Sebastian Erard Antique Harp

This is an exquisite antique harp that is being restored in our shop.  It dates from about 1797 and was crafted by Sebastian Erard, a renown French instrument maker who specialized in harps and pianos.  Erard filed several patents for designs of both the harp and the piano.  He made pianos for Beethoven among other notable musicians of the time.  In addition, Erard was the personal harp maker for Louis XV and the Czar of Russia.

Where the Name Ukulele Came From

Did you know that the name Ukulele can roughly be translated as jumping flea in Hawaiian?  The Ukulele is a small guitar with 4 strings which is seldom more than 24 inches long. It is tuned in the octave middle-C.  The ukulele's origins are attributed to three Portuguese immigrants, Manuel Nunes, Joao Fernandes and Augustine Dias. It is said that they introducing the instrument to the Hawaiian Islands in 1879. They based the design of the ukulele on instruments from their native home. The Hawaiians loved the sounds these small guitars made and the fast speed the musicians played them.  The speed of the player's fingers is what the name Ukulele most likely refers to.

Tip of the Day- Sax Damage

Don't run over your sax with your car.  It will end up looking like this!

November 7 Music Fun Facts

Did you know that on this date in 2006, the game “Guitar Hero II” for Playstation 2 was released in North America?

What is the Difference Between A Viola and a Violin?

We are often asked to explain the difference between a violin and a viola. They are both string instruments, look alike, and both are usually played with a bow.  Where they differ is that the violin is smaller than the viola and has shorter strings. Viola strings are long and thick which gives it a lower pitch. The violin produces a higher sound than the viola. For more information about violins and violas visit Scott Russ Music on Sunrise Highway in Merrick.

Spocks Beard at BB King

Spocks Beard at BB King last night. Keyboard player, Ryo Okumoto, is using one of our New Hammond SK173 Keyboards! Great concert!

Used Classical Artesano Guitar

This is a beautiful handmade classical guitar made by Artesano in Spain in 1987. Looks like it was barely played! Fabulous condition and plays beautifully! Some minor scuffs but barely noticeable. 
Visit Scott Russ Music for more information.

1949 Vintage York Silver Plated Trombone

This is a Vintage York Silver Plated Trombone c.1949. These Grand Rapids, MI horns were well made from solid quality brass. This one is silver plated. The Grand Rapids plant closed in 1971. This York Trombone is in excellent playing condition, despite some cosmetic flaws. It plays like a small bore horn with a sweet centered tone. Perfect for a player or collector, this horn is a fine piece of American workmanship and expertise! Comes with the original case also in good condition. For more details visit Scott Russ Music.

Hard To Find String Instruments

Did you know we handle every size string instrument- even children's sizes?  Shown here are some of our cellos, including a 1/16 size Celestini Cello perfect for a small child. For more information about our vast string instrument collection visit Scott Russ Music on Sunrise Highway in Merrick.

Difference between a Flute and a Piccolo

We are often asked to explain the differences between a flute and a piccolo. The two instruments are similar looking and are both wind instruments. In general, the main difference between them is the size of the instruments and the octaves they can play. 

The Flute is pitched in C and is made of silver, gold, or platinum. Flutes have a range of three and a half octaves. The piccolo plays an octave higher than the regular treble flute. The fingerings are basically the same for both the flute and piccolo. 

In general, the Piccolo is exactly half the size of the flute, and plays an octave higher than the regular treble flute. Its highest notes correspond to the top notes of a piano. Piccolos can be made of silver or different types of wood, most often grenadilla. The piccolo has one less key than the flute, and possesses a range of just under three octaves. 

For more details about flutes and piccolos visit Scott Russ Music in Merrick.

Our Music History- Scott Russ Music

Our family has been in the music business for three generations! Check out an oral history of our business that Scott recorded for NAAM. http://www.namm.org/library/oral-history/scott-russ

More Trumpets!

We have been expanding our trumpet department! In addition to an extensive collection of trumpets, we carry a full line of mouthpieces including new Bach and Schilke as well as many used and vintage mouthpieces including Costello, Easy Tone, NY Bach and Mt. Vernon Bach. Come down to our store on Sunrise Highway in Merrick to check it all out!

 

Farmingdale Downtown Music Festival

Felix Cavaliere's Rascals performed at the Downtown Music Festival in Farmingdale yesterday. Felix was using one of OUR Hammond Organs!  Great show!

 

What a Deal! Epiphone Acoustic/Electric Masterbuilt Guitar

This is a brand new Epiphone Acoustic/Electric Masterbuilt Guitar which has only been used as a store demo. It is in perfect brand new condition! Model DR-500MCE-NA is known for it's double pickup and one piece (not grafted) neck. Beautiful natural wood with a bone nut and saddle.  Plays great with a very close action without buzzing. This guitar as all of our solid wood guitars has been treated with the ToneRite vibration treatment which greatly improves the overall tone and resonance. For more details visit Scott Russ Music on Sunrise Highway in Merrick.

New Emerson Flute- Made in the USA!

This is a brand new NOS Emerson Model EF60F flute with a solid sterling silver headjoint, open hole, offset G and C-foot. Made in the USA. Plays with a beautiful rich tone and excellent response. Just checked over in our shop and will include a 6 month Warranty for service. Excellent for an advancing student or doubler. $1039. Great price for a great instrument! Visit Scott Russ Music at 2170 Sunrise Highway in Merrick or www.scottrussmusic.com.

Tips on Renting an Instrument For School

Playing a musical instrument is a big commitment. It requires both time and money. Check out our new article on EzineArticles.com for useful tips on renting an instrument for your child for school.

http://ezinearticles.com/?What-to-Look-For-When-Renting-an-Instrument-For-School&id=8680455

Back To School Deal!

Save $10 OFF a purchase of $50 or more with the coupon on our website.  

Perfect for instruments for school! 

Visit Scott Russ Music 

at 2170 Sunrise Highway in Merrick or online at www.scottrussmusic.com.

Used Selmer Bundy Student Clarinet Made in Elkhart!

What a great deal! This is gently used Selmer student clarinet model CL300. Made in Elkhart, Indiana before the move to Asia. We just checked it over in our shop and replaced all necessary pads and it plays beautifully. An excellent investment for a student. Not only does it play better than anything on the market today but was made to last forever. Much better resale value as well. Comes with the original hard shell case which is also in excellent condition. $349  Visit Scott Russ Music on Sunrise Highway in Merrick, NY or www.scottrussmusic.com for more details.

Brand New Buffet Student Clarinet

If you are looking to invest in a Quality Student Bb Clarinet then look no further!

The Buffet Crampon model B12 is just about the best quality entry level clarinet on the market today. Brand new from an authorized Buffet dealer and repair center. These are not factory seconds or refurfurbished instruments. $625. For more details visit Scott Russ Music at 2170 Sunrise Highway in Merrick or www.scottrussmusic.com.

Great Deal- Used Yamaha Student Trumpet

Super deal. This is an original Yamaha trumpet made in Japan. Not like the ones on the market today made in a number of Asian countries and of a lower standard of quality. This Yamaha YTR 232 has a copper lead pipe. Plays with a bright clear tone. Great for a beginner or student. The condition is excellent except for a few minor dings. Just checked over in the shop and cleaned, oiled and slides greased. Comes with the original case also in excellent condition, a new 7C mouthpiece and valve oil. Visit Scott Russ Music in Merrick, NY or www.scottrussmusic.com for more details.

School Rental Instruments

If your child needs a musical instrument for school, now is the best time to rent or purchase one. Visit Scott Russ Music at 2170 Sunrise Highway in Merrick for more information and check out the money saving coupon on our website, www.scottrussmusic.com.

KC and the Sunshine Band

That's the Way I Like It! KC and the Sunshine Band at in concert at Eisenhower Park Saturday night. Great show!

Clarinet Care

Clarinets as all wood instruments expand and contract with heat and humidity.  Cracks can occur if you are not careful. Good clarinet maintenance is the key to avoiding damage to your instrument. Here are some simple tips to caring for your wooden clarinet.

• Always swab, disassemble and return your clarinet to its case when not in use.
• Wipe down the keys after playing with a cloth to remove the oils left on the keys by your fingers. This will also prevent tarnishing and premature wear. 
• Avoid extreme and rapid changes in temperature.  Store your clarinet where the temperature is stable. Also, never play a clarinet that is cold to the touch.
• Maintain a consistent relative humidity in between playing sessions. Case humidifiers are a great way to do this.
• Have your clarinet cleaned and adjusted by a qualified repair technician twice a year. 
• Have the bore oiled by a repair professional.
• Never assemble your clarinet when tight.

Always allow a clarinet to heat up to room temperature before playing.

Read more : http://www.ehow.com/how_7664555_care-wood-clarinet.html

Always allow a clarinet to heat up to room temperature before playing.

Read more : http://www.ehow.com/how_7664555_care-wood-clarinet.html

Chicago and REO Speedwagon

Chicago and REO Speedwagon performed at Jones Beach Theater last night.  What a fantastic show! Here are some photos from the concert.

School Instrument Rentals

It is time to start thinking about 

School Instrument Rentals!
Beat the crowds! If your child needs an instrument for school now is the best time to rent one. 

Visit our store at 2170 Sunrise Highway in Merrick 

for more information.

Summer Violin Maintenance

Summer weather although enjoyable for us, is not perfect for violins. The high temperatures of summer can cause problems for your violin, so during the summer months you should give your instrument a bit more TLC. The wood of the violin expands and contracts due to heat and humidity. Excessive heat can cause permanent warping and damage to the wood and bow hairs. It can also cause a change in sound. The varnish can soften in heat causing it to blister or stick to your case. On the other hand, air conditioning can dry out your violin and cause cracks in the wood. Overall, extreme temperature and humidity changes are not good for a violin.

There are a few things you can do to keep your violin in good shape during the summer months. 

• Check your violin out every few weeks, especially if you are not playing it.  Visually check it to make sure there are no signs of warping and check for open seams every place there is a joint on the instrument. Also, listen for any changes in the sound of the violin.

• Keep your violin out of direct sunlight or enclosed areas. Specifically, don't store your violin in a hot car.

• If in extreme temperatures, allow the instrument to come back to room temperature slowly.  The stress put on your violin by sudden temperature changes can be catastrophic.  In short, slow, gentle changes in the environment are much easier for any wood instrument to handle.

• Clean any rosin debris off your violin right away.  Rosin can become stickier in the heat and leftover pieces can end up sticking to the varnish permanently! 

If damage should occur, have your violin repaired immediately by a luthier to prevent even more damage for happening.
 

D’Addario NYXL Strings

We are proud to announce that we are now carrying D'Addario NYXL Guitar Strings! These strings are amazing. Envisioned, perfected, and manufactured by D’Addario in New York, this newly engineered, break-resistant, high-carbon steel core and plain steel alloy delivers a whole new level of freedom, confidence, and power. NYXL’s provide more strength and up to 131% greater tuning stability by utilizing a completely reinvented wire drawing process coupled with a revolutionary “fusion twist” process for the plain steels. The reformulated nickel plated string windings have greater magnetic properties resulting in higher output and enhanced mid-range frequency response for more presence and crunch. Visit Scott Russ Music in Merrick, NY to check them out!

#NYXLInStock 

High Spirits Pocket Flute in A

The High Spirits Native American Flute is an instrument that anyone can play. This beautiful 9 inch pocket flute is crafted of aromatic cedar with a fixed bird decoration and made in the key of A.  The pocket flute is finished with a non toxic oil which gives it a bright, clear voice and provides creative fun for all ages. It has 5 holes which play a pentatonic scale, and even comes with a fingering chart. The Pocket Flute easily fits into the pocket or back pack. Great for children! For more information visit Scott Russ Music in Merrick, NY.

ESP Stratocaster Electric Guitar 400 Series

This is a used, but excellent condition, original Japan made ESP Stratocaster Electric Guitar 400 Series. This vintage guitar is bright yellow with a red pick guard. It dates from the 1970's to early 1980's. You can't find this quality in a modern instrument. It was just set up in our shop for a close fast action and clear tone. Great player, and highly collectible! Visit Scott Russ Music for more details.

When Is The Best Time To Rent An Instrument?

We are often asked when is the best time to rent an instrument?  Consider renting your instrument during the summer for the best choice of instrument.  The closer you are to school starting, instrument inventory goes down leaving you with fewer instruments to choose from.  In addition, at Scott Russ Music we offer free rentals for the summer with a yearly rental contract.  This is an option that most music stores don't offer.  Visit Scott Russ Music in Merrick, NY for more details.

Wondrous Stories

Wondrous Stories played at Hudson's On The Mile, Nautical Mile in Freeport last night. Together for 20 yrs. and one of the best bands around.  Some songs they played included -Allman Brothers "Blue Skies" and the Beatles "All you need is Love". Great show!

James Taylor at Jones Beach

Spectacular weather by the water and great tunes- James Taylor at Jones Beach, what could be better!   "Mexico", "Copperline" and "Sweet Baby James" were just a few of the hits he played in last night's show. He sounded amazing! We had such a great night listening to all our favorites! 

Instrument Tune Up Tip

Is your instrument in need of a tune up?  July is a great time to get one.  There is usually less wait time in July than other times in the year.

Amazing Jones Beach Concert!

Scott Russ & Felix Cavaliere

Saturday's concert at Jones Beach was amazing! 

Felix Cavaliere's Rascals, the Beach Boys and Lovin' Spoonful performed.  Felix borrowed one of our Hammond SK2 Organs for the show.

We were backstage to help set up the organ and to see the show.  Plus we met all the bands!  John Stamos filled in as drummer for part of the Beach Boys' set.  What a great night! Shown here are some

photos from the night.

Felix Cavaliere Is Using Our Hammond Organ!

We are so excited that Felix Cavaliere will be using one of our portable Hammond SK2 Organs in his concert at Jones Beach tonight! It will be delivered to him later today. Looking forward to hearing Felix Cavaliere's Rascals!

Musical Fun Fact- Organs

Did you know that the organ has been around for centuries? The Greek engineer Ctesibius is credited with inventing a pipe organ in Alexandria in the 3rd century BC.  It was known as a hydraulis and used pressurized wind created by water pressure.  It was an ingenious system which was not really improved upon much for centuries. Not much is known of the actual music that was played on the original hydraulis, though.  It might have been used more as a noisemaker. For a large selection of organs visit Scott Russ Music in Merrick, NY or www.ScottRussMusic.com. 

Celestini Deluxe 15 1/2" Viola

This is a Celestini (our own house brand) handmade deluxe 15 1/2" viola. This model is crafted of solid wood with a spruce top, flamed maple back and ribs, real purfling, ebony fittings and a gloss varnish finish.  We import these fine instruments from Asia and then completely rebuild them in our shop to the highest specifications. Fingerboards are recut, pegs are recut, new nuts, buttons, new strings and new bridges are made to bring out the best in each instrument. This viola plays with a deep resonant tone. Could easily be used professionally and will continue to play better and better with time. This has been one of our most popular violas for advancing students and semi-professionals. There are many great looking violas out there, but our own set-up is what makes these instruments spectacular! Visit www.scottrussmusic.com for more information.

Our Ampeg Start

Don Russo (left) and Frankie Carle

Scott Russ Music has a history that has ties with the company Ampeg.  Our founder, Don Russo, was involved with Ampeg Bassamp Company, an innovator in amplified upright bass pickups, early on.  Don worked with Ampeg founder Everett Hull in the late 1940's and early 1950's.  At the time, Ampeg was producing a pickup for the upright bass, and instrument amplifiers with minimal output distortion. They were looking to magnify the sound of the bass so it would stand out more in the music. Don, a musician, worked with Hull on research and development.  In addition, both Don and his wife Sandra worked with Hull in the evenings to test the amps. The voltage in the building the company was located in fluctuated a lot during the day, due to the heavy use and Con Edison not having enough generators.  This made it difficult to test the amps during the daytime.  As a result, they had wait until nighttime to test the amps so they could tell if the they were working correctly.  According to the book Ampeg:The Story Behind The Sound, by Greg Hopkins and Bill Moore, Don "... enjoyed working for Hull and learned enough about the business to set up a music equipment shop himself later on."  This music shop is now run by Don's son Scott and is called Scott Russ Music.

Pad Savers

For best performance, replace the pad savers on woodwind instruments 1x/year.  For more information on instrument maintenance and repairs visit www.scottrussmusic.com.