Mass Resonator

We’re pleased to announce a ‘Dynamics of Banjo Sound’ clinic with Tom Nechville of Nechville Banjos THIS Tuesday, November 3, at Mass St. Music, from 3pm - 5pm. Learn about setting up your banjo and getting the very best sound out of it. Tom will be selecting one or more folks from the audience for a free banjo set up, plus he’ll talk about getting the very best tone, and have time for some Q & A, so bring questions. Tom will also have some great Nechville banjos for everyone to check out. Our resident banjo master, Eric Mardis will also be on hand.

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Join us for October’s Free Elbow Room Workshop on Saturday, October 31 at 9 am for Mandolin Basics for Beginners and Those That Think They Aren’t led by the great Scott Tichenor, the man behind the wonderful www.mandolincafe.com website.  Stay on the right track by avoiding some common traps that often snag beginning mandolin players and hinder your playing, but also trip up more seasoned musicians. Includes a question and answer session too.  Totally free.

Also, coming up on Saturday, November 7th from 10am  - 2pm, it’s Appraisal Day with owner Jim Baggett. Trash or treasure? Bring your musical instruments - or just yourself - for a fun day of informal verbal appraisals/evaluations and informative historical info on instruments. Jim is a regular contributor to PBS’s Antiques Roadshow, and co-owner of Mass St. Music. We will NOT be offering written appraisals on this day, but arrangements can be made for another time. (Note: Due to Thanksgiving holiday, there will be no ‘last Sat.’ Elbow Room workshop in Nov. - this is it!) This a free event.

October has brought some cool new gear to the store - new banjos, some cool Anniversary Taylors and more. Here’s what we’ve had our eye on:

John Flynn - Keeley Katana Boost

Essential.

Eric Mardis - Gold Tone  BG-250F Bluegrass Special Banjo

I own a very expensive banjo and it’s great… You might even say that its turned me into something of a banjo snob.   Thats why I am so blown away by these Gold Tone Banjos!  I’ve had one or two of them come in used over the years and was very impressed by how such an affordable banjo could crank out that “authentic” banjo sound…  Aspiring banjo players have always been cursed by the seemingly unfair price gap in the banjo world. You either pay $300 for something that “ok” or you drop $3000 before you can even play forward roll.  Ouch.  This BG-250F will serve the entry-level or intermediate banjologist very well indeed (without devastating your bank account!).   I’m very pleased to be able to offer quality banjos at this price level.  Now, everyone can get on the hick-stick.

Eric hearts Gold Tone

Jason Jones - Anderson Short Hollow T Classic

This is remarkably comfortable feeling and surprisingly tight for a shorter scale instrument. Also, with this color scheme and pickup configuration you’re getting the best of both the Gibson and Fender worlds all in one guitar.

Tom Anderson Short Hollow T Classic

Matt Christenot - Yamaha 414OM Bass

Big fat sound, › Continue reading

When just discovered these incredible Anthology Gear Wear straps.  We were instantly impressed with the quality and design. It’s  a real bonus that these are locally made - from Kansas City.  Creator Brian Griffith is a musician (GIT grad even) and an artist who, lucky for us, decided to meld his two passions › Continue reading

Whether you just purchased your first acoustic guitar or are playing your favorite from long ago, you’ll want to be sure you’ve got your acoustic humidified for the fall and winter. Why? Once the heat goes on in your home and the air becomes more dry, your guitar will need a little TLC so it doesn’t lose natural moisture in the wood.  If you don’t, your bridge could pull up on its own, and your top, sides or back could even develop a crack. The shop sees this sort of thing too often in the wintertime, so take a moment and make sure you’ve got a humidifier for your guitar. They are inexpensive, easy to use, and one of the best things you can do for your guitar.

Kyser Acoustic Humidifier...priceless protection

We’ve tried several brands and offer a few different ones here in the store, but truth be told, we like the Kyser Humidifier best - it’s affordable and so simple to use. How do you use it? First, make sure you have the right one - if you have a regular acoustic 6 or 12 string, you’ll need the Kyser Acoustic Humidifier. If you have a classical guitar, or a similar guitar with a smaller soundhole, you’ll need the Kyser Classical Humidifier.

Straight out of the package, it looks a bit like › Continue reading

Our good buddy Rick Frydman has at long last been able to finagle one of his favorite bands to appear in Lawrence - Steppin’ In It - to quote Rick, “A high spirited roots/country-blues/folk/western swing (and a little bit of Cajun) band from Lansing, Michigan” that utilize slide guitar, harmonica, accordions, and stand up bass with an occasional trumpet, trombone and pennywhistle too.  Get a taste with this great youtube clip of  them performing ‘Give My Regards to Miss Moline’.  Frydman was so taken › Continue reading