New Mandolin eBook "Mandolin Conversations" Now Available

We're pleased to announce that our first eBook, Mandolin Conversations, is now available for purchase. This 70 page eBook features interviews with artists such as Andy Statman and David Grisman and builders such as Bill Collings and Steve Gilchrist. You can order the book here.

July 20, 2011

Older Newswire Broadcasts:

RIP electric guitar innovator Travis Bean (1947-2011)

Travis Bean, the machinist and luthier known for building aluminum-necked guitars in the 1970s, passed away on July 10, 2011.

Though built for less than a decade, Travis Bean Guitars have a cult following and a unique tone. The aluminum neck (which goes all the way to the bridge) resulted in a guitar with plenty of sustain and no chance of neck warpage. Bean guitars and basses have been played and championed by artists such as Stanley Jordan, Jerry Garcia, Bill Wyman and Ron Wood. Steve Albini, the acclaimed producer and frontman for Shellac, continues to play one.

For many years, Bean suffered from numerous health issues, including diabetes and a rare form of cancer. He passed away in Burbank, California.

A fund has been made to help support Bean's wife with medical and funeral expenses via helptravisbean.com. There is also a forthcoming documentary on Travis Bean called Sustain.

July 13, 2011

Gretsch releases George Harrison signature Duo Jet guitar

Hot on the heels of their pricier "tribute" George Harrison Duo Jet released earlier this year, Gretsch has announced the creation of a more affordable George Harrison Signature Duo Jet. The G6128T-GH is based on the 1957 Duo Jet that Harrison purchased in the early '60s.

July 13, 2011

Crosby, Stills & Nash, Jackson Browne, Bonnie Raitt and many others headline Japan benefit concert August 7, 2011

An all-star lineup of musicians including Crosby, Stills & Nash, Jackson Browne, Bonnie Raitt, the Dobbie Brothers, Jason Mraz and Tom Morello will be performing at the Bay Area's Shoreline Amphitheater on August 7. The concert is a benefit for Musicians for Safe Energy (MUSE) and will support Japan disaster relief as well as organizations promoting alternative, non-nuclear energy. Tickets go on sale June 27, 2011 via the Live Nation site.

June 22, 2011

Glen Campbell's 'Ghost on the Canvas' due out August 30

Singer-songwriter and former Wrecking Crew session guitarist Glen Campbell has completed his final studio record, 'Ghost on the Canvas.' It will be released on August 30, 2011. The album features tunes written by Paul Westerberg, Jakob Dylan, Robert Pollard (of Guided by Voices) and Teddy Thompson and features guest musicians including Chris Isaak, Dick Dale, Brian Setzer and Rick Nielsen. Campbell has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease but he is still planning a worldwide farewell tour to support the album.

June 22, 2011

Online Academy of Bluegrass Launches

Five of the biggest names in bluegrass music have are offering instruction on the recently launched Academy of Bluegrass website. The site allows a user to choose from guitar lessons taught by Bryan Sutton, bass lessons by Missy Raines, mandolin lessons by Mike Marshall, banjo lessons from Tony Trischka or fiddle lessons from Darol Anger. Courses can be purchased in monthly, three-month or annual blocks. For more information, visit the Academy of Bluegrass site here.

June 10, 2011

New Gillian Welch Album Out June 28

Gillian Welch will release her latest album, The Harrow & the Harvest, on June 28, 2011. The 10-song album was produced by longtime partner (and former FJ cover subject) David Rawlings.

June 07, 2011