Music History Fun Fact- May 12

On this date in 1972, The Rolling Stones released the album “Exile on Main St.” The double album received lukewarm reviews at first, but is now widely considered among the band’s best work.  In addition, “Exile on Main St.” has been ranked on many lists as one of the greatest albums of all time. 

US BLUES Guitar Picks are Here!

 We are excited to announce that US BLUES Tonewood and Bone Guitar Picks are now In Stock!  Come down and check out the cool collection of artist quality guitar picks. 2170 Sunrise Highway, Merrick.

Hammond Organ and Leslie Speaker Deals!

Looking for a New Organ for Your Congregation?
Now is the Perfect Time!

0% Interest Financing 

on Hammond Organs 

and Leslie Speakers!*

Now - June 30, 2015

Call Scott Russ Music at 516-377-7907 for more details.
 

*For institutional customers only. Min. transaction size $2,500. Some restrictions apply. Valid thru 6/30/15.

Robb Lawrence Came to Scott Russ Music

Prominent guitar expert, player and photojournalist Robb Lawrence came to the shop to jam with Scott!
 

Great Double Bill at NYCB Theater at Westbury!

Amazing concert at NYCB Theater at Westbury this weekend! Vanilla Fudge and Felix Cavaliere's Rascals were there. Here are some pics from the show.

Scott and Vanilla Fudge

Scott, Geri and Felix Cavaliere

Winner of Free Tickets!

How Making Music Is Good For Your Brain

Did you know that making music strengthens your brain, helps with eye hand coordination and can make you smarter? Check out this article from Mother Nature Network to find out more. http://www.mnn.com/leaderboard/stories/10-reasons-why-making-music-is-good-for-your-brain

Hammond Organ Rebates

Save up to $400 OFF on select Hammond Keyboards and Organ Products! Visit Scott Russ Music in Merrick for more details.

Win Free Tickets To Felix Cavaliere's Rascals Concert!

Win 2 FREE TICKETS to see 

Felix Cavaliere's RASCALS!

New York Community Bank Theater At Westbury Sunday, April 26, 2015.

Visit Scott Russ Music at 2170 Sunrise Highway in Merrick now-April 22 to enter!

The Leslie 3300 Speaker Cabinet Gives Great Sound!

 This fantastic Leslie 3300 Speaker Cabinet will give an incredible sound to a Hammond organ, or any keyboard or guitar! It features a 300W Solid State single channel keyboard amp with tube preamp, 2-speed rotating horn and 15" rotating woofer. We're selling this brand new and in the box complete with a Factory Warranty for $2,495.00. Visit Scott Russ Music or call 516-377-7907 for more information. 
 

Music History- The Sound of Silence

Did you know that the Simon and Garfunkel song "The Sound of Silence" did not become a hit until it was remixed? The song was originally released in March 1964 on the album Wednesday Morning, 3 AM in an acoustic version. The album did not do well and the duo broke up. The song "The Sound of Silence" did not attract airplay until spring 1965. The song's producer, Tom Wilson, noticed the popularity and then remixed the track overdubbing electric instrumentation. Simon & Garfunkle were not told about the remix until after it was released. The remixed song hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in December 1965. The duo then reunited and recorded their second album titled Sounds of Silence.

Musical Instrument Care

Did you know that a well-maintained instrument encourages beginners to practice more and allows experienced players to achieve more freedom of expression? An instrument that is well maintained and cleaned regularly, will sound better and have a longer lifespan than one that is neglected. In fact, a well cared for, high-quality instrument can even last a lifetime and be passed from generation to generation. 

To keep your instrument in optimum playing condition, clean it regularly. In addition, have it professionally cleaned and inspected by a qualified repair technician annually. If your instrument needs to be repaired it is important to bring it to a qualified instrument repair shop. This way you will ensure that your instrument is repaired correctly and will prevent additional problems.  

Shown here are photos of Scott Russ Music's on site instrument repair shop, in Merrick, NY.
 

Hammond B3 Mk 2-Organ with Leslie Speaker and Bench-New Store Demo-Deal!

This Hammond B3 Mk2 organ is new, but was used as a store demo. It was fully programmed and edited by Scott Russ who is a professional Hammond player and authorized service technician. (Scott would be happy to speak with you about his setup, how his experience and expertise enables him to get the full potential out of these instruments and about the history going back to the original vintage Hammond organs.) We are selling this organ with the bench shown and a new 122 XB Leslie speaker cabinet (also a store demo) for $23,900.00. Comes with the new factory Warranty. Visit or call Scott Russ Music in Merrick for more details.

Music History- March 6

Did you know that Fleetwood Mac’s “Rhiannon” was released on this date in 1976?

Hammond Organs

Did you know that Scott Russ Music is the exclusive NY Metropolitan Area Hammond Dealer? In addition, our shop is an Authorized Hammond Service Center and one of only 25 full line Hammond dealers in the USA. 

Scott and George Benson

We had so much fun at the 2015 NAMM Show, we had to share one more photo. Shown here is Scott with George Benson.

Musical Instrument Repairs

It is important to bring your instrument to a qualified instrument repair shop when a part is damaged or broken. Only a trained instrument repair technician will know how to correctly diagnose problems with your instrument, and know the proper way to fix them.  This will keep your instrument in excellent playing condition and prevent additional problems.  At Scott Russ Music we have an instrument repair shop on site in our store. The repair shop is staffed by 7 experienced technicians, each with an average of over 45 years of experience. Make an appointment to bring in your instrument for a free instrument check. 516-377-7907

Music Fun Fact- The Oboe

Did you know that up until 1770, the Oboe was called the Hoboy?

BeatBuddy Drum Pedals Are Here!

We saw this at the 2015 NAMM Show and couldn't wait to bring them to our customers! The BeatBuddy Drum Machine Pedal provides hands-free control of a beat through your amp or PA. Insert fills, transition from verse to chorus, add drum breaks and accent hits. Easy to use and amazing sound! It won Best of Show at the NAMM 2015 Show out of over 5000 different products (musical instruments & accessories). Visit Scott Russ Music to check it out.

Music History February 11

On this date in 1964, the Beatles played their first U.S. concert at the Coliseum in Washington, DC. The opening acts were Jay & The Americans, The Righteous Brothers and Tommy Roe. The Beatles had arrived in Washington DC by train as a snowstorm prevented them from flying. They were greeted at Washington's Union Station by 2,000 fans who braved the eight inches of snow on the ground.

Edgar Winter at Suffolk Theater

Saw Edgar Winter in concert at Suffolk Theater last night. Great show, plus got to meet Edgar Winter backstage!

Great Leftie Acoustic-Electric Guitar

Ibanez AEF18LE-Left-Handed-Leftie-Acoustic-Electric Guitar!  

This is a fabulous new manufacturer refurbished Ibanez AEF18LE Acoustic-Electric guitar. It is a left handed guitar with 4 band EQ and a beautiful dark violin sunburst finish. Leftie guitars are so hard to find. Grab this one fast! We just can't keep enough of these in stock! Just set up and adjusted by our head luthier with a medium close action which makes it an easy playing guitar. Call or visit Scott Russ Music for more details.

Saxophone History

Did you know that clarinet player Adolphe Sax invented the saxophone? Sax was a Belgian musical instrument designer and musician. The saxophone was invented for use in both orchestras and concert bands. Sax showed his saxophones at the Paris Industrial Exhibition in 1844. He received a patent for the instrument in 1846.
 

Music Fun Fact, January 30

On this date in 1973, KISS played their first show at the Coventry Club in Queens, NY.

The Most Ancient Musical Instrument

The human voice is the most natural and the most ancient musical instrument. Singing has been part of human activity for thousands of years. From singing to calm a baby to cultural and religious expressions, the human voice is the musical instrument many don't even realize they have!

Woodwind Fun Facts

Did you know that not all woodwinds are made out of wood! Some are actually made from plastic or from different types of metal.

January 17 Fun Fact

On January 17, 1969 the song “Lady Samantha” was released in England. It was one of the very first recordings by Reginald Kenneth Dwight, better known as Elton John.

Types of Woodwind Instruments

Did you know that woodwind instruments are divided into two groups based on how air is blown into them?

The two groups are flutes and reed instruments. Flutes have air enter directly through a mouth, or hole in the instrument's head.  Examples in this group are the flute, piccolo and recorder. In reed instruments, air is blown into the instrument through one or two reeds. The reeds vibrate when air is blown, creating the sound.  Examples of reed instruments are the clarinet, saxophone, oboe and bassoon.

Leslie Pedal

The Leslie Pedal adds a distinctive rotary, moving sound to any keyboard, guitar, bass or studio rig.   Designed and built in America, the Leslie Pedal features rotary controls, three footswitches and a gain switch. It replicates the distinctive PR-40 stationary speaker cabinet which was a "secret weapon" for many vintage studio guitar recordings. For more information visit Scott Russ Music in Merrick, NY. 

The Weight at City Winery

Great show last night ‪@CityWineryNYC! THE WEIGHT played songs of THE BAND at City Winery in Manhattan. Scott Russ was there helping the band as the Hammond Organ Representative.

Shown here are Scott Russ, Brian Mitchell and Marty Grebb using a Hammond SK2 and Leslie Studio 12 and some photos from the show.

Music History- January 8

On this date in 1975, three Led Zeppelin concerts at Madison Square Garden sold out in a record four hours.

Origin of the Word Orchestra

Do you know where the word Orchestra comes from?  It is of Greek origin and the word originates from the ancient theater.  The word orchestra refers to the space in the theater between the audience and the stage where the chorus of dancers performed.