Articles

Reprinted from Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine June 1989, Volume 23, Number 12 Even to its strongest supporters, bluegrass isn’t usually seen as a solution to the world’s problems. But in Dan Crary’s opinion, the enduring popularity of bluegrass and other forms of traditional music is one of the few reasons to remain optimistic about the future…

Reprinted from Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine May 1992, Volume 26, Number 11 To David Grisman, bluegrass is more than just an itch that he needs to scratch occasionally; it’s an integral part of his being. Each encounter is like a passionate reunion with a first lover. He fondly recalls the first kiss: “It was a record…

Reprinted From Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine December 1975, Volume 10, Number 6 This article came from information compiled by Tony Trischka, noted banjo player in his own right, in preparation for his forthcoming book “Melodic Banjo” to be published by Oak Publications in the early part of 1976. Bill Keith is what you might call an…

When rising bluegrass stars The Price Sisters posted an impromptu field recording of “Weary Lonesome Blues” to their Facebook page last year, they had no idea it would reach more than one million viewers worldwide. One reason for its success was that the videographer used a new mic from Audigo Labs that clearly and crisply…

One of the easiest and least expensive ways to upgrade the look of your flattop guitar is changing out the stock pickguard for a custom-poured guard. These custom pickguards accurately resemble the mottled tortoiseshell style, tiger stripe, or browner, more aged-looking guards from the guitars of the 1930s and ‘40s. They first appeared years ago…

I have known William (Bill) Bay—son of Mel Bay Publications founder Mel Bay—for many years.  He was a regular columnist to Flatpicking Guitar Magazine, which I published and edited for twenty years (1996-2016).  Bill is a very talented writer of instrumental guitar music and an equally talented arranger of instrumental guitar music.  He has published…