Here at Capo's we seek to find the best and most exciting instrument brands available. We love to find companies that aren't available just anywhere, and provide our customers a chance to try them out. We especially love to find companies that have an interesting story and keep a hands on approach to building their instruments. We try to support family businesses and bring their quality instruments directly to you, our customers.
That brings us to one of the newest members of the Capo's family, J. Bovier Mandolins. J.Bovier was started by Jeff Coward. Jeff had a passion for mandolins which led him to start J. Bovier Mandolins. He set out to produce a line of mid priced mandolins that offer superior quality and sound.
Jeff worked with the manufacturers to fine tune the prototypes until he had a line of economically priced mandolins that could compete with, and in some cases out perform many higher priced mandolins. Jeff and his son worked together to create an instrument line that is as nice to look at, as it is to play.
You can read the full J. Bovier article at www.jazzmando.com/new/archives/001080.shtml or check out their website www.jbovier.net.
We have also started carrying Tanglewood Guitars. They are the #1 selling brand of guitars in the United Kingdom. Tanglewood strives to create an instrument, that above all else has great playability and tone. They desire to create an instrument for all price points so that every musician can access an instrument of great quality and design. Tanglewood offers quality woods and finishes to suit every taste and budget, and they stand behind each one with a Limited Lifetime Warranty.
To find a Tanglewood Guitar that fits your needs check out their website at www.tanglewoodguitars.com.
If you have never played a J. Bovier Mandolin or a Tanglewood Guitar come by and try one for yourself, you'll be glad you did. We have several styles of J. Bovier Mandolins and Tanglewood Guitars available here at Capo's and more on the way!! Please call or come by to see what's available.
Monday, February 20, 2012
Monday, February 13, 2012
Strings
The strings on your instrument are as important as the notes in the music. They can change the way you play, how it feels and how it sounds. It's important to educate yourself about the proper types of strings and to experiment with different brands to find the one that you like. Not everyone will agree on what is the best type of string, that's an individual choice, but if you know what you are looking for in a set of strings then you can make an educated decision on which brands to try.
Strings are made from different types of metals. The most common being the 80/20 Bronze strings. These are made from 80% nickel and 20% phosphor. These strings deliver the brightest sound. While Phosphor Bronze strings, which are mostly made from a phosphor alloy, deliver a warmer sound. Choosing one of these types of strings depends on the type of sound you are looking for.
In 2009 Red Brand released the Copper Bronze string. This string contains more Copper and produces it's own unique sound.
There are also coated strings which prolong the life of the string. These strings can last 3 times as long as traditional strings. Some people complain that coated strings feel different or have a dull sound compared to traditional strings. Cleartone brand claims to have the thinnest coating on their strings which is said to produce a clearer sound. Most coated string manufacturers only coat 4 strings while Cleartone coats all 6. This could be a good option for people
When should you change your strings? Of course if you break one it should be replaced. If you play everyday you should change your strings once a month, or when the strings start to look or sound worn. Strings that are visibly tarnished or dirty looking should definitely be changed. Old strings can effect the sound of your instrument.
Here at Capo's we seek to educate and provide accurate information to our customers so they can have the best musical experience possible. That's why we offer String Clinics at our store. At a String Clinic we teach you the basics of caring for, changing and choosing your strings. Call or comeby our store to ask about our next String Clinic date.
Monday, February 6, 2012
Capo's Winter Instrument Care
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!
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!
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.
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