shop talk

Hi - I'm trying to locate a bluegrass fiddle teacher not TOO far from White Plains, for an extremely gifted young fiddler (15 years old). Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.

Maybelle Carter played the guitar with a thumbpick and a finger pick on her index finger. The index strummed doan and picked up - mostly on 1st string. What type of finger-pick did she use? Apparently it didn't catch when picking up - or down...

I have a Brendan White Bodhran for sale. It was purchased 1 year ago for another person, and was hardly played by the person, so it is essentially brand new that I have inherited it through a divorce.
600$ was what we paid for it initially, not including shipping from Europe, and I would like to get 500 out of it, but will consider any reasonable offer.
It is an 18" Diameter, and has a beautiful deep tone.
I am selling it because an 18 is too large for me to play, I will be replacing it with a 16 Rolf Wagels edition.

Does anyone know of a good music notation software program that is inexpensive and easy to use? All I need is something to make so called "lead sheets" with, ie a single note melody line with the chords listed above. It would be nice to have one that plays the tune back once it is "written." I think most software will do this. Even if it just plays it back with that cheesy, computer sound that's not quite real music, it is helpful to hear the piece.

Being the tightwad that I am, "inexpensive" might be the key word here. Free download perhaps?

Since dusting off my instruments, and dragging them out to play, I wanted to get some work done on one. Trouble is the places I used for setting up my guitars, are out of business, or really don't have 'real' techs, but just guys who work at the store. I was 'burned' a few years back by a store that recommended replacing my Strat's nut, and when I picked it up, I found they really screwed it up. Turns out the guy who did it, never had done that particular job. My stupidity, of course.

I have been interested in a classical guitar for a long time simply because there are those times when I want a particular sound in an arrangement. Not being in the position to go out and purchase a quality classical guitar, I was curious if anyone has tried putting nylons strings on an accoustic. I have an Ovation Balladeer that appears to enable me to tie the nylon strings onto at the bridge. Pros/Cons?

Also, why do they make the neck width of a classical guitar so bloom'n wide? My hands just arn't that big.

I am looking for someone in the Dandridge TN area who might be interested in giving Dobro lessons. Any ideas???

For Sale. Previously owned and played by the late bluegrass pioneer, Joe Val (of Joe Val & The New England Bg Boys). See ad on Mandolin Cafe at mandolincafe.com and look for photo link there as well. Serious Buyers Only need reply. Anonymity Guaranteed.

Kirkland Fine Arts Center is interested in hosting a Fiddle Fest in 2010 and wants to find some fiddle makers in Illinois who would host a demonstration.

Please post some websites/contact information if you know of any fiddle makers in Illinois.

Thanks!