Backstage Banter

Have you seen the videos? Check out Part 3, also posted for your viewing pleasure on the Premier Guitar Magazine web site.

In the third segment of Reunion Blues’ Vintage Guitars Road Show, the show hits up Bananas at Large in California. Highlights include:

• A very rough ‘69 Jazz Bass with so many modifications – including removal of the binding, and the owner’s name and SSN etched into the hardware – the appraisers get a little upset. Still, the bass’ value will surprise you.
• The single prototype of Fender’s Gold Custom Shop Strat. There was a limited run of 100, which was commissioned for NAMM’s 100th anniversary in 2001.
• Near-perfect 1961 SG-style Les Paul Jr.

It’s safe to say that the Economy is on everyone’s mind these days. Money is getting tight, credit is getting tighter, and everyone from CEOs to the lowliest mailroom employee are looking for ways to cut back and save money.

Music is something that transcends the economic situation because for most of us, it’s not just another item to be “consumed”. We eat, drink, sleep, breathe, and swim in it. Music makes our lives richer, it fulfills our need to create, and for most of us it’s a big part of who we are as human beings. It is Passion.

So I guess I’m curious. How is the new economy affecting your musical life? Are you finding it necessary to scale down, or are there certain things you can’t live without despite the economic situation?

I’ve added a new music hero to my short list. His name is Ricky Minor… and because he’s a long-time Reunion Blues endorser, I’m going to shamelessly plug this guy and his great work.

Through the years, my heros have included John Lennon, Stevie Ray, Bonnie Rait, Jeff Beck, Harry Nilsson, Billy Joel and Keb Mo… all great fronline personalities. Ricky Minor is not known as a front man. Instead, Rickey has proven himself to be one of the most versatile music directors in the music business. He’s collaborated with Whitney Houston, Stevie Wonder, Celine Dion, and Sting. He’s produced music for the GRAMMY Awards, American Idol, the MTV Movie Awards, HBO... Most recently, he produced the music for Super Bowl XXXVI with the Boston Pops. He’s also one hellova bass player. – Check out his web site at www.RickyMinor.com

So last weekend I was playing my friends Danelectro and I got to finally use one our new Merino Wool guitar straps. From what I have been told by both Brett and Dave, these Merino Wool straps have been selling like hot cakes.  (What are hot cakes anyway?)

Playing my friends Danelectro

After playing last weekend with the strap I totally understand why these are flying off the shelves. Honestly, it was the most comfortable strap that I have ever used. Don’t let the Merino Wool thing get to you either, they’re not itchy. The full genuine leather tabs on either end also means you don’t have to worry about your heavy guitar tearing through it.

Right now these straps are only available in black, brown, and white pinstripe. However, Dave and I have just recently come up with new designs that should pique your interest even more. We got some samples of these in and they look awesome. Lets just say that after Winter NAMM in January your strap collection is going to have some attitude added to it.
All right, time for me to get back to work (if I must, sigh). In the mean time happy playing and happy holidays.

The first ever Reunion Blues Vintage Guitar Road Show took place at Bananas Music in San Rafael last month, and Team RB was there.
 
Part of the fun was setting up a display featuring our new Designer Series guitar and percussion bags, right above the table where customers registered to have their instruments appraised, free of charge, all day long.

RB Exhibit at the first-ever Vintage Guitars Road Show

During this event, I was struck by the expressions on their faces as they salivated over these new designer colors. It was then I realized how only the Reunion Blues gig bag can have the same effect on a guitar junkie as the instrument it protects. Sure, a ’59 Mary Kay makes ‘em crazier, but I wish you could have seen some of these guys gawking at the Nutmeg bass bag with the Chestnut brown leather trim, like they found another holy grail. It does a body good.

Alan Poster, John Maher, Rob Williams, Brett "Guitar Face" Paley, Andy "Heabybag" Justin

The next RB Vintage Guitars Road Show is scheduled for this Saturday (tomorrow) at Guitar Showcase in San Jose. Videos from last month’s Bananas Road Show can be seen on the Reunion Blues MySpace page and on the Premier Guitar magazine web site, co-sponsor of the event.
 
I’m heading for San Jose in the morning, so stay tuned for news from the Guitar Showcase RB Road Show, coming soon.

- JM!

Pushed the piano down to Western Avenue & Petaluma Blvd. last Saturday and donned the traditional Santa hat for the annual arrival of the Clause by boat at the river turn around. Tens of hundreds of parents and kids swarmed the downtown area while Petalume Pete wailed on ragtime versions of Jingle Bells, Rudolph and, yes, even Silent Night with a swing beat. The tip jar overfloweth. Later discovered the event was captured and blogged by a Petaluma Citizen, who provided the reader with the attached photo.

I also discovered something all buskers can use. It’s the employment of a “remote” tip jar, because some people are reluctant to approach you with money, but are happy to pop their bucks in a jar that is at a safe distance about 20 feet away. I made a very secure remote tip jar that I will share with you soon. Do you have any tip garnering ideas you can share with our fellow buskers?