Exclusive Artist Interview: Dan Franklin
Dan Franklin is a Los Angeles based producer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist. Originally from Ukiah California, Dan moved to L.A. to finish his bachelor’s degree in the heart of the music industry. Throughout the years, Dan has amassed a diverse list of clients and credits. As a multi-instrumental performer, he’s spanned every genre, playing with everyone from Slash to Leann Rimes on every stage from theme parks to the Grand ‘Ole Opry. In addition to playing well with others,...
Sep 16, 2016, Artist News
Exclusive Artist Interview: Eva Holbrook of SHEL
RA Beattie: Tell me, are you guys touring somewhere in this vast world or home? Eva Holbrook: Well, we've been bouncing all over the place this year. Over to Germany, out to Alaska, coast to coast in the US... and apparently we’re just getting started, but we're home now for a couple of weeks working on music videos at the moment. Beattie: You've been everywhere. I know every place is unique and has its special qualities, but are there any places you've been recently that...
Jul 06, 2016, Artist News
Introducing the Weber Specialty Dealers
Twenty years ago, when Bruce Weber launched his collection of traditional stringed instruments, his motivation was learning and crafting customs. Rarely did Bruce make the exact same instrument twice. As the company grew, and demand increased custom building, each piece became more challenging. Nearly 100 music retailers began offering Weber instruments, requiring more standardization to service the mandolin marketplace. But not wanting to get too far away from Bruce’s roots,...
May 18, 2016, Weber News
Exclusive Artist Interview: Bob Minner
Musician Bob Minner has played for 40 years, starting at age five. He is an accomplished guitarist, winning major contests in the 80s, and along the way, has developed a unique sound that is entirely his. For the past 18 years, Bob’s served as the acoustic guitarist for country mega-star Tim McGraw, as well as recorded four records with McGraw in the acoustic guitar seat. Bob has played on numerous #1 hits by Tim McGraw, including the mega-smash "Live Like You Were Dying." Bob released...
May 17, 2016, Artist News
Featured Instrument: Bitterroot F14
Explore Weber instruments and you'll find many of them have names with deep roots in Montana. The Bitterroot F14 is one such specimen. The Bitterroot is Montana's state flower, whose fleshy roots were used extensively as food by Native Americans, Lewis and Clark and the pioneers and mountain men that followed. Players love the silky satin finish and the ivory binding that give the Bitterroot distinctive visual appeal. This mandolin may be named for a plant of the Wild West, but reflects...
May 10, 2016, Weber News
Tips for Learning How to Play the Mandolin
Small, yet powerful, the mandolin finds its roots in the lute family. It's usually plucked with a pick or plectrum. Most mandolins feature eight metal strings, which are tuned in pairs. The tuning of two each makes four sets of strings in total. Some mandolin models have 10 or 12 strings. The closest acoustic relatives to the mandolin include the mandola, octave mandolin and mandocello. History of Mandolin The history of the mandolin can be traced back to 13,000 BC. A cave...
May 03, 2016, Weber News