Category Archives: Eagle Music Shop Events

Traditional music events

Published by: Steve | On 05/08/2014

Posted In Eagle Music Shop Events, General News |

Gold Tone Micro Bass in stock at Eagle Music

As the Premier UK Dealership for Gold Tone, Florida, USA.

Don’t pass by on this show stopper from the 2014 NAMM show …We are delighted to announce that the Gold Tone Micro Bass models are now in stock including fretted and fretless models.

Please Click Here and follow this link for more information:

Along with the NEW Gold Tone Micro Bass instruments, we have in stock a comprehensive range of Gold Tone traditional instruments at the World’s best prices …including Tenor Guitars, Lap Steel guitars, Bouzouki family and of course Gold Tone Bluegrass, Open Back, Long Neck, Electric and compact Travel Banjos.

Gold Tone are an American based company in Titusville Florida, USA where they have a dedicated factory that custom build, finally assemble parts and set-up instruments that are manufactured in various world factory locations that include Korea, China and others. After final inspection and set up, Gold Tone products are shipped worldwide from their USA location. Gold Tone’s use of factories in say China (where they have their own technicians on site) means that they can offer exceptional value for money relative to build quality. Each Gold Tone instrument has a serial number and carries a lifetime transferable guarantee against parts and workmanship.

Gold Tone was voted at the USA’s NAMM show 2011 NAMM “Best in Show – Companies to Watch”

Check out the MBT+ a super metal bodied Tenor Guitar with onboard electrics that we can supply tuned to CGDA, Chicago DGBE or Irish GDAE!

Please follow this link for a Gold Tone Set Up Factory Tour

Below are pictured 16 various Gold Tone products to show the variety of the range … Please Click On the Title which will link to more information and the Specification of the product …

The Gold Tone MBT+ Metal Bodied Electro Acoustic Tenor Guitar …

The Gold Tone TG-18 Solid Spruce Top Tenor Guitar …

The Gold Tone LS-6 Vintage Era Lap Steel Guitar …

The Gold Tone BZ-500 Solid Top Flat Back Bouzouki …

The Gold Tone ‘Plucky’ Travel or Childrens Size 5-String Banjo …

The Gold Tone ‘Bob Carlin’ Signature Model 12″ Pot Open Back Banjo …

The Gold Tone WL-250LN Long Neck White Ladye Tone Ring Banjo …

The Gold Tone IT-250 ‘Short Scale’ Irish Tenor Banjo …

The Gold Tone OB-250 Orange Blossom Pro Banjo …

The Gold Tone OB-250 Orage Blossom LEFTY Pro Banjo …

The Gold Tone EBM-5 Electric 5-String Banjo …

The Gold Tone WL-250 White Ladye Tone Ring Open Back 5-String Banjo …

The Gold Tone TB-250 Deluxe White Ladye Travel 5-String Banjo …

The Gold Tone BG-150F Bluegrass 5-String Banjo …

The Gold Tone BG-250F Bluegrass 5-String Banjo …

The Gold Tone Banjitar 6-String Guitar Banjo …

More Information on Gold Tone USA …

Gold Tone Banjos, located in Titusville, Florida was founded by Wayne and Robyn Rogers in 1993. Active folk musicians in the 70’s and 80’s, they opened Strings N’ Things Music Center in 1978. In 1993 Wayne designed the original TB-100 Travel Banjo and began manufacturing and distributing the “Traveler” mail order. After a wonderful review by Banjo Newsletter, the TB-100 became very much in demand. As the company grew, new innovations were combined with proven vintage designs. Dealers and customers continued to request quality banjos in a reasonable price range and soon Gold Tone’s collection included 5 strings, 6 strings, Banjitars, Mando Banjos, 4 strings, Weissenborns, metal bodies, resonator guitars and mandolins.

At Gold Tone, they are committed to providing you with a quality instrument at an affordable price. That means quality parts, professional design, tight fitting assembly, and an expert set up by real musicians.Waynecontinually strives for “MORE BANG FOR THE BUCK” in every design and all price points. Every instrument receives Gold Tone’s 12 point set-up, before shipment and verifies Gold Tone’s commitment to great tone, superb playability, and your musical satisfaction! Compare and you’ll find out why thousands of musicians are playing Gold Tone.

In addition to over 130 Gold Tone instrument models, here at Eagle Music we can supply Gold Tone parts and accessories, we also offer restorations, and do professional instrument set-ups in our on-sight workshop.

Gold Tone Build Quality Instruments

Gold Tone instruments are handcrafted with carefully selected woods, excellent finishes, quality hardware, and tight-fitting parts.

Published by: Steve | On 25/09/2013

Posted In Banjo, Eagle Music Shop Events, General News |

Jens Kruger awarded prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass Music

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Jens Kruger, the banjo maestro has recently been awarded the Steve Martin 2013 award for excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass Music.

Please click on this link for more details: Steve Martin 2013 award for excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass Music.

No one could deserve this award more! Along with the Kruger Brothers, Jens has visited us each year for the past six years and performed in showcase events here at Eagle Music. I have to say that In the times that I have met up with Jens, I have found and also seen him not only to be a great musician and maestro player of the banjo, but a wonderful human being, always finding time and showing interest in others. It’s been wonderful that he came into my musical life and that I have been touched by his music.

Jens plays a Deering Tenbrooks Jens Kruger Signature model banjo.

We are so looking forward to October 26th 2013 and having Jens here again with us for the Banjo Seven event along with the Kruger Brothers and a line up of other fantastic bands and fine musicians.

We’re looking forward to seeing you all here on the 26th

Steve and The Eagle Music Team

Published by: Steve | On 08/01/2013

Posted In Eagle Music Shop Events |

Traditional Musical Instrument Buyers Guide – choosing the right instrument for you

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Eagle Music describes here the general details and criteria for you to study when you are buying a musical instrument. Also see the specific section for each particular type of instrument.

eg. if you are buying a banjo, read the notes below and then look in the Banjo Buyers Guide section.

Which instrument is the right one for you?

From the Eagle Music team’s vast experience of playing the musical instruments that we retail, we have written The Eagle Music ‘Buyers Guide’ to help you as an absolute beginner or a proficient player, to choose the instrument that is the ‘right one for you’. In these notes we have taken into consideration your budget and the type of music that you want to play or learn to play. We give the answers to each of your key questions for each particular instrument.

Each section is relevant to the particular instrument that you play or want to learn to play, and gives consideration to the following criteria when buying your particular instrument.

Credibility of the retailer that is offering to sell you your instrument

Does the retailer have a long standing business that has thousands of returning customers? Does the retailer have a support team? Does the retailer have specialists within their business that can give you honest and credible advice? Does the retailer have a workshop and offer you an ‘after sales service’? Does the retailer offer a ‘Money back Guarantee’ if you are not fully satisfied? Does the retailer have a Price Match Policy’? If needed, can the retailer offer you any finance options to help you buy the instrument of your dreams?
Eagle Music Shop’s answer is a big ‘YES’ to all the above questions.

Other considerations when you are buying a musical instrument

Retail Price

First decide on your maximum budget, then put together a short list of models that you have found within this price band.

Manufacturer

Check out the ‘pedigree’ of the manufacturer …High profile major known name brands have built up their reputation on build quality and service.

The Country of Origin of the instrument

Find out where the instrument is built ? You may have a preference for the country of origin

Quality Level

The build quality level of the instrument relative to player eg. Beginner, Intermediate or professional, also take into account that a professional level instrument is very much suitable for a beginner!

The Type/Style of Music

The type and style of music that is played on the particular instrument model

After Sales Spares and Service

Does your supplier have a workshop for after sales support, does your supplier set-up the instrument before selling it to you?

Manufacturers Guarantee

Does the instrument have any kind of manufacturers guarantee or any guarantee against parts and workmanship from your supplier?

Cosmetic Details

Does the instrument tick all your boxes for design and ergonomics

Weight of Instrument

Consider the weight of the instrument before buying …some makers have lighter weight models that are easier to handle.

Published by: Steve | On 04/01/2013

Posted In Eagle Music Shop Events |

How often should you change the strings on your banjo, guitar, mandolin etc?

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We are often asked the question ‘How often should I change my Strings’?
In the following notes, Eagle Music gives examples of how strings are affected by different players and how they react to usage. How strings ‘work’ and the frequency that you should change them.

There are many answers to this question and it all depends on the player. A professional player who works his strings hard, may change strings for every performance to insure against string breakage during a live performance. A general rule for all players, is to change your strings when they have lost their tone and tune-ability.

Strings have a different tolerance to each individual player. Some players have dry hands and can make their strings last longer, and some players have ‘rusty fingers’ that corrode strings fairly quickly. It’s all relative to how much acid and skin debris you deposit on your strings from your fingers.

The strings are a ‘disposable’ part on your banjo and relatively inexpensive. They greatly affect the tuning, tone, power and projection of your banjo. A new set of strings can transform your instrument and the enjoyment that you will get from it.

Here are some notes for your consideration:

New strings are brighter with better tone and volume
New strings tune easily
Some players like their strings to be ‘played in’ for a week or so, at which time the tone mellows
Old ‘dying’ strings are difficult to tune, have poor tone and volume
Low cost ‘budget’ strings wear out and die quickly
Nickel strings are bright and metallic
Phosphor bronze strings have a warmer tone
Nickel wound strings last longer than phosphor bronze wound and are less reactive to players who have ‘rusty fingers’

String cleaners eg. Fast-Fret and Kyser prolong string life and keep strings brighter for longer – Use before and after each playing session.

Coated strings eg. Elixir last longer but some players don’t like the ‘feel’ of the coating.

Published by: Steve | On 02/01/2013

Posted In Eagle Music Shop Events |

Plectrums, Flat Picks, Finger and Thumb Picks – a guide by Eagle Music

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These are some of the brands of Flatpicks, Finger & Thumb Picks that we supply. ProPik, Steve Clayton, Fred Kelly, Perfect Touch, Jim Dunlop. Eagle Music explains their popular uses, how to choose them and things you need to know about them.

Plectrums also Called Flatpicks

Plectrums or flat picks as they are also called, are the most popular ‘tools’ for striking your strings on your instrument, and enable you to pick the strings on your instrument without any wear or tear on your fingers or nails!

Most ‘plectrum players’ experiment with different shapes, thicknesses and materials. EG. Nylon picks give a softer sound, the harder the pick the “chunkier” the sound. Remember this brief note: the closer you pick to the bridge, the harder the sound. The further you pick from the bridge, the mellower the sound.
The “old masters” prefered to use a tortoise shell plectrum: I prefer to see the shells on the backs of the tortoises!

Fingerpicks

Finger picks likewise come in all shapes, sizes and forms. Nylon/plastic finger picks give a softer sound the harder the pick the “chunkier” the sound. Remember this brief note: the closer you pick to the bridge, the harder the sound. The further you pick from the bridge, the mellower the sound. eg. bluegrass banjo players would always choose metal finger picks which give them precise attack and increased volume.

Size of Finger Picks

Something to note is that in most cases you don’t choose finger picks by ‘size’ you choose them by ‘thickness’ they are available in different blade thicknesses and in some cases different angles on the blade, but regarding the size .. you can open them out or bend and mold them to fit smaller fingers.
Again, experiment with different types.

Thumbpicks

Thumb picks likewise come in all shapes, sizes and forms. The plastic and vinyl types are kinder to your strings than metal ones. Nylon thumb picks give a softer sound, the harder the thumbpick the “chunkier” the sound. Remember this brief note: the closer you pick to the bridge, the harder the sound. The further you pick from the bridge, the mellower the sound. Again, experiment with different materials and designs until you find the one that suits you best.

Published by: Steve | On 01/01/2013

Posted In Eagle Music Shop Events |

Musical Instrument Strings – everything you need to know

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Eagle Music is the ‘Pickers Paradise’. Our range of strings is world class including Eagle-Puretone, D ‘Addario, Martin, Elixir etc. We explain all the different types and ‘how to change strings’ and ‘when to change your instruments strings’.

All the different type of string gives a different sound and “feel” to your instrument. Experiment with all aspects to find your preferred tone and volume, but remember this brief note: thinner steel and nickel strings will give you more “clang” and “twang”, heavier wound bronze or phosphor bronze will produce a “warmer” sound with more body.

Strings come in many different materials …including high tensile Steel Unwound Plains, Phosphor Bronze Wound, Nickel Steel Wound, Stainless Steel Wound, Bronze and Brass Mix Wound (80/20) etc. Nylon, and Nylgut etc.

Strings come in many different size gauges and are measured in Imperial measurement (not metric) The string numbers eg. ‘9’ or ‘12’ refer to the diameter of the strings and they are measured in old imperial measurement, which is used by the USA manufacturers (Not Metric) a ‘9’ for example measures .009” (which is nine thousandth’s of an inch in diameter)
Strings come in ‘Ball End’, ‘Loop End’ and ‘Tie on’

It is important that you check and buy the correct gauge of strings before re stringing your instrument. The gauge and Weight of your strings affects the action and set-up of your instrument.

Each of the different type of string gives a different sound and “feel” to your instrument. Experiment with all aspects to find your preferred tone and volume, but remember this brief note: thinner steel and nickel strings will give you more “clang” and “twang”, heavier wound bronze or phosphor bronze will produce a “warmer” sound with more body.

Note that Eagle-Puretone custom gauge sets can be made up At Eagle Music at no extra cost.

Last but not least, the position that you strike your strings, what you strike them with and the pressure that YOU exert as you play, accounts for much of your instruments tone and volume.

We are also often asked How often should you change the strings on your banjo, guitar, mandolin etc?

Published by: Steve | On 27/09/2012

Posted In Banjo, Eagle Music Shop Events, General News |

The Down County Boys at Banjo Event 2012

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We are delighted to announce and confirm that ace UK Bluegrass Band ‘The Down County Boys’ will be here to support The Kruger Brothers at our special Banjo 2012 Event here at Eagle Music taking place on Saturday, November 3rd 2012. Special guests Greg and Janet Deering will be flying in from California USA to be with us throughout the day.

Please follow this link for ticket details
The UK Bluegrass band “The Down County Boys” was formed in 1964 and has been performing at major bluegrass festivals yearly from the very beginning! Over the years, the band has enjoyed having some of the finest UK bluegrass musicians as performing members. The current five piece line-up includes (from left to right on photo) Chris Elson Guitars/vocals. Peter Parker, fiddle/vocals. Mick Cooper upright bass/vocals. Dan Norton, mandolin/vocals. Chris Cooper, banjo/vocals. The band plays with musical drive and passion, intermixed with classic vocals and a mix of subtle humour for added entertainment!

Please follow this link to The Down County Boys home page

The Down County Boys ace banjo player Chris Cooper will also give an afternoon ‘Beginning Bluegrass Banjo Workshop’.

Please click here for more event details and how to buy tickets

We’re looking forward to another great day of world class music!

Steve and all the Eagle Music Team.

Published by: Steve | On 13/06/2012

Posted In Eagle Music Shop Events, General News |

The UKs 24th Premier Bluegrass Festival, Conwy, North Wales, 2012

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Make a note in your diary folks to attend the Uks Premier Bluegrass Music & Dance Festival taking place on in the beautiful walled mediaeval town of Conwy, North Wales on Thursday 5th through to Sunday 8th July 2012.

For this 24th happening of the event, a fantastic line up of world class bluegrass musicians and dancers are booked to date.

John Les and Gill Williams organise and run this premier UK Bluegrass Festival , they perform together In their much acclaimed duo ‘Highly Strung’. John and Gill put to use all their experience to make this a great festival for all who attend.

Please follow this link to contact John or Gill and find out more details of the festival
The 24th North Wales Bluegrass Festival 2012

Please visit our Eagle Music Trade Marquee at the festival …We are delighted to be the exclusive musical instrument retailer attending the festival this year. Our merchandise on offer will include products from the world’s greatest makers of Bluegrass Instruments:-
Banjos from Deering, Vega, Prucha, Nechville, OME, Gibson, Stelling, Nechville, Gold Tone
Mandolins from Prucha, Agnew Erin, Davidson, Ozark
Guitars from P J Eggle, Martin, Asher, Tanglewood,
Plus much more along with accessories for all instruments, books, DVDs etc.

Please note: we shall also be accompanied on our trade stand by Jaroslav Prucha, Europes leading Bluegrass instrument maker and have a range of his world class instruments on sale.

Czech Bluegrass Band 'New Section'

The ace Czech bluegrass band ‘New Section’ are players of Prucha instruments and will be playing the main stage at the 2012 North Wales Blugrass Festival Festival.

To view the Prucha website please click on this link.

Ace UK Bluegrass Band ‘The Down County Boys’ will also be performing on stage at the festival …They played us some great music on a recent visit to Eagle Music Shop. Along with the rest of this highly talented band …If you want to enjoy some real solid tasty banjo playing, come along and enjoy listening to Chris Cooper!

Here is the link to The Down County Boys Website

IF YOU NEED US TO BRING ANYTHING SPECIFIC TO THE FESTIVAL, PLEASE CALL US ON 01484 661460
We look forward to seeing you there in July!

Steve & the Eagle Festival Team.

Published by: Steve | On 18/04/2012

Posted In Eagle Music Shop Events, General News |

Tickets on sale for Banjo 2012 event with Greg and Janet Deering and The Kruger Brothers

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Dear Friends,

We are proud to announce that following the hugely successful 2007, 2008, 2009 2010 Banjo ‘1000’, and 2011 (five year anniversary) Banjo ‘5’ showcase events here at Eagle Music Shop, this year we are celebrating Eagle Music’s sales of over two thousand and twelve Deering Banjos! The ‘Banjo 2012’ Event on Saturday November 3rd 2012.

Please click here to buy Banjo ‘2012’ event tickets

Please click here to see pictures of last year’s Banjo ‘5’ anniversary event

It is also our Sixth Consecutive Year as the World’s Number One Dealership for the USA Deering Banjo Company.

We are looking forward to another fantastic day of music, jam sessions, on-stage afternoon workshops and an on-stage evening concert performance from the world renowned Kruger Brothers. (Support act to be confirmed) Also an opportunity to browse what will be probably be the largest selection of modern and vintage banjos ever to be displayed for public viewing in the world!!!

Please join us at our Banjo 2012 event, where you will have the opportunity to personally meet five of the USA’s greatest icons in the banjo and American music world …Greg Deering, Janet Deering, Jens Kruger ‘Banjo’, Uwe Kruger ‘Guitar’ and Joel Landsberg ‘Bass’

Greg and Janet Deering founded the Deering Banjo Company over thirty years ago, a company that is now considered by the world’s greatest exponents of the banjo to be ‘The Worlds Greatest American Banjo Company’.

Jens Kruger the ‘Carolina King’ is without question one of the greatest five-string banjo players of all times. Uwe Kruger is a master Guitarist / vocalist and Joel Landsberg is one of the finest Bass players in the business. The Kruger Brothers now living in North Carolina, USA, are the hottest USA based band, having taken the world bluegrass and folk scene by storm for the past decade and a half.

The Kruger Brothers will play our on sight venue ‘The North Light Gallery’ on Saturday afternoon for an On-stage-Workshop and an evening Showcase Concert on November 3^rd as part of their official 2012 European tour.

Our special guests, Greg and Janet Deering will give an on stage afternoon workshop ‘The Banjo in Modern Times’ … Greg & Janet will also be available throughout the day to check out your personal banjo.

The UK Bluegrass Band ‘The Down County Boys’ will be the support for the evening Kruger Brothers concert.

Please click here for more information about the Down County Boys

The UK Bluegrass band “The Down County Boys” was formed in 1964 and has been performing at major bluegrass festivals yearly from the very beginning! Over the years, the band has enjoyed having some of the finest UK bluegrass musicians as performing members. The current five piece line-up includes (from left to right on photo) Chris Elson Guitars/vocals. Peter Parker, fiddle/vocals. Mick Cooper upright bass/vocals. Dan Norton, mandolin/vocals. Chris Cooper, banjo/vocals. The band plays with musical drive and passion, intermixed with classic vocals and a mix of subtle humour for added entertainment!

We look forward to seeing you here,

from

Steve, Rachel and the Eagle Music Team

Ticket Details for ‘Banjo 2012’

Tickets can be purchased as follows

At Eagle Music Shop, call +44 (0)1484 661460
At www.eaglemusicshop.com
Or send a cheque or PO to Eagle Music Shop

If you have paid for a ticket online, simply give your name at the door

on the day. Your numbered ticket will be checked on the list and you

will be given your ticket for the event.

Ticket Prices

Daytime Only – 10.30am until 6.00pm – £15.00
Evening Only – 7.30pm until Close ‘The Krüger Brothers in Concert’ – £30.00
Full Day and ‘Kruger Brothers Concert Ticket’ -10.30am until Close – £38.00

Full Timetable for the event – to be announced

Published by: Steve | On 07/04/2012

Posted In Eagle Music Shop Events, General News |

Remembering Barney McKenna 1939-2012, By Steve Noon

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Irish Tenor Banjo icon Barney McKenna aged 72, passed away unexpectedly at his Dublin home on Thursday morning, 5^th April 2012. Within days of the world losing bluegrass banjo legend Earl Scruggs the world has now lost the most influential Irish Tenor Banjo player of modern times. Barney was a founding member of the famous Dubliners folk band, and the last original member still performing and touring with the band in 2012. Barney’s on stage banjo solos are world renown, audiances at the Dubliners concerts would call out for Barney to perform his solos the world over, and when he played his banjo solos he was infectious! Barney was also a fine player and a master of the one row ‘D’ melodeon.

As an enthusiastic Irish tenor banjo player myself, I can say that I have had the pleasure over the years of watching Barney perform with the Dubliners, I met him at the Irish Music awards and most recently in September 2011 at the Johnny Keenan Banjo Festival, Longford, Ireland . He was a wonderful human being, genuinely expressing his kind thoughts and feelings for everyone in his presence, always keen to talk ‘banjo’ and pass on his experience.

After his ‘Greengrass meets Bluegrass’ performance with the Carter Brothers at the tenth anniversary of The Johnny Kennan Banjo Festival, my wife Joan and I spent some quality time with Barney. He played banjo for us, told us jokes and stories, he was on great form at the festival. I have attached some photograghs in memory of Barney, we loved him and shall miss him dearly. Our thoughts are with Tina and his family, may he rest in peace.

Steve Noon, Owner, Eagle Music

More Information on Gold Tone USA …

Gold Tone Build Quality Instruments

Gold Tone instruments are handcrafted with carefully selected woods, excellent finishes, quality hardware, and tight-fitting parts.

Eagle Music describes here the general details and criteria for you to study when you are buying a musical instrument. Also see the specific section for each particular type of instrument.

Which instrument is the right one for you?

Credibility of the retailer that is offering to sell you your instrument

Other considerations when you are buying a musical instrument

Retail Price

Manufacturer

The Country of Origin of the instrument

Quality Level

The Type/Style of Music

After Sales Spares and Service

Manufacturers Guarantee

Cosmetic Details

Weight of Instrument

We are often asked the question ‘How often should I change my Strings’? In the following notes, Eagle Music gives examples of how strings are affected by different players and how they react to usage. How strings ‘work’ and the frequency that you should change them.

These are some of the brands of Flatpicks, Finger & Thumb Picks that we supply. ProPik, Steve Clayton, Fred Kelly, Perfect Touch, Jim Dunlop. Eagle Music explains their popular uses, how to choose them and things you need to know about them.

Plectrums also Called Flatpicks

Fingerpicks

Size of Finger Picks

Thumbpicks

We are often asked the question ‘How often should I change my Strings’?
In the following notes, Eagle Music gives examples of how strings are affected by different players and how they react to usage. How strings ‘work’ and the frequency that you should change them.