel rate of $69/night if you mention the event when booking
Topics: playing in multiple genres (not just blues), overbends,
uncommon positions, modal playing, extended soloing, amp settings, using
lip-blocking and tongue-blocking together, playing in all three octaves,
playing scales in multiple positions, and much more
Jams: There will be full-band jams on all three days, and every
attendee will get to play with New Blood and learn how to give cues, manage
dynamics, play with the band (not just soloing), and more.
The website for Rockers in the Rockies is up with details here.
***4/17/07***
While looking on Youtube tonight I found some video of one of my favorite harp players of all time. The late great departed Rock Bottom. If you haven't heard of him you can check out http://www.godsbarnyard.com . I found this classic Rock Bottom song and had to share it. This man had tone and heart!
*** 4/14/07 ***
The Jason Ricci and the New Blood show was great tonight. They will be there tonight and Thursday also. If you are in the area try to come by and see them at the Tin Cup Tavern in Ocala! Sorry I don't have more to write but I am off to bed. It was a long day and tomorrow it begins early again! There will more later, thanks!
*** 4/13/07 ***
Well, Friday the 13th is here and it's gonna be a great night. Jason Ricci will be here in Ocala, FL tonight and tomorrow night playing at the Tin Cup Tavern. He'll be back on Thursday 4/19 also if you miss him this weekend. If you have never been to one of his show you don't want to miss it if you can be there. If you are in the area and you are going to make it, let me know. I will hold a spot for you at the front table so you don't have a problem with seating.
*** 4/11/07 ***
For those of you who were asking about the HG Standard I had available I just noticed on ebay there is an HG1 shipped for $579 here. This is just about the same price as the HG Standard was going for after shipping. Just a heads up for those of you looking for a great amp at a great price.
*** 4/11/07 ***
The website for Rockers in the Rockies is up with details here. I am working on my schedule so I can be there. If anyone who drops by is going or you want to go let me know. Jason and the rest of the crew there are great teachers and this will be a great class. I know I have been talking about it a lot lately but it's only because I am excited to see a class like this and I really want to get others involved. There is so much to learn and these are some great guys to learn from. I get nothing for referring people but if you found out about the class here and decide to go please let Jason know. I want him to know there are people out here supporting him. As always thanks for stopping by!
*** 4/11/07 ***
The HarpGear Standard sold today and is no longer available. I will be back with some more updates shortly. Thanks!
*** 4/10/07 ***
I just took a HarpGear Standard in on trade for one of my HG30 amps today. It is the "Standard" model which I discontinued last year. It is identical in every way component and soundwise to the HG1 but it is in the chrome chassis with lacquered tweed. It is in perfect condition and I am selling it for only $500 plus shipping. If you are interested please contact me and let me know. This won't last long. On another note, I talked with Jason Ricci today about his Rockers in the Rockies event and he says the sign up is going great and there are still some more spots available. It's going to be a great time and the teachers there will be first rate. You can't beat the price of $250 for the whole weekend also. There are more details furthur down the page. Please check him out at http://www.jasonricci.com .
*** 4/7/07 ***
Happy Easter. I am going to be with my family most of today and I may be slow to answer emails today. Please have a great easter and thanks for stoppin' by.
*** 4/7/07 ***
I got some pictures today from some players. I have put them up under the players section. I am currently getting ready for the Jason Ricci shows that are coming up in Ocala. If you can make it by you should check him out at the Tin Cup Tavern on 4/13, 4/14 and 4/19. It'll be a great time. Also don't forget the check out the Rockers in the Rockies seminar that will include Jason.
"Rockers in the Rockies" Instructional Getaway
Geared towards intermediate/advanced diatonic harmonica players
Instructors: Jason Ricci, Chris Michalek, and Michael Rubin
When: May 5-7 (Saturday through Monday), Noon-8pm each day
Where: Boulder Outlook Hotel, Boulder, CO
(http://www.boulderoutlookhotel.com)
How Much: $250 for all three days -- no single-day passes; special
hotel rate of $69/night if you mention the event when booking
Topics: playing in multiple genres (not just blues), overbends,
uncommon positions, modal playing, extended soloing, amp settings, using
lip-blocking and tongue-blocking together, playing in all three octaves,
playing scales in multiple positions, and much more
Jams: There will be full-band jams on all three days, and every
attendee will get to play with New Blood and learn how to give cues, manage
dynamics, play with the band (not just soloing), and more
*** 4/6/07 ***
I have added another shirt to the line over at Zazzle.com. You can also customize them and change things around as you please. There is a logo on the back of the got tone? shirt. If you click details in the window you can see both sides. I have been busy playing and geting amps out the door lately. Sorry I haven't updated in a couple of days.