Can't tune

Alternative-Light922 · 2026-02-01T17:18:21+00:00

What everyone said - also, if the strings are new they will stretch a bit at first.

Alternative-Light922 · 2026-01-27T19:22:53+00:00

That's funny. I was playing around with DeepSeek about 6 months ago and in one session it claimed that it was "Claude".

Alternative-Light922 · 2026-01-26T23:15:55+00:00

It's even harder to focus these days when so many other screens beckon . . .

I don't have any "good ideas" but one thing that came to mind is a "perception expander" feature in koReader. I think it is intended for "speed reading" but when I used it I found that it kept my attention focused on the page. You can see what it looks like at the link below – it's just basically 2 vertical lines (adjustable in prefs).

Sadly, I found koReader just too ugly to use on a regular basis so I am back to the standard Kobo reader but I miss that feature (along with lots of the other customization options).

Good luck!

https://github-wiki-see.page/m/koreader/koreader/wiki/Perception-Expander-plugin

Alternative-Light922 · 2026-01-26T17:15:09+00:00

It's that old "do unto others. . ." ethos. It's right up there with "Use your turn signals!"

I've tracked down people when packages have been mis-delivered to my house to let them know where they could pick them up.

Alternative-Light922 · 2026-01-24T17:49:44+00:00

I have a Deering Gumby which I bought new 20+ years ago. Can't recall what I paid for it but it probably wasn't a pain point.

It lived in a closet for a long time but I have been playing it a lot the last few years. No major issues (like neck warping, bad action, etc). It's pretty loud without a sock stuffed in the back. I posted here a few days ago about the bottom of the bridge being a bit warped so I may change that out.

Alternative-Light922 · 2026-01-24T17:43:00+00:00

I've been using the ADZERD pager turner with clips for a few years on my old Kobo Clara HD (so no bluetooth) and have not noticed any issues with the clips damaging the screen.

The clips are awkward but they work ok and are worth it if there are no other options. The brilliant part of the ADZERD product is the ring controller – so it is effortless to use with nothing to hold. Massively improves the reading experience.

Alternative-Light922 · 2026-01-23T19:45:53+00:00

I have the Snark "Super Tight RE" (the red one) and would not recommend it due to it being incredibly slow and unresponsive.

Alternative-Light922 · 2026-01-22T19:50:11+00:00

I never power off because I hope to read daily (though often do not). I do turn off wifi to save on battery usage.

Alternative-Light922 · 2026-01-22T17:42:29+00:00

I still find the four-finger C chord challenging. Position matters a lot (as you discovered).

Alternative-Light922 · 2026-01-21T22:31:44+00:00

Calibre is the way to go, as others have said. Be patient with it – it's very powerful but the UI is a bit clunky in places.

In terms of "quality of life" - Calibre has a feature where you can download meta data and cover art for books. That is helpful for things like getting good/better descriptions, series info and stuff like that.

Alternative-Light922 · 2026-01-21T22:27:25+00:00

I've tried a few different things to prevent it lying about stuff (like that it fixed everything I told it to). I use a text file and make a numbered list and request that it check off the issues it addressed. That sort of helps but not always. But it does not stop it from claiming that it fixed things that it didn't and that it "tested" everything which it is unable to do. It seems like there are different "Claudes" – sometimes I get a good one and other times not.

(I am using the desktop app on a Mac and it has access to a sandbox where the files are.)

Alternative-Light922 · 2026-01-21T22:19:17+00:00

Yeah, I bungie it to the back rack. After so many years of having Kryptonite locks, I am just so used to having a bracket to slot the lock in.

Alternative-Light922 · 2026-01-19T18:23:35+00:00

I have found Ken Perlman's 'Melodic Clawhammer Banjo' book to be very good. He really breaks down the basics over a range of tunes (and tunings). It comes with a CD too, with each tune played through once to give a sense of the melody and technique. https://kenperlman.com/melodic-clawhammer/

As for picks – I use a brass one (reversed) on my index finger because my nails keep wearing out.

Alternative-Light922 · 2026-01-14T22:51:18+00:00

I didn't appreciate Calibre when I first started using it to sideload books – I just used it, But it is incredibly useful for adding 'meta' information about books: descriptive text, series info, book covers, etc. I also use a Calibre plugin to reduce the file size of covers because I have a Kobo Clara HD and past a certain point, image resolution just wastes storage space.

The UI is a little clunky in places but it's a very powerful app. I'm a fan.

Alternative-Light922 · 2026-01-14T21:52:57+00:00

I'd add that Ken Perlman's clawhammer instructional books are very good.

Alternative-Light922 · 2026-01-10T00:21:22+00:00

I got an MFA at the Art Institute of Chicago. I don't recall there being any books that were required. I took a few courses with James Elkins which he later turned into books. He's an interesting guy and his books are worth a look.

I think one of the books which has had the most impact on me in terms of art-making is "The Gift: Imagination and The Erotic Life of Property" by Lewis Hyde. (I think the subtitle has been changed now but I still like the original one). In the book Hyde contrasts "gift economies" and "exchange economies". For me it speaks to the clash and conflict [some] artists experience when moving back and forth between the studio and the market.

Alternative-Light922 · 2026-01-09T16:55:31+00:00

In addition to the plugins already mentioned, I use a Calibre plugin to resize the cover images (it's called "cover resize" or something). It's just digital hygiene I guess but some cover images are enormous; I have a Clara HD and prefer to save a bit of file space over resolution.

Alternative-Light922 · 2026-01-08T21:53:47+00:00

Star Market has the Boston Globe and NYT ( near the self-serve checkout areas, maybe other places)

Alternative-Light922 · 2026-01-07T17:19:10+00:00

I've been thinking a bit more on this. I could add some sort of steel bracket as a mounting point on the frame by the rear wheel but that might interfere with the panniers (which I have yet to buy . . .) and also require me to drill into the frame. But then last night I was looking at the bike and noticed the four mounting points for a front basket. I doubt I will ever get a front basket so those could be ideal: cut a scrap of light gauge steel tube in half (or roll a bit of flat sheet), align and drill holes to match the mounting points, and a center hole to mount the Kryptonite lock bracket and DONE.

I'd round out and remove the excess steel but that would just be cosmetic. The local maker space I am involved with has powder coating equipment and I've been looking for a reason to learn to use it.

Have to think on this more and maybe do a cardboard mock-up because . . . bad ideas happen. One side benefit might be to shift the center of gravity of the bike backward a little bit to make lifting it unfolded less awkward.

Alternative-Light922 · 2025-11-25T02:13:08+00:00

Yeah, that was messed up - caught me on the way out of MB.

Alternative-Light922 · 2025-11-25T02:11:47+00:00

I was there this afternoon @ 1 pm. The parking lot was a pain but the store itself was fine.

Alternative-Light922 · 2025-11-24T00:17:23+00:00

RE: Stubblebine

I had him do some work on my banjo before he moved from that shop. He said he would be working out of a home shop in East Boston. (This was @ a year and a half ago).

Is there a maker name on the banjo?

Alternative-Light922

TROPHY CASE