028 - 4 Acoustic Artists You NEED to Know

Ahoy and welcome to the wondrous ship known as Acoustic Tuesday.

Acoustic Tuesday presented by http://tonysacousticchallenge.com

No pirates or scallywags here just five #guitargeek items for you to learn about, check out and share with your guitar geek friends.

There are many guitar strap companies, all of which have their own unique piece of the strap pie. Some straps have custom designs, others boast about their comfort, and most are really really good at what they do. Lakota Leathers Straps is a strap company that in my opinion are known for their soft, supple and incredibly durable straps. The straps are assembled on the Pine Ridge Lakota Sioux Indian reservation and are available in a variety of options. You can go the full blown custom route, or check out their Elk and Bison leather straps in a very guitar friendly color palette. I have spent time with both the guitar straps as well as the braided mandolin straps and these are seriously like butter. This is a great accessory to keep in mind if you ever need another strap or just want to try something a bit different. 
 
http://www.lakotaleathers.com/

http://www.lakotaleathers.com/products/guitar/

Guitar cables are just one of those unassuming accessories that are ever present and often go unquestioned especially in the acoustic guitar world. In the past I have basically used whatever cable I found in my cable bag, paying no attention to what it was or why I had chosen it, but as long as it worked I was happy. This line of thinking proves to be fine as long as the cable works and this is where things get tricky. Most guitar cables feature a simple solder joint where the cable meets the connector and it's covered with a small plastic protector... this has worked for years, but those very solder joints end up being the weakest point in the cable. That's where Planet Waves American Stage cables come in, these cables are rugged, provide solid connection, and are built to withstand some serious abuse. The solder joint used in these cables can be paralleled to the Incredible Hulk's strength. The actual connector will stay in your guitar regardless of how much internal tension your input jack has, and the signal quality is outstanding. I have used these cables for countless shows and they are super dependable and always hold up to the task. Make sure to check these out and you absolutely have to watch the strength test video. 

https://youtu.be/JsxJhdJoGhI - Strength Test Video 

http://www.daddario.com/PWAmericanStageCables.Page?sid=ee75a172-03a6-44cd-83e4-3d83ced2dca4

http://amzn.to/2BxO8Qp

Guitars and aeroplanes don't really love one another, it's a known fact. It's never clear if you can carry your instrument on, and depending on which flight attendant you speak to (and of course how their day is going) you may hear the words no #guitargeek ever wants to... "you are going to have to check that." Any #guitargeek that hears that instantly gets the cold sweats and wonders how their beloved six-string friend will ever make the trip in the belly of the plane. Now there are lots of flight cases out there, don't get me wrong, but the one I want to feature today and the one that has served me well is the Calton Case. Started by Keith Calton, circa 1973, in London; Calton Cases are now being made in Austin, TX by a crew of outstanding artisans making sure that each case fits the instrument like a glove and protects it like a mama bear would her cub. These cases are designed to take a serious beating and the new design makes them even lighter. Be sure to explore their website for all of the case options that are available from sizes to colors to sparkle... yes, even sparkle. Happy travelling #guitargeek!

http://www.calton-cases.com/

http://www.calton-cases.com/cases/

http://www.calton-cases.com/dealers/

https://youtu.be/PdhFtBMRLsw

Our bearded brother, Matt from Eddie's Guitars in St. Louis is back for another #askmatt segment this week. This week he pulled a question from a previous show that a viewer left in the comments regarding a guitar's resonance. Matt eloquently sheds light on what gives a guitar that magic that makes you feel as if the guitar is kicking you right in the gut. He discusses a guitar that he used to have (you have to tune in to find out), and he compares that to the guitars that he graduated to in an interesting glimpse into why one guitar would resonate more so than another. Also, keep in mind that if you have a question for Matt and want him to answer it only takes three easy steps to submit it:

Step One: Think of a #guitargeek question you want Matt to address. This could be tonewoods, bracing, custom options, or even certain brand characteristics. 

Step Two: On the most current episode of Acoustic Tuesday leave a question starting with #AskMatt in the comments below the video. 

Step Three: Subscribe and tune into Acoustic Tuesday because your question could be next up!

That's it, super easy!

What I'm listening to this week... Well, I happen to be listening to songs from all the artists that will be playing at the first ever Acoustic Life Festival here in Bozeman, MT. Yep, right here in Bozeman on June 22nd and 23rd the town will be converted into the epicenter of all guitar geekdom. The Acoustic Life Festival will feature two nights of world-class acoustic performers and not only will you get to watch stellar acoustic acts with your guitar geek friends, all proceeds of the Acoustic Life Festival will be benefitting the Guitars For Vets non-profit organization. So who is playing this awesome festival?

Here is the official lineup:

Friday, June 22

Caitlin Canty - https://youtu.be/yr_2L2_dCiA

Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley - https://youtu.be/nx1n8hQOBPI

Saturday, June 23

Antoine Dufour - https://youtu.be/YQlyHbu0zz4

The Small Glories - https://youtu.be/4YBRV4uxT8M

There are only 217 tickets left so secure yours today if you want to live your best acoustic life in Bozeman for two days with your guitar geek friends while taking in these awesome acts please visit:

acousticlifefestival.com

Well, off goes the Acoustic Tuesday ship, sailing into the sunset after having delivered the guitar geek goods this week. 

Until we meet again next week, keep your #guitargeek radar alert and be sure to share Acoustic Tuesday with your acoustic loving friends.

Cheers,
Tony