Sunday, November 30, 2008

Download iPhone Music – Download Unlimited iPhone Music

People often think on how they can download iPhone music. Yes, there are a lot of sites that seem to offer iPhone music, but finding one that gives you everything you need isn´t that easy. It can be especially hard if you´re a beginner when it comes to downloading music from the Internet.

If you´re looking for a site where you can download music for the iPhone, know that a site good for some might not be suited for you. Everyone likes different things in life, and expect different things. To make your decision easier, you should decide on a few things before you go looking for the site best suited for you. Things like how much you want to pay for a song or what type of music you want to download.

If you have an iPod, then you already have iTunes and you can easily download music for your iPhone. They do have a lot of songs available and the prices are quite ok, since most people can afford paying the $0.99 price. And the quality is guaranteed. Those that download a lot of music though, can find this method quite expensive and probably not worth it.

If you´re one of those that enjoy a lot of music and you don´t want to be limited in the number of songs you can download, then you will want to find a site with a very large database of iPhone music, either a P2P network or a site that offers paid memberships.

The only good part of the P2P is that is free. But using these types of sites will make you vulnerable to viruses and malware, privacy problems and identity theft. Other problems include bad audio quality, slow download speed and violating copyright laws.

The second option is joining a site that offers paid memberships. While they aren´t free, the cost isn´t that big. Some offer a monthly subscription, others yearly and some for lifetime. All options include an unlimited number of downloads for the period that you get your subscription.

You might think that doing this would cost you quite a bit, but you would be wrong. Anyone can pay for such a membership, even a teenager, because the price usually is between $39.99 and $49.99. It´s not an offer that you should refuse, if you consider all the music you could be downloading.

There are plenty of membership sites to choose from these days, but don´t expect the same user experience at all of them. You should compare these sites based on the music genres they offer, the prices for their memberships and how many songs they offer.

You can pick a site that either offers only iPhone music or one that has a very large collection of iPhone downloads. Other things you can take into consideration is how easy it is to search and to navigate. Also, check if the site offers tools to convert the files to the iPhone.

A lot of people use membership sites to download their iPhone music because it´s convenient.

Check out my iPhone Geek review for the best iPhone download site i have found after reviewing more than 10 iPhone download sites

Saturday, November 29, 2008

Frank Sinatra on Sirius Satellite Radio.

You may not know this, even if you do have Sirius Satellite Radio already, but Channel 75 is specifically reserved for the Chairman of the Board and the station has been named after him and called Seriously Sinatra. Now don't get me wrong, because it's not 100% Frank Sinatra on this channel, as he is accompanied by the likes of Dean Martin, Tony Bennett, Michael Boulay, Diana Krall, Vic Damone and many other crooners of years past and present.

If you're new to the crooner genre, this station is a nice departure and can be very educational, as to how your parents and grandparents enjoyed music in years gone by. However, there is a reason why Frank Sinatra had one of the longest singing careers ever in the history of music. Once you listen, you will simply agree, it is fantastic music.It's music you can actually understand and repeat the words to, not to mention some sensual jazz dancing. You will find some of the most romantic, and seductive of music on this channel, in all of the satellite airwaves combined.

There is no doubt that this music, and this artist in particular, has staying power that defies economic principles of the music industry. He sang, up until he was 80 years old, and had a hit CD at that time, where he had some quality duets with the likes of Bono and Tony Bennett.

Frank Sinatra hailed from Hoboken, New Jersey and had his first number one hit in 1940 in the midst of the "sing era" loaded with crooners. Before going solo in 1942, Sinatra did front Tommy Dorsey's band, and certainly there built his skill set with one of the leading band masters of the time. But Sinatra outlasted his fellow competitors, because he also had a sense of creativity, and disarming good looks. With these two facets of his character, he was able to re-create some of the more simple classics of years past, and is well build up a movie and stage performance career, allowing much more personal connection with his audience. His film credits peaked with an Academy Award for his performance in "From Here to Eternity".

The height of Sinatra's fame and power was in the 50s and the 1960s, even in the face of rock 'n roll dominating the music industry.  Sinatra had his loyal followers and they stayed with him because he kept producing and had some powerful singles such as "Witchcraft", "Come Fly With Me" and "My Way" which became a signature song of his, covered and performed thosuands of times.

In the 1960s Sinatra's career was as busy as ever as a result of his touring and filming with the Rat Pack (Ocean's 11), which included Sammy Davis Jr., Dean Martin, and Peter Lawton. It was also during this time that Sinatra's associations with mob boss Sam Giancana and President Kennedy earned him the moniker chairman of the board, but that also had a lot to do with his bold character.

Hey, if you're in the mood for some true sing-along jazzy classics, Siriusly Sinatra 75 could very well be your station.

Friday, November 28, 2008

Royalty Free Music

 

You read right!  The best selling 101 Music Clips package is back with volume 2 of this incredibly valuable offering!

You can get another 101 music clips to add to your collection just by taking action today!

If you need studio quality music to round out your products, this is exactly what you've been searching the Internet for.

Best of all, you get the entire package completely royalty free so you don't have to pay another cent, ever!

That's unheard of in the music licensing market but we strive to provide extreme value for you.

All of the these music clips come in easy to use formats so that you can quickly and easily put them to use in your products.

If you've wanted to add that movie star touch to your homemade products, this is your chance!

Don't forget that you can't get music of this high quality without having to pay royalties anywhere on the Internet.

This is what makes this package such a crazy offer and why you have every reason to take action right away.

Click here to check out the Royalty Free Music package and get moving on making your business more professional right now...

Have you wanted to add that professional flare to your products that only comes by having professional background music?

When you look for this online do you find nothing but expensive tracks or tracks that require ongoing royalty payments?

What if I told you that you could get all the music you need for your video products and online videos for a one-time fee?

And what if I further told you that this fee was dirt-cheap and delivered over 100 hot music clips to you?

I'm willing to bet that you would jump at the chance to grab this package just has hundreds of other people like you have.

There's no doubt that you've seen online videos out there that just seem extremely professional because they have background music.

Some have intro and outro music that adds the true "I'm a pro" feel to the entire video production.

Now you can be the person that is looked at as a true video pro because your videos have those awesome music segments.

Best of all, you get it all for a song and a dance and you're going to love the quality of this music.


 

Thursday, November 27, 2008

How To Remain Concentrated When Following On-line Guitar Lessons for Novices

Going it alone with studying the guitar is rewarding, saves you the money you'd otherwise spend on a teacher and lets you to develop at your individual pace.

As long as you can remain focused that is. Not all of us have the self discipline to follow a self study course of study all the way through and might even be better off going to an instructor who checks our progress each week and manoeuvres us in the right direction.

I for one feel it trying enough so I've come up with 3 sure fire ways to keep up that momentum and stay driven. They work well for me and if you want to {learn} to play guitar and keep some money in your pocket then read on:

1. Commit yourself timescales and deadlines to study to. For instance tell yourself that you intend to be able to play that song all the way through, or the main verse, or the chorus, or that solo by the end of the week. Don't beat yourself up if you can't meet the deadline but still give yourself a reason to exercise a certain amount each day until this goal is met - then go onto another.
2. Practice your scales, arpeggios, chord progressions and exercises first then play the song you're on afterward followed by some messing around. It can get tiring playing those all fundamental exercises and very inviting to simply skim them and move onto the fun part. Treat them like the green veggies you never wanted to eat as a kid but had to if you wanted some of that good dessert after.
3. Observe your guitar heroes on video web sites like Youtube, get day-to-day inspiration and as well observe the song you're exercising on being played. It can get isolated and demoralising when you're training your skills so watch your guitar idols and remember that they were where you are now and got to where they are by keeping on. 

These 3 methods are what keep me focused and developing my guitar skills when I could quite well simply stop practicing those tiresome musical scales and go and do something more fun. A program and some focusing will get you through the bad times and see you playing like a pro possibly even quicker than if you had paid out for a teacher.

Keep your eye on the prize, set practical goals, remain inspired and you will get there.

Peter Webber operates an accelerated on-line guitar lesson course of study at his website that focuses on how to utilize on-line resources integrated with goal setting and achievement tools to produce a truly different experience for the budding guitarist.

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

The rise and rise of 50 Cent

50 Cent - In Da Club

By joining forces with hip-hop masterminds Eminem and Dr. Dre, 50 Cent burst onto the rap music scene with enormous force, backed by his aggressive lyrics and violent nature. His debut album shot straight to number one and sold 1.5 million copies in its first week and a half of release, the highest ever for a debut.

The hype surrounding 50's highly anticipated debut album lead to 50 Cent-mania. Anything rap-related these days has 50's face, thuggish voice, or the hook from "In Da Club" plastered all over it. It seemed as if 50 miraculously emerged from the streets as an overnight sensation. 50 has appeared on the cover of major magazines everywhere including Rolling Stone and XXL. His first release, "In Da Club", shot straight to the number one slot on radio and music video stations across the nation.

50 Cent's history as a drug dealer on the streets of New York, and the fact that he survived being shot 9 times in a gang-related attack in 2000 give him a level of authenticity that few other hip-hop artists with pretentions to being "gangsters" can match. The girls, guns, cars and bling that feature in each of the 50 Cent music videos, along with a series of games for Playstation and XBox featuring 50 as a vigilante style killer have all helped to cement a violent, thuggish image. But his street cred also stems from his success as an acclaimed lyricist, featured on various mix tapes in his early days on the hip hop scene. Most of these mix tapes circulated throughout the streets of New York City. And as the story goes, 50's raps on these mix tapes is what hooked Eminem's attention, which led to his $1 million signing to Shady Records and Dre's Aftermath Records, in turn leading to the release of Get Rich Or Die Tryin'. Watch 50 Cent videos online to get a taste of this international hip hop superstar.

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Learn To Play Guitar - Use DVD to Learn How to Fretboard Notes and Charts

If learning how to play the guitar is your goal, you will find that DVD’s are some of the best training tools available. You can learn how to position your fingers on the fretboard, how to play different notes, and get additional practice training all from the convenience of your own home. You are able to select the time and length of study or practice, how often to practice and how to dress.

Are you interested in buying a DVD to learn the finger movements on the fretboard? You will find a large selection of DVD’s on how to fretboard on the sights listed below.

Amazon

Amazon is one of the largest retailers in the world and is a great place to shop for a learn to fretboard DVD. They have one of the most comprehensive selections with very competitive prices.

Amazon is a good site to look up other related articles on learning how to play guitar, learning guitar practice drills and learning what is most important in selecting a guitar.


Burley Music Entertainment

Burley’s offers a two-disc DVD that is a complete beginning to learning guitar. This set is a high quality audio, video and animated educational experience, as it provides private education for beginner guitarist and takes you through to the advance level of playing and then into singing if you desire to go that far.

This plan has 24 easy to follow lessons and is designed to improve your knowledge and skills. DVD’s permits you to take advantage of hearing and seeing what you are practicing as well as being able to repeat the lesson until you are comfortable with your results. This method has been known to accelerate learning for some people.

Buying this two-disc DVD set will also get you virtual metronomes, virtual tuners, chord charts, guitar positioning maps, and their online e-book which includes 8 weeks of suggested practice material that will guide you as your skills improve.

The objective is to have the best guitar instructions in a DVD format so it’s easy and convenient as possible for you to learn how to play the guitar. The majority of DVDs on the market for learning how to play guitar will also have a support number and information or how to contact their support group for assistance if you were to need it.

Monday, November 24, 2008

Guide to Learning To Play The Classical Guitar

If your goal is to play the classical guitar, make sure you understand the time commitment, musical development and the practice requirements in learning how to use the fretboard and guitar strings. The fretboard or fingerboard, is a piece of wood embedded with metal fretwires that constitutes the top of the neck. Pinching a string against the fretboard effectively shortens the vibrating length of the string, producing a higher tone (a string, unfingered, will vibrate from the saddle to the nut; once fingered, it will vibrate only along the distance between the saddle and the fretwire directly before the finger).

Getting Started

Now that you are ready to learn how to play the classical guitar, let’s look at how this guitar is different from the others. It is one of the more popular guitars to learn how to play and is better known as an acoustic guitar. This guitar is often used by talented musicians to show their creativity when playing a solo.

The classical guitar is characterized by its wider neck shape, nylon or silk strings, instrumental technique, and historic repertoire. Originally, the classical guitar was thought to be suited for bars and pubs and now it is referred to as the “little symphony” because brings depth of passion and expression to classical music.

Learning the Strings

The next step when learning to play the classical guitar is to learn the strings. The neck of the classical guitar is wider than most to accommodate the strings being wider spaced to allow for the clean plucking of notes. Here are a few tips that may help you when practicing the frets. Locate the number and press down on the string in the space before the fret of that string and then play the string. If you see a zero that means that it is an open string and then you do not hold any frets down. This may sound confusing but look at the fretboard and place your fingers before strumming to hear the notes.

Keeping beat and tuning is very important when you are playing the classical guitar. In classical guitar styles, the choice to use different tunings largely resides with composers or the arrangers of musical transcriptions. It’s good to start with an open tuning which is one where the strings are tuned so that a chord can be achieved without pressing any of the strings, or fretting.

You must bear in mind, when reading music, that most tabs do not show rhythm so you will have to listen to see how the song is played to hear the flow. When you find a chord, you will notice that there are a few numbers on top of one another. In order to play that chord, you must fret the numbers at the same time and then strum the strings that belong to that chord.

Does this sounds challenging? Well it is if you have never played guitar before, but with a little understanding and practice you will playing scales and on your way to making music. Each practice will bring you closer to the new skill that will provide pleasure for the rest of your life.

Sunday, November 23, 2008

How To Get Started With Bass Guitar

Want to play the bass? Good choice. While the bass guitar isn't nearly as popular as the regular electric guitar, it can be just as rewarding to play, if not more. The bass player acts as the glue in a band, tieing the rhythm section to the melodic components of the music. Bands that don't have bass players often sound thin and tinny, so your task is certainly important.

So, how do you get started playing the bass guitar? First, you'll need a bass. The most popular style of bass are the Fender bass guitars. Fender makes two main types of basses, the J-Bass and the P-Bass. Each of these have their own distintive tone, to be sure to listen to each before buying. There are also fancier types of basses out there, such as fretless basses, but let's not worry about those right now.

You will also need a bass amp. Without one of these amps, you won't be able to hear yoursef play! To start, get a small practice amp, which is designed for bedroom use by beginners. They are, however, too quiet to be heard over a drum kit, so you'll need a larger amp once you start performing.

Once you have your gear, you're going to want to get some lessons. Taking lessons as a beginning player will really help get you on the right track, and help get good habits locked in early on. A good teacher will help you with all parts of your playing, from technique to tone. Lessons may seem pricy, but they are worth it.

So, I hope this gives you a quick idea about what it takes to learn to play the bass guitar.  It will take time to get better, but it is worth it. Once you get the hand of it, playing the bass is a blast!

Saturday, November 22, 2008

MP3 Player Speakers: A Better Audio Experience

Though MP3 players do not come with their own speakers and people normally are given to listening to music through earbuds there are several companies that do in fact make MP3 player speakers that you can attach to your MP3 player and get more listening pleasure. MP3 players are indeed revolutionizing the way that people listen to music today and with not having to fumble about for CDs and cassettes they are also more convenient and provide quality music listening pleasure as well.

Sophisticated Units

For those of you who want a different audio experience and are not satisfied with using headphones or earbuds to listen to music, a pair of good MP3 player speakers is just the answer. Fortunately, it is not all that difficult to find a good pair of such speakers and there are a few companies that make very sophisticated units.

With the help of MP3 player speakers you can listen to music from your MP3 player without being glued to your player and so you will certainly get to appreciate the greater convenience it offers to you in allowing you to listen to music loud and clear.

Certain companies offer tripod MP3 player speakers in which a unit that is shaped like a cylindrical cone opens up just like camera tripods does and this serves as your MP3 player speakers. On each different arm of the tripod’s legs you will find a separate MP3 player speaker – each of which provides crystal clear sound and together they provide you high quality surround sound effect.

The simple fact in regard to using earbuds and headphones is that these can, when used over a long period of time, hurt your ears and also not allow you to concentrate on other tasks. However, by attaching an external pair of MP3 player speakers you can move about freely in your home and do other things while also enjoying the excellent sound emanating from a pair of good quality MP3 player speakers.

Typically, MP3 player speakers can be connected to your PC and also attach to docking systems that also recharge the MP3 player. MP3 player speakers are available in smaller sizes and some are even portable.

Portable MP3 player speakers help people to carry their entire collection of music without being bothered about anything and they also help you to share music with family and friends. You will get to enjoy a different music experience – one that you can share with others, whether you choose the portable version or the normal MP3 player speakers. So the speakers don’t die out on you, make sure the speakers’ batteries are always charged up.

View more articles at www.ipodaccessories.jsgenterprises.com.

Friday, November 21, 2008

Learn to Play Guitar using Fretboard Notes and Charts

The guitar is one of the more fascinating instruments to learn to play and is normally featured in most bands. Once you really understand and have mastered playing fretboard notes will you begin to explore the many different ways of blending music. The heart and soul of many bands are in the hands of their guitar players.

Witnessing a talented guitar player create great music will cause you to question. Could that be me? Yes, you too can play like that!

Positioning your fingers on the fretboard to produce notes may be the starting point for learning how to play the guitar. True beginners will start with simply holding the guitar and learning finger placements on the fretboard. Learning fretboard notes is an essential part of learning to play the guitar, and understanding the fretboard charts will allow you to move beyond playing open chords.

Professional Instructions

There are many options available to learn how to read, understand and play notes on the fretboard. If your goal is to have lasting results, my recommendation is to invest in private lessons with a professional instructor. Your instructor will help you learn and understand the importance of what you are learning and teach you how to get the best out of each practice by sharing additional information they have learned over the years. These additional tips will help improve your musical knowledge and give you a better understanding of what you are working to accomplish.

You will want to give some thought to the learning environment and experience of the instructor. Do you feel you will be able to learn and excel under their instructions? Try to match your learning style with their teaching style to get the best results. Discuss your goals with the instructor and ask for their input on how you should proceed.

Initially you will learn how to position your fingers on the fretboard and what note corresponds to each position. You are required to memorize the charts, finger positions and beats to play the proper notes. After gaining experience you will be able to see the chart in your mind as your fingers glide across the fretboard. This basic step will require a lot of practice to learn finger control and proper note sounds before you can progress to the next stage of learning to play guitar.

When you understand and have mastered playing the proper notes with the guitar you will be amazed at how simple playing the guitar really is. You will find that adding notes and sounds to old songs, creating new songs, or simply spicing up music is fairly easy to accomplish.

They will be able to hear the difference as you practice and learn to play new songs!

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Creative MP3 Player Speakers: A Bit Expensive, But Trendy And Fashionable

MP3 player speakers are available in a number of different shapes and sizes and Creative is a company that has for a long time offered some very classic designs in their range of Creative MP3 player speakers. The I-Trigue speaker series which are really trendy and very fashionable are in particular very impressive.

Best Quality Of Sound

With Creative MP3 player speakers such as are embodied in the I-Trigue series you can be sure of listening to the best quality sound and the speakers them are a good mix of tradition as well as modern designs. In fact, this particular model of Creative MP3 player speakers is quite similar to another popular brand of MP3 player speakers which is the offering from Altec Lansing.

A typical I-Trigue pair of Creative MP3 player speakers come with audio cable as well as power adapter as well as remote control (wired) and a guide to get you started with this particular pair of speakers. These Creative MP3 player speakers provide excellent bass sound and also have good ability to adjust bass through the remote.

Your Creative MP3 player speakers will offer you a good chance to enjoy music of different genres and one thing is assured that the reproduction in the high as well as mid-frequency range is truly outstanding. Also, it would not be wrong to say that a pair of Creative MP3 player speakers will certainly prove to be a better buy than buying a pair of Altec Lansing speakers.

The best part about preferring Creative MP3 player speakers is that these speakers provide crisp as well as clear high and mid notes. The bass is abundant and quite powerful and if you are a gamer or movie addict then choosing Creative MP3 player speakers can prove to be the wisest decision you have ever made.

Now that more and more people have become accustomed to listening to music on the go, the demand for MP3 player portable speakers has certainly shot up, especially because CD players are no longer the “in” thing in portable music devices.

You must also evaluate the price of these Creative MP3 player speakers and so, should be prepared to pay a little more than for other standard MP3 player speakers. In fact, you should expect to pay almost double the price of a pair of Altec Lansing speakers; however it is a fair buy and if you can afford the asking price then you should not hesitate in going for a pair of Creative MP3 player speakers.

View more articles at www.ipodaccessories.jsgenterprises.com.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Finding MP3 Player Accessories

Chances are that you have one also, as MP3s are incredibly popular around the world. They allow you to play and listen to your music no matter where you are in the world, and makes it incredibly convenient at that. Now if you have an MP3 player, you are going to want to get the right MP3 player accessories so that you can have the best music listening experiences.

Earphones

One of the best MP3 player accessories that you can get is a set of earphones. These will usually be included with your purchase of your MP3 player, but if you want a specific color or brand for instance, then you will need to shop around until you find the MP3 player accessories that you are looking for.

The Creative EP-630 earphones are particularly popular and they allow you to listen to your favorite music in the best quality possible.

Car Transmitter

Another of the best MP3 player accessories and one that you will definitely want to get for yourself is the car transmitter. This device allows you to battery up your MP3 player while you are driving in your car. All you need to do is insert the device into your lighter socket in the car, and then plug it into your MP3 player, and it will start charging.

For people who love their MP3 player, but who are often on the road or traveling and do not have access to an electrical socket this is a very handy device.

Speaker and Headphone Splitter

The last of the most popular MP3 player accessories to be discussed here is the speaker and headphone splitter. This device lets you connect two mini-stereo headphones or speakers to the same jack on your MP3 player, portable cassette, or CD player. You get a lot more versatility with your MP3 player and can really make the most of it this way.

The best idea will be for you to take a bit of time and check out all the different options that are available to you, these are just three of the most basic accessories that you can purchase for your MP3. This way you can see what all the different accessories are and choose the ones that you are going to enjoy the most. Remember there are also new accessories coming out all the time.

View more articles at www.ipodaccessories.jsgenterprises.com.

Monday, November 17, 2008

Nashville's Best Songwriter Stage - The Bluebird Cafe

It's off the tourist-beaten track, and it's a locale worth finding for attentive listening, so the rules don't tolerate talking during the performances.  If you've heard of the Bluebird Cafe but have not been there in the flesh, you will likely be surprised at how diminutive it is.

Almost hidden in a characterless strip of shops on Hillsboro Road in Green Hills, with a barely visible sign, the Bluebird Cafe is a midget hole in the wall eating place and bar, where four musicians sing from the center of the venue, in the round. It's a extremely folksy, cozy scene, in which to experience some of Nashville's up and coming and accomplished musicians.

Actually, the musician in the round setting got its start at the Bluebird.  Artists Fred Knobloch (Used to Blue and Meanwhile), and Don Schlitz (The Gambler and Forever and Ever, Amen), purportedly after an evening of drinking, resolved to stick four seats facing each other in the heart of the cafe, kill the lights, and just behold whatever takes place. This format proved to go so well, that you're likely to see it at the majority of songwriter's gatherings in Nashville.

The Bluebird has not solely come up to be famous as Music City's most respected venue to enjoy artists, but it has been the starting place for many noted country musicians, starting back in 1983 when Kathy Mattea landed a record contract after playing at the Bluebird for just a short time. Once that came about, the Bluebird became one of the most competitive places to sing.  And this phenomenon would persist to repeat over and over, as several of the Bluebird's musician regulars continued to get recording deals, and singer-songwriter after singer-songwriter attained renown in the one and the same way. (There have been too many popular musicians "born" at the Bluebird to name all of them here, but have you heard of Garth Brooks? - Yes, indeed, he got his big break at the Bluebird, too.)

The Bluebird Cafe provides two presentations every night, and reservations are recommended, which you can make on the web (probably the optimal way) or by calling in on the phone. But if you have not got reservations and wish to travel over there at the last minute, you really ought to give it a try - the Bluebird staff will do all they can to seat you at the performance. The Bluebird certainly ought to be on any visitor's list of Nashville attractions to enjoy.

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Software - Learn to Play Guitar

There is interactive software programs on the market that will help you learn how to play the guitar. Some software will display your finger placement on the fretboard and analyze the sound of the note to provide instant feedback. Most homes have at least one computer where anyone can download the software to learn playing guitar. The use of software is for disciplined individuals with the confidence and ability to analyze and practice the notes as instructed by the software. If you require personal attention, you may find that the software learning method may not be for you.

How Does It Work

The guitar learning software will instruct you on hand and finger placement, the proper handling of a guitar and how to move your hands on the fretboard to play each note. As you know, assuming this is not your first article on how to play guitar,in order to play guitar you will need to use both hands. When you place pressure on the guitar strings on the fretboard and strum or pick the strings on the body you are making music if the notes can be heard. Learning finger placement on the fretboard is where a lot of practice time is used because this is how you control your notes, chords and tempo. Fretboard finger exercise practice will improve your ability in playing a series of notes without hesitation. Learning to play guitar using interactive software will allow you to have the benefits of an instuctor regardless of what time you practice. Notes will have to be played correctly before the software will allow you to continue.

The Right Software for You

The software is readily available on the internet and can be found by reading reviews and recommendations in the guitar forums. Before we start our search let’s look at what type of software will work best for you. Answering the following questions will help in choosing the right software:

1. Are you considering learning to play the guitar or are you ready to learn?
2. Are you self-motivated and willing to complete the learning process on your own?
3. Practice builds strength and flexibility, will you practice as much as possible?
4. How far would you like your playing abilities to take you?
5. What budget are you starting with to learn how to play guitar

If you pick up any sort of guitar magazine, you'll definitely find some famous guitarist advertising guitar learning software. You can then compare that software, with the ones mentioned in the forums and on the internet. Simply go with software that matches your learning style and you should be happy with your selection.

Choosing the right software will help you learn how to play the guitar quicker and without stress as you enjoy each of your training sessions and see progress in your playing abilities. Music is the result of learning how to play the guitar correctly!

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Features of the Popular XM Radio

printable sheet music

XM Radio provides over 150 programs that include music, sports and entertainment, traffic and weather channels.

The music area has the largest number of channels. Here are 68 music channels that you can enjoy and where you can listen to your favorite music whether is from the 60s, the 90s or it’s the new released music. There are music-by-the-decade channels that include the 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s songs which are mostly pop/rock outlets, the Top 20 channel, Love Songs, Movie Soundtracks, Show Tunes, MTV, VH1, and a Global hits channel. For those you prefer new printable sheet music there is the Unsigned channel and the XMU channel. The last one can be compared to a college station. If you are a jazz fan, XM offers you live music from the Blue Note club and the B.B. King Club in New York City.

There are entertainment shows on XM radio hosted by Tom Perry, Snoop Dog or Quincy Jones. Comedy shows may be found on the High Voltage channel where shock jocks Opie and Anthony do their job now uncensored. In totally, XM has three comedy channels including a family comedy channel. Beside these, there are more radio channels like Playboy Radio and Public Radio hosted by Bob Edwards which includes a line of NPR shows that you can enjoy whenever you like.

If you are a sports fanatic you can choose from a good variety of channel dedicated to sports that are provided by XM radio. This includes college football and basketball, NASCAR and Major League Baseball. You can easily listen to the Bowl Championship Series to find out which team is going to the next level, the NCAA Division I football champion.

With a subscription from XM, you will have 38 channels of sports, news and talk channels. For example, ABC News & Talk, BBC World Service, CNBC, Court TV, C-Span, CNN, CNN Headline News, Discovery Channel, E Entertainment, two ESPN channels, Fox News, NASCAR Racing are a few talk station to which you can listen. Local weather and traffic channels are provided too and in totally, they are 22 channels.

Sound clearance depends on the subscription you have. If you have satellite radio from XM, the sound has more quality than the one from Sirius, but still you can’t say that is the same as a CD. You can say that the sound is somewhere between the sound of a CD and AM radio. Hopefully, in the years that will come, the sound quality will improve.

As this technology appeared so did a new line of hardware that can match people’s desires.
And XM has new things to offer like the Delphi XM MyFi which is a small receiver, actually the smallest in the world that can include up to five yours of XM content to which you can listen anywhere you like. Another is the Delphi SkyFi2 which has a TiVo-like 30-Minute Replay feature so, you can rewind, push the pause button or just play it forward to hear southern gospel music, news or anything else you stored on the it. This equipments are also produced by Sony, Alpine, Pioneer and of course others.

Friday, November 14, 2008

Free Music Downloads For PSP – How To Get Free Music Downloads For The PSP

If you own a PSP, you probably want to put music on it. A Play Station Portable (PSP) has an application that can play music files stored in your memory stick. It supports many audio file types such as mp3, mp4, wma, 3gp and wav.

Your PSP can also play movies, making it a very popular portable media device. If you take a look on the people around you, you can see that they have their own portable media device. You can also see a lot of them using their PSP as their portable media device. This capability of the PSP has been used by their owners to their advantage.

There are many ways to put music files on your PSP. First, if you have a CD containing the songs, you can rip the music with Windows Media Player or you can simply copy and paste it to your PC.

You may also have music files in your PC. If you do, you can get all the music files you want and copy it to your memory stick. Once you´ve copied it, you are now able to play music with your PSP.

If the audio file is not compatible with your PSP player, you can use an music audio converter to convert those music to the various formats that a PSP would accept.

You can easily download an PSP music converter online. Just visit download.com or softpedia and get a freeware PSP music convert software to convert the music files to PSP format.

If you want to get free music downloads for PSP online, I recommend you join a paid PSP music download site. These sites allows you to download unlimited PSP music for a one time fee. Besides free PSP music downloads, you can also download free PSP movies, games as well. The download speeds are faster.

I highly recommend you check these out.

Discover the best site to get free music downloads for PSP. Learn how to get free music downloads for PSP instantly online.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

What MP3 Player Accessories Do I Need?

The variety of MP3 player accessories available these days is huge—and growing every day. In fact, for just about any situation you can think of where you might use your MP3 player, someone has come up with a unique piece of equipment that will help you get the most from your MP3 files, whether they are music or video. Let's take a look at some of the creative MP3 player accessories that are available, both online and at your favorite local electronics source.

Cases and other Carriers for your MP 3

What's one of the best things about MP3 players? Portability, of course! One of the most-used MP3 player accessories for many people is a good, sturdy, great-looking case. Or, if you're a jogger, biker, or skateboarder, maybe what you're looking for is an armband, so you can take your tunes with you while you're on the go. Clips for belts and backpack straps are another popular option. You can expect to pay from $9.99 for some of the least expensive cases, up to $29.99 or more for the higher-end sport armbands or other carriers.

Speakers

But enjoying your MP3 player isn't always about portability, right? There are lots of great speaker solutions that allow you to get that concert-hall sound right in your living room. Often, these speaker docks will have built-in chargers for your player, and some feature built-in FM radios receivers and other features as well. Allowing you to listen to your music with impressive depth and volume of sound, many of the most respected names in sound equipment offer speakers for your MP3 player. Depending on the features you need, prices can run from the high $20s to $250 and more.

Car connections

One of the most creative MP3 player accessories on the market today is a device that allows you to listen to your MP3 files through your car's stereo system. At the factory, in fact, some auto manufacturers have begun installing MP3 inputs. But even if your ride didn't come with a built-in MP3 jack, don't despair—plenty of vendors have what you need to hear your favorite music (or watch your video files with sound from your car's audio system) while you're cruising down the road. Many of the most popular MP3 player accessories for the car use the FM receiver in your car system to play files through the stereo. Many of these devices, in fact, are wireless—just plug them into the appropriate input on your MP3 player, tune them to the proper FM band, and you're all set!

Other Cool Stuff

The above list is nowhere near exhaustive. Other MP3 player accessories that can enhance your enjoyment of your system include headphones and ear buds, FM-capture devices that allow you to convert FM radio to MP3 files, universal docks, headphone splitters to permit multiple users to connect headphones to the same MP3 player… and lots more!

 The variety of MP3 player accessories available these days is huge—and growing every day for just about any situation you can think of where you might use your MP3 player. View more articles at www.mp3.jsgenterprises.com.   

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Learn to Sing Instantly!

Have you always wanted to know how to sing? Have you ever wondered how those singing sensations on reality shows learned how to belt it out? Or how tenors can create hair-raising finales? Has anybody ever told you that you've got a voice only a mother could love?

Singing is a gift. But you could also learn it with proper technique training. For whatever a person does, one of the most important thing is to have the determination to work for it. Learning to sing requires determination and want too. Besides that, here are some other things that could help you become a singing sensation in no time:

The Mentor

To learn to sing, you need to look for mentors who could give feedback. Singing, being a form of performance art, requires feedback from an audience. If you really wanna be a singer, you gotta have a voice coach.  If you remember American Idol, you see people who believed for the longest time that they had fantastic voices, only to be quashed by Simon Cowell. Faith in your own talent is good but a mentor would be able to help you in training. A coach is important to help you determine the quality of your voice, the accuracy of your tone, and your voice range.A coach can give you professional training.  You could also try seeking choirs in church or in school for coaches, where regular trainings and practices are done. It would be great if you can sing with a group because it can make your learning more holistic.

Breathe

An important part of singing is breathing. Before a vocalizing exercise, you should do a bit of an exercise by putting your palm on your sternum—the bottom of the lungs; that area where the rib cages meet. For about a minute, observe how your lungs expand and contract as you breathe. Proper breathing is one of the most underrated yet most important skill that a singer should learn. That kind of training would help you learn to control your voice so you belt out properly and smoothly. Hold your breath for as long as you could—you're gonna need this skill if you wanna sing properly. Take note, some songs may have convenient breathing pauses but there are some out there that don't.

Know the notes

Doing your practices with the notes is best done with a group or a choir. You get compelled to listen to how your voice really sounds like and whether you're in tune or not. It helps you find out trouble spots and areas of improvement. Because the mix of low notes to high notes require fast shifts and focus, there are drills dedicated to help the singer incorporate breathing while singing. Of course, you can do it alone as well but really, the best way is to have other people around. Check your tones with a piano if you play one. Press a key, listen to it, and replicate it with your voice. Increase and decrease your pitch sequentially to check how you're doing. You'll know you're on the right track if you hit the right notes.

Pronunciation

Singing is not only about rhythm and flow, but also about words. Singing requires the proper pronounciation of words more than an average person thinks so. Focus on pronouncing your vowels at every pitch because words are mostly made of alternating vowels and consonants. Of course, across cultures (and subcultures even), we have different ways of pronouncing words and singing them. Always listen to the way singers sing their songs, no matter how pop a singer is or how different he or she is from your taste. Having a model helps in training on a certain song and its lyrics.

Knowing your voice, choosing songs

We have heard it a million times, and we will say it again here. If you know which song fits you, it means you already know your voice. New singers usually choose songs that don't actually compliment their singing voice. A coach or a choir can direct you to the type of song that would best work for your voice.  While fusion is the key nowadays, some songs just don't work on some voices.  Your voice might have improved but the song is just too bad.  The choice of song is not merely a matter of taste. It's a way to display your vocal prowess. Voices have characters that make each unique as well. A proper song would display your voice at its best.

Enjoy

A lot of guides tell you what to do and what not to do. Not a lot tell you to enjoy and be passionate. Singing is expression. What's important is that you enjoy yourself, whether or not you're just beginning to learn to sing or you've been singing all your life. You don't have to make practice some kind of task, you could make it enjoyable with a karaoke night. Singing is, first and foremost, for enjoyment. 

The key to learning how to sing is not just about knowing the technicalities of singing, breathing right, or reaching the right notes—it's about love and passion for expression, most of all.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

The History of Bagpipes - Kinnaird Bagpipes

The History of Bagpipes

What would give anyone the idea to put some sticks into an animals stomach and blow on them?? A hornpipe-like instrument was the first of its sort, but it is unclear when the bag was attached. Similar instruments were used in the Middle East long before the birth of Christ. They have been an important aspect of Scottish life since Medieval times.

In 400 BC, Ancient Greeks used bagpipes made with man's best friend. That's right, a dog skin bag with bones for chanters!!! Emperor Nero was said to have played the pipes as Rome burned. Starting in the second millennium, bagpipes start frequenting many artists canvas’ and we began to see more written information as well.

It is also said that the pipes were present at the famed Battle of Bannockburn in Scotland in 1314. For over 1000 years, the pipes have been associated with the Celtic race.

Although the Great Highland Bagpipes are the most common in the world, there are actually over 30 varieties in many different countries. Since their history was first studied in the 18th century, the bagpipes' distinct sound and appearance has become recognizable throughout the world.

 

Bagpipes, did you know?

·        The trumpet was the instrument of the Roman cavalry, and the bagpipe was used by the Roman infantry

·        The original pipes in Scotland only had one drone attached. It wasn’t until the1500’s that a second was added, and the 1700’s until the third drone was added.

·        Queen Victoria was the first monarch to have her own personal piper. She requested her own after her trip to Scotland in 1842.

·        The Brazilians call the bagpipe gaita de foles, which is Portuguese for "screams of the tortured monkey".

·        Bagpipes were originally made out of bog oak. Bog oak would have been buried deep in peat bogs, and the wood is hardened and preserved for up to thousands of years due to the bog conditions.

Sincerely,

Rauncie Kinnaird

Kinnaird Bagpipes

 

Email: r.k@sasktel.net

Phone: 306-249-2939

Website: http://www.kinnairdbagpipes.com

Monday, November 10, 2008

This Video Can Teach you How to Play the Guitar

In the course of three years of learning to play, I have discovered several methods of finding guitar lessons on video.My husband gifted me with the DVD set "Simply Guitar" for my first lessons.The set helped my very much in my first learning attempts, because the camera angles were adjustable to my view. Looking at the video while strumming the guitar worked very good for my lessons. Because it makes the process of forming the chords much simpler than looking at a chart alone, I was able to pick up the guitar and play several songs much more quickly.Perhaps this learning method is peculiar to me because I learn better with visuals. And I can read music so learning guitar-playing only required me to understand the techniques.

One can choose on Inrernet websites the DVDs or video lessons appropriate for his learning pace or skill level. For those who have enough time, the boxed DVD or video sets are usually complete and comprehensive enough for detailed home study. Many of these DVD sets also advertise that will teach the student to read music or at least guitar tablature as well as the technique of playing. For a true beginner, this would be a second-best way of learning, after taking a course either online or in a music school.

If individual teaching is not for you, there are video class instructions on guitar-playing also available on the Web. You can try one of the best online guitar lessons here in  this Jamorama review site.

Schools and colleges now offer video lessons, even granting credits for certificates as wella s degrees for the really serious aspiring musician who may want to learn the guitar to his skills.I this way, a more personalized instruction can be given a student by the instructor when difficulties arise.But this method can be expensive given the tuition of instructors and coursework requirements.

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Are You Interested in Learning How To Play Guitar Fast?

Have you always wanted to learn how to play the guitar? If so, you have chosen the right instrument and you will not be bored a minute because there are so many different songs you can learn to play as you practice.

Developing finger flexibility and strength can be gained by practicing scales and the more you practice correctly, the faster you will learn how to play the guitar. Keep in mind that when you are learning at a fast pace the fine details are even more important and daily practice is critical.

What are the steps in learning how to play the guitar fast? Read the details below:

Buy a Guitar

This is the first step if you are starting out and you may require help unless you have completed your research and are confident in your selection. If you are new to the music world, you will find professional help in selecting a guitar and equipment available at most music stores.

Your first priority is to find a guitar that fits comfortably in your hands and feels like it was made especially for you. The importance of this can’t be stressed enough, as you are learning to play the guitar and spending a lot of time with the guitar in your hands.

Starting Point

If you would like to learn to play the guitar fast, using instructional DVDs will come in handy even if you are taking private lessons. They provide detailed instructions on all aspects of learning how to play guitar and can be used to review lessons or practice routines to ensure you really understand them. By using interactive support, your music knowledge and understanding will allow for faster progress in playing the guitar.

After building finger strength and speed by playing scales, you will need to invest in song books to continue learning how to play acoustic or electric guitars. These can be found in your local music stores, and you will want to start off with beginner songs that are easier to play so you can work on your finger transitions as you are learning to play the songs.

If you are still interested in learning how to play the guitar fast, then be prepared to practice anywhere from 1 to 10 hours per day in order to become proficient in learning, listening, and repeating the correct movements until they are second nature to you. Developing finger control, strength and precision placement will add to the sounds of the notes you are playing and bring you a greater appreciation of playing the guitar.

Upon completion of the beginners songs book, you should be able to play different songs and chords that will blend easily with other instruments.

Learning how to play the guitar fast may be challenging but you will enjoy every minute of it when you hear the results you have accomplished in such a short period of time.

Time is wasting…. Why are you waiting?

Saturday, November 8, 2008

The Best Players Learn to Play Acoustic Guitar

Learning to play like the best acoustic guitar players is an admirable goal. If your goal is to reach this level then continue reading to get an understanding of what it will take to start this process. You must build a solid musical base by learning and understanding all aspects of the acoustic guitar while gaining playing experience. If you have learned to play guitar by tabs, you will have to know how to read music in order to play music that others have written and to write your own music.

When learning how to play the acoustic guitar from professional instructors or with interactive software, you will learn many short cuts that will enhance your playing abilities. Using interactive software to analyze the notes you are playing will help you make immediate changes in your finger placements to correctly play the notes.

Selecting the right acoustic guitar will also play a role in learning to play. One of the best investments you can make is buying a quality guitar to play. Quality equipment will add to your confidence level as you learn and practice playing the acoustic guitar. The sound coming from a quality guitar has a richer tone and the guitar will withstand the many practices required to become one of the best players.
Constant improvement and practice are necessary to become known as one of the best acoustic guitar players.

Tips On Learning The Best

While some people have a better ear for music than others, it is always recommended to learn how to read music when learning how to play guitar. By starting to read music when you first start playing you will have an opportunity to improve your skills as you are learning to play. Learning to read music will enhance your playing skills as you will be able to play with other instruments from the same sheet music.

When selecting an instructor to learn how to play acoustic guitar, you will be searching for someone that have a proven record of successfully teaching others. You should also ask for a free consultation and practice to make sure you have a match in personality and work ethics before committing to lessons.

If you are satisfied with your results, it is time to start learning how to play the acoustic guitar. Learning how to play the acoustic guitar is for you! You can start your program now and be playing by the holidays.

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Kinnaird Bagpipes - Tuning your Bagpipes with a KORG tuner

September 2008

 

Featured Article

 

Tuning Your Bagpipes with the Korg Chromatic Tuner

Tuning your pipes can be difficult- the drones must be precisely tuned to each other and also to the chanter. Each note of the chanter must be pitched so that it properly harmonizes with the constant background sound of the drones. This tuning can be done with a well trained ear, but if you're lacking one of those, a chromatic tuner can be used.

Tuning the Chanter
Sound the low A on your chanter and note where it is tuning on the meter. Adjust the calibration buttons until your low A reads "0" on the meter. The green tuning light will come on when your meter is in tune with low A. Use the meter notes and offsets from "0" in the following table to tune the other notes of the chanter. Ensure that the meter is reading the correct "note" which will show up in the top right corner of the tuner. Notes "C" and "F" show up as "C#" and "F#" on the tuner. The first column is the Note. Second column is the ratio to Low A. Third column is the Meter Note. Fourth column is the Meter Offset.

Low G_________7/8 ___G____-31
Low A__________ 1____A____ 0
B_____________ 9/8___B____+4
C_____________5/4___C___ -14
D_____________4/3___D____ -2
E_____________3/2___E ____+2
F_____________5/3___F#___-16
High G_________7/4___G___-31
High A_________2/1___A_____0
Tenor Drone____1/2____A____0
Bass Drone_____1/4___A_____0

If the top hand is sharp compared to the bottom hand, lift the reed slightly out of the chanter to bring the pitch of the top hand down. Add some hemp to the reed if necessary. If the top hand is flat to the bottom hand sink the reed further into the chanter. This will bring up the pitch of the top hand relative to the bottom hand. To flatten individual notes, add a piece of tape to cover the top of the first open hole on the chanter. Sharpening individual notes requires modification to the chanter reed or chanter and should only be done by experienced players.

Tuning the Drones
The drones are tuned to the low A on the pipe chanter. Sound low A on your chanter and adjust the calibration button until the meter reads "0". Adjust the tuning on each of your drones until they are reading "0" on the meter also.

Sincerely,

Rauncie Kinnaird

Kinnaird Bagpipes

 

 

 

Email: r.k@sasktel.net

Phone: 306-249-2939

Website: http://www.kinnairdbagpipes.com

Kinnaird Bagpipes - Trouble Shooting Kinnaird Drone Reeds

July 2008

Featured Article

 

Trouble Shooting Kinnaird Drone Reeds

We get calls and emails regularly from people who need help with the Kinnaird Drone Reeds. This article addresses some of the most commonly asked questions.

1. Double Toning- The reed is not getting enough air pressure. The most likely reason is that the reed is set up too strong. Move the bridle towards the vibrating end of the reed to make it easier. Another issue may be air restriction to the stock. There may be a build up of seasoning in the bottom of the stock or a drone valve or enhancer may be too restrictive. Remove the valve or enhancer to see if it solves the problem. Check their instructions to adjust them so that they take less pressure to open. Canister systems can also cause restrictions. Check that all hoses are not kinked or leaking and that the canister is not too close to the bag restricting airflow.

2. Squealing- The reed tongue could be too short. Lengthening the tongue should fix it. If not, there may be some debris underneath the tongue. Clean under the tongue by inserting a dollar bill or business card under the tongue and dragging it out the side, while applying gentle pressure to the top of the tongue. You can also remove the tongue and clean the tongue and bed of the reed with warm soapy water.

3. Drones Shutting Off- Often the reeds are set up too easy or there is excess moisture. If the reeds are too easy, move the bridle away from the vibrating end of the tongue to make them stronger. If the reed is fine when you start, but shuts down after playing for a while, it is likely a moisture issue. Insert a dollar bill or business card underneath the tongue to absorb some of the moisture. You can also remove the nose cone and put a pipe cleaner up the bore of the reed & in the end of the nose cone. Dry out the bores with a cotton brush. Moisture control systems are great solutions and come in a variety of styles.

4. Make sure that your reeds are installed correctly. Many issues are due to improper set up. Full set up instructions for Kinnaird drone reeds and their replacement parts can be found on the FAQs portion of our website.

These are just a few of the most commonly asked questions. For more information, refer to the FAQs portion of the website. If you still can not find an answer to your problem, don't hesitate to call or email us!

Sincerely,

Rauncie Kinnaird

Kinnaird Bagpipes

 

Email: r.k@sasktel.net

Phone: 306-249-2939

Website: http://www.kinnairdbagpipes.com

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Kinnaird Bagpipes- Healthy Bagpiping!

June 2008

 

Featured Article

 

Healthy Piping!

Playing the bagpipes is a great way to build up your lung capacity and is great for the cardiovascular system, but have you ever wondered what you might be breathing in?

Not only is moisture control important for maintaining a steady & reliable instrument, but it can also prevent the appearance of pathogens. Moisture can build up in many areas of the pipes, becoming a breeding ground for fungi and bacteria.

Being an organic substance, animal hide bags tend to be great breeding grounds for bacteria. Moisture from the piper's mouth and lungs builds up over time inside the bag causing bacteria and fungi to grow. Some bag dressings can address this issue, but not completely eliminate it. In fact, some dressings act as culture mediums for the bacteria.

Pipe bags are not the only issue. Moisture can build up on the reeds and in the drones. As the piper breathes, they may inhale any spores that have collected in the pipes. This can lead to lung infections and diseases, pneumonia, even brain diseases. Some early warning signs to look for are changes in ability to breathe and play, or voice fatigue.

New technology has greatly reduced these issues. Synthetic pipe bags, synthetic reeds and moisture control systems all help to reduce the amount of moisture build up in an effort to keep the pipes clean and pathogen free. Synthetic bags do not absorb moisture like hide bags do and do not require seasoning, which greatly reduces the opportunity for fungi and bacterial growth. Synthetic drone reeds also reduce moisture build up, unlike cane reeds which can absorb moisture. Best of all, moisture control systems are designed specifically to reduce the amount of moisture inside the bag. They come in a variety of designs from a basic water trap to a desiccant filled canister system. Their use will keep your pipes safe to play.

Always make sure you keep your pipes clean and dry them out whenever you get the chance. Happy, and healthy piping!

 

Sincerely,

 

Rauncie Kinnaird

Kinnaird Bagpipes

 

Email: r.k@sasktel.net

Phone: 306-249-2939

Website: http://www.kinnairdbagpipes.com

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Kinnaird Bagpipes - The Blackwood Tree

February 2008

 

Looking for a specific bagpipe tune? The Encyclopedia of Tunes is a complete listing of 22,300 tunes from 328 pipe music books. It can save you time and energy when you're trying to find the right tune!

 

Featured Article

The Bagpipe Tree

The Mpingo tree, also called the African Blackwood, is a member of the Rosewood family that grows in the Miombo woodlands of Africa. It has a high density, great durability, and natural oils that seal the surface of the wood, making it great for musical instruments like the bagpipes.

These trees often grow naturally knotted and twisted. To use them for musical instruments, they must be straight and without defects. Less than 2% of all the wood harvested can be used for this purpose! It takes about 70 years for the Mpingo tree to reach maturity followed by 3 years of processing before it can be used to make an instrument.

The middle of the wood is black and so hard that it can blunt an axe and must be drilled before screwing or nailing it. The wood is very resistant and the roots support bacteria that increase soil fertility.

As Tanzania's national tree, it is the most valuable tree harvested and also the most expensive, requiring special equipment to harvest. These trees are currently at risk of being wiped out. There has been a shortage over the last 20 years due to weather, political instability and economics. In many places, the trees are illegally cut down or burned to clear the area for farming and livestock. Burning kills the younger trees and leaves the older trees deformed and diseased.

There are efforts in place to save the "bagpipe tree" and create a sustainable supply for the future. Reaching these goals will not only increase the amount of trees legally harvested, but will also reduce poverty in the area, help to rebuild the forests, conserve water, reduce soil erosion and, keep the music playing!

All of the Blackwood we use comes from a supplier that purchases wood from a government approved seller whose trees are legally harvested and documented. The wood is only supplied to musical instrument companies.

The government of Tanzania is trying to cut back on the amount of tree smuggling by scanning and conducting physical searches of cargo shipments. There are increasing efforts to monitor the legal trade of African Blackwood and police the illegal trade. All of these factors add to the cost of the wood. Most reputable Bagpipe manufacturers use wood from legally harvested trees. Ask us about fair trade bagpipes!

Sincerely,

Rauncie Kinnaird

Kinnaird Bagpipes

 

Email: r.k@sasktel.net

Phone: 306-249-2939

Website: http://www.kinnairdbagpipes.com

Monday, November 3, 2008

What Is The Difference Between Abridged Vs Unabridged Audio Book

new audio book

There is no doubt that audio books on CD and in MP3 format are very popular these days. People love to make good use of their time by listening to "books on tape," which would be more appropriately called "books on iPod" in this age of handy digital devices. When shopping for an audio book many people encounter listings for both an abridged and an unabridged audio book version and are not always clear about what the difference is.

There are many people who don't realized that they might want to look for the unabridged audio book version when they were buying a new audio book, but had simply bought whatever was featured or listed as the most popular for that particular title. In fact, a very good percentage of all audio books on the shelves of bookstores or available as audio book downloads are actually the abridged version and many people purchase them without even realizing that fact. Still, the question remains, what is the real difference between the two types of audio books on sale?

An unabridged audio book can be considered the full and complete version of the original printed tome, word for word. Abridged audio book versions have been edited. In some cases, the editing is fairly minor and does not leave much out from the original work, while in other cases the editing can be quite extensive. Also, in some cases the author is the one who does the editing, or the publisher might edit the work without the input of the author if they have contractual rights to do so.

What this means is that an abridged work, whether in the form of a printed book, an electronic ebook, or an audio book on CD or MP3, does not contain the complete and original work of the author. An unabridged audio book, on the other hand, will be read by the author or by a voice-over artist and every single word in the volume will be recorded as the audio book. Therefore, the unabridged version will be as close to the original message and intent of the author as one can possibly get without inviting the author over for a personal reading.

This may bring up the question, why would anyone buy anything except an unabridged audio book? There are many reasons for this, but the primary reason is to make the recording shorter. This allows the listener to listen to the audio book in less time and when dealing with very long tomes, this can be a great benefit if time is short and if the listener simply wants to be able to get the gist or the highlights of the book by listening to a shortened audio version.

One reason people seek out the shorter, abridged versions of audio books on CD is so that they can use them as a review of material that they have already read. This can be helpful to students preparing for exams, or to a business man preparing for a presentation based on a certain book, or even just to enjoy a quick refresher of a favorite novel.

However, there are many people who feel that they might be missing something important that the author was trying to communicate if they only have access to the abridged version. In those cases, an unabridged audio book is the best choice and the listener can relax and enjoy the volume and know that they are getting the full story.

Sunday, November 2, 2008

Kinnaird Bagpipes - Getting the Most out of Your Pipe Bag

November 2007

 

Have you tried the Piper's Pal humidity control system? It can extend the life of your reeds and ease the break in period. Have reeds ready when you need them. Available in 3 styles: Piper's Pal Reed Protector, Piper's Pal (holds 4 reeds), and Piper's Pal Bands (holds 40+ reeds).

 

Featured Article

 

Getting the Most Out of Your Pipe Bag

The pipe bag is one of the most likely areas to leak air. Any air lost through the bag is air that you have to replace, making it harder to play.

Regardless of the bag material, it must be airtight. To check this, plug the chanter and drone stocks with rubber stoppers. Blow up the bag until it is as full as it can get, then squeeze it for 30 seconds. If after 30 seconds, it takes more than 1 breath to fill the bag, it is losing too much air.

Common sources for leaks are the seams, around the stocks, or the stocks themselves. If you can't hear or feel the leak, use a soapy water solution to check. If the leaks are through the seam on a hide bag, a good seasoning may correct it. If the leaks are through the seam on a synthetic bag, it likely needs replacing. Re- tie in the stock for leaks around the stocks on a hide bag. On a synthetic bag, if the leak is between the rubber grommet and the bag, it will have to be replaced. If the leak is between the stock and grommet, you can wrap some plumber's tape around the stock at the top of the grommet, or remove the stock and build up the diameter at the tie in groove with the tape. If the leak is through the stock, there is a crack in the wood. These cracks are most common underneath the stock ferrules, but can also occur lower down. If this is the case, you will need to have the stock repaired by a bagpipe maker/repairer.

Sincerely,

Rauncie Kinnaird

Kinnaird Bagpipes

 

Email: r.k@sasktel.net

Phone: 306-249-2939

Website: http://www.kinnairdbagpipes.com