Product Spotlight

 Step-Up Band Instruments

     Student model instruments are designed to make learning easier on the beginner. The focus is more on learning fundamentals of basic play. Note placement, fingering, and basic breath control are all part of these considerations; not to mention the affordability of the instrument. As the student progresses, more advanced techniques are applied and the tone or timbre of the instrument become part of a bigger picture.

    Step-up instruments are next step in the pupil's progress into high school and college. These instruments greatly increase the quality of sound and playing experience of the student. Most of them add additional notes to the top or bottom of the instruments range, have a larger bore size (which requires more air to operate), or have more advanced playing mechanisms than the student model. All of them use more costly materials (solid silver as opposed to plated silver, etc.) for better, consistent tone. Even the novice player will notice the huge step in quality by simply playing a note or two on the step-up instrument.

Local Artist Spotlight:

Justin McLendon

Myspace.com/Mclendonmusic

   Based out of Lucedale, Justin McLendon is a singer, guitarist, and songwriter who is very active within the local church scene. His original compositions are acoustic driven with a slight edge that creates a heart-felt personal audience with God. Check out his music selections on his myspace page our go out to one of his many scheduled performances and support him personally.

Upcoming Events:

Taylor Road Show Wednesday, October 1, 6PM

Taylor guitars presents an in store event where you can see some unique and special guitars that we wouldn't normally stock. Factory Rep's will be on hand to answer questions, discuss, and demonstrate the best guitars in the music industry.

Doyle Dykes Clinic

Friday, October 24, 7PM

With fingers blazing and a fire extinguisher on standby, Doyle Dykes will be performing his jaw-dropping finger-style technique in the Gulfport location of Magnolia Music. Doyle plays guitar like a concert pianist plays piano, with multiple parts intertwining on one instrument. Ask anyone who has seen him play, you don't want to miss it. Admission will be $10.

Tech Tips:

Mixing Boards

      The Mixing Board is the center of a sound engineer's responsibility. Everything that is input into the sound system is somehow connected to it. The main function of the mixer is to take several inputs (microphones, instruments, or other sound sources) and direct them "mixed" together into two outputs (left and right) to go to the power amp. A mixing board may have several other output paths to allow for monitoring systems, external effect processors, or various recording mediums.

    When choosing a mixer it always best to decide how many channels or inputs are needed for the application in which it is being used and then adding a couple for growth. Look closely at the mixer being considered as some manufacturers combine inputs into stereo channels, limiting their usefulness. Another consideration is the number of monitor mixes and/or effects loops required. These use outputs known as Auxiliary Sends and each one can be mixed independent of the others. If there are four guys in the band and each wants a monitor mix, then that requires four auxiliary sends. If they will share the same mix, one Auxiliary Send could be used. Auxiliary Sends are also used for effects loops and recording feeds, where a separate mix is required.

    All that said; look ahead when taking these things to consideration. Growth will require more, not less in terms of inputs and features. Getting just enough is likely to cost more down the line.

Congratulations:

Anthony Ainsworth

On winning a $25 Gift Card.