Alan Bibey

The name Alan Bibey is well known to bluegrass music fans. Since the early 1980s, Alan Bibey has made a name for himself as an incredibly talented mandolinist. In fact, he has been named Mandolin Player of the Year by the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America in 2007, 2009, and 2010.

Nowadays Bibey lends his mandolin and vocal skills to the band Grasstowne. The rest of the group includes Dustin Pyrtle on guitar/vocals, Justin Jenkins on banjo, Kameron Keller on bass, and Adam Haynes on fiddle. Grasstowne’s first two projects, ‘The Road Headin’ Home’ and ‘The Other Side of Towne,’ went to number one and two on the National Bluegrass charts.

What is Crowe Spacing?

Have you ever heard of the term “Crowe spacing”? It refers to a banjo which has strings that are equally spaced, except at the bridge where they are one eighth of an inch further apart. Each string is therefore 1/32-inch further apart than standard banjo string spacing.

There is debate as to whether Crowe spacing is better or worse than standard spacing. Some musicians argue that the wider spacing improves overall tone and is slightly easier to play. Others contend that the wider spacing slows them down and is thus more difficult to play. What do you think? Have you ever played a banjo with Crowe spacing?

The Joy of Being Left-Handed

Did you know that some cultures back in early history considered being left handed was a negative thing? It’s hard to imagine the stereo types that have come into play. There is no way that I could even fathom a world were such stereotypes exist in that nature when it comes to being a “lefty” or a “righty.” I always found it fascinating when I would notice someone being able to write left handed, let alone play in instrument left handed.|

One particular instrument that has always fascinated me was the harp. To know that there are musicians that can play the harp is amazing in itself, but to find out that there are left handed harps is even more intriguing. I believe it takes a certain amount of skill to be able to learn how to work with particular instruments and just every day tools in a world that is solely based on the misconception that everyone is a “righty.”

The Acoustic Guitar

There are many types of guitars. Musicians have been playing the guitar for centuries. Not only musicians but people that just love the art of music as a whole enjoy the sound that guitars make. You can do many different sounds with a guitar.

An acoustic guitar is a guitar that uses only an acoustic sound board. As with everything else that evolves so does the guitar. You can even make an acoustic guitar into an electric sounding guitar with the right wiring connected to it. The guitar is one of the many instruments that will stand the test of time.

Lee Oskar and His Harmonica

Lee Oskar was six years of age when he was given his first harmonica. One of his biggest influences was Ray Charles growing up. When he moved to the states he would play on the streets with his harmonica for money. With the sax from another member and his harmonica they started a horn section of the band War.

Lee Oskar is known not only for his group War, but also as the manufacturer of Lee Oskar harmonica. Oskar is fundamental in the contributions of rock-funk fusion primarily for his harmonica playing. His improve with the harmonica is one that people remember to this day. It is a big part on why War is still a popular rock-funk group.

Banjo History

Banjo plating is synonymous with country, folk, Irish tradition music and blue grass. But the interesting thing is that it started manifesting in Africa. As enslaved Africans, they adapted other instruments with the same basic design. The influences that Africans had in the development of the music that we hear today are phenomenal.

Through the introduction of the banjo and other musical techniques the banjo with the fiddle is a mainstay. Banjos and fiddles have various strings and some form of drone. Banjos have evolved in style and you can even find electric banjos as well.

Easy Travel With A Guitar

When you think of a travel guitar it is not what you think. It is not just the traveling with your guitar. When it comes to guitars a few come to mind. You have your acoustic guitar and then there’s the electric guitar.

A travel guitar is a small guitar with a full or nearly full scale length. It is different then the regular normally proportioned half and three quarter scale length guitars intended for children. Travel guitars are airline friendly. This makes it easier to travel with.