With "winter" in full force, proper instrument care is essential. One of the biggest threats to a healthy instrument is dry heat. This can come from your cozy wood burning stove or that toasty electric heater that sits beside you on those chilly evenings. With so much dry heat in your home during the winter months it's important to protect your instrument from its damaging effects.
To help educate our customers we have compiled a list of helpful tips to get you through the rest of the winter with a healthy and happy banjo, guitar, mandolin or whatever the case may be. The first thing to remember is to keep your instrument away from the heat source. Your guitar may look beautiful propped next to the fireplace but don't be tempted to leave it there, being that close to a heat source will dry out your fingerboard fast!
Along with not keeping it near the fireplace, you shouldn't store your instrument in an attic, closet or basement. Any area where there is poor humidity control is going to be damaging. A good rule of thumb is, if you are comfortable in the room so is your instrument. Also, your instrument should be stored in its case when not in use.
Another good piece of advice is to keep a humidifier in the case with your instrument. This will help maintain a more consistent level of humidity, which is much better for your instrument. We sell humidifiers here at Capo's starting at only $6.00.
One more helpful tip is to detune your strings when you aren't going to be playing for a while. This will relieve some of the pressure from the neck of your instrument, to help avoid cracks.
How do you know if your instrument is being damaged by dry winter heat? Simply run your thumb and forefinger down the sides of your fingerboard. If your frets start to feel sharp that means your fingerboard is too dry and is starting to shrink.
You should inspect your instrument often. Look at it from all angles, keep an eye out for cracks in the wood or signs it may be seperating from the binding. If you notice any of these problems bring it in. If we can catch a problem early it's much easier to fix. We do service most instruments here at Capo's and we would be happy to help with any repairs!
Monday, February 6, 2012
Saturday, December 3, 2011
It's the most wonderful time of the year!
The holiday season is upon us. Here at Capo's we have been gearing up for the holiday season for some time. We stocked the store with great deals for everyone on your holiday list. From instruments to accessories, books to crafts. We have lots to choose from.
At Capo's we try to make shopping a pleasure, not a pain. We know you have choices on where to spend your money and we are thankful for each purchase customers make. We strive to offer a wide selection at fair prices. We are offering discounts during the holidays but we also try to be fair all year long. But ultimately, we want to create a relationship with you that will last all year long, not just during the holidays. That is becuase to us here at Capo's you are more than a dollar sign. You are our friends and neighbors. Like most small businesses we rely on local support to stay open. We encourage all our customers to not just shop local with us, but shop local as much as possible across the board. Here are a few ideas for how you can skip the chaos of the big box stores.
Here's a list of some fantastic ideas for quick and meaningful gifts that you can even wait until the last minute to get (and you probably won't even have to wrap it!): A Gift Certificate for services to: a local hairdresser, a local Garage for oil changes, get their car washed and detailed, get their driveway sealed, get their lawn mowed or snow removed, get their home cleaned by a local cleaning person, get their computer serviced. Or maybe a Gift Certificate to have fun by:trying out a local restaurant, or maybe an old favorite (Be sure to leave your server a big tip!)play a round of golf at the local golf coursegoing to a local tourist attraction that they've never been tostaying at a local bed and breakfastgoing to see a playLooking for something a little more tangible than a gift certificate? Don't forget your local crafters! Potters, woodworkers, soap makers, jewelry makers, blacksmiths, and bookbinders just to name a few! These can be found at places like Holston Mountain Artisans, the Looking Glass shop at the William King, most of the idependent shops in town and at the Abingdon Farmers Market.
You can even find locally made one of a kind toys for the little ones on your gift list this year.Don't forget about our local farmers and foodies! How about a nice bottle of local wine or beer from a local brewery? You could even gift someone them a gift certificate to the farmer's market. This Holiday season, lets give our communities a big gift by shopping local, spending local, and celebrating local. Every dollar you spend at a local store, or for local services stays right there in the community. The more money in your community, the more your community will thrive and opportunity will grow.
Remember the reason for the season. Take time out for those you love and hold dear. Support your local communities when you can. And, above all, May God Bless Us Everyone!
At Capo's we try to make shopping a pleasure, not a pain. We know you have choices on where to spend your money and we are thankful for each purchase customers make. We strive to offer a wide selection at fair prices. We are offering discounts during the holidays but we also try to be fair all year long. But ultimately, we want to create a relationship with you that will last all year long, not just during the holidays. That is becuase to us here at Capo's you are more than a dollar sign. You are our friends and neighbors. Like most small businesses we rely on local support to stay open. We encourage all our customers to not just shop local with us, but shop local as much as possible across the board. Here are a few ideas for how you can skip the chaos of the big box stores.
Here's a list of some fantastic ideas for quick and meaningful gifts that you can even wait until the last minute to get (and you probably won't even have to wrap it!): A Gift Certificate for services to: a local hairdresser, a local Garage for oil changes, get their car washed and detailed, get their driveway sealed, get their lawn mowed or snow removed, get their home cleaned by a local cleaning person, get their computer serviced. Or maybe a Gift Certificate to have fun by:trying out a local restaurant, or maybe an old favorite (Be sure to leave your server a big tip!)play a round of golf at the local golf coursegoing to a local tourist attraction that they've never been tostaying at a local bed and breakfastgoing to see a playLooking for something a little more tangible than a gift certificate? Don't forget your local crafters! Potters, woodworkers, soap makers, jewelry makers, blacksmiths, and bookbinders just to name a few! These can be found at places like Holston Mountain Artisans, the Looking Glass shop at the William King, most of the idependent shops in town and at the Abingdon Farmers Market.
You can even find locally made one of a kind toys for the little ones on your gift list this year.Don't forget about our local farmers and foodies! How about a nice bottle of local wine or beer from a local brewery? You could even gift someone them a gift certificate to the farmer's market. This Holiday season, lets give our communities a big gift by shopping local, spending local, and celebrating local. Every dollar you spend at a local store, or for local services stays right there in the community. The more money in your community, the more your community will thrive and opportunity will grow.
Remember the reason for the season. Take time out for those you love and hold dear. Support your local communities when you can. And, above all, May God Bless Us Everyone!
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Holiday Lay-a-way!
Fall is upon us in Abingdon with beautiful leaves the rush of the holidays just around the corner. Big box stores have Christmas decorations out along with Halloween and Thanksgiving. I always thought you should wait a little longer and here at Capo's our decorations won't go up till our Black Friday sale. But, even though the decorations aren't going up till later, the holidays creep into our minds as well.
We know that economic times are tough and that dollar never stretches quite as far as we would all like. To aid those looking at making an investment, either large or small, in an instrument this holiday season we offer FREE lay-a-way. There is no additional charge like you will find at the box stores, no extra $4-$5 added on for our effort. You have 90 days to pay and that means all the way up to closing on Christmas eve. We only ask for 10% down and a payment once per month till you pick it up, but there is no minimum amount for that payment. We will gift wrap items for FREE and if you want to buy today but now take it home, we will act as your hiding place so you don't have to worry about someone peeking under the bed to find what "Santa" is bringing.
We try to be as fair with our pricing as possible and we go beyond the sale to provide you the best service we can. If we don't have it in stock, we can almost always order it for you and get it in a timely manner. We can ship items nationally if your gifts need to travel. We also offer gift certificates and we will mail those for free to anyone domestically on your holiday list.
When you purchase from a local merchant this holiday, your money stays local to help reinvigorate the economy. 1% of each purchase comes back to the county and town to support schools, roads and emergency services.
Going into this holiday, if you are thinking about an instrument or any kind of support material or accessory, give Capo's the opportunity and the privilege of helping your holiday dollar stretch a little further and your cares be a little lighter.
We know that economic times are tough and that dollar never stretches quite as far as we would all like. To aid those looking at making an investment, either large or small, in an instrument this holiday season we offer FREE lay-a-way. There is no additional charge like you will find at the box stores, no extra $4-$5 added on for our effort. You have 90 days to pay and that means all the way up to closing on Christmas eve. We only ask for 10% down and a payment once per month till you pick it up, but there is no minimum amount for that payment. We will gift wrap items for FREE and if you want to buy today but now take it home, we will act as your hiding place so you don't have to worry about someone peeking under the bed to find what "Santa" is bringing.
We try to be as fair with our pricing as possible and we go beyond the sale to provide you the best service we can. If we don't have it in stock, we can almost always order it for you and get it in a timely manner. We can ship items nationally if your gifts need to travel. We also offer gift certificates and we will mail those for free to anyone domestically on your holiday list.
When you purchase from a local merchant this holiday, your money stays local to help reinvigorate the economy. 1% of each purchase comes back to the county and town to support schools, roads and emergency services.
Going into this holiday, if you are thinking about an instrument or any kind of support material or accessory, give Capo's the opportunity and the privilege of helping your holiday dollar stretch a little further and your cares be a little lighter.
Friday, June 24, 2011
More than a music store
Not long ago I heard someone describe our store to a potential customer as "really just a music store". While it is true that the majority of the store's footprint is taken up by music instruments and accessories, Capo's is more than the average music store. If you have been through our doors, you realize this as soon as you walk in. When you come into the front door of Capo's you step into our "gallery" entry, a small long entry way that features art by local artists, books and crafts by local artisans. Currently we have pottery in our display case by an artisan, paintings by local artists, fiber art by local artisans, and hand-carved wooden pens and pencils by a local craftsman. There is art work, pottery, fiber art and crafts throughout the store, intermingled with the instruments. The lounge and the music heritage room features books many of which are by local authors, poets and publishers along with sheet music and books by nationally known authors on music and Appalachia.
Capo's is more than a music store, we are an Appalachian Arts store which celebrates the art of music, the art of literature, the art of story-telling, the art of hand crafts and the art of painting. We are an education center offering free classes and workshops throughout the year, performances, and a full lessons program. Capo's is Instruments, Art, Books and More and we invite you to come in and see what all Capo's has to offer.
Capo's is more than a music store, we are an Appalachian Arts store which celebrates the art of music, the art of literature, the art of story-telling, the art of hand crafts and the art of painting. We are an education center offering free classes and workshops throughout the year, performances, and a full lessons program. Capo's is Instruments, Art, Books and More and we invite you to come in and see what all Capo's has to offer.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Giving Back
This spring has been a doozy. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the area residents who have weathered the storms this spring. Here at Capo's we have been looking for ways we can help and we held a silent auction this spring for our "Hank and My Honky Tonk Heroes" package. This package included the RD-10 Recording King guitar we loaned Barter Theatre for the show, an autographed cast photo, the Hank Williams biography and the Biography Channel Hank Williams dvd. Emery Reid was the high bidder and we thank him for his purchase. All the proceeds go to support local recovery efforts through the United Way and Habitat for Humanity.
Thanks to all those who have donated and give their time and efforts for the recovery. Our community will be stronger and we will survive and thrive.
Thanks to all those who have donated and give their time and efforts for the recovery. Our community will be stronger and we will survive and thrive.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Capo's Scholars
The Capo's Scholars Award will be given to two students from an identified area for support of their pursuit of higher education. In keeping with our founding beliefs to support education (which you can read more about in a previous blog post) Capo's will award two $250 scholarships for two high school seniors who plan to pursue higher education at a college or university. To qualify you must be from one of the following localities: Grayson, Russell, Scott, Smyth, Washington or Wise Counties or the cities of Bristol, Virginia or Bristol, Tennessee. You have to be a currently enrolled high school senior and have a 2.0 minimum GPA or its equivalent. The student must also have plans of attending college which can include community college and four year institutions.
Applications are available through the schools in the identified areas or through the store. Deadline for applications is close of business on Friday, April 29, 2011.
Important hints and frequently asked questions:
1) Do I have to be a musician to apply? - No. You do not. There are three questions on the application and one asks what music means to you. You don't have to play an instrument to qualify.
2) Do I have to be born in these localities? No. You must be attending school in one of these localities, but you don't have to be born here.
3) Do I have to have financial need to qualify? No, preference is given to those with stated need and to first generation college students, but this is not a requirement. We do not ask for a copy of your FAFSA form. The scholarship also is paid directly to you and not to the school so that it doesn't interfere with your financial aid package.
4) Do I have to fill in everything? Yes. It is very important that you complete the entire applications. Partially completed applications will not be considered. If something doesn't apply simply put n/a. But fill in everything and follow the guidelines for the word maximum on the questions.
If you have any further questions about the Capo's Scholars Award, please contact the store.
Applications are available through the schools in the identified areas or through the store. Deadline for applications is close of business on Friday, April 29, 2011.
Important hints and frequently asked questions:
1) Do I have to be a musician to apply? - No. You do not. There are three questions on the application and one asks what music means to you. You don't have to play an instrument to qualify.
2) Do I have to be born in these localities? No. You must be attending school in one of these localities, but you don't have to be born here.
3) Do I have to have financial need to qualify? No, preference is given to those with stated need and to first generation college students, but this is not a requirement. We do not ask for a copy of your FAFSA form. The scholarship also is paid directly to you and not to the school so that it doesn't interfere with your financial aid package.
4) Do I have to fill in everything? Yes. It is very important that you complete the entire applications. Partially completed applications will not be considered. If something doesn't apply simply put n/a. But fill in everything and follow the guidelines for the word maximum on the questions.
If you have any further questions about the Capo's Scholars Award, please contact the store.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
The foundation for our education programs at Capo's
For any reader out there who doesn't know about the Capo's Scholars program, this blog will explain what the Capo's Scholars Program is and how it works. But, first I want to give a little background. I (Amy) am a first generation college student. Neither of my parents finished high school and no one in my immediate family attended or completed a four year college. I knew I wanted to go to college since I was a very small child and my parents, especially my mother, instilled in me the importance of a higher education. After finishing undergrad and then grad school I worked in the private sector for a while but soon began working in the world of non-profits and the importance of education was reaffirmed to me every day. I was blessed to have the opportunity to be a program and grants manager with a grant known as GearUp for 6 years. The purpose of that program was to increase the number of students in a cohort attending a post-secondary institution. The program was successful and it changed my life in so many ways. I still cherish the students I worked with and though they are adults and in the workforce now, I always will think of them as "my kids". After GearUp I worked at a local private college as the director of campus service programs where I saw how one college can change lives and impact a community. I left Emory to start this business with Gill, my husband and Capo's co-owner. We had been planning Capo's for over three years, the entire time I was at Emory, but the timing didn't seem to fit. Through divine providence, we were shown that this was our time and we embarked on Capo's.
For Gill, without putting words in his mouth, I know education has been important in his life. His mother and sister were both elementary teachers and his mother became an elementary principal. His father worked in higher education. Gill attended Shenandoah Conservatory where he will tell you he uses the education he received every day in one form or another.
I tell you this to lay a backdrop for the Capo's Scholars Program. They say you can't know where you are going till you know where you have been. Because education is so important to me personally (and to Gill) it became on part of our founding principals. We set up the store to offer different education opportunities throughout the year. These include free and for fee programs.
Capo's Scholars Program is part of our education foundation. We seek to provide a little extra help to aspiring college students in the form of a $250 scholarship. Currently we give two per year. As we grow, we hope to give out many, many more.
There will be other posts about our education programs and Capo's scholars but now you know why this is so important to us here and why we seek to provide educational opportunities to all who come through our doors.
For Gill, without putting words in his mouth, I know education has been important in his life. His mother and sister were both elementary teachers and his mother became an elementary principal. His father worked in higher education. Gill attended Shenandoah Conservatory where he will tell you he uses the education he received every day in one form or another.
I tell you this to lay a backdrop for the Capo's Scholars Program. They say you can't know where you are going till you know where you have been. Because education is so important to me personally (and to Gill) it became on part of our founding principals. We set up the store to offer different education opportunities throughout the year. These include free and for fee programs.
Capo's Scholars Program is part of our education foundation. We seek to provide a little extra help to aspiring college students in the form of a $250 scholarship. Currently we give two per year. As we grow, we hope to give out many, many more.
There will be other posts about our education programs and Capo's scholars but now you know why this is so important to us here and why we seek to provide educational opportunities to all who come through our doors.
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