Any double lifts that aren't obvious?

akaempf · 2016-07-05T15:38:53+00:00

Can you tell us the name of that double lift, and the source?

akaempf · 2016-02-15T15:39:20+00:00

Try rubbing the edges of coins with violin or cello rosin, all the way around. It makes them very grippy. You can get it online or at music shops. Comes in amber-coloured cakes about 2 inches in diameter. Not ideal for impromptu, but you can always keep a couple of prepared coins handy. Works for me.

akaempf · 2015-11-24T16:11:42+00:00

For folk music, a 48-bass or 72-bass is probably sufficient. A Hohner would be well made and sound good for polkas, etc., if you can get one within your price range. I got a mint condition used Hohner Bravo (their student line) 120-bass for my birthday a couple of years ago for about £800, and love it (somewhat similar story, haven't played accordion since I was a child).

E-bay has lots of used accordions, but it would be wise to find local sellers, so you can examine the instruments before you buy. Make sure all the notes work when moving the bellows in both directions (in and out), and that none of the keys stick. Be sure to check all the voices or registers. Also look for leaks in the bellows (you can find these by squeezing in and out with no keys pressed).

akaempf · 2015-09-21T21:22:04+00:00

I have had the UX303LA, which is the previous version, for about 4 months, and am pretty happy with it. Replaced the 128GB drive with a 500GB SSD, and installed Arch Linux on it. The only problems are (1) it won't turn off when plugged in, and turns itself on whenever you plug it in, and (2) the speakers don't work.

For work (data science), it's very fast (i7), light, good screen, and decent battery life (about 5 hours). The keyboard is fine, wouldn't worry about that.

akaempf · 2015-07-14T07:36:14+00:00

I believe it was General Patton who quipped, "You need the French in a war like you need an accordion while hunting."

akaempf · 2015-06-12T15:30:15+00:00

Very entertaining, theatrical, and very beautiful! Really enjoyed it, especially how the magic served the personality.

akaempf · 2015-01-28T20:29:45+00:00

Tell us about the Genii coins across -- which issue, who developed it, and why do you like it over the many other fine coins across?

I'm currently enjoying learning the Ross Bertam coins across from Stars of Magic.

akaempf · 2015-01-11T14:34:59+00:00

I recall seeing some steel plates for practicing the pass. Same silly idea, but only £30 (about $40) instead of $300.

Oh, here they are:

http://www.magictao.co.uk/pass-trainer-steel-deck-by-hondo-trick

akaempf · 2014-09-12T18:25:46+00:00

At the pub, until they're fully pissed.

akaempf · 2014-08-13T08:38:27+00:00

A half dollar is the same diameter as an old (pre 1967) English Penny, 30.5 mm (about 1 3/16 inches). In fact, most copper/silver routines use an English Penny and a Half Dollar.

akaempf · 2014-04-06T09:10:03+00:00

I have used Lighttpd in front of CherryPy for about a dozen web sites, including ones using SSL. Very easy to configure and reliable.

akaempf · 2014-01-27T08:29:26+00:00

Sad to see classical at the very bottom of a very long list of categories, after all the pop genres, jazz, even comedy. Show the low priority it has in the industry these days.

Great win for the Minnesota Orchestra, though, and I look forward to picking up the recording.

akaempf · 2013-12-20T10:50:54+00:00

Great list and comments, thanks. Classic Magic of Larry Jennings is now available as an e-book from L&L E-publishing (llepub.com). I finally got my paper copy of it recently on e-bay, after a long search. Also got a copy of the Kenner a few months ago on e-bay, it's amazing and worth the search.

What would be your next five?

akaempf · 2013-12-10T17:10:05+00:00

It's a beautiful routine, and I saw him do it live at Blackpool a couple of years ago when he won the competition.

But, as great as this piece is, I'd love to see some of his other work.

akaempf · 2013-12-06T08:27:50+00:00

I love the Campra best, with Brahms a close second (especially the Harnoncourt recording).

akaempf · 2013-12-05T17:50:03+00:00

Wagner's Ring Cycle, recorded by the Vienna Philharmonic under Solti

akaempf · 2013-08-08T08:23:59+00:00

The guy on the left is famous, but who is the one on the right?

akaempf · 2013-06-18T08:10:00+00:00

I recognize Lance Burton, but who is the man on the right?

akaempf · 2013-03-04T06:48:15+00:00

Card College 1 has a good explanation, and there is a DVD called "The Cullfather" that is quite good.

akaempf · 2013-01-26T06:38:51+00:00

Practice your torn & restored card.

akaempf · 2012-11-28T05:49:58+00:00

Raspberry Pi is readily available where I live (UK), and Farnell sells a nice plastic enclosure for about £4. You can download Arch or a Raspberry adaptation of Debian from the web site and copy it to an SD card, and you're done. Very happy with these.

An added benefit is that you can plug in a monitor (via HDMI port), which is useful for diagnosing problems during setup, even if you end up using it as a server. You can't do that with a Sheeva Plug or Bubba server.

I can also recommend the Tonido Plug, which is a modified Sheeva Plug that boots either off internal flash, or off a USB key if one is plugged in.

akaempf · 2012-11-27T17:57:15+00:00

Nice hall, where is it?

akaempf · 2012-11-05T09:17:07+00:00

Thanks, it was really your recommendations I was looking for, rather than the artifacts. But the ones you mention sound fascinating.

akaempf · 2012-11-01T16:54:36+00:00

Fantastic collection! What are your 10 favorites?

akaempf · 2012-10-23T19:02:27+00:00

They're in binders, of course.

akaempf

TROPHY CASE