All About That Bass

Did you know that the bass drum is often used in marching bands to to project tempo? Historically marching bands march to the beat of the bass. So it really is "All About That Bass."

10 Easy Musician Gift Ideas

We have put together a list to make holiday shopping for the musician Easy!




1.  Gig Bag/Case
2.  Music apparel 
3.  Instrument Maintenance Kit
4.  Music Mugs
5.  Inexpensive Ukuleles
6.  Musical Umbrella
7.  Instrument Holders
8.  Guitar Tuners
9.  Music Stationary
10. Gift Certificates to Scott Russ Music

These gifts ideas are great for musicians, music teachers and all music lovers! Visit Scott Russ Music on Sunrise Highway in Merrick for all of your musical gift needs. 

 

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.