The Guitar Center - Memphis, TN

http://www.guitarcenter.com/locations/store.cfm?store=722

My 15 year old son and I have found a new hangout. It is the Guitar Center located in Bartlett, TN. He wanted a guitar for his birthday and evidently had been to the store with friends and was raving about the place. I finally gave in and went with him. WHAT A GREAT PLACE! You can jam on $59 guitars and amps, or sit down and grab a $3000 Les Paul and plug into a 100-Watt Marshall Amp. The sales associate Charles gave us all the time and help we needed and sat down and demonstrated the guitar that my son Colton picked out. Charles says he has only been playing 3 years, but that boy could "wail on that axe."

Colton chose a nice Squire ( Fender ) Stratocaster as pictured. He doesn't get it until his birthday in April but we have made a couple of trips since that time just to play and hang out. Cool Store and Great Employees. Thanks to all who helped us.

Satin Trans Stratocaster®

The Satin Trans Strat guitar is a Squier Standard Strat "spec-wise." But, with its satin-finished basswood body and maple neck, three Alnico single-coil pickups, two-point tremolo and five-way switch - Satin Trans Strat truly comes into its own!

http://www.squierguitars.com/products/

Great Musical Instrument Sites

Pearl drums have always been the only name I knew when it came to quality percussion instruments. All the big name groups from when I was growing up. I used to love seeing those gleaming metal-flake sets up on the stage. http://www.zildjian.com/EN-US/home.ad2

If you are just starting out, Vancore has in my opinion the best options out there. Beginner, student, or serious performer, you can find what you need from Vancore.

http://www.wwbw.com/Vancore-p2134774341.music

From their Mission Statement," . . .the “only serious choice” in cymbals, drumsticks and selected specialty percussion instruments by providing superior quality, product innovation, and outstanding customer service."

http://www.zildjian.com/EN-US/about/background.ad2

Matt Wardell's Award Winning Midi

I have always been fascinated by the world of "midi" music. Growing up when I did, the "moog" synthesizer was something straight out of science fiction. Now, electronic music is found everywhere - major compositions, sound-tracks, and even on greeting cards. The music world has just gone so far.

Matt acquired a midi keyboard somewhere about age 12 and the next thing we knew, he was writing music and was getting it published and listed on various internet sites. He has done so much more since that time and I hope to link to some of his latest compostions in the near future, including a composition that he did for the University of Florida's Symphony Orchestra. He was the first student to write and score an entire orchestral composition that was performed by the orchestra.

The piece below was written by Matt around age 12.

"MIGHTY MIDI" Contest Winners

HALL of FAME

"MATTJAZ" by Matt Wardell . . very innovative piece of work

http://www.miditrax.com/Mattjaz.mid

Many Thanks to MidiTrax.com for displaying the award winning midi's
http://www.miditrax.com/HallOfFame.htm

Vancore PSM2001 - My First Marimba

Vancore Performing Standard Series 4.3 Octave Marimba(SKU: PSM2001) Price Range: Not AvailableDescription: 1. PSM2001 - a thoughtfully designed series of marimbas, which compliments Vancore's top of the line instruments. Perfectly tuned bars and resonators together with visually appealing frames are features usually associated with much more exp.... Read MoreDescription: 1. PSM2001 - a thoughtfully designed series of marimbas, which compliments Vancore's top of the line instruments. Perfectly tuned bars and resonators together with visually appealing frames are features usually associated with much more expensive marimbas. The PSM200 Marimbas are now upgraded with SOLID CAST FRAMES. In addition, the height adjustment knob has been upgraded to a spring loaded handle.

Features:

Range: A-C4 4.3 octaves

Bars: African PadaukBar

Sizes: 65x27mm-41x21mm gratuated

Pitch: A=442 ( other pitches available by special order)

Resonators: Clamp System

Frame: Manual Modular

Height adjustment: From 85cm-107cm

Casters: Large with brakes(2)

Thanks go out to Shannon ( Malletshop@aol.com )

My son Matt had been looking for a good quality marimba that would serve him as a practice instrument, but also had the tone and sound standards for recitals and performance. He was lucky enough to find Shannon, owner and operator of the Malletshop in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Shannon teaches on the faculty at UMiami, performs in several local orchestras, and found the time to help Matt pick out a great first marimba for his use. You can contact Shannon at the email address above. Tell him Matt and Robert sent you.