12-31-2010 - Happy New Year! I'm having a 2 day sale on Guitars - Alessi Tuners - Bam Cases - see top links to check 'em out. Also $50 off Hill Players & Hill Estudios

12-27-2010 - Gotoh Tuning Machines are being ordered, pages are being built, and a ton of other work associated with getting these machines on line. I am going to have a very comprehensive selection of these fine tuning machines in stock (from what I can see, this will be the largest selection and inventory of classical guitar tuning machines from Gotoh in the USA). The entirety of Gotoh's catalog selections from the Gotoh 35G510 Series as well as the Gotoh 35G Series ,which are more economically priced, will be readily available thru my studio. I'll keep you posted.

12-25-2010 - Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone! I'm open until 3PM if you want to write, call or come over to look at something. Reach me at 631-335-5447 - talk soon. Rich

12-20-2010 - 2 Kenny Hill Performance Series Guitars are in the studio. One Spruce ... one Cedar.

- Addressing the broken pages referenced below....solution....I took the left border away. Pain in the ... well anyway, it's fixed for now.

12-19-2010 - Numerous pages in my Catalog section are broken, where the body of the page is below the end of the left border? I do not know how to correct it and it is seriously pissing me off. This used to happen to my guitar pages, but I resolved it. Truth is, I don't remember what the frack I did to fix it. and now....the last thing I want to do is revamp the site. I mean it. This sucks. That's all I gots to say about that for now.

12-18-2010 - 2 Kenny Hill Performance Series Guitars are en route for Tuesday delivery. One Cedar...one Spruce 650mm with East Indian Rosewood.

12-15-2010 - A new Richard Prenkert Cedar/E.Indian RW Double Top is in the studio. She is absolutely gorgeous, loud, vibrant and a growling best of a guitar.

12-13-2010 - Logistics are in place for Gotoh Tuning Machines to be carried in my studio. I should have a classical guitar machine selection available by late January of 2011.

12-12-2010 - Recordings are going up for the Kenny Hill Estudios - I'll be working on the Hill Player Series today after I take care of some necessary business.

- Contreras - Prenkert - Hill Signature - and a few others are out the door. We have some happy people who bought tremendous guitars.

- I have a Ramirez 4E in the studio as well as running a big sale on Hill Players and Estudios.

12-11-2010 - I'm recording various Kenny Hill Estudios and Players today and uploading to their respective pages.

- Having a tough time getting to my other work, as in the WTC 1B & 1C books. I've been very busy with the varied aspects of the business. I spend an inordinate amount of time on the phone, and heck, I don't like to talk too much! Really really. hehehehe...have a great weekend.

12-09-2010 - Another Richard Prenkert Double Top is on the way next week.

12-07-2010 - BAM Cases in Black (Carbon Look) are in stock.

12-06-2010 - My Encore Music Notation Software Page is updated.

12-03-2010 - New low prices setup on all strings and headstock tuners in my accessories page.

11-28-2010 - Now that I'm done with most of my work, I'm using the early mornings and or bad weather to continue work on my upcoming books. Well Tempered Clavier Book WTC 1B is back in play. I'll update the page as it progresses. Just touching up Fugue #10 and then moving on to Prelude and Fugue #11.

11-27-2010 - Good thing I finished my recording sessions! I snapped my thumb nail right across the nail bed on Saturday, while winterizing and cleaning up the property! Yikes. Hurts like all get out and hey...I'm done playing for about 2 weeks.

- I've set up a Holiday Discount Program saving you anywhere from $50 to $500 besides my free shipping and free HSC program. Now's the time to buy your dream guitar!

11-26-2010 - Recording sessions for the remainder of the guitars will be completed today...I hope! ☺

- Man of my word, I recorded every single guitar right thru the Zeiler and Vincents. Uploaded the last one at 9PM. I don't want to play for a week, thank you very much LOL

11-25-2010 - Sound files are going up for the 1972 Contreras - Frederich Holtier - Felix Manzanero - all the way up to the Prenkert. I'll get to the remainder tomorrow as I'm done for the day after 16 recordings! They are all the same excerpt from Samantha's Lullaby for easy comparisons.

- The Blackshear Reyes Brazilian page is update with photos and specs

11-24-2010 - Tom Blackshear has sent me his Brazilian Reyes. I'll photograph tonight and update a new page.

- Sound files for all the Bob Desmond Guitars are on each respective page. Basically working my way down the list in alphabetical order...Yikes!

11-23-2010 - Recording has begun. I'm going to keep it simple, for the sake of the sound files, record pretty much the same thing, for points of comparison. I started with the Hill Signature Flamenco. I'll record a dozen more guitars in the next day, including Holtier, Desmond, Smith, Prenkert, etc...

11-20-2010 - Cabinets are in, bookshelves up, displays up. Christe, it's always something around here!

- Alessi tuning machine page is updated with current photos and thumbnails.

- I have a ton more work around here before I can even think of doing anything else. I have to record...have to record...have to record...I have to rec...........

11-19-2010 - Cabinets are built and sprayed. Now have to finish sealing them and installing. Whoo hoo....just in time to be out of room again! Doh

11-17-2010 - A new array of Alessi Tuners are in the studio. Updates, photos, etc to the Alessi Page will follow.

- Guitar pages are updated for the 3 Bob Desmond guitars as well as the Kohno Professional-J that are now in the studio.

11-15-2010 - Bob Desmond just left my studio after a great visit. I have to tell you, the man is meticulous, he is a seriously nice guy and man oh man, he builds an extraordinary guitar. I'll be doing photo shoots this evening and doing my best to update the site with the 3 guitars he left with me as well as a few others I have yet to get to, given all the work I have piled up on my tables. The guitars are gorgeous! The play, the sound, the resonance....outstanding. I'm very proud to add Desmond Guitars to my studio.

11-13-2010 - Bob Desmond is coming to visit me on Monday. He's bringing guitars and hey...that works for me. LOL

11-12-2010 - Slow on the work and the updates as I'm in the process of building more cabinetry for the studio, display cases, etc. Running out of room, so I make more! :-)

11-04-2010 - A full array of Alessi Tuning Machines are en route to the studio. Updates to the page will happen in the next 2 weeks.

11-03-2010 - Fewer updates as I prepare a series of new guitar offerings and improve advertising processes along with paperwork issues, including consignment agreements, updates to the site and other sundry issues.

- Books are put on hold for the time being as I am busy with accommodating 2 dozen more instruments, storage and environmental issues, etc. Ton of work...gack!. I'll get to the books as I can in the next 2 months.

- I have a used Kohno Professional J from 2003 in the studio. I'll update a page today. A Fritz Mueller Double Top is here for setup. Nice guitar! I've been doing quite a few repairs and setups these past few weeks. Some happy players after they got their guitars back. Sweet!

10-28-2010 - A Tom Blackshear Reyes Flamenco is en route in 4 weeks. Can't wait to see her.

10-27-2010 - Additional BAM High Tech XL Classical Guitar Cases are in the studio

10-24-2010 - Update to Well Tempered Clavier Book WTC 1B with Prelude #10. I should have the Prelude and Fugue done in the next 2 days.

10-23-2010 - Guitars by Bob Desmond should be here soon as he is scheduling a visit to my studio in the next 2 weeks. I'll have at least 2 guitars of his here, maybe 3!

10-21-2010 - Work continues on the Well Tempered Clavier Book WTC 1B

10-19-2010 - Fall Festival of Guitar at Five Towns College starting October 22 thru the 24th.

10-18-2010 - OK then, I'm deep into full blown production of the follow up books, Well Tempered Clavier Books WTC 1B and WTC 1C. Updates are available on the 1B page

10-15-2010 - Continuing work on WTC 1B - formatting, house styling, adjusting scores, etc. Now moving on to markings, fingerings, etc. Whoo....fun! :-)

10-14-2010 - Starting work on Well Tempered Clavier Book 1B and 1C, where WTC 1B contains Preludes and Fugues 9-16, and WTC 1C Preludes and Fugues 17-24. This work has been engraved for over 5 years, but requires further editing, markings, and so on. It's a lot of work, so it will take time. My plan is to then offer TAB versions of all 3 books, once the standard notation versions are complete.

- Updated my Alessi Tuning Machine Page with actual photos of the machines in stock

10-12-2010 - Spending the day on business, packing and shipping. I had a busy weekend with quite a few guitars sold including a Hill Signature and a few Estudios.

10-09-2010 - Frederich Holtier Classical Guitar page is completed with photos and updates. This is one helluva nice guitar.

10-08-2010 - The 1959 Manouk Papazian is here but in some minor distress. Contact me directly for a quick sale...or I restore her!

10-07-2010 - Frederich Holtier Classical Guitar is in...gorgeous! Updates in a day or so.

- Bach Chaconne in D Minor with TAB is completed and released

10-06-2010 - I'm finished with Bach Chaconne in D Minor with TAB - updating pages, PDFs and test printing as I write this.

10-04-2010 - Work continues on Bach Chaconne in D Minor with TAB - I should have it done in the next day or so, I hope.

09-30-2010 - I have a 1959 Manouk Papazian coming in the next week.

09-29-2010 - Frederich Holtier has a guitar en route to me in the next week or so. Sweet!

09-28-2010 - Numerous guitar pages are updated including those for the Felix Manzanero - Richard Prenkert - Ken Whisler - Contreras - all while working on some scores and serious advertising work, print work and such.

09-27-2010 - Richard Prenkert is in and gorgeous. I'm in the process of numerous photo shoots and web updates for various guitar pages. I'll have them completed today.

09-24-2010 - Ken Whisler sent me a beautiful instrument. I have to update the page with current photographs. I realized I'm behind on my photography sessions. Doh!

09-23-2010 - Supplies are in from D'Addarrio including various strings.

09-22-2010 - I've started work on a TAB version of the famous Bach Chaconne in D Minor from BWV 1004. I should have it completed and ready for release in the next week

09-20-2010 - Restoration of my Felix Manzanero is complete. I will update a dedicated page for the guitar in the next day.

09-16-2010 - Updated inventories on Kenny Hill Player and Estudio Guitars. Also, Alessi Tuning Machines have been updated with new prices.

09-15-2010 - Richard Prenkert is sending me a Brazilian Double Top in the next week. Quite beautiful.

09-10-2010 - I've lowered prices on quite a few guitars including the Contreras Avalon Whisler DiCarlo Zeiler and so on, to simply move them into good homes.

09-08-2010 - New Hill Guitars are in including a few Player Series and Estudio Series.

08-25-2010 - The wait is over as George Smith has sent me The Red Guitar .... oh yeah! I'll have to try to record and/or videos as soon as possible.

- Ordered a batch of Player Series from Kenny Hill which should be in next week.

08-24-2010 - George Smith has a guitar en route to me. I'll write it up tomorrow. Can't wait.

- Ken Whisler is sending me a Cocobolo baby....looking forward to this.

08-20-2010 - BAM Cases in Black HiTech are in the studio. Oasis Strings in Normal and High Tension both with Carbon Trebles are also in the shop.

08-17-2010 - Cleaned up a few pages including the guitar page. A Tom Blackshear and a George Smith are incoming soon. BAM Cases are also incoming.

08-11-2010 - Had to go into the guitar page and fix her up. Strange how web pages just break out of nowhere? I went with a simple table design, which is easier to fix in the future...hopefully.

- New Oasis Humidifiers are en route as well as Oasis Carbon Strings.

08-09-2010 - Kenny Hill Signatures are selling. Signature 2902 is out the door to a nice gent from New Jersey.

08-08-2010 - The '56 Manuel Velazquez is sold to an accomplished player in Germany.

08-07-2010 - The shop has been busy of late. A few guitars out the door with many more coming in the next few weeks. Have to touch base with a few luthiers in the next few days.

07-27-2010 - Guitar Sleeves are in as well as Alessi Tuners. I have to photograph and catalog everything, create pages, etc...but, they're here! Sweet!

07-22-2010 - Quite a few guitars are out the door this week.

07-20-2010 - George Smith from Portland Oregon will be sending me a guitar in the next few weeks!

07-18-2010 - Expecting a guitar from Richard Prenkert in the next month. Sweet.

07-10-2010 - Summer is long and hot these days and I'm loving it. A new Hill Flamenco Signature is in the studio. Also a used Hill Rodriguez in mint condition. Updates tonight.

06-18-2010 - Just got off the phone with Tom Blackshear who informed me that he will be sending a Reyes model with Spruce top and Dark Chocolate Brazilian Back and sides. I can't wait to see this baby!

06-17-2010 - More supplies are in such as Bees Wax Polish and a few more guitars.

06-08-2010 - Few updates...I know. I've been working outside, while taking care of business quietly. New updates are up regarding a Cocobolo Vincent Classical - a Ziricote Concert Acoustic by Richard Mermer Acoustics - and a Navarro Cocobolo Classical Guitar. Ordering for Bees Wax - Oasis Humidifiers and D'Addario Acoustic and Classical Strings have been taken care of regarding supply issues.

05-28-2010 - New guitar from Robert Vincent is incoming - Cedar and Cocobolo. It looks amazing. I'll update next week when she arrives.

- A new guitar is in from Richard Mermer - steel string acoustic that I discussed earlier this month. Man is this baby like a grand piano with beautiful separation of voice. Gorgeous, black Spruce with Ziricote back and sides. An amazing instrument that I'll post some time this weekend.

05-24-2010 - I have a Felix Manzanero - which I am in the process of restoring. Nice ringing monster of a guitar.

05-21-2010 - A new Francisco Navarro Especial 1A Rodriguez Model is in the studio with Western Red Cedar and Cocobolo. Sweet sweet instrument.

05-19-2010 - Still trying to recover. Now my right eye went kablooie with something called iritis. all while recovering from a rather serious upper respiratory infection, hacking cough, and other good stuff. Fun.

- Working on still more repairs and setups! Guitars out the door, ordering new ones, and working on the outside of my home.

- While ill, I cleaned up the entire property, mulched, weeded, etc. More fun! Now I'm digging a new pathway off of my old stone path that leads to my 2 level deck in the back yard. More gravel, sand and stone. Custom job, this is not being done with stone that fit each other...the stones need to be selected individually for thickness, flatness and interest of shape,. Then firmly placed into the sand, then screed, hammer, screed more, blah blah blah....ton of work. I'm nuts, thoroughly convinced I'm outta my friggin' mind. :-)

05-14-2010 - Actually still not feeling all that great. Updates have been slow. I've really spent most of my time in the background with repairs, setups, ordering supplies, guitars, printing, publishing, etc. Busy, but quietly so.

05-03-2010 - Having spent a bit of time talking with numerous luthiers, Rich Mermer Guitars will be available in the shop in the next week. A black Spruce/Ziricote Acoustic Steel String will be here by Friday. I will be increasing our guitar offerings to include Acoustic Guitars built by the best American Luthiers over the next year.

05-01-2010 - I've been ill of late, thus the lack of updates or guitar page updates. I've listed 6 new guitars that have come in the past 2 weeks, from the likes of Rich DiCarlo - Jamonn Zeiler and Ken Whisler - more guitars are on the way from Frederich Holtier - Joe Slack - Tom Blackshear - Rich Mermer - Bob Desmond - Francisco Navarro and a bunch more.

04-25-2010 - Kenny Hill Player Series 628s in Cedar or Spruce are in the studio, as well as another 640 Spruce Estudio Model.

04-21-2010 - Guitars, equipment and repairs have been taking much time. Every time I go away I seem to need double the time to recover and catch up. New guitars coming in from Kenny Hill - Player Series and Estudios 628s and such will be here in a week's time.

04-18-2010 - The Newport Guitar Festival was fantastic. I met a ton of great people, way too many to list, but among others Glen Perry - Paris Banchetti - Gerald Sheppard - Monica Esparza - Norman Haight - Rich Mermer - Alberto Rodriguez - Mike Chapdelaine - Richard Brune and Marshall Brune - Talia de Jonge and Corin de Jonge - Jamonn Zeiler - and a host of other great luthiers were there. I'll be spending the next week talking and writing with the numerous contacts made at the Festival. I'm guessing that my list of luthiers and offerings in general will be going up in a big way over the next few months.

- I'll probably go next year, this time as a performer for the numerous luthiers as well as a dealer representative. Next is the 2010 GFA in Austin, TX. I'll be there for the latter half of the week, walking and talking with everyone.

04-15-2010 - Spent a great morning with Rich DiCarlo in Massapequa. I'll be representing his guitars and don't kid yourself, the man is a great builder of instruments at a fair price.

- Taxes are done...phew! Cool. Also getting ready to leave tomorrow morning for the Newport Guitar Festival in Fort Lauderdale. Should be a lot of fun. Look me up (I'm going as a guest, not a vendor) if you're there Friday or Saturday. I'm going for the simple purpose of meeting everyone, playing some guitars, talking with luthiers and checking out the scene. I'm available to talk and I'll have the time to spend. Sweet! Talk to you soon.

04-08-2010 - Updated the Video Page with all of our results. Tax time is upon me and I wish to go back on vacation. Send no taxes...gack!!!

04-07-2010 - Updated the Tone Wood Discussion Page. Taking it easy, ordering supplies and such.

04-05-2010 - I've spent the last few days just catching up with things. I released the new Weiss TAB publication - made phone calls, emails, etc. A new batch of Guardian Classical Cases Vintage Style are en route as well a bunch of smaller scale Kenny Hill Player Guitars. 628 and 640 mm in Spruce and Cedar Tops.

04-02-2010 - Compiled the new book on the plane, checked it out and it's all good to go. Looks to be a fun book to just open up and start playing, which was the whole idea.

04-01-2010 - My Weiss TAB publication is finally completed. Some final editing, pagination, and compiling is all that is required to release the book. Yesterday we took an ATV excursion to Cambioso Beach, a favorite place of mine on the Northern Coast of Dominican Republic, about 60 miles East of Haiti, with a gorgeous, unspoiled, golden beach and wonderful people. Looking back at the beach from the water, you get a very clear sense of what Columbus or other explorers had seen when they first approached land in this region of the world. An amazing little peek back into the beginnings of modern day America and the Caribbean.

- I spent a good part of the day by the pool updating a Ragtime and Blues Book that I'm working on. Original standards that fall comfortably into the hands. I'll see about releasing this publication in the very near future. I have about 3 pieces left of about 7 to edit, finger and mark. Just not sure that I will release it. I'll have to think about it for a bit.

03-31-2010 - 1 more update to the Weiss TAB publication - slow morning this Wednesday. Yesterday we went to Paradise Island and Punta del Rusia. Beautiful and highly recommended. The coral reef at Paraiso Island was incredibly gorgeous. I spotted a 3 foot crab among other gorgeous creatures. Pictures are incoming when I get back.

03-30-2010 - 3 more pieces are updated to the Weiss TAB publication - hitting the home stretch with 3 to go...sweet! OK, so yesterday was a complete lounging day. A couple of rafts with the girls, 2 new friends, and a pool led to us having a great time. Very relaxing. Rich and his daughter Renee are great people. My girls adopted Renee as their older sister and it was game over for the whole afternoon. I spent the morning by the pool updating and marking my blues and ragtime book with music playing in the background. It's nice down here. I get so much work done it's ridiculous. hehehe

03-29-2010 - 2 more pieces are updated to the Weiss TAB publication - the weather is fantastic down here - hot, sweet and sticky baby. :-) Moved my suite today to a place directly on the beach. 2 King Sized rooms facing the water. It's 6:20 AM, while I finish my latest updates, with the magnificently golden reds of the sunrise coming over the hills, silhouetting monstrous clouds that sit on the horizon. Yeah, this sucks. LOL

03-28-2010 - 3 more pieces are updated to the Weiss TAB publication with updated photos to the page. Drinking Mamajuana with a Cerveza chaser is sweet, while you work and hey..the beach is right there. Yeah baby!

03-26-2010 - More updates to the new Weiss TAB publication while I'm down in the Dominican Republic. I'm working early in the AM, as I do in my studio and when I'm away, out on the balcony overlooking the sea. I'll probably finish the book while I'm down here. It's a nice thing to work without distraction while the Caribbean is in your line of sight and the sound of the surf is in your ears.

03-25-2010 - New Kenny Hill Estudios are available in Cedar and 628 and 640mm scale lengths.

03-24-2010 - Still working new hardware and software configs for the studio. Pain in the ass, but necessary. New Hill Guitars are en route...should be here tomorrow in the AM. I'll get back to the Weiss TAB book over the next week as described below.

- Updated the Tonewood discussion page

03-22-2010 - New hardware in the studio and the time to configure it all, software, settings, backup procedures, security, etc...is taking much time away from music production. My guess is that I will be working on the Weiss TAB publication while in the Caribbean. I'm having trouble with my engraving software, where I will probably have to use my old notebook to continue the work. Not cool, but hey, I started it, I gots to finish it.

03-20-2010 - A good stock of BAM High Tech XL Cases are in the studio, ready for shipping. Black and Tweed are available.

03-17-2010 - More updates to the New Weiss TAB publication that is forthcoming. I'm now into the London MS side of the book. Gods, this is an awful lot of work. I'm going on vacation after this. Caribbean Sea...nice!

03-15-2010 - New Kenny Hill Estudio 628s and a Player 628 coming next week.

03-14-2010 - A Pat Caruso old age Spruce and Brazilian Rosewood Classical Guitar is available in the studio.

03-13-2010 - Calton Cases are coming to Savage Classical Guitar.

03-11-2010 - Mostly supply issues, business and luthier work being handled. No time for much else of late.

03-09-2010 - My latest Weiss TAB publication is further updated.

- BAM Classical Guitar Hi Tech Cases will be in stock as of this coming Friday. Black and Tweed ... sweet.

03-08-2010 - A signed 1968 Felix Manzanero Classical Guitar is in the shop. Cedar and Brazilian Rosewood, she sounds amazing. A little finish distress with some dings, but heck, she's 42 years old. I'll probably restore her before listing.

03-06-2010 - Back to music, I've updated 4 more pieces in my upcoming Weiss TAB publication, highlighted below.

03-05-2010 - Busy with web admin, sales and advertising issues. No music. Updated the latest Bellucci repair page.

03-04-2010 - Turns out that quite a few of my guitar pages were broken, where the left border justified all guitar info down. I've spent the better part of yesterday and today fixing it while attending to other jobs. All done now and tested...sweet!

03-03-2010 - Updates are continuous for the Weiss TAB publication, where the page is now being updated, photos attached, etc.

- Finishing work on the Bellucci 2008 African Blackwood guitar.

03-02-2010 - I've begun work on the Weiss Select Transcripts Volume 1 with TAB publication. There's a lot of work to be done to get this book to lay out correctly. I will continue work as time allows.

- I've been working towards cleaning my shop out of all repairs. A Vicente Sanchis restoration is completed, which also needed a new nut and saddle, compensated...nice guitar. A Cordoba nut set and new saddle job was finished yesterday and of course, the nightmare Bellucci is an on-going bad dream that becomes real every time I walk into the workshop. See links below or on my Classical Guitar Repair & Setup page.

02-28-2010 - I've been working on Guitar Repairs including a nightmare Bellucci guitar from 2008. Here's a dedicated page to this job.

02-26-2010 - Weiss Select Transcripts Volume 1 in Standard Notation is now available. I'm getting to the TAB version sometime today if I can finish up other work.

02-25-2010 - I have a mint Jamon Zeiler guitar with a signature Humphrey raised fingerboard coming in to the studio today. Looks like a sweetie. Update: she is a gorgeous guitar with very old Honduran Rosewood, straight grain Spruce and a Humphrey designed elevated fingerboard. Gorgeous. I'll photo and update ASAP.

02-24-2010 - I've been busy with numerous repairs, some jobs that are quite extensive, including a 2008 Bellucci that requires a full stripping/scraping, new headstock, a neck set, and well...you name it. This one is so egregious in its original build that I've decided to take photos of the process, which will be given its own page and highlights. I'll post when it's up. Here are some quick photos showing the scraping of the back (the whole guitar was polyurethaned and very heavily at that...this to hide the miserable work he did to this guitar) and the headstock, which was poorly carved and finished by Renato. Photo 1 and Photo 2

- Books are on hold for the time being while I catch up with the other jobs in the studio.

02-17-2010 - Kenny Hill Player Series Guitars and Hill Estudio Series Guitars are all ready. I have quite a selection and the prices are a bit lower including hard shell case and shipping to the 48 US

02-16-2010 - The piece list for the Weiss Selections Volume 1 is created. The number of pieces comes in at 38, but this may be subject to change if I feel I can add a few more.

02-15-2010 - Took a few days off, relatively speaking. Back to work, I'm getting my Silvius L. Weiss Selections Volume 1 ready for publication. A TAB version of the same book will be available.

02-12-2010 - The new books are a hit with numerous orders going out the past few days. BWV 998 Standard and TAB and Bach Select Transcripts Volume II with TAB have been moving out quickly.

- I finally got around to finishing all of the pages attached to the Sheet Music Catalog Pages - reformatting, organizing and polishing. They look mighty nice now! Sweet...all the Weiss Pages are complete! Finally...

02-11-2010 - More site maintenance, cleanup, organization, formatting, info on Weiss S-C numbering, and other stuff. New books are out. See our Catalog.

- New Kenny Hill Player and Estudio Series Classical Guitars are in the studio. We're now fully stocked.

02-10-2010 - Big snow in NY! Yikes. Cleanup of the site, fixing broken links, while updating the various pages associated with the new books.

02-09-2010 - A new book is in the beginning process, where I'll be offering the Best of Weiss in standard notation and another version in Tab Notation. They will both be pretty sizable books as Weiss has lots of great stuff to offer the guitarist.

02-08-2010 - Doing a mini marathon, I finished both versions of Prelude Fugue & Allegro BWV 998 - Standard Version and TAB version

02-07-2010 - Updates to BWV 998 include finishing the marking and editing of the Allegro and updating a midi-mp3 file of the same on the dedicated pages.

- Looks like I may lose the Photo pages for Bach and Weiss...thinking it over, seeing what works and what doesn't. The pages are too big and unwieldy.

- Updated mp3s of the Prelude and the Fugue on their respective pages regarding BWV 998

02-06-2010 - Seems I'm breaking all kinds of personal records for web site hits and views and hey...phone calls too! The past 2 weeks have been my busiest ever in terms of web activity. Very cool.

- OK, finished engraving the Allegro from my latest collection, BWV 998. Now comes the unsavory task of marking and editing the Fugue and Allegro. A few more days and it should be out, way ahead of schedule. This entails both the standard and TAB notation editions. Amazing what I can do when I puts my minds to it. LOL

- Put up 2 sample PDFs of the above work. They can be found in the detail page for the upcoming publication. Working pretty darned good this morning! :-)

- Updated the Video Page to reflect Ken Whisler and Eduardo Diaz

02-05-2010 - Busy as ever, I'm now well into the Fugue from BWV 998. 1/2 way done... Man, I hates fugues. 3 and 4 voices, this is a PIA to engrave, never mind mark. Photo snapshots are updated on their respective pages.

02-04-2010 - Finished the Prelude from BWV 998, both the Standard and the TAB version. Updates to the pages have already happened, including cover updates and jpeg snapshots.

02-03-2010 - Updates to the site as well as to the BWV 998 publications, which are coming out soon.

02-02-2010 - I've begun work on BWV 998 Prelude Fugue and Allegro, which will be a Standard Notation and a Standard/TAB Notation publication, again, at the request of a few customers. I've engraved the Prelude and have started editing, fingering and marking the score. I'll update the pages as more of this collection comes to realization.

01-30-2010 - Saturday night, I got to spend the evening with Bill Turner who was kind enough to turn me on to all kinds of Bluegrass technique and playing. Great guy...great player.

01-28-2010 - Bach's Select Transcripts Volume II with TAB has been released and sent to over 12 customers already on pre-order. Nice book.

- I've increased my advertising budget significantly over the last week, including premier ads with Yahoo Search, GFA Web Ads, GFA convention ads, GFA's SoundBoard magazine ads and GAL ads in American Lutherie.

01-26-2010 - Among other product representation deals I've cut this past month, I'm proud to say that we are now an official Savarez String dealer serving Long Island New York and the web.

01-24-2010 - While business issues, phone calls and ordering continue seemingly non-stop (not complaining mind you), I continue work on the Bach TAB edition I'm hoping to release in the next week. I just finished the last Double from Partita I in B Minor. Great music...should be a great book.

- New guitars from the Kenny Hill Player and Estudio Series are on order, being shipped in the next 2 days.

01-23-2010 - About a week ago, a client called me to thank me for all of my TAB editions. Always gratifying to hear that someone has gotten excellent use of my books. But...there's always a but....he wanted more. Of course he did. :-) Telling him I would give it some thought, I went thru my various publications and selected some pieces from my Bach library that would be well suited to a TAB edition. Thus the creation of our latest TAB edition, Select Bach Transcripts Volume II with TAB. I should be finished with it some time this week. The page is being updated as I go thru the 15 or so pieces.

01-22-2010 - Business issues have kept me busy. A few updates and corrections to some of the recent guitar pages were necessary. Gods, I dislike making mistakes on the web pages, but hey...it happens. All fixed. :-)

01-18-2010 - Recording and writing some new material. A few Kenny Hill Estudios were sold over the weekend.

01-14-2010 - Recorded the Barthell #149 Classical this afternoon. What a smooth mother of a guitar!

01-13-2010 - Sold the Hippner #572 Torres to a wonderful and nice gent from Westchester.

01-11-2010 - I recorded the Kenny Hill Signature #2885 Spruce & Indian Rosewood baby monster. Nothing baby about her, but she's a baby :-)

01-09-2010 - The Kenny Hill Signature #2941 is sold.

01-07-2010 - Updates to the web site including catalog pages for the sheet music...getting to Weiss now. Updated guitar pages, processed photos, descriptions, etc. I played the Robert Vincent Brazilian yesterday, for myself and a client. I put it away laughing and smiling. What a honey bunny of a guitar!

- updated the About Us page....things were broken...all fixed.

01-06-2010 - Crazy work in the background. Guitars coming in, photos to take, web pages to create and update. Now recording, commentaries, etc. Ordering supplies for repairs, store inventory, you name it.

- Free USPS Express Shipping is a hit, so it stays. One day and it's there. FedEx and USPS Priority are still an option if you're close, but it will be Express Shipping for anything over a day to get to you.

01-01-2010 - Happy New Year! Whoo, that went fast. New guitar in from Navarro. Pete Barthell is sending #149. Updates, photos, recording! Yikes...

12-29-2009 - Send more work! Jeez...non-stop workie workie. Taking tonight and tomorrow off! More guitars from more makers are making their way here. A new guitar from Pete Barthell is on the way. Spoke with Robert Vincent today...nice guy. He's sending me one of his Brazilian monsters. Francisco Navarro is sending me a Rodriguez model. And there's more. Send more space! Yikes.

12-21-2009 - New guitars are starting to flow in, which is nice. I have an excellent offering by Francisco Hernandez - a Cedar Double top with gorgeous Brazilian Rosewood.

- Another maker is sending me a guitar for evaluation, but I have no worries. A friend of Tom Blackshear ... I'm sure these guitars will be fantastic. I'll write more next week when they come in.

12-20-2009 - New guitars are in from Kenny Hill - 2 Rodriguez Models from his Master Series. Nice!

12-17-2009 - The sub-title of my latest piece finally came to me, when I realized it was about remembering my Dad. As a result, it's sub-titled "A Son Remembers".

12-15-2009 - More guitars are coming in from various makers. Man, I gots to catch up on recording...I'm gonna be crazy busy next week.

12-12-2009 - 2 new Rodriguez Master Series Guitars coming in from Kenny Hill within the week. Also, I have a few other luthiers en route, but I'll wait to discuss them until I see them.

12-11-2009 - Been workin' my tail off since Sunday night. Goin' away is a nightmare when you come back. Anyways, I finally had some time to myself, taking care of supply ordering, phone calls, etc....slow day finally! Trying to record this weekend, to make up for the guitars that need sound files. I'll update as I go, and will definitely re-record Prelude #13. Don't like my first version much. Stiff and not well-played, I have it in my hands a bit better now.

12-09-2009 - Ordered The Original Bee's Wax furniture polish for resale as I found it the best stuff on the market for guitar polishing as well as just about anything else in your house and car you could imagine. Good good stuff. Bear in mind that I only offer for sale that which I use myself. That's the best endorsement I can offer.

12-06-2009 - Back to work after 7 days in the tropics...tough to do. I ended up writing numerous ragtime and blues pieces while down in DR. 7 to be exact. I had classical in mind but of course they can be played on acoustic. Weird to me is how the music came in a completely foreign environment not conducive to ragtime?

- All back orders have been processed and sent. I'll send emails later this evening. Phone calls are next.

11-29-2009 - Took a business vacation to the Dominican Republic. Warm and wet baby...sweet. First morning, I wrote a Rambling Ragtime...don't ask...I have no idea where the music came from or why. Simple and fun, I'll probably continue in this vein if I feel up to it. About DR...the sky is way blue, colors are vibrant, the birds are crazy loud and the water is warm. The resorts are nice, the rest of the place seems to suffer typical island poverty. If you go, stay in the resort. It's rough out there. :-)

11-25-2009 - Happy T Day everyone!

11-23-2009 - You can find Prelude #13 in D Major in the sound file section of the guitar page and the Original Composition Page.

11-19-2009 - My Teruaki Nakade 1976 Brazilian is repaired and is gorgeous. - She sold instantly. The Brazilian Rosewood is phenomenal as is the guitar.

11-17-2009 - More cleanup, corrections, and wow, do I have to record. I just made a list of 7 guitars that need a sound file. I had no idea I was so behind. The web is more up to date, sound files have been corrected and heck, I'm still working on the music pages. I'm only half way thru all that. It will ALL be done! I swears...LOL

11-14-2009 - A few new luthiers are in touch with me in the past week. No name dropping yet, but the builds are incredible. I'm looking forward to new additions in the coming month.

- Continuing cleanup and maintenance of the site, as well as the studio. An unfortunate development for my personal playing is that my joint condition from last year is resurfacing. It made practice and playing last night unbearable and well... downright awful. I have to drop the guitar to a lower position and really lean into it to play. Making adjustments! :-)

11-12-2009 - Finishing up 2 repair jobs. Trying to record and write today.

11-11-2009 - More updates, cleanup, studio work, repairs, lessons, etc....nothing much else to report. Writing new music, which will hopefully be engraved in the next few days.

11-04-2009 - Updating more pages, writing new pages such as Classical Guitar Links - Events pages, writing music, arranging Bach and being on the phone a lot.

- I perused the site objectively last night and found a few errors, misaligned pages, scripts left over, etc. Fixed them all. No scripts allowed on my site!

11-03-2009 - New classical and flamenco guitars coming in from a very talented handcrafted builder down South. Updates as soon as I get some.

- I also spoke with an icon in the business, Mr. Tom Blackshear, a few days ago. It's my hope that I can get one of his awe inspiring instruments into the studio in the next month.

- Updates to the guitar music pages continue. Ack...but they look nicey nice.

11-02-2009 - Slow and steady updates to the Music Catalog Pages. I'm re-thinking the Samples Page as it is disorganized and fugly! Hopefully get to some changes sometime today or tomorrow.

- The seeds of an original piece came to me this morning. I'm working it during the course of the day, while I take care of business that actually makes a living! :-)

11-01-2009 - I've been updating various music catalog pages that flow a bit better. The Bach Violin Partita I is a good example of the work. I have to update the 40 or so remaining pages to fall in line.

10-31-2009 - I've been working on writing my own music, as well as other books. Still working the Celtic Book, but a few Bach arrangements have popped up, making me think that another book of Bach Transcriptions Volume 2 is on the way. Pulling a few things from various of my 2 decade old Cello Suite arrangements, I finished engraving and further harmonic work on the Courante from Cello Suite 3 this morning...a great piece of music. I'll see how things progress over the winter months, which is my hay time for music work.

10-30-2009 - Kenny Hill Player Series Guitars in Spruce and various scale lengths (650 - 640 -628) are in the studio. And no, I didn't play golf yesterday. Doh...

10-29-2009 - Updated and corrected the About Page. Got all my work done, pages updated, legal stuff, checks, you name it. Going to play some golf...finally. Wheee

10-28-2009 - Made some updates to the site, to the sidebar and to the index page. Added back my Samples Page and About Us.

- Still working on my drop down menus for the top links. <this is me scratching my head> LOL

10-25-2009 - I think I updated all the major guitar pages. Any mistakes...hey...let me know.

- The Nakade '76 Brazilian is already sold. I'm not even having enough time to photograph it and put it on the site. Looks like the Yamaha GC 3D is out the door too.

10-24-2009 - Working on re-formatting the Guitar Pages now to be in line with my new presentation and design scheme. Starting from the Top with the Avalon Classical Jazz Guitars - this is a lot of work.

10-23-2009 - Updating, fixing, and formatting all of the Music Catalog Pages. They got a bit messed up since I added the left sidebar. I've got to get around to updating the Guitar Pages with the format I'm using for the Ken Whisler Cedar and Brazilian Classical Guitar page. A bit of work, eh? LOL

10-22-2009 - Quite a few guitars are out the door this week. A few new ones are in including a Yamaha GC from the 1970s signed by the luthier and a 1976 Japanese master luthier guitar with Spruce and Brazilian Rosewood. I'll update the pages tonight or tomorrow.

10-20-2009 - Preparing for the Guitar Festival at Five Towns College. Make sure to come by and meet me by the DownBeat Cafe.

- The absolutely gorgeous acoustic guitar built by Jack Spira of Australia is sold.

10-19-2009 - Ordered a set of Spruce Estudio Classical Guitars from Kenny Hill - 2 650mm scale - a 640mm scale - and a 628mm scale - all Spruce Tops w/Indian Rosewood Back and Sides. Nice guitars, perfect for the student who wants a superior guitar at a lower price point.

10-18-2009 - Broke my site there for an hour or so. Trying to update CSS dropdown menus and everything went kablooie LOL Back to normal, I'll have to work it a bit more before I upload. hehehe....silly, I know, but man, it was really broken..

10-17-2009 - Numerous updates and a general clean up of the site is on going. The left sidebar threw a few things out of skew, forcing me to look at each page and update accordingly. Turns out, from the 1 or 2 pages I started out with just a few years ago, I'm at 150+ pages, not including archives and Sold guitars, and other minor pages. I need a web admin and in a hurry, baby LOL

- Given the rainy day here in NY I'm looking at cleanup of the studio - workshop and my upstairs office. I'm also going to try to record a few of the new guitars that came in ... what a chore...I get to play and record some of the most gorgeous guitars you ever done seen :-)

10-16-2009 - The latest and greatest Kenny Hill Signature is here...Double Top Cedar/Spruce with Lattice Bracing.

- You'll notice that there is a slightly different look to our highlight pages, whether guitar or music. Sidebar on the left, for easy scrolling and navigation. The guitar pages now have picture links and photos running down the left side of the overall description. My thanks to Dan Bouza and Steve Schram for some great ideas regarding all of this. I like the newer look and there is a ton of positive feedback. My job is to now bring ALL of the pages in line with this format.

10-15-2009 - I'm working on updating pages, photos and such. I'm also removing all scripts, advertising and whatever else that detracts from the site. I'm slowly going thru the myriad 150+ pages, cleaning things up.

- I'm also experimenting with a different format for the guitar pages. It's still up in the air, but I like the better feel and look. A couple of tweaks here and there and I'll bring all the highlight pages for the music and guitars in line with this page. That should take me a week or so.

10-13-2009 - So much work today, I didn't get to my "other" work, which is updating guitar pages, photos and recording.

10-09-2009 - Bringing in 4 new Kenny Hill Player Series Guitars - Spruce and Cedar - 650mm and 640mm scale - one of each

- Also ordered one of Kenny's new Signature Models with Double Top and Lattice Bracing - very loud :-)

10-08-2009 - Orders to OASIS Guitar Humidifiers will set us up as the only NY authorized dealer of this great product.

10-06-2009 - Small updates to the site, corrections, pictures, etc. A few guitars out the door, time to re-stock. I need luthiers callin' me baby LOL

10-04-2009 - Working on many recordings to fill in Sample files for the various guitars that are missing them, such as the Hill Signature 2885 Spruce.

10-02-2009 - Fixed numerous little issues the site had with links, clarity, jpegs, etc. Busy day with clients and students too.

- Put up a recording of the Pat Caruso Brazilian that I have for sale.

10-01-2009 - Seems I had a problem with numerous sheet music pages being missing! Yikes. My thanks to Adam for the heads up. All fixed and my apologies to those inconvenienced.

09-29-2009 - Numerous recordings and photos have been updated across most of the guitar pages. Check it out baby. :-)

09-28-2009 - More updated photos for the Kenny Hill Signatures Pat Caruso, Avalons, etc. Now I record for a spell.

09-27-2009 - More photos today and recording. Pictures of the Whisler Brazilian are up.

- Five Towns College Fall Guitar Festival runs from October 22 - 25, 2009....make a point to go and check out the great performers scheduled.

09-26-2009 - Ken Whisler just sent me a Brazilian Monster. Hehe....suh-weet guitar.

09-25-2009 - I brought in a vintage Manuel Contreras 1972 with Cedar top and a gorgeous ruddy Brazilian Rosewood Back and Sides. She's a beauty with the sound and playability to match.

- Spent time last night and this morning updating photos for the various pages...many more to do....DOH..

09-24-2009 - Numerous repairs and sales have gone out the door. Finished work on 2 Bellucci Guitars. A travesty is what this guy's business is about. Finishes had to be taken down, he sprays the INSIDE of the guitars to inhibit drying of "green" or immature woods, bowing necks, improper frets, poor setups, buzzes like a hornets nest, you name it. <shaking my head> Avoid doing business with Renato. You're getting what you pay for if you think you can buy Brazilian RW construction for under $3K. Then...when you call him on his poor judgment and inexperience, he calls you rude and dishonest? LMAO

- I've worked on 8 of his guitars now. All the same scenario. I know exactly what to expect. It's only a matter of will it be worse or a bit better than the last one. 2 more are incoming. Believe me when I tell you to avoid his guitars unless I or one of my luthiers worked on them. Then they're great! :-)

09-17-2009 - Recordings are going up one at a time. First up is the Hill Signature #2931 - Mist Covered Mountains of Home. - look under Sound files on the dedicated page for this and all guitars.

- 2nd sound file is for the Hill Signature #2834

09-16-2009 - Working on the photos, lighting and such....very difficult. I'll be recording many guitars today...finally.

09-15-2009 - Updated page and photos for the Kenny Hill Signature #2931. Can't say I'm too happy with the backdrops but the photographs are improving. I still have to work on it.

09-11-2009 - A new Signature is in from Kenny Hill ... #2931 another monster.

09-07-2009 - A whole mess of Kenny Hill Estudios are in the studio, all Cedar tops, 650 - 640 - 628mm scale lengths...nice guitars!

09-04-2009 - Sound files are up for the Hippner 574 and Hippner 572 and the Steven Howlett classical.

09-03-2009 - Photography equipment has been ordered. I'm pretty much fed up struggling with various aspects of photographing these beautiful guitars properly. Backdrops and lighting equipment was necessary. I'll be spending a good amount of time taking pictures of everything (again) and recording everything this month. My thanks to my good friend Rich Fernandez for his advice and photographic expertise.

09-01-2009 - A 1972 Manuel Contreras 1A is coming in...vintage...in pretty much perfect condition.

08-31-2009 - Another Kenny Hill Signature is on the way. Also a Hill '37 Hauser model and a pair of Hill Rodriguez models from the Master Series are coming in to the studio.

08-28-2009 - I've just put up a listing for a rare vintage Manuel Velazquez circa 1956 - Brazilian RW - German Spruce - Lansdorfer machines - monster of a guitar!

08-26-2009 - 4 New Kenny Hill Estudio Guitars are coming in to the Studio. 650mm - 640mm - 628mm Scale Lengths - All Cedar Tops

08-24-2009 - Setting up a battery of advertising for a full blown campaign across the country and major web sites. I'll be spending the rest of this month on ad strategy, supporting my luthiers and the business as a whole.

08-20-2009 - Our Kenny Hill Ruck model is sold to a good guy from upstate NY.

08-18-2009 - Been busy with various business projects, web site, guitars, equipment and supply re-ordering and repairs. I'm getting to the point where I may need help! Help me help me help me! Inside joke.....another time.

08-13-2009 - The Hippner #163 is sold.

08-12-2009 - My last Adalid 9C/B Cedar is sold

08-11-2009 - The Frank Haselbacher #38 is sold as of today. What a gorgeous guitar!

08-10-2009 - Sound files are up for the Whisler #21 - Cedar/E Indian RW...what a baby!

08-09-2009 - Spent the day with write-ups, photographs and updating the site. Numerous photos have been uploaded to dedicated guitar pages, including Kenny Hill Signatures and the Fleta - the new (used) Ken Whisler and the Pat Caruso 1984.

08-05-2009 - The Hippner #521 is SOLD. A Kenny Hill Custom Signature #2916 is also sold as of today.

08-03-2009 - A Kenny Hill Fleta and another Cedar Signature are in....gorgeous!

07-26-2009 - Cleaning up the Guitar Page for easy navigation. A Whisler is on the way and I'm waiting on a Manuel Velasquez Brazilian from the 1950's....sweet!

07-25-2009 - A Pat Caruso Classical Guitar with Spruce and Brazilian just came in....gorgeous. A custom Kenny Hill Signature is on the way. Also, a Hill Fleta and another Signature are incoming....sweet!

07-18-2009 - A used Hippner Classical just came in - #521 Hauser model with Gorgeous white Spruce and Brazilian Rosewood Back and Sides.

07-13-2009 - New Guitars coming in from Hill Guitars - Barthell - Whisler - maybe even Hippner! Keep checking back in with me.

07-10-2009 - A New Cedar Signature is in from Kenny Hill #2902

07-08-2009 - The 1993 Nicholas Ioannou Classical Guitar is sold.

07-04-2009 - Working on restoring a Juan Orozco Classical Guitar from 1976 - beautiful instrument that needs a bridge reset and a complete refinishing of the top.

07-02-2009 - Our Hippner Torres #573 Spruce/Brazilian is sold

07-01-2009 - Pete Barthell #142 is sold as of today.

06-29-2009 - Cruising thru updates to my site, it should look a lot better.

06-20-2009 - Working thru my site, I have to say, I don't like a lot of it. Way too much information, scrolling, blah blah blah....keyriste, it gets worse as I look at it.

- So...I changed the top, cleaning up links, spacing, logo, the way things are presented.

- I'm trying to cut the wordiness down. This is difficult.

- I guess it's an on-going nightmare, but I'll figure a way. I swears it :-)

06-19-2009 - Busy with business and updates, I've not had a chance to update this page. Web design issues have been taking my time as well as on-going repairs and lessons. I'm finishing up a restoration job on an Argentinian Cabral Classical Guitar. This is a guitar where fairly large pieces of wood were literally missing from the top, scratched and banged up, the poor baby needed help. She looks pretty darned good now :-)

- You'll notice changes to the web design, but this is not really what's been going on. There's a complete revamp in the background that is not yet on line. Still in testing, I'm stream-lining the site in a big way, incorporating java script for directory navigation, CSS for simpler back end modifications, where guitars and services will be our highlight areas. A new color scheme, less wordiness, easier navigation, and well...simply a better way to visit Savage Classical Guitar on the web. My thanks to Dan Bouza for the web help and to Steve Schram for the help with our new logo.

06-10-2009 - Mail Order is off line. You'll need to contact me if you wish to snail mail an order.

06-09-2009 - The Sarabande from Bach's Violin Partita I is now completed. I've updated the jpeg on the dedicated page. Bear in mind this book will also contain a full Urtext version.

06-08-2009 - The Allemande from Bach's Violin Partita I is completed. I've updated a jpeg on the dedicated page. The Sarabande is next and I can release the book.

06-06-2009 - Pete Barthell has sent me #142 - a Spruce and East Indian Rosewood monster of a classical. Man, this guy knows how build.

06-04-2009 - A special day for my house as it is my youngest daughter's birthday. SamSam (also known as BamBam) is my baby. I love her way too much :-)

- Pete Barthell has sent me a new guitar. Can't wait to see it. The man is a superb builder of guitars, one of the best workmanship guys out there. The guitars aren't too bad either LOL.

05-30-2009 - I'm releasing a TAB version of Richard F. Sayage Solo Works Volume I

- I'm also releasing Bach's Violin Partita I in B Minor BWV 1002 for solo classical guitar, in its complete form, including URTEXT

05-27-2009 - New guitars will be here soon...1 from Pete Barthell - a new Kenny Hill Master Series - and a new Ken Whisler

05-20-2009 - The Barthell #139 Classical is sold to fine young gentleman player from Long Island.

05-17-2009 - Updated photos for the '93 Ioannou Classical Guitar

05-16-2009 - Updated photos for the new '37 Hauser from Kenny Hill and the Avalon A32J (barely used) Classical Jazz. Nice guitars.

- The Guitar Page is just about done. A bit cleaner to navigate, I'm getting a little happier with it.

05-15-2009 - Updated photos for the 1975 Haselbacher #38 and the Hauser' 37 from Kenny Hill. Wow for both guitars!

05-11-2009 - Revamping the Guitar Page - making it a bit easier to navigate, smoother, etc...it was getting out of hand.

05-11-2009 - Updated Hi-Res Photos for the 2 Kenny Hill Signatures and the Ruck.

05-10-2009 - Kenny Hill Signature #2834 Cedar Double Top is in and Whooooooo, she's pretty sweet. Hauser '37 model is next up. Sweet again.

05-09-2009 - Send more rain, please. We really really like it. Really really....ACK....more setup jobs and a finish job on a few nice guitars today. Maybe some more photography. Then an on-line lesson on how to not kill yourself over Sun Deprivation. Hmmm, I may have coined a new term? :-)

05-07-2009 - Slow day doing little jobs, setups, photos, and waiting for guitars to be delivered. Waiting on a Signature from Kenny Hill.

05-05-2009 - 4 Estudio Guitars from Kenny Hill will be here next week. 3 Cedar 650mm and 1 Spruce 628mm.

04-29-2009 - A Kenny Hill Hauser '37 and a Cedar Signature will be here next week.

04-28-2009 - The Kenny Hill New World Guitar Estudios and Player Series are in....these are beautiful guitars for the money. They come with Kenny's Custom Hard Shell Case. Very impressive....the 628mm Estudio Cedar model sold the same day.

04-25-2009 - Kenny Hill Signature #2885 is in and Kenny is right...she's incredible. Beautiful White Spruce, exquisite workmanship and a piercing sound and ease of playability to satisfy the most discriminating player.

04-20-2009 - In a bid to move inventory to make room for the new, I've lowered prices on all Avalon Guitars and Hippner Guitars.

04-19-2009 - I'm bringing in a whole batch of Kenny Hill Guitars including some from his Player Series as well as his Estudio Series.

- I'm also bringing in a Reyes Flamenco from Kenny Hill Master Series

- I also have a Kenny Hill Spruce Signature coming which is a supposed to be an absolute knockout

- Another Kenny Hill Cedar Signature model will be sent to me within 2 weeks. Can't wait...

04-17-2009 - Updated our customer feedback page with a couple of nice notes. It's the best making people happy.

- I actually worked on manuscripts today regarding Celtic work, Well Tempered 1B (Preludes & Fugues 9-16) which are all engraved and have been for over 2 years, they just need fingerings and markings, as well as Sor work. Back to work on cabinetry. Just have to finish some doors, hang them and then get to those desktops. Oh yeah, then electric, lights, moldings, picture framing and hanging, and who the heck knows what else....christ, kill me now.

04-16-2009 - Happy Post Tax Day! Yikes.! Uploaded a new PDF exercise to my Lesson Page. This one focuses on RH speed development using i-m and m-a alternations.

04-13-2009 - A new Signature Guitar from Kenny Hill is coming in to the studio in the next 2 weeks as the KH Signature #2864 was sold so fast I didn't have time to photograph or record it.

04-11-2009 - The Ruck and the Signature are in from Kenny Hill. They were worth the wait. The Signature is one of the finest, loudest and sweetest sounding guitars I've ever heard. So much so that it took all of 1 day to sell. The Ruck is no slouch by any means. Loud and sweet, both guitars are amazingly easy to play. Kenny continues to impress on every level.

04-08-2009 - Entering the final stages of guitar cabinetry builds for the studio. Once I finish this up, I'll get to the tops and mouldings and I'll be done. New guitars will be here tomorrow. Can't wait.

04-05-2009 - Vacation time is over and I'm back to work. Cabinets and hardware are installed. Just have to get to the countertops. Next is the guitar cabinet.

- A new Kenny Hill Signature is en route as well as a Kenny Hill Master Series Ruck Model. I hope to hear from Ken Whisler on his latest finish.

03-31-2009 - I did some work on Sor's Opus 35 regarding engraving and editing. I might have this teacher - student publication out some time this year. Just cruising along with it. I'm doing this because the many editions I've seen are awful, working on the original or facsimile, which by Sor's editor, was a terrible job. Hard to read, with mistakes, offset print in the score, etc. This edition will be a welcome improvement.

03-27-2009 - The Hippner 570 was sold to a nice gent from Connecticut.

03-26-2009 - Going back to some old work, I'll be working on PARTS for the Bach Violin Concertos as well as the Bach Sinfonia for Duet while I'm away on vacation. hmmmm....some vacation, huh? :-) The Guitar part for the Violin Concertos is already available.

03-25-2009 - After a year straight of hard work, I needs some time off. I will be out of the studio for a week starting Saturday. All orders will be satisfied upon my return April 3.

- BTW, a new Whisler is in finishing....I'll look forward to that as well as a new Rodriguez from Kenny Hill in the next 2 weeks or so.

03-21-2009 - Both Kenny Hill's went out the door on Sunday. The Hauser and the Rodriguez were sold to two nice gents from Long Island. More are on the way.

03-20-2009 - Building for the studio continues as the guitar cabinet panels are completely ripped and labeled. Spraying and finish spray will start on Monday. I may go with granite tops for the desk area...still deciding.

03-17-2009 - Not too much going on in the business side of things. As I've mentioned, I'm taking a bit of a slow down period to work on construction for the studio area. All pedestals are built for the desk area, which is 5 foot x 11.5 foot L shaped desktop. There are 5 pedestals built and that should do it. While I was in the ripping and building stage, I decided to start the guitar cabinets. This will be a series of 3 and 4 foot boxes all 4 feet long, with 16" deep shelving to accommodate guitars and cases in a horizontal fashion. The total cabinetry will be 8 feet high by 12 feet long, with an approximate depth of 18". There will be drawer and shelf capacity, as well as humidification spacing throughout the entirety of this massive wall unit.

- I do this in between the 20 or so lessons a week, the guitar showings, repairs and other myriad sales issues day to day. It's all tough to work around, but I'm having a ball with every bit of it.

- I should mention that all the Kenny Hill Guitars are spectacular. I've locked in 4 more including another Hauser and Rodriguez, as well as a Ruck and a Fleta model. Can't wait to see them. They will come in sporadically over the next 4 months.

- I should also mention that I hope to see another Whisler guitar in the next month or 2! I hope...Ken is a fantastic builder and I think it scary (in a good way) that he is getting better.

03-13-2009 - The latest Whisler Classical should be here in a few. I'll post pics as soon as possible. The studio is still a wreck, but I might manage it and some recording.

- The guitar came in today and was sold within 15 minutes. Didn't even have time to take pictures. Client was here testing other guitars out with a mind to buy. He saw this one played it, and bought it on the spot. Sweet. Ken is making some fine guitars...no doubt about it.

03-12-2009 - All basic work is done in the studio area. Now I'm in the middle of ripping woods for cabinet and table top construction. It'll be a process, but nice when done. I thought maybe to take pictures of before and after and some progress pictures. I'll post to a special page if I do so.

03-08-2009 - A new Whisler Classical is coming in the next week.

03-07-2009 - The Kenny Hill Rodriguez #2801 is in and she's a beauty.

02-28-2009 - A Kenny Hill Rodriguez is coming to the shop in the next 3 days.

02-26-2009 - A Kenny Hill '37 Hauser is in the shop. She's gorgeous! That's all I have to say :-)

02-25-2009 - Few updates since I decided to rip my studio area apart and start again. I'm in the middle of tape, spackle and now painting the entire area. Next up is cabinet construction for guitars and workspace....lot of work.

02-19-2009 - Sound file is up for the Barthell Classical Guitar #138. Excerpt taken from Bach's Violin Partita 1 Double III

02-17-2009 - It's official as we have become Authorized Dealers of Kenny Hill Guitars for the Long Island region. Our first offering from the Hill Guitar company will be a Hauser '37 Model from their Master Series.

02-16-2009 - Looks like the Whisler #25 is sold. Spent time with a John Price for compensation issues, intonation and general setup...nice guitar.

02-12-2009 - Regardless of my ailments within my joints, I'm managing to play a bit and get a decent result. Don't get me wrong, I ain't happy, but at least something decent is coming out of the recordings. I just uploaded a sound file for the Barthell #139 - A Day in November by Leo Brouwer.

02-11-2009 - The Hippner Original #567 is sold to a nice gent from Westchester.

- I'm sitting down to record now that repair work is done for the day. I'll post the various pieces for the guitars as I go. I'm focusing on Sor - Tarrega - and even a bit of Brouwer

- Sound files are up for the Hippner #566 and the Whisler #25 - tired now after trouble with the recording setup, never mind the pain in my arms and elbows. It ate up 2 hours of my time. Suffice to say I'm angry at the delay when I'm all ready to go...I'll record more tomorrow. My plan is to at least record the 2 Barthell guitars.

02-10-2009 - Photos and updated page for the Ken Whisler #25 are on the site.

02-09-2009 - I took off a few days to teach my girls to ski...they did great. Unfortunately, I came back with some problems unrelated to skiing. My left eye has closed up with a serious infection, making it impossible for me to concentrate and/or pretty much do anything constructive.

- I did spend the time in PA scoring Fernando Sor's Opus 35 and updating various pages. A new project for me in between writing original music and the Celtic book I've been promising.

- In addition, I've brought more equipment on line including peg winders, tuners, strings, guitar stands, and a few other things.

- I am also trying like all get out to do some recording. By last count, I have 13 recordings of various guitars to attend to in the next few days. Time to get to work...no time to be ill :-)

02-05-2009 - Ken Whisler #25 is here and she is a beauty. I'll get the photos up as soon as possible. I played her for a spell and she is a warm earthy monster with singing trebles and sustained basses.

02-03-2009 - Photos are up for the Barthell #139...sweet sweet guitar.

- More accessories are being added...pages should be updated.

02-02-2009 - A new Whisler is on the way. Should be here by Thursday. Can't wait to see this honey bunny.

02-01-2009 - The John Peter Barthell #139 is on the site. Have to get the photos into the web.

01-27-2009 - A new Barthell came in...have to photograph and catalog, etc...I'll get to that later on tonight or tomorrow.

- More accessories are in, which mean that pages have to be created and updated. Work work work....

- I should have a brand new Whisler in the studio within the next 2 weeks and then maybe another? Sweet...Ken's great.

01-24-2009 - Updated our Accessories Page with Strings and Guitar Cases.

01-23-2009 - Fine-tuning further pages, wording, spacing, formats, etc. I'm hoping that it is all representing well and that you like the changes.

01-21-2009 - Finished up some more business issues including printing. Finalized deals with Guardian Cases and D'Addario Strings.

- Our Accessories Page will be coming on line and will be filled out as I strike more dealership agreements with various vendors.

01-18-2009 - Have actually done some more research and work towards the Celtic Guitar publication. Whooo...

01-16-2009 - More business, lessons and web site...it is getting more difficult to sit and record, and or write any music. I needs help. :-)

01-15-2009 - Being unhappy with many of the photographs from last week, I spent the time today re-shooting the Avalon guitars as well as all the Hippner Torres models. All pages are updated with the latest thumbnails and Hi-definition photos.

- Re-shot the Barthell #138...much better :-)

- Going to try to get to at least one of a dozen recordings that need to be done in the next few days. I'll probably focus on Sor etudes, knocking off two birds with one stroke, as I've been promising students recordings of some of our lesson material. btw, the snow is kind of cool out there today.

01-13-2009 - Spent the day with lessons and repairs to a few guitars, since the web site refit is just about done...maybe a few tweaks here and there, but I'm pretty much done. It feels much better to me. I might actually get back to music!

- Finished a bridge repair to a 12 string Charvel acoustic and then strung her up properly. It's amazing what people will do to mess up a good instrument.

- I also setup an old Takamine 6 string acoustic including a neck set, polished frets, shaped a relieved saddle, cleaned up the net, bridge pin holes, cleaned and oiled the fret-board, with fret dressing. I took some pictures of some finish damage and the way she cleaned up. The baby plays and sounds sweet as a result of all this attention. I'll post the pics in the next day or so.

01-12-2009 - Another John Peter Barthell guitar is on the way. Spent the past few days dealing with business and financial matters, as well as updates to many of our music pages. I'll be continuing that today, while I try to get some recording in and maybe a new photo shoot for some of the pictures I'm not too happy with from last week.

01-08-2009 - I spent today printing, as well as updating the web site, including the Mail Order page. All new photographs are up, including those for the new John Peter Barthell classical that just came in....problem is, I'm not too happy with the latest photo shoot. I'll be doing it again...like I have nothing else to do....anyways, numerous improvements to the site, a new retailer in Rome, Italy came on board, more guitars coming, and I have to start building some internal workspace, shelving, displays, you name it. I don't really know where to find the time, but I'll figure it. Probably by not sleeping, but I'll figure it.

01-07-2009 - Turns out I have a huge photo day with my guitars. At least a dozen photo shoots need to happen today, getting all the guitar pages up to speed. All of the old photos have to go...they're awful. Like I have nothing else to do! :-)

01-06-2009 - A guitar just came in from John Peter Barthell in Washington State. Man, is this baby nice! I'll be working on photographing and cataloguing her today, as well as other business issues pertaining to guitars and sheet music.

01-05-2009 - In preparation for wide-spread distribution of our publications, I'm altering a few issues regarding our covers and internal fonts, which basically goes to house style. This will take me a few days. The Bach Violin Sonatas & Partitas has already been finished. Looks good, too! :-) Business arrangements are being made to change bindings in the next few weeks, as well as covers and internal pages. Prices will be increasing as a result. This will happen in the next 2 months or so.

- Printing done by my own manufacturing facility will be unchanged, as will our internal prices for those books.

01-03-2009 - More tweaks and updates to numerous pages throughout the site. It's definitely getting there. Working on some of the front pages as well as the several sheet music pages behind our Catalog Page.

01-02-2009 - Updated numerous pages including our Guitar Page, this page, and many of the guitar listings. New Photos are up for our 3 latest additions as well as updates to the Jack Spira Acoustic and the Hippner 163. I spent a good portion of today measuring and cataloguing numerous guitars and posting updated and correct information for many of the instruments.

- I created pages for the 2 new Hippner Originals that I brought in - Hippner #566 and Hippner #567

- I also updated the Steven Howlett #3 that was just listed.

01-01-2009 - Doing Photo Shoots today on the new guitars and re-shooting some of the older ones too. Whooo....Happy New Year!

- Photos are updated for the Jack Spira Acoustic (monster) and the Hippner #163 - The other 3 new guitars are photographed...just waiting on cataloguing and creating individual pages for them.

12-31-2008 - Three new guitars came in yesterday, 2 from Darren Hippner and 1 from American luthier Steven Howlett. I will update the Guitar Page as soon as I can find some time to catalog and photograph the latest additions.

12-30-2008 - Happy New Year! I'm looking at compiling a book of easy pieces pulling from various Bach and Weiss sources. This would go to a student edition. Anywhere from 10-20 pieces will be selected. I'll post when it is ready. Then I finish the Celtic book.

12-29-2008 - Much work to do....Sound files need to be recorded, photographs need to be updated, videos need to be recorded, all highlighting Original Music, Guitars and our site. Videos will focus on the Hippner Guitars and Avalon guitars as well as many of my original pieces of music. This should continue to generate further interest and exposure of our growing site. Stay Tuned....

12-25-2008 - Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone! A great Christmas season and we're still going strong.

- Our Black Friday Special is over, but I can still entertain reasonable offers on any of our instruments.

- I'm keeping FREE FedEx Ground Shipping to the 50US, so the price you see for a guitar is it....Guitar/Case/Shipping/Insurance all included for the listed price.

- It doesn't get easier than that! Give me a call at 631-335-5447 and we'll get you going. Rich

12-23-2008 - The Whisler #17 is sold to a nice gentleman from Sacramento, CA. Wonderful guitar built by Ken Whisler.

- A few more improvements found, including updating the favicon.ico associated with our web site. Adding little touches here and there as I see them.

- I've added quite a few students in the last month. This is eating up quite a bit of my time. I say this, because it is affecting my output, compositionally and in terms of books being finished up. I'm dying to get to the Celtic Book, which is primarily done, but business issues keep getting in the way.

12-22-2008 - Updated all of the Gallery Pages, including Bach - Weiss - and my Original Works Page....much better :-)

- Continued finding improvements...the site is becoming easier to use and easier on the eyes. Hope you like the changes.

- I've put in I don't know how many hours, updating well over 90 pages associated with our site. My head is tired, but the site is better for it all. I know I'm not done, but I feel like I am....cooked, baby....the head is fried LOL

12-21-2008 - Keep finding further improvements for the site. Updates are on-going and up-loaded immediately. I'm focused, so nothing else is really going on except daily business communications.

12-20-2008 - I continue tweaking and updating the site. It's really coming along....love the simple changes and the ease of use of the site now.

12-19-2008 - A Steven Howlett (American Luthier) classical guitar is on the way...looks to be a beauty.

12-18-2008 - I'm bringing on a new luthier by the name of Peter Barthell from Washington State. I should have one of his guitars for evaluation by the end of the coming week. Looks to be very promising and he is one heckuva nice guy.

12-17-2008 - I've continued my work on tweaking the site, liking many of the changes. Cleaner loading, easier reading, attached icons to certain pages, search engine optimizations, etc. It will be on-going, but is coming along quite nicely. My many and deep thanks to Steve Schram - a good friend, great guitarist and talented web designer, for his thoughts and input.

12-14-2008 - It's a funny thing about building web sites and the pages that go along with it, considering the size and scope of what I do here at Savage Classical Guitar. Over the past 5 years of operation, we have grown tremendously, from publications to guitars to services, and the complexity of our web site is proof that one needs to keep a tight reign on every aspect of an aggressively grown business.

For months, if not longer, my site has been bothering me. Doing my best to look at it objectively, granted, a difficult proposition, I knew instinctively that it was too busy, too wordy, too difficult to navigate, too....well...you get it. I wanted desperately to re-design the entire space, but it is just too big to do so effectively.

So...I chose to simplify what is existing, highlighting the most important aspects of our business, then, creating simple link pages to other parts of our business. The simplification process will be on-going, but you will immediately see that our TOP links are broken down, defined and simplified to make navigation easier. I will continue to find improvements to the individual pages, but I hope and trust that it will be easier for everyone to move across our web space.

12-11-2008 - Lessons and business have really been eating up my time. The good news is that my head has been ringing with new music. I have been jotting down notes, sketches, phrases, notation, etc almost every hour of every day for the last week or so...must be the holidays or something? :-)

12-05-2008 - I've been spending time on business issues, as well as writing many pieces of original music. Numerous updates should be forthcoming in the next weeks.

11-29-2008 - Our Black Friday special on guitars will be extended right thru to Xmas eve. I carry nothing but exceptional instruments. 10% off any listed price including FREE FedEx shipping is something to take advantage of in these more thrifty times.

11-26-2008 - 2 new guitars coming in from Darren Hippner. Gorgeous craftsmanship...very excited to see these babies.

11-25-2008 - A new Whisler just came in...well a used Whisler, but new for me. Beautiful guitar, as usual from Ken. I'll update the pages today.

11-14-2008 - The new Hippner 565 Maple is out the door, sold to a nice guy from Missouri.

11-13-2008 - The 1998 Sergei de Jonge is sold to a real nice guy in NYC. What a great instrument!

11-11-2008 - A new Hippner Classical is in and this is another beauty from Darren. #565 Spruce Top with a gorgeous figured Maple back and sides, she is a sweet easy playing earthy instrument. The pages will all be updated with high-resolution photographs.

11-10-2008 - The 2 NEW Avalon Guitars are in and they are amazing and beautiful. A32J Spruce/Rosewood and an A25J Cedar/Rosewood both with full blown electronics and cutaway. The pages should be updated shortly. I will be uploading videos of the guitars along with some original music. These vids will be available thru the site, YouTube and MySpace. I will post when they are ready for viewing.

11-07-2008 - 3 new guitars coming in, including 2 new Avalon Classical/Jazz instruments... an A32J Spruce/Rosewood and an A25J Cedar/Rosewood both with full blown electronics and cutaway. I'm also getting a new Hippner in, a Spruce Maple sweetheart of a classical.

10-31-2008 - Happy Halloween! In light of our tougher economic times, I am offering FREE Media Mail Shipping on any order of 4 books or more, including compilation orders. These costs will be refunded once your payment is received or are already included in all of our package deals.

10-17-2008 - Join me on Saturday and Sunday October 25 and 26, 2008 at the 2008 Fall Guitar Festival at Five Towns College in Dix Hills, NY Directions - Phone is 631-656-2148

- I'll be there as a sponsor and I'm also giving a Beginner's Guide to Classical Guitar Care lecture at 2:30 PM on Saturday. Hope to see you there.

10-14-2008 - Updated Mail Order Forms and Retail and Teacher Forms on the site, including Package deals, my book of Solo Guitar Works and the Bach Violin Sonata & Partita publication.

10-11-2008 - I am releasing my first book of published Solo Guitar Works Volume 1 sometime this week. I am just going thru the book order and certain logical processes to make this happen. I may be done tomorrow morning. I will update all relevant pages as soon as the book is ready. I will then release a TAB version of this same book soon thereafter.

10-07-2008 - I uploaded a sound sample of the 1998 Sergei de Jonge. What a baby of a guitar!

- As a side note, not that I engage in political discussion, but after watching tonight's presidential debate, I want another choice.

10-04-2008 - Updated the Guitar page with 4 new instruments. Torres Models by Darren Hippner (gorgeous) and a Jack Spira Acoustic Guitar (an Australian Blackwood monster). Pics, pages, hi-def pictures, etc.

10-01-2008 - Set up our Visa MasterCard operations in the studio to accept phone orders and make it possible for you to pay for anything in the studio. Give me a call and we'll get you going.

09-30-2008 - I did another run through of the Bach Violin Sonata Book, fixed some smallish issues in the fingering/marking department and then did a print run for sale publication. This book is fantastic and a lot of fun...which was the whole point from the beginning of the project. Give it a look and listen on its dedicated page.

09-29-2008 - I picked up a new acoustic guitar, dealer to dealer. This baby is a Jack Spira - hailing from Australia - stunning is a good word. Guitar page for updates.

09-28-2008 - 3 New Instruments came in from Darren Hippner...all absolutely gorgeous. Each is a Torres Model hand-made by Darren using gorgeous tone woods and back and sides, with beautiful workmanship. See our Guitar Page for the latest updates.

09-27-2008 - I've worked out the process for our business where we will be able to take Visa/Mastercard orders over the phone or at the studio. Should make it easier to drop 3 grand on a guitar in the studio, no? :-)

09-24-2008 - Hey...been taking it easy for a spell while I figure out what I'm going to do with various business and performance aspects of what I do. A little trip to Las Vegas, some down time with my family, and a whole bunch of guitars ordered have kept me pretty busy. I'll update in the next few days as I know more of what I'm going to pursue.

09-11-2008 - How wild that on the anniversary of 9-11 I release this amazing book. The reason is that I worked in the World Trade Center during that horrific time. Those events and the ensuing aftermath of geo-political events caused me to look at what was important to me and my life. Guitar, creating and playing music came to the top along with my family. Within 2 years of 9-11 I was done with Wall Street, had started my publishing company, and got to work on the enormous bank of manuscripts that I had done during my music student days of the 1980's. Here I am 7 years later, working on becoming the center of classical guitar on Long Island for equipment, guitars, sheet music, strings, cases, and so on. How very cool is that! :-)

- The numerous sessions of proof-reading and playing are complete and this book (Selections from Bach's Violin Sonatas and Partitas) is ready for release. All pages will be updated, including the mail order form. It is a great book, filled with good ideas, textured harmonies, counterpoint and the wonderful music of Bach. My Dad would be proud. Enjoy.

09-06-2008 - As you may have read, we are an official Avalon Guitar dealer for the Long Island NY area. I love these guitars. I have an Avalon A32J classical jazz with full blown Electro package offered (used) on the site. List is 5850 ... take this one for $3995 including shipping to the 50US.

09-04-2008 - Today is a sad day. My father has passed away early this morning after a prolonged and pain-stricken sickness on numerous levels. His heart weakened this morning, where attempts to revive him failed. His wake will be held at Chapey Funeral Home in East Islip, NY, on Sunday, September 7, 2008 and his funeral will be held at St. Patricks on the following Monday at 11AM. He made it to 70 years, about 20 years too early by our family reckoning. He is the youngest son of many children and one of the first to go. He loved his grandchildren with all of his heart. His loss is miserable for those he leaves behind, but good for his own self. I love him and only wished him peace in his final days. Bye Pop...I will miss you, as will everyone who knew this incredible artist and kindest of souls. I am honored that I was able to write at least one piece of music for him...Un Padre si Ricorda...A Father Remembers

Chapey Funeral Home Information

200 East Main St
East Islip, NY 11730
631-581-5600
Map & Directions

St Patrick's RC Church of Bay Shore

www.stpatricksbayshore.org

9 N Clinton Ave
Bay Shore, NY 11706
(631) 665-4911
Get directions

08-31-2008 - I am just about done with the final proof read and proof play of the Violin Sonata Book. I will release it when possible.

08-30-2008 - I'm working the book over now, having finished some writing. This is basically a proof-reading and proof-playing round to make certain the book is in good order on every front. I'm taking my time, thus there will be a slight delay until I'm satisfied she's as good as it gets. I'm checking harmony, fingering, layout, markings, etc.

08-28-2008 - I said the heck with it and bore down to finish the Gigue from Partita III and did it. In essence, the Bach Violin Sonata and Partitas book is finished. I updated a few of the later jpegs and mp3s on the dedicated page. I'm going to do a test print, look over any essays within and see about releasing this thru the weekend. Sweet! Man, that took a long time.

08-28-2008 - The Prelude in E Major is completed as of this morning. I will attempt to finish marking the Gigue and then wrap this baby up! :-)

- I have 3 Avalon guitars coming in to the shop. 2 A32J Spruce models and 1 A25J Cedar top model - cutaways with full blown Fishman Ellipse electronics. Updates soon.

08-27-2008 - The Guitar Page is updated with our latest addition - a 1998 Sergei de Jonge classical - absolutely gorgeous!

08-25-2008 - Brought in a new guitar from Sergei de Jonge of Canada. A master grade Spruce top with gorgeous Brazilian Rosewood and impeccable workmanship. Page updated soon to reflect this latest addition to our guitar offerings.

08-25-2008 - I added a play-list of mp3s to my Original Music page, including Celtic music - Bach - Weiss and Sor

08-24-2008 - More family issues delay certain projects, but I keep chuggin' along. Almost done with the Bach Violin Sonata and Partitas

- Writing another piece of music

- Web traffic has almost tripled in the last month as well as in-studio traffic helping people with sheet music, guitars and small fix jobs on their instruments. It's nice! Can't wait to open up the store :-)

08-22-2008 - Uploaded 2 sound files for the gorgeous Ioannou 1993 that I have for sale. Prelude #10 and Valerie's Air.

08-21-2008 - Did a few more pages on the Prelude in E Major. Almost there, baby :-) Another few days and I can wrap up the Bach Violin book.

08-20-2008 - I uploaded a sound file for the Hippner #570 - my latest composition titled Prelude #10 A Father Remembers

08-19-2008 - It looks to be official. We will be authorized dealers for Avalon acoustic and jazz classical guitars.

- Uploaded a sound file for the new Bellucci guitar.

- I'll be uploading various sound files for the numerous guitars for sale, including the new 1993 Ioannou and the Hippner #570 in the next day....feeling a bit better as my right arm heals.

08-19-2008 - I had picked up a Bellucci guitar a few months ago. An absolute gem of a guitar, it suffered only from what I considered extreme compression in the top, mainly the highs. It felt as if it was fighting with itself. I had my guys look the instrument over and started making adjustments. Numerous hours later with shaved braces, finely tuned saddle and nut, and fret dressings, we knew we had a winner. Exquisite workmanship by Renato. I have this brand new baby on the Guitar Page available to the general public as of today.

08-18-2008 - Well, I liked the Avalon A32J so much I contacted the good men over in Ireland about representing their guitars in the Long Island area. We shall see how things progress :-)

- Sold an Esteve 7 today. 2 more left.

- Looks like we're going to start carrying Avalon guitars. Nice people over in Ireland....great builders too! Sweet.

08-17-2008 - The Avalon A32J is sold. Shame too...I really like this guitar :-)

08-16-2008 - Updated the Original Composition Page with the latest piece as well as the Samples Page.

08-15-2008 - I added a sound-file for the Avalon A32J - I recorded my latest creation called Prelude #10 EMajor/C#Minor - A Father Remembers. It is not a final recording, but gives you a good idea of what I had in mind. The engravings are completed.

08-14-2008 - I added a Customer Feedback page to our links. I get so many emails from customers, I figured it was a good time to share some of the nice notes I get from our numerous customers.

08-13-2008 - I'm well into the Prelude from Partita III in E Major. This is going very smoothly and with some time will be done by this weekend or earlier.

- Prelude #10 written by me had to take a back seat due to business and family issues, but I am still working on the engraving. Hope to have it done by the end of this week.

08-13-2008 - As a result of all the guitar sales and the experience I provide to my customers, I'm starting to get some nice letters back from these good people. Thus, I'm starting a Customer Feedback page that's directly connected to our Guitar Page. I will update it with other emails as they come in.

08-12-2008 - The Nicholas Ioannou 1987 Bavarian Spruce monster guitar is sold to a good man out of Brooklyn.

08-11-2008 - The Allegro Assai from Sonata 3 is complete. :-) A nice cruise into the final 2 pieces and I should be done except for some slight editing and additional writing. The Allegro came out fantastic...it plays like a dream. Sweet! I also updated the mp3 of the same.

- I'm having some family issues that prevented me from completing my newest piece of music, mentioned just below. It's completely written, I just need the time to sit with it and mark it up.

08-10-2008 - For the longest time, my inner ear has been silent, with only the slightest pieces of music entering my mind. Apparently, a flood-gate has been opened and I have to obey the impulse. Prelude #10 is being written in E Major/C# Minor and should be completely engraved by this evening. I will continue to try and finish the Bach Violin Sonata and Partita book up asap.

08-09-2008 - OK, the Ken Whisler 2008 Cedar is out the door. A client came by, played a few guitars, settled on her and poof, it's gone in less than 2 days! Ken is a guitar builder to keep one's eye on. I'll hopefully have more of his guitars in the next few months.

08-07-2008 - The Whisler 2008 Cedar and Rosewood guitar is in and man, is she a beauty. Graded at a 2A by myself, this baby has a voice, punch, projection, resonance and beauty all going for her. Ken Whisler is definitely a luthier to watch and this is a guitar that must be played. Updates, photos and sound files will follow this evening....all on the Guitar Page.

08-06-2008 - Have a new guitar coming in from a new luthier.... Ken Whisler - Cedar and Rosewood. Looks to be a gorgeous instrument. Updates soon.

08-05-2008 - I took the time to convert the remaining files (BWV 1004-1006) to MP3 and upload them. Some of them hitched up here and there, but they're all correct, regardless of what you might hear. I've also just about finished the Allegro Assai from Sonata 3.

08-04-2008 - Updated the mp3 for the Allegro Assai from Sonata 3 and on the Photo Page.

08-03-2008 - Well into the Allegro Assai , I have 2 of 5 pages fully marked already. Final marking is completed on the Fugue from the same Sonata. Jpegs should be updated in the various galleries.

- Updated pictures of the Avalon A32J on our Guitar Page.

08-02-2008 - Opened up another advertising account with Yahoo Sponsored Search. Moving up in the rankings! Sweet. :-)

08-01-2008 - I'm into the Allegro Assai from Sonata 3. 14 pages to go to finish up the book. Almost there! 5 pages for this piece in terms of marking and final editing. It should go smoothly.

- I have the other Adalid 9CB Spruce model in hand and she's a beauty. Pristine!

07-31-2008 - The Fugue from Sonata 3 is completed. Happy time.

- Another Adalid Esteve 9 CB guitar is coming....Spruce top - Rosewood back and sides.

07-29-2008 - Updated photos of the Hippner #570 Port Orford Cedar and Flamed Myrtle ... the guitar is a must see.

- Had a great morning regarding the Violin Sonatas & Partitas volume - almost done with the Fugue from Sonata 3, which will allow a nice cruise into the final 3 pieces of the book.

07-27-2008 - Updated the Guitar Page with 2 exceptional instruments:

- 1993 Nicholas Ioannou

- 2008 Adalid 9 C/B Cedar & Rosewood

07-25-2008 - Almost done with the Fugue from Violin Sonata 3....slowly....keyriste, it's even longer than the Chaconne !

07-22-2008 - Opened an advertising account with NetInstruments furthering our reach to the classical guitar public.

07-20-2008 - Another Spruce top Adalid 9 C/B is on the way....same as ever... loud and sweet sounding....awesome guitars.

- Work continues on the Violin Sonatas & Partitas volume - 3/4 done with the Fugue from Sonata 3.

07-19-2008 - I have another Esteve Adalid 9 C/B for sale, Cedar top, Rosewood, again, very loud and very sweet sounding.

07-18-2008 - I have a gorgeous 1993 Nicholas Ioannou guitar for sale. Spruce and Rosewood, very resonant and very sweet.

07-15-2008 - As of this week, we are now offering Luthier services to the Long Island area. We can now offer guitarists setup and repair service for their classical and acoustic instruments.

07-14-2008 - A fine classical guitarist from Mexico, Eduardo Diaz - was kind enough to upload a video performance of Valerie's Air. My deepest thanks to Eduardo for his expressive interpretation.

07-13-2008 - I have a brand new Avalon A32J Legacy Series guitar in Spruce and Indian Rosewood with a Hiscox Lowden LiteFlite hard-shell case.

07-12-2008 - The Esteve 9 C/B Spruce is sold. I have another Cedar 9 C/B coming in soon.

07-11-2008 - New Hippner guitar just came in and she's a beauty. Hippner #570 ... check it out.

07-08-2008 - The Cedar Adalid 9 C/B is sold! Whoo, that was fast....an indication of what a great value and sound that can be found in these guitars. 2 Spruce models left...come over and give them a try. Bring money....you're gonna want one.

07-07-2008 - 1/2 way done with the Fugue from BWV 1005, it's slowly getting there.

07-02-2008 - A few new guitars are coming in the next couple of days. Cedar 9C/B from Esteve and at least 1 new Hippner. Updates soon

07-01-2008 - Numerous other projects and outside work are keeping me from diligent work towards the Violin Sonatas and Partitas. I'm working on it at night or early in the morning, so I can get other work done too. Soon.

06-16-2008 - The Kenny Hill 2288 is sold. Nice guitar.

06-15-2008 - Update the snapshot of the Fugue from BWV 1005. Another monster piece, this clocks in at 11 pages. About a 1/5th thru the piece in terms of marking and editing.

06-13-2008 - A well deserved vacation (if I do say so myself :-) is over and it's back to work. I'm well into the Fugue from BWV 1005, having time on the plane back and forth to Orlando, FL. Other than that, I didn't do much except swim, walk, and watch my girls have a lot of fun.

06-05-2008 - Having a significantly good couple of days, mainly due to bad weather :-) I was able to finish the Chaconne! Very happy with the full editing, marking and fingerings. A big weight has been relieved. I can now move forward with the 4 remaining pieces and think seriously about releasing this great book.

06-02-2008 - More than half-way thru the Chaconne. It's coming out very nicely. Might be a good run from here, once I'm done with this piece.

05-28-2008 - The Hippner 8 string guitar is sold.

- About a 1/3 of the way thru the Chaconne.

- I've made available, the pieces from BWV 1001 , 1002 and 1003 along with the Urtext transcriptions. Each in individual publications.

05-23-2008 - A fifth of the way thru marking and fingering the Chaconne...gods, this is a huge piece. The jpeg snapshot of the piece is updated. At this rate, it's gonna be a while until I'm satisfied. Hopefully, it's worth it. :-)

- Knowing the old Segovia score, I'm a bit upset that the harmonies are incorrect in places, rhythms are simplified or plain wrong, in places (look carefully at the beginning measures to start), and that there is no variation within certain sections of the piece. I always knew it could be much better, and at the very least, more accurate. I wonder why no one ever questioned the old standard? Or maybe they did...who knows. Whoo, bad Rich, questioning the old master. He'd of castrated me on the stage in his master class, no? LOL

05-21-2008 - Massive review of the Chaconne is underway. Smallish editing, corrections along the way, etc. It's a big piece. I'm liking it more and more as I tighten things up. Once I'm done with this piece, the rest will flow pretty smoothly.

05-14-2008 - The Gigue from Violin Partita II is completed. I have also begun "re-looking" at the Chaconne from the same, determining whether or not it will be included in the collection. The answer is "yes". My interpretation of this great piece should be available and it will be. If I didn't believe it would be a favored edition, I would leave it out. I am also considering a separate publication based solely on this piece, including numerous interpretations.

05-12-2008 - I uploaded a simple presentation, based on one's perspective. This has nothing to do with guitar. Work continues in the background. A few guitars came in, which have to be evaluated, and Violin Sonata work progresses.

05-08-2008 - Uploaded photos for the Esteve guitars 3E and Esteve 7...nice nice guitars.

05-05-2008 - Work continues....pictures of guitars and sound files will be uploaded tonight.

05-02-2008 - The New Esteve student models are in....price points are $849 and 1049 including FedEx shipping. with case.

05-01-2008 - Updated the jpeg snapshot for the Gigue from Partita II BWV 1004.

- New Esteve guitars coming today with lower price points of $1049 and $849. I'll shoot them tonight or tomorrow morning.

04-27-2008 - Got into the Gigue from BWV 1004. I keeps going ...we'll get there soon enough.

04-26-2008 - The Courante from BWV 1004 in D Minor is fully marked. Chippin' away.

04-24-2008 - Work continues on the Bach Violin Sonatas as well as my Celtic Guitar publication.

- Updated the Guitar Page with relevant information for the numerous guitars we have for sale.

04-18-2008 - Continuing work on Partita II in D Minor.

- Updating pages for the individual BWVs regarding the Bach Violin Sonatas. You can now purchase BWV 1001, 1002 and 1003 separately, where each edition will contain the matching Urtext.

- I'm bringing in a few less expensive solid top instruments that are perfectly setup by Ron Fernandez. These will be around $800-1000 each.

04-15-2008 - Happy Tax Day! Finished 2 days early...whoo! :-)

- OK, looks like the Hippner #456 Blanca Flamenco is sold.

- Updated the Courante from Partita II in D Minor. Getting there ... should be done with the book soon enough.

04-11-2008 - I put up a number of sound files for the listed guitars for those interested. Varied stuff such as Canarios, a Bach gavotte, Angostura and Afro Cuban Lullaby. The files are a minute a piece....not too long for a good sound sample. I'm using an AKG mic along with my normal PC based recording setup. The mic gives a very pure reproduction of the sound. The guitars are recorded straight. 1db of noise reduction, added reverb to relieve the dryness and that's it. All found thru the Guitar Page.

04-07-2008 - Finished the Allegro from Bach Violin Sonata II for our Violin Sonatas publication. The halfway point! Now I'll move on to the 2nd Partita, which includes the Courante, Gigue and Chaconne in D Minor, all for marking, fingering and slight editing on the fly.

04-06-2008 - Spent some time updating our Guitar Page with a few nice instruments. Added 2 Spruce Esteve Guitars. East Indian Rosewoods, Carbon Fiber bracing, Ebony, Cedar Neck, perfectly set up...these guitars are very loud and very sweet sounding. Give them a look.

04-05-2008 - Added a Kenny Hill Signature Model Classical Guitar built in 2004 on our Guitar Page. Nice guitar!

04-03-2008 - Put an Ioannou 1987 Classical Guitar for Sale on our Guitar Page. Loud, resonant Spruce baby!

04-02-2008 - Working the Allegro Violin Sonata II from the Violin Sonatas publication. I'm considering working on the Sinfonia for Duet Parts. I'm also hankering to get the Celtic Book for Classical Guitar done.

04-01-2008 - Lots of stuff starting to happen, which is mighty cool. Guitars are moving, books are selling, and my kids are getting big!

- 3 New guitars arrived today and they are all quality instruments. I'll be spending the day photographing the 3, hopefully recording, and updating the website. One of them is a Kenny Hill Signature Model. NICE guitar....expensive but worth it.

03-30-2008 - Started the final marking process for the Allegro from Bach's Violin Sonata II.

03-28-2008 - Well, as expected, the 520 was sold shortly thereafter. Great sound. More guitars coming soon!

03-27-2008 - Sound file added for the Hippner 520 Hauser I model. Nice guitar.

03-25-2008 - My beautiful Hippner #506 went out the door today. I'm gonna miss her. She went to a good friend in Texas.

- I'll be carrying new guitars very soon. These are sweet, loud (really loud) gorgeous classical guitars that are sure to please for the money. We're very excited to offer these new instruments to you. They will be professionally set up for maximum performance. I guarantee that you will not get a better guitar for the money.

03-24-2008 - Back to work on the Violin Sonatas publication. Finished marking the Fugue from Sonata II.

- I spent time updating all the Cello Suite work Jpegs for our snapshots and galleries. This from the revised editions done the previous week.

- Things are working out regarding our Guitar Sales, slowly but surely. I'm starting to carry equipment, strings, cloths, and our guitar inventory will be increasing dramatically over the next few months. You're always welcome to come over and sit in the studio to play. Give me a call.

03-23-2008 - I spent some time editing and getting our Cello Suite works to be more in line with our present house style. You will find these to be more elegant looking, with nice spacing and easy readability.

- Trying to tidy up the web site, removing a lot of text and such. Over the years, it has grown too large and hey...for a quiet guy, I talk a lot on the web site. I'll be improving this as I continue.

03-20-2008 - Gonna take a break of sorts. Working on cleaning up the site. Outta control! :-)

03-19-2008 - Bach Sinfonia for Trio is available with Parts for each guitar separately bound. The package is available for $24.99 plus modest shipping cost.

- Additionally, I have a fabulous line of classical guitars that we shall be carrying shortly. Absolutely knock-out is all I can say! :-)

03-18-2008 - Bach Sinfonia for Trio is finished, parts-wise and master score. I just need to go thru it all and check some final stuff and we'll get this up and running.

- Prelude #7 in D Major was pointing to the wrong file on our Samples Page. No one said anything? Now that's just weird. It was pointing to Prelude #3? Thanks to Jim D. for pointing it out this afternoon.

03-17-2008 - Bach Sinfonia for Trio Parts are just about completed. I'm up to #14, while revising the master edition.

03-13-2008 - My Hippner #506 is sold ... please check out our other instruments for sale.

03-11-2008 - Adding Smith-Crawford numbers to match the Lute Sonata numbering of our offered Weiss Lute Sonatas. Where possible, I've also identified recordings by Robert Barto on his Naxos label. This should all be helpful to those needing further information in whatever regard. My thanks to Arthur Ness for planting the seed of the idea of this correlation.

03-10-2008 - Work continues on parts for the Bach Sinfonia for Trio.

03-09-2008 - Trying to find to time to record some of the new guitars.

03-02-2008 - Uploaded a sound file for the Hippner #456. An absolutely beautiful Blanca spruce top classical/flamenco.

03-01-2008 - Uploaded a sound file for the Hippner #163.

- Revised Weiss Lute Sonata XIV from the Dresden MS. Found smallish issues that bothered me. They had to be fixed. :-) This is a 2nd edition. The Dresden MS compilation will also be updated.

02-29-2008 - Our Hippner #519 is sold to a wonderful player and nice guy. The Hippner 520 is still available. Check out our other instruments as well.

02-28-2008 - Worked the parts for the Bach Sinfonia for Trio. Made it up to Sinfonia #9! Whooo...

Truth is, this is seriously tedious work. Anyone ever asks me to do duets or trios, it's gonna cost 6x what it would normally cost to do this work. Think I'm kidding? Ask me ... when I stop laughing is when you'll be crying.

02-26-2008 - I've updated the Guitar Page with pictures of the Hippner Flamenco #456, Spruce top with Cypress all around and quite beautiful in every respect.

- I've also updated pictures of the Hippner #506

02-24-2008 - After a longish bout with illness, I'm back on track, editing and working various collections.

- Working on the Parts for the Bach Sinfonia for Trio. I'm up to Sinfonia #5

- Working the Fugue from Violin Sonata II, fingering and marking.

- Have to get to photographs and descriptions for the various guitars on the Guitar Page.

02-23-2008 - Updated the TAB version of The Morning Song on its dedicated page.

02-22-2008 - I've updated the various pages to reflect our addition of The Morning Song to our catalog. It's a major relief to have this engraved and I have to thank Lance Dixon for pushing me, as well as John Rimmer and my good friend Rich Fernandez.

- It's snowing here today, rather heavily, and it looks like it's sleigh riding time. The kids have been dying for heavy snow and well...here it is....orders will be printed and then we're closing up shop for the day. :-) See ya....

02-21-2008 - Due to a push from a customer of ours, I've made available our engraving of The Morning Song. You can find it in standard notation and a TAB version also on its dedicated page.

02-19-2008 - As many have come to realize, I am setting myself up as a small sized guitar dealer in new and used instruments. I may get larger in short order, but for the time being I have anywhere from 3 to 10 instruments on hand. As a matter of good business, I offer a 7 day no hassle return policy, simply because I want you to be very happy with your purchase. I am finding that people are taking slight advantage of this policy. As a result, there is now a $50.00 charge for returning an instrument to me, besides the cost of shipping both ways, which is the responsibility of the buyer. There is much time involved in talking, writing, fees for accepting payment, my time for shipping, materials, etc. This small fee is to partially compensate me for these issues, which are very real and very costly.

02-17-2008 - I spent the morning revamping the Guitar Page, as it was becoming cumbersome. There is a brief highlight on the main Guitar Page of each guitar, and a dedicated page behind that for each guitar. Much better and faster loading.

- I also spent a good part of yesterday and this morning working on the Parts for the Sinfonia Trio. All 45 parts are separated, and editing has begun. I just finished with Sinfonia 2, so only 13x3 to go!! Say DOH! :-)

02-16-2008 - Work continues on the parts for the Sinfonia for Trio and the Violin Sonatas.

02-15-2008 - I put up a HipCat #163 for sale. This is a great playing and great sounding instrument. On the guitar page.

02-14-2008 - I still have the Hippner #519 Spruce and Brazilian R/W, which is a beautiful guitar. A few others too that I will put up later.

02-13-2008 - I've been working on the parts for the Sinfonia Trio...almost done. sweet....

02-11-2008 - I got a Hippner #519 Spruce/Brazilian Hauser in from Luthier's NYC today...had some fret dressing done and overall tune-up. Fabulous guitar. On the guitar page.

02-11-2008 - I have 3 guitars coming in today or during the coming week. I will post regarding each of them. One is a flamenco, the other standard classical guitars by Darren Hippner.

02-10-2008 - We are very proud to count Luthier's NYC among our many retailers and resellers. Tony is a wonderful guy, with a gorgeous selection of mid to high end guitars, tons of music and an excellent repair shop. They will be carrying the majority of our line of publications. You can find them at 341 West 44th Street New York, NY 10036 Phone is (212) 397-6038.

- Not a lot going on creatively as there have been numerous administrative and technical issues with which I've had to contend, including equipment upgrades, meetings, sales, etc. Volume is increasing and we gots to keeps up, baby! :-)

02-08-2008 - Picked up my Hippner #519 in the city and got a chance to meet Andrew Schulman. Wonderful guy and great player and arranger for the 8 string classical guitar. He plays guitars made by Darren Hippner, also representing him in the tri-state area. I thought I did that? :-) This was a special treat for me.

02-07-2008 - I've been ill the past few days, actually since Super Bowl Sunday. What a great game! Anyway, I've been down and out on and off for the last 4 days, getting very little done.

- I was able to continue working the Fugue from Violin Sonata II and ...

- I finished a revised version of our Bach Sinfonia for Trio publication. I'm well into the 3 individual parts for that particular book. I may be done sooner than originally thought!

02-02-2008 - In my spare time (as if I have any), I'm going to be working on the Individual parts for our Bach Sinfonia for Duet and Sinfonia for Trio publications. They should be completed by March of 2008.

02-02-2008 - Upon further review, I updated the Fugue from Sonata II (BWV 1003), slightly incorporating BWV 964, where appropriate. They are vastly different pieces, though they have much of the same thematic material. In places, it was a good fit, making the sections very interesting, slightly more challenging, but they sound and play great. The MP3 is updated. I will update the PDF shortly.

02-01-2008 - Updated the MP3 for the Allegro from Sonata II and the Fugue MP3 on the Violin Page.

01-30-2008 - The third Double's snapshot and mp3 are updated. Done with the 1st Partita!

01-29-2008 - The second Double snapshot is updated and the score itself is just about completed.

01-28-2008 - Almost done with BWV 1002. Updated the Tempo di Borea and the 2nd Double...all on the Violin Page.

01-24-2008 - The Double Presto is updated from BWV 1002 and I uploaded the matching MP3.

01-23-2008 - I've added BWV 1001 to our Prices and Catalog pages. This includes the Fugue Allegro and the Presto along with Urtext editions of both pieces attached to the publication.

01-22-2008 - Work is moving right along with our latest publication. I've updated the Violin Page to reflect the latest updates.

01-21-2008 - The 2 selections from BWV 1001 are complete as of today. I'm thinking that the individual pieces from each Sonata and Partita will be available separately along with their URTEXT version. This came about after almost a dozen requests just for the 2 pieces from BWV 1001. Thus, along with the complete 17 piece collection of fully realized pieces, there will be 6 additional publications, focused on the individual BWV for each Sonata and Partita, that will include the fully realized version and the original Urtext version.

01-21-2008 - I've uploaded a fully realized version MP3 of the 1st Double from Partita I - BWV 1002.

01-19-2008 - Harmonic and textural overlay and engravings are done for BWV 1001 Presto. I am also adding MP3s of various pieces highlighting these new arrangements, harmonic texturing, etc. You can find them next to the individual pieces (where available) as MP3 on the Violin Sonata & Partita page.

01-19-2008 - The Fugue from BWV 1001 mp3 is incomplete as my midi processor gave up after 3 minutes of recording.

01-18-2008 - Our Hippner #521 Classical Guitar was sold over the weekend. One left, the Hippner #520 and she is as beautiful as they come. Someone needs to buy it soon. A perfect instrument.

- Editing work is complete regarding The Fugue from Violin Sonata I BWV 1001

- On to the Presto from the same!

01-16-2008 - I went over the Chaconne from Partita II, reviewing my old notes, sketches (from 2 decades ago) and engravings from last year and decided on some discreet editing. This took me all day yesterday, listening to various violin performances with fresh ears, reviewing urtext, violin scores edited by various people over the last 2 centuries, etc. I made some additional choices mainly focused on the arpeggio section within the piece, but I have to add that it is still subject to further review by myself and some of my colleagues. I simply do not want to add it to this collection unless I feel it is the absolute finest version available for classical guitar. In other words, I will not settle, given the quality of the work of the other 16 pieces within this collection. I have spent enormous hours reviewing all of the pieces, their harmonic overlay, engravings, page layouts, commentary, notes, urtext, etc. and it would be a shame to offer a poor representation of this important piece of music for Classical Guitar.

- I spent this entire morning reviewing every piece once again, making smallish on the fly adjustments. This will probably continue as I proceed with the marking and fingering of the collection, which will start in earnest today. I have 3 or 4 of the pieces marked already, so I have a bit of a head-start....which is cool, cuz I feel like to die given the scope of the work ahead of me....really really :-)

- I've also been going thru various manuscripts and representations of Celtic music for my upcoming Celtic Classical Guitar collection. This was a way for me to take a breath and a break while I've been bustin' my hump doing the Violin work. I've pretty much got a hold on what will be included within this collection.

- Original compositions have taken a back seat as my head is too troubled, and filled with other issues. The music is simply not singing in my head at the moment and I have to respect that there's nothing to fill the void.

01-15-2008 - Editing and complete harmonic sketches are completed for the Bach Violin Sonatas and Partitas. Now...marking, fingering, etc. Nice stuff here. Trust, you've never seen nothing like this :-)

01-14-2008 - I'm now deep into the work regarding the Bach Violin Sonatas and Partitas. I'm into the 2nd Partita, looking very closely at the Courante and the Chaconne. I may have to re-do the Chaconne as my original sketches may be too difficult and that is definitely NOT the purpose of this book. Don't get me wrong, the Chaconne is a difficult piece no matter what I or anyone does, but heck, I don't have to make it even harder! :-)

01-11-2008 - I'm back to work in full swing, writing original music, working on the Bach Violin Sonata and Partita collection, and my Celtic Classical Guitar collection. My hope is to have these works completed by Spring 2008.

------------

12-31-2007 - Happy New Year! Work continues in the background. I have another Hippner for sale that I will post shortly.

12-23-2007 - I have another Hippner for sale, #520 - solid Brazilian Rosewood, Spruce Top, all top of the line material and construction...another monster, which I just had professionally setup by Luthier's in NYC.

12-31-2007 - Happy New Year! Work continues in the background. I have another Hippner for sale that I will post shortly.

12-23-2007 - I have another Hippner for sale, #520 - solid Brazilian Rosewood, Spruce Top, all top of the line material and construction...another monster, which I just had professionally setup by Luthier's in NYC.

12-21-2007 - Uploaded a partial recording of Weiss' Paysane from London 23 in A Minor. It can be found under the Hippner #521 Guitar Listing on our Guitar Page.

12-20-2007 - Created pages for the 2 separate Weiss compilations, updated forms, pages, etc. , which can be found at: Weiss Dresden MS and Weiss London MS

12-17-2007 - I'm now separating the 12 Weiss publications we offer into 2 editions, one for the Dresden MS and one for the London MS. Thus, our offer to purchase all 12 will be comprised of these 2 editions, as well as our other Package deals that include all 12 Weiss publications.

- I will also make these 2 - 6 book compilations available separately for purchase at a slight discount.

- I'll need a bit of time to update our Order Forms, and certain pages that offer the books for sale, Purchase buttons, Mail Order, Retail, etc...

12-09-2007 - I've put up a dedicated page for the Original Compositions.

12-08-2007 - I continue to write originals and arrange some Bach along the way. I will post with the latest composition as it's done.

12-03-2007 - The Hippner Hauser Classical Guitar #522 is sold. The other that's left is #521. Gorgeous guitar...someone should buy it soon!

11-26-2007 - The recording for Prelude #7 in D Major is up. You can find it on the Samples Page and its own dedicated page.

11-25-2007 - As I've written previously, I have been working more on original compositions. The latest to release is Prelude #7 in D Major. I will do my best to get a recording up sometime tonight once I can find quiet time.

- The reason for some gaps in the numbering is that a number of engravings are already completed, but not ready for release. The above made me work it ahead of the others as it's been haunting me for some time. Preludes 4, 5 and 6 will be finished shortly.

- Given the scope of my original projects, a new page will have to be created to accommodate the number of original works we have available. I will do this sometime in the next week.

- btw, I'm still working outside on the railings for the deck work, which is all but complete.

11-17-2007 - Working on a few writing projects. I'll post as I complete the works.

11-10-2007 - Opened up a new website called Savage Classical Guitar - it's really a front page to the main web focused on certain keywords.

- Still working on writing and playing as my strength increases. Shoot, I almost sound good again!

- I'm outside more than not, working on the deck, reconditioning the old deck (lots of work). I'm at the railing stage, cutting, jigging, sanding, and staining. When they go up, they'll only need a touch up and voila....instant railings! yeah right...

- I'm also working on a new business, but that's on the quiet for now, until it's actually up and running.

10-27-2007 - Writing music, engraving original music (top priority at this stage), building more stuff, finishing the deck, etc. Busy boy!

- Updated the guitar page with quick links and 4 instruments that are for sale.

10-06-2007 - I recorded a piece from Weiss Dresden MS 5 - the Prelude in D Minor. This was recorded on my Contreras 1A early in the morning.

10-05-2007 - I picked up a Contreras 1A from 1972 signed by the maker. THIS is a nice guitar.

10-04-2007 - I wrote a new piece called Prelude #3 in D Major. You can find it by clicking on the link. It's for my Crazy Cat who I lost back in late August. He's a good boy and I miss him terribly. The mp3 is linked on that page and the Samples Page.

09-13-2007 - I lowered the prices of the Hippner Classical Guitars to $2499 plus shipping. They have to go.

09-12-2007 - I keep building. I lost a great cat...Crazy Cat...and well, I don't really care much about nothing of late. I lost him on August 24, a bad Friday night. Bad things seem to happen on Friday nights for some unknown gotdam reason.

08-23-2007 - Building continues...music languishes. At least I've been writing! :-)

08-16-2007 - Sorry, but nothing of musical import to report. I've been writing in my spare time. My outdoor projects have been consuming my time, as my decks are close to framed completion. More than likely, I will get back to serious musical work during the late fall and winter months unless something changes. :-)

07-29-2007 - Music projects have been put on temporary hold while I take care of outdoor building projects. My latest is a massive outdoor deck surrounding our pool, extending my original backyard deck and building a jacuzzi platform.

- The outdoor grill is complete, just needs a little jigging here and there...just a touch of finish work and it's done.

07-18-2007 - Updated the teacher pages and order forms.

07-06-2007 - Lowered the prices on the Darren Hippner Hausers to $2599 - 2699 plus shipping costs....they must go to good homes!

06-28-2007 - I uploaded a performance of "Morning Song" using the Hippner Hauser #521 on the Guitar Page.

- On a side note, my playing is improving slightly as the pain in my left arm dissipates a bit. I hope this continues to get better.

06-21-2007 - International Shipping is back on line. Int'l buyers must purchase a minimum of 5 books.

- Canada and Mexico shipping charges are a flat $23.00 US Dollars up to 20 pounds.

- All other International buyers are charged a flat rate of $37.00 US Dollars up to 20 pounds.

- It's clearly better to buy more books as the rate doesn't change using USPS International Priority flat rate boxes.

06-20-2007 - I've been taking care of background issues regarding the website, publications, and outside business matters having to do with further distributing our books to retailers around the USA and Canada.

06-05-2007 - I uploaded raw sound files, unedited, uncut to the guitar page regarding the Hippner Hauser Serial # 519 - 522 . You can find them in each respective table HERE.

06-04-2007 - FREE Media Mail Shipping is a thing of the past with costs going up across the board. I've set the price at $1.50 for your initial order, and $0.50 for each book ordered. Thus 1 book ordered will be an additional $2.00, 2 books will be $2.50, 3 books will be $3.00 and so on...

05-29-2007 - I've been busy doing other things, some guitar related, some not. From here forward, I'll be working on writing or nothing at all. I'm opting for nothing right now :-)

05-18-2007 - Now for something completely different...I've been building an outdoor grill. Detailed pics and plans are on our About Us Page.

- I played the Hippner #520 today...man she sounded gotdam good. :-)

05-12-2007 - Gave the Bach Violin Sonata and Partita publication another once over and then again, conforming all pages to our house style, smallish editing, beams, spacing, etc. I may take away the first fugue from BWV 1001....maybe?

- The guitar editing will begin in earnest asap. I have some other things to do, as well as touching up the Celtic Guitar book I've been working on in the background.

- I updated the About Us Page with pictures...be warned :-)

05-09-2007 - Updating the Guitar Page with journals regarding the guitars and photos. Just updated #519 with photos. Turning out to be an exceptional instrument.

05-08-2007 - The layout for Bach Violin Sonata and Partita has been completed. The book is 72 pages of music, besides any possible additional information pages, covers, inside titles, table of contents, and urtext that will be included with the book. The urtext alone can double the pages, but I'll format it a bit smaller since it doesn't need to be performed. Not crazy small, just smaller. The book may turn out to be over 100 to 120 pages total! Holy Hammermill, Batman! :-)

05-07-2007 - I've updated more jpegs from the Bach Violin Sonata and Partita page. I might have one more to do, which is the Courante from the D Minor Partita. Then, I can get to the business of marking them for guitar.

- I'm writing a running journal of all the Hippner guitars. You can find my objective entries within each guitar's table of Specs on the Guitar Page.

- All urtext engravings (17 of them) for the Violin Sonatas and Partitas are completed and up in the various Bach galleries. Now the guitar engineering. oh yeah...kill me now. lol

05-06-2007 - I'm in the process of updating the Guitar Page with the instruments that I received from Darren.

- I updated the Fugue from Sonata 1 in G Minor ... in the Bach gallery and Bach Violin Sonata and Partita page.

05-05-2007 - Added a few more snapshots to the Bach Violin Sonata and Partita page, including the Fugue from Sonata III in C Major. I think that does the urtext engraving. Now onto the editing for guitar.

- I opened up the other guitars from Darren Hippner. They're all gorgeous. I will put them up asap, but the average price for any one of the guitars will be in and around $3500.

05-03-2007 - Added quite a few snapshots to the Bach Violin Sonata and Partita page. Most of them are urtext but some are in their pre-final marking stage. Working this as much as possible with the little time I have at my disposal.

05-01-2007 - I've uploaded the first of Darren's new guitars. This is #522....solid Spruce/Brazilian...all top of the line. On the Guitar Page.

04-30-2007 - Uploaded a one page sample of Bach's Chaconne in D Minor to our Samples Page.

04-28-2007 - Working on the famous Chaconne in D Minor for the last day. Some curious choices have to be made versus my old sketches. I'm considering including an urtext version of all the pieces with this Bach Violin Sonata and Partita book, so the player can look for themselves as to choices made, and variations that you can come up with yourself.

04-26-2007 - I made mention of a book I will publish focused on Bach's Violin Partitas and Sonatas. The piece list is coming together and I thought I would give a preview of the collection. I will start a dedicated page to the publication, which you can find here. I will update the photos as I get to taking the snapshots and editing them. Right now we're at 16 pieces total for the book. I think this is about right in terms of choices and playability, etc.

- I'm also creating a simplified catalog page, allowing for easier perusal of the total list of books that we carry. In time, this may simply replace the Catalog Page, as it is out of control.

04-23-2007 - I have a few Hippner Hauser classical guitars coming. All Spruce Top and Brazilian Rosewood Back and Sides. All top notch concert instruments that will be up for sale very shortly.

04-19-2007 - Updated Valerie's Air page with TAB and Standard Notation images. While I was at it, I re-compiled the publications.

- Various updates to numerous pages, cleaning up, organizing etc...ugghhh. :-)

04-17-2007 - There was a problem with our TAB pages, as the links were not pointing to the correct snapshots. My thanks to one of our customers for pointing it out. The Inventions with TAB and Cello Suite Preludes with TAB pages are fixed. I'm working on Cello Suite 1 TAB and Cello Suite 2 TAB right now.

- All TAB pages are fixed with the correct jpeg snapshots.

04-15-2007 - We've released our 12th Weiss publication as of this weekend. Weiss Sonata 14 Dresden MS and it's associated pages will be updated with Shopping Cart buttons, Mail Order updates, etc.

04-12-2007 - Final engraving is complete regarding Weiss Sonata 14 Dresden MS. I'm into the final layout and notes, which may be completed by tomorrow, fingers crossed.

- I'm looking into my next Weiss project, but I would like very much to finish the 2 Bach books that are in full progress, and the Celtic Classical Guitar book I've been working on.

04-10-2007 - Working on finishing Weiss Sonata 14 Dresden MS. I'm into the Gigue right now, which required some additional editing. I've begun the fingering phase of the piece, looking to be done with it sometime today. Then I can work on the layout, notes, etc that will complete the book....hopefully by the end of the week. Then I'll work on finishing the Celtic Book.

04-07-2007 - We are pleased to welcome Sheet Music Plus as a distributor of Savage Classical GT publications!

- I've been working again, in the background, updating the site, fixing numerous jpeg representations, our Retail Page, and other pages on the site. Very time consuming. Truth is, for the last few days, I've done nothing else, but the site and our covers for our books are better off for it all.

04-04-2007 - Continuing work in the background, I'm almost done with Weiss Lute Sonata 14 in A Minor from the Dresden MS. One more piece and compilation can begin. It's been slow, but there are so many things going on.

- The Prelude from Bach's Violin Partita 3 in E Major, mentioned below is complete, as is the Gigue from the same partita. In this, I mean engraved, marked, etc. As I complete more of the pieces that I've selected the book itself will take form. It's going to be a lot of fun to play thru this book! :-)

03-26-2007 - A bit of a technical breakdown in my studio caused some delays in work getting done. I've been working to regain the work I've done in the last 2 weeks. That's complete so I move on :-)

- I just finished a sketch of the Prelude from Bach's Violin Partita 3 in E Major. This came out fantastic....I'm very pleased with it. This goes to the Book of Violin and Partita selections that I discuss below.

- I had also finished the Gigue from the same Partita earlier this week. This all goes to the "fun" factor I've discussed. These will probably be the only 2 representative pieces of this particular Partita for the proposed book.

- I am writing a string quartet piece for a unique string orchestra overseas. It will have a very high Celtic flavor! It's coming along very nicely.

03-18-2007 - Work continues on all fronts in the background.

- The Celtic Classical Guitar Book is at least 2/3's complete, regarding engraving and markings. I will have a dedicated page, much like the Bach and Weiss gallery pages, where my original works will also be highlighted.

- I'm continuing Weiss DM 14 in A Minor, being at least 1/2 way complete on the final editing of the book. The pages and photos will be updated when I am done and ready to publish the book.

- I am also working, as a diversion, various pieces from Bach's Violin Sonatas and Partitas. I've determined that the book will be comprised of my own choices based on the so called "fun factor" instead of worrying the "complete" sonata form that I usually do. A number of engravings have already been completed. I will continue to work on this when my brain gets full of all the other stuff I'm doing.

- I am also playing as much as I am capable given my physical ailments. Recording in all seriousness will begin as soon as I can stand anywhere from a 4 to 8 hour session in the studio.

03-11-2007 - Isn't Daylight Savings Time wonderful!? Sheesh...I slept like 3 hours...feel like my neck is gonna separate from my body right now. Not good for stage presence!

- I uploaded a sample PDF of my work from Weiss DM14 in A Minor ... the Allegro. You can find it on our Samples Page ... under Weiss PDFs. Very energetic and a lot of fun.

03-10-2007 - The Fugue from Bach's Violin Sonata II, BWV 1003, really caught my attention. So...I sat down, and started engraving, editing and all that, while playing thru it and enjoying the heck out of myself. I posted a one page example of the edited work in our Samples Page, toward the top.

03-09-2007 - I've been working as much as possible in the background. Much of my editing has been going well.

- Weiss DM14 is almost complete. I will update photos on the Weiss page when I'm done.

- More original compositions are being written and engraved.

- The Celtic Classical Guitar is progressing very nicely.

- As a diversion, I've been playing thru Bach's Violin Sonatas and Partitas, known as BWV 1001 to 1006. I've decided to start working on a series of publications revolving around these gorgeous pieces. I dove into the Fugue from Sonata II in A Minor. You can take a look at the raw engraving on our Bach Gallery page, toward the bottom. You will see the Violin works listed, but realize, I am just getting started.

- Also, I noticed a problem with our Weiss Photo Gallery when loaded in Internet Explorer. It was extending beyond normal outlay ranges, making it cumbersome to read. It was a table issue that has been resolved. The page loads properly now.

- My physical ailments are preventing me from playing as robustly as I once used to play. I am trying to work thru it.

02-26-2007 - Our Wholesale/Retailer's pages have been adjusted to reflect the latest price changes.

- I have been trying to play and practice more but it is quite painful. I am working on recording much of the Celtic material, as well as my own publications. I am also working studiously on the Sinfonia for duet.

02-16-2007 - I've adjusted our Wholesale/Retailer's prices to reflect a minimum standard discount in line with the rest of the industry. Shipping to the US is still free based on a 10 book minimum order. International orders are entitled to Free M-Bag shipping based on a 25 book minimum order.

- I have half of the Celtic Classical Guitar publication completed. Workin' it....

02-08-2007 - At the moment, I am hard at work, trying to finish the Celtic Classical Guitar publication I have promised.

- Recordings cannot be promised as my physical condition has deteriorated, not allowing me to play anywhere near effectively. I hope that I will be better, but again, I cannot promise.

- Many of the pieces are already engraved and edited, while I continue to grow the pieces that will comprise the book.

- I will get back to Weiss Sonata 14 asap...in fact, I have been editing it a bit here and there.

01-20-2007 - Personal writing continues with a number of pieces being developed.

- I am putting the final touches on a Celtic CD , with a matching book of transcriptions sold separately.

- As my own compositions grow, I am going to issue a CD of these recordings as well as an accompanying book of music. One will be classical guitar and the other will be acoustic, focused on Open D Tuning.

- I have to go back to the Weiss Sonata XIV I had transcribed late last year. Editing and such. I'd like to issue it and then focus on all the above. We'll see how time treats me.

- As a side note, I have been very ill. I am now in extreme physical discomfort that makes it difficult for me to sit with a guitar. I'll spare you details, but I have pulled muscles in my back and something is very wrong with my left arm in the elbow area. You might imagine how difficult it is to play. Hopefully I get better soon....too much work and no time for this nonsense.

01-07-2007 - Working on another Prelude, this Prelude #3 in A Minor, sub-title to be determined.

- I've taken away a number of sponsored links as they are garbage, cluttering the pages. I will continue to do so as I find them throughout the site.

01-04-2007 - I published the other piece I was writing, called Prelude #2 in A Minor. It is sub-titled The Well of Souls. You can also find the mp3 on our Samples Page and in a dedicated page thru our Catalog Page. There is a standard notation version and a TAB stave version for those uncomfortable reading standard notation. A very sad piece, but I think it's quite beautiful.

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12-29-2006 - I published one of the pieces I was working on called Dhiana's Prelude. You can find it on our Samples Page and in a dedicated page thru our Catalog Page. There is a standard notation version and a TAB stave version for those uncomfortable reading standard notation.

- I am also in the process of recording another piece called Prelude #2 in A Minor.

12-21-2006 - There are a few things going on. First, I've been writing like crazy. I have a number of other pieces completed, engraved, the whole deal.

- Second, I took down the Forums page, as it was buggy, looked to be adding scripts and other bogus nonsense. I don't tolerate that from any software I use, and I apologize if it has caused you any harm to your PC. It is gone for the time being. If I can't fix it or find a suitable alternative, then so be it.

- I will probably put up a page regarding feedback, errata (if any), and any other issue that requires customer attention. You can email me anytime, and I will post what is relevant.

- I'm in the process of editing Weiss Lute Sonata XIV in A Minor. It has been engraved for over 2 months, but I've been busy with the above. I will post when it is ready for publication.

12-03-2006 - A new piece is finished, in terms of writing and engraving. Right now it is called a Prelude for Dhiana, but it may be in fact be too dark of a mood for this title. I had my daughter in mind when the music came to me, but it may have evolved into what it is now, having changed its original intent. Regardless, it is a beautiful piece of music. I will upload mp3s and jpegs as soon as I have it all finalized.

- There are at least 2 more pieces in the works, just waiting on me to finish the above.

11-27-2006 - Hmmm, forgot to update this page with recent developments.

- The Sorrow of Angels is recorded and can be found in numerous places including a dedicated page.

- I had numerous requests for a TAB version of the same so I have accommodated by including this version at the bottom of the dedicated page for the piece.

- I am working on 2 additional pieces of original music. Thus, my Weiss and Bach work is put on hold.

11-23-2006 - Happy Thanksgiving! I finished The Sorrow of Angels. Transcribed, edited, fingered, marked, etc. I will put up a sample recording shortly.

11-22-2006 - All other work, except administrative, is put on hold until I finish transcribing Sorrow. It is haunting me and must be done!

11-21-2006 - Uploaded an anonymous Renaissance piece called Reigen Tanz. Always on the Samples Page. Just some fun.

- I've been working on recordings.

- I'm also writing something new that came to me last night. It will be called The Sorrow of Angels and is designed for classical guitar. You're gonna like it. :-)

11-20-2006 - Did some new stuff today, recording and practicing. I recorded a Celtic tune, at least partially so, called Hugh O'Donnell by T. O'Carolan. Samples Page under Celtic MP3s.

11-18-2006 - Editing has begun in earnest regarding Weiss Lute Sonata XIV from the Dresden. I've been doing quite of bit of playing, having fun, and working hard, preparing for a number of recordings, shows, and other guitar related projects. Some new stuff is in the works, including some big surprises! I'll post more as I know more.

11-15-2006 - Re-recorded Invention #1 and put it on the Samples Page. I'm moving over to extracts instead of whole pieces. This will happen to the entire page over time, as I record old and new material. This applies to ALL material including my own. This measures 1:00 of time.

11-14-2006 - Uploaded another partial recording, this a duet from Sinfonia #3 with my buddy Steve. It was just part of our practice session, and the recorder was on. Samples Page under Bach.

11-14-2006 - Uploaded a partial and fun recording of Bach's Air on the G String, using my new instrument from Darren Hippner. This can be found in our Samples Page under Bach.

11-14-2006 - Few updates as it has been an administrative nightmare. This is a good thing, but it has its price. I've taken breaks by playing. All in preparation for some interesting work that will be posted.

- I have to state now, that our Samples Page will be much more limited in scope going forward. I'm still developing the sketch for this page, but new recordings will be posted. They will be 1 minute long at best. This includes all Original material.

11-10-2006 - I've updated pictures and the specs regarding my 8 string Darren Hippner Grand Concert Classical model, #478. I don't want to sell it, but I also don't have the time to re-learn how to play the gotdam guitar with 8 strings. My RH thumb just can't get it right! This is a very special instrument for the right person and I'm certain it is under-priced.

11-09-2006 - My newest guitar from Darren Hippner, a Hauser model #506, has done exactly what it is supposed to do....inspire me to play and to record. As a result, I uploaded one of many new compositions to our Sample Page. This one is called Morning Song and it suits the guitar very well. Hope you like it.

11-08-2006 - Well, I had this crazy idea....see, I created a Bach/Weiss Sampler Book for this mass mailing I discuss below. It contains 10 pieces, 5 a piece from each master. It's actually a really good book, with all the pieces being very accessible by most players. So, duh, why don't I offer it for sale? Might as well, right? So, I'm creating a page for it, and including it on our Price page for sale.

11-08-2006 - I just wrapped up a huge mailing to all Sheet Music retailers in the US! This took a long time from manufacturing to delivery of the books.

- I updated contact information in the top border links and toward the bottom of every page.

- I updated all Retailers Pages

- I updated all Educator Pages

- I updated all Order Forms

- I updated all Price pages and Publication Information Pages

- I wanted to play golf today, as a reward to myself! Nuh-uh....it's friggin' pouring here...DOH!

11-06-2006 - I've been extremely busy with the business aspect of Savage Classical GT. No updates of any kind to report.

- I did add a few more pics of my Hippner 506 on the guitar page. Gorgeous instrument!

11-03-2006 - I received a new classical guitar from Darren Hippner last night. #506 Hauser model. Without a doubt, the most extraordinary instrument I've ever had the pleasure to touch. I simply have nothing else to say about it, except.....Magnificent!

11-02-2006 - Uploaded the final piece, the Menuet from Weiss XIV Sonata in A Minor. It is also raw, but editing on all the pieces has begun.

10-29-2006 - Finished all raw engravings and started editing the XIV Sonata. I uploaded a jpeg of the Gigue in its raw state.

- I've also update the dedicated page to the Sonata with beginning snapshots and mp3s. All of this is still subject to final editing...and there will be a lot of that! :-)

10-28-2006 - Got up way early this morning and decided to finish the raw engravings for Weiss DM14. I put up a midi-to-mp3 conversion of the 1st part of the Gigue (presto), which you can find in the Weiss Gallery.

10-27-2006 - Engraving work continues, as I finish up the Menuet from Weiss' Dresden MS Lute Sonata 14.

- Have to start work on a mass sample mailing to most US Sheet Music Retailers. This is going to eat at least 2 days of work, so updates and engraving may be put on hold until I'm done.

10-26-2006 - Been busy with playing, recording, and such, thus not much on the engraving side, but I'll get back to it today and thru the weekend.

- Picked up playing again with my duet partner, Steve Schram...nice!

- Met with the Long Island Classical Guitar Ensemble, now being conducted by Michael Belajonas, who is doing a fabulous job. They will be playing my ensemble arrangement of Beethoven's Adagio Cantabile from Sonate Pathétique at Five Towns College on Saturday.

10-24-2006 - Uploaded a raw, unedited jpeg snapshot of the Sarabande in the Weiss Photo Gallery. Editing on the entire book will probably take a bit longer, so expected release is in the first part of November.

10-23-2006 - I created 2 mp3s via digital input/output (they are midi to mp3 conversions taken directly from the scores that are engraved) that represent the Allegro and the Bourrée from Weiss' Dresden MS Lute Sonata 14. They will give you a very good idea of how gorgeous they are and the energetic nature of the music. They are without any embellishments, ornamentation, etc. You can find them next to the appropriate name and Sonata in the Weiss Photo Gallery, using the attached MP3 link next to the piece.

10-22-2006 - Moving right along, I'm just about done with the entire Sonata, in terms of raw engraving. Still editing, fingering and such to get on about. I'll update jpegs as they become available. The book should be ready by the end of the month.

- I've also been taking care of administrative issues, orders (which are starting to get heavy....wonderful!), and logistics/processes for quicker manufacturing of the books.

10-21-2006 - The Sarabande from Weiss' Dresden MS Lute Sonata 14 is engraved, but requires editing. I have the Catalog Page and its associated page (see link directly above) updated with some information regarding our latest upcoming Sonata.

10-19-2006 - The Bourrée is in progress, about half way done with engraving.

- As an update to the above, I uploaded a jpg of this absolutely gorgeous piece of music. You can find it in the Weiss Gallery second frame down, which is where our latest Weiss Lute Sonatas are located. It really is beautiful...I started working it right away because I want to play it immediately!

- I also had massive oral surgery today...my 2nd session in less than 10 days! Yowie!!! But the drugs....ooooh, they is good! :-)

10-18-2006 - Uploaded a rough JPG of the Allegro from Weiss' Dresden MS Lute Sonata 14 in A Minor in the Weiss Gallery.

- The new books with laminated covers started going out over the weekend. I'm really happy about this latest improvement!

10-16-2006 - I'm well into the Allegro from the below Sonata.

- All machinery and logistics are in place for our new laminated covers.

10-14-2006 - Allemande from Weiss' Dresden MS Lute Sonata 14 in A Minor is up in our Weiss Gallery.

- Engaging in another mass marketing campaign to most US Music Retailers. Please remember to ask for our publications at your local music store. Much obliged.

10-12-2006 - OK, kicking things into high gear now.

- Started work on Weiss' Dresden MS Lute Sonata 14 in A Minor. Robert Barto recorded this one. It's numbered Sonata 42 from his Volume 1 Collection for Lute.

- I'm continuing work on original transcriptions, moving onto The Lonely Walk and Samantha's Reel.

- Doing a battery of recording, including new originals, Weiss and Bach.

- I've worked out the process and machinery to protect the covers of our books. All book publications will be sent out with the new covers. A vast and most necessary improvement!

10-05-2006 - Samantha's Lullaby is ready for publication. Links have been added to our Catalog Page, and a page has been set up for the score.

- Dhiana's Playtime should be ready in a day or so.

10-03-2006 - Well, I just keep getting more work, whether it be outside contracting (music-wise) or building around the house. I have both pieces of music completed (just below) but have not found the time to get them in their final published form. I'll work on it.

09-01-2006 - I've uploaded a rough jpg of Samantha's Lullaby in one of our Photo Galleries.

08-31-2006 - Tab indications for both pieces (below), fingering and any other markings are being added as time allows.

08-24-2006 - Samantha's Lullaby and Dhiana's Playtime are engraved. I should have them available for sale in about a week's time or so.

- Building continues, going into high gear after Labor Day. Productivity for the site and the library will go up big in the fall and winter months.

07-28-2006 - Pretty much the same scenario. I'm doing a ton of writing and transcribing in the background, focused primarily on my own material. Simultaneously, I am working on a number of large building projects within my home, out of necessity regarding my garage and workshop, studio, and myriad outside structures. As the summer winds down, I'll be focusing more on the music, hoping a mass of work will be issued going into the Christmas season. Write anytime, I'm always around! :-)

06-05-2006 - Work continues, but there is nothing significant to report. I'm taking my time writing, transcribing, and arranging. All very leisurely. :-)

05-20-2006 - Apologies for the sparse updates....I've been very busy in the background. It seems when I write, I simply disappear...I suppose the distractions of everything else take away from the process? But the transcriptions of original music continues, while the Evening Song, which is the second part of the Morning Song, continues to be developed. I may upload a recording of the Morning Song today sometime?

- I've also added a link to Rob MacKillop and his website featuring the Scottish Guitar, which is a 74 page PDF book for free download. The music is simple, and most sublime, giving one a succinct insight into Scottish style music for the guitar. He has numerous MP3s available on the site, which give you a clear indication of his interpretation of the scores. Highly recommended.

05-02-2006 - Work continues on the original front. Transcriptions and composition. While I take a break here and there, I am putting a bit of effort into a quintet version of Bach's Violin Concerto in E Major, BWV 1042, including the solo violin part. I'll be introducing the material to the Long Island Classical Guitar Ensemble sometime next week. Should be fun!

04-22-2006 - From this point forward, I will be working on original compositions for classical guitar, acoustic guitar and bringing all of my past and present works to manuscript. I will then produce a CD of all of these works, plus others that suit the mood of the total recordings. All other manuscript work is put on hold until I'm satisfied with my original works.

- 2 new pieces are being composed at this point. They are a set.

- I am completing Sonata in A Major, of which Valerie's Air is included.

- I also have a Prelude that I've composed for my daughters. It is quite beautiful.

- All of this work will be posted as it engraved.

04-21-2006 - Weiss London MS 13 Sonata is now available via our Catalog Page.

- We have also lowered the price of each of our Weiss publications to $8.99 and 10.99

- The entire Weiss publication series can be purchased for $79.99, a savings of over $20.00

- My Hippner #477 is no longer available, having been purchased by a customer.

04-17-2006 - Weiss London MS 13 Sonata is completed. Some final touches and we can update our pages to reflect the newest offering. Should be by the end of the week or sooner.

- Yes, I must update the Guitar Page with the 2 new guitars from Darren! Need help!!!

04-12-2006 - The Passacaglia from Weiss London 13 Sonata is updated. Now we can begin final compilation.

04-07-2006 - The Menuet is up now. One more to go and I can begin final edit, footnotes, and other tasks to begin final compilation of the book.

04-05-2006 - Sarabande from Weiss London 13 Sonata is updated. I've also been quite ill the last few days, making it very difficult to work.

- I've decided to finish and focus on my original works. Once the Weiss is done, I will begin a concerted effort to transcribe and engrave all of the compositions I've written. They are all sketched, but not truly readable as yet to the general public. We will then consider a Celtic and Original CD combo or something to that effect. Let me do the engravings and I'll go from there.

04-03-2006 - The Angloise from Weiss London 13 Sonata in D Major is updated in the Weiss Gallery. Making my way slowly but surely to the Passacaglia.

04-01-2006 - Hmmm, still busy! Playing, practice, duet work, recording, and transcription work. The Weiss Sonata, 13 from London, is being ground out. I also have to take pictures and set up the guitar page with our latest Hippner updates! I needs helps!!! :-)

03-27-2006 - I've been a busy boy of late, thus the lack of updates. Here's what's been going on:

- I received 2 new guitars from Darren Hippner :

- The first is a Hippner Hauser I based on a Dirk Traphagen modeling using a Romanillos headstock. Indian Rosewoods, Rosewood neck, ebony fingerboard, excellent Gilbert machines, solid and beautiful spruce top. A gorgeous instrument!

- The second is my new huckleberry. This is an 8 string lattice braced classical guitar, Honduran Rosewoods, another gorgeous Spruce top, otherwise setup as above. Even more gorgeous and what a sound!

- I will update the Guitar Page in the next few days with pics, descriptions and sound samples.

- The Long Island Classical Guitar Ensemble performed the Beethoven Adagio (Quartet version) at the LI Classical Guitar Festival for a master-class on Sunday. All indications are that it was huge success, garnering interest from the Appassionata Trio that held the master-class, among other trios and quartets that were in attendance. We shall see what comes of it all.

- A number of administrative duties took much of my time over the weekend, besides practice, duet work, and taxes!

- I am continuing work on the Weiss London 13 Sonata, having completed the Courante. I will update the jpegs shortly.

03-23-2006 - Editing and fingering continues as below.

- Notebook failure late last night, back up procedures worked perfectly.

- Fixed more bugs in the Catalog Page and related pages.

03-19-2006 - Final editing has begun on Weiss XIII London MS. Jpegs will be updated as the pages are completed over the next week or so.

- Fixed some bugs on the Catalog Page and connected buy pages.

03-16-2006 - Back to work on Weiss, I have his Passacaglia from XIII London MS in D Major up in the gallery. The raw engraving is pretty much done, so now it's a matter of editing, marking, footnotes, etc. Still a fair amount of work to be done. I figure the book to be ready at the end of the month unless I have time to dedicate solely to finishing it.

03-14-2006 - I worked for the last 2 days on a complete notebook rebuild and backup procedures. Now, in the case of a complete meltdown, I can fully recover in less than half an hour! Now that's freakin' sweet :-) OK...back to work? Yeah right, that took me 12 hours of labor. Many thanks to Rich Wolfe for his amazing insight and incredible help.

03-12-2006 - The Sarabande from Weiss XIII London MS in D Major is up. I've also begun building the book page connected to the Catalog Page. I like the new layout. Much better.

03-11-2006 - Clean up is pretty much done. There may still be issues, but it is more than serviceable.

- I've begun work on the Angloise from Weiss XIII London MS in D Major. I'll upload a snapshot sometime today.

- I'm in the process of ordering some new and old guitars from Darren Hippner ... Among them is the possibility of an 8 string classical...nice!

- Mail Order forms and Retail/Teacher Order forms are updated with the Beethoven quartet piece and other information.

03-10-2006 - Now I'm just cleaning things up, which sounds simple, but, it isn't. Lots of checking, cross-linking, etc...and I'm sure I'm missing some or a lot of things. I moved the "View Cart" to both headers and footers in every page, so it's easier to find.

- I'm encouraged by the effort and the results. You will now find Add To Cart Buttons in the Samples Page and the Photo Galleries, Bach and Weiss.

- I'm still trying to clean up the Catalog Page but I'm finding it difficult to remove disclaimers and/or information relevant to ordering. Suggestions!? :-)

03-09-2006 - OK...we went live with the new Catalog Page, which is broken down into relevant sections, with ordering buttons on every link, and information links to a larger description pages with additional ordering buttons. There are still some issues to resolve, cleaning up, etc....but I believe this will be a more pleasant experience....certainly more organized!

- I'm debating adding Priority Mail, International Mail ADD to Cart buttons on each page. The logistics don't really work, but there is a link to the shipping page on each page within the prices category page.

- oh yeah, I uploaded the Beethoven Quartet for purchase! forgot....doh....

03-09-2006 - We are about ready to go LIVE with the new Catalog Page. Might be some bugs left, but I'm working diligently on this much improved layout. Should be a go sometime tonight.

03-08-2006 - The re-work of the Catalog Page continues. It is a lot of work. I'm just about done with each individual page. Still have to add Cart buttons, shipping buttons, but the layout is pretty much done. Might have the new pages up by today, maybe tomorrow?

- Guitar work is put on temporary hold while I do the above.

03-06-2006 - I'm working on revamping the Catalog Page, as it has become tremendous, has been a mess, and has been bothering the hell out of me. More than likely it will contain links to a separate page for each publication, with snapshots of the music on the page and a purchase button on each, making it easier to see, read, order, etc...I'm still sketching the entire thing out, so it's kind of up in the air at the moment.

03-06-2006 - The Courante and Angloise from Weiss LM XIII are uploaded to the Weiss Gallery.

03-04-2006 - The Allemande from Weiss XIII London MS in D Major is up in the Weiss Gallery. This is the raw unedited engraving.

03-02-2006 - The Beethoven is ready for release. I'm trying to figure out how to incorporate it into the web design? An unusual dilemma, no? :-) I should have it in sometime this weeke