10 Reasons for Giving Musical Instruments and Lessons This Holiday Season

1. You're never too old to learn how to play music - A common myth, but music can be learned at any age, and studies show that making music is a life-long skill that enriches the lives of children and adults
2. Making music relieves stress - Recreational music making has been scientifically proven to help reduce stress and reverse the body's response to stress at the DNA level. With the holidays as one of the most stressful times of the year, making music or giving a gift for someone special to make music for you, can help reduce stress for an entire family
3. Making music fights off depression - Depression affects about 19 million people in the U.S., and with the holiday season as one of the most vulnerable times of the year, music making can make all the difference in keeping spirits uplifted
4. Enrich your holiday experience - and your life! - with music making - Whether gathering around the piano to play holiday tunes or caroling around the neighborhood, or dancing to live music at a holiday party, music making vibrantly brings the entire holiday experience to life
5. Use music to create lasting family traditions - Each family has its own traditions, but music making offers a new way for families to celebrate the festive season together. From playing a favorite tune on the piano or jamming on the drums with a rock n' roll rendition of a classic holiday song, music-making can create unique traditions for generations to share
6. Playing music together promotes bonding - As families and friends come together during the holiday season, playing music offers an exciting way for everyone to join in on the fun, creating a sense of togetherness
7. High play value of musical instruments - The average cost that parents will spend on giving gifts to their kids is $200, with many kids tossing those gifts aside in a matter of months and moving on to the next fad. But with the gift of musical instruments, parents can give their kids a priceless pastime that will last for many years or a passion for music to last a lifetime
8. Cost comparison/savings over time - On average, Americans are expected to spend $638 on holiday shopping this year, according to a 2009 National Retail Federation Report. When compared to the average price of music lessons and pre-owned instruments, the cost of music making is typically less in comparison
9. Biggest regret most people have - According to a 2009 Gallup Survey, 85 percent of Americans who do not play a musical instrument say they wish they had learned to play--the holidays are a perfect time to make that wish come true.
10. Unleash your inner rock star (or your child's inner rocker!) - Take virtual music making with video games to the next level and let yourself or your kids develop their talent with a real musical instrument, just like their favorite bands and artists

(This Top 10 brought to you by NAMM & The Auburn Guitar Shoppe. To learn more about the benefits of playing music, visitwww.wannaplaymusic.com or stop by The Guitar Shoppe. Ask about our lesson program.)

Happy Holidays From Our Family To Yours
All of us here at The Guitar Shoppe would like to wish you the best.

I can't imagine this season without music. I want more people to enjoy making music. That's why we have nothing but the best instructors here at The Shoppe. We're about to kick off a class, "Intro to Guitar." Give me a shout if you are interested in getting someone started in a lifetime of enjoyment.

We appreciate your business and your friendship.

Thank you -Mark

Oh, our hours through Christmas:

10-8 Monday-Friday

10-6 Saturday

1-5 Sunday

Come see us or give us a call!

www.auburnguitar.com

334-821-6818

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Bose Clinic

Bose L1 System Demonstration
Hear the Difference Tonight at 7:30PM

The fine folks from Bose are sending Product Specialist Jed Rothenberg down from the mountain for a visittonight. Jed is a wealth of knowledge on the Bose L1 Systems and will conduct an in depth demonstration of how these systems will change the way you make music. We will cover setup, operation, and performance modes for the L1 Model 1, Model 2, and the new Compact systems. Jed will be able to answer any questions you may have about the Bose L1's and show how these innovative systems can be used with ease for different applications.

Whether you own a Bose L1, are interested in one, curious about what these systems are all about, or just want to come hang out and hear some music; come on down! All are welcome!

Demonstration will include a performance by Big Toh Medicine so you can see how the L1 works with a live band. Very cool! Hope you can make it to this one time event. We would love to have you.

Thanks again from all of us at The Auburn Guitar Shoppe. Talk to you soon! -Mark

Fender, Gretsch, & SWR 10% Off!



Along with tons of other great specials throughout The Shoppe through Monday!

Bose Clinic Tuesday Night!
The fine folks from Bose will be here at The Auburn Guitar Shoppe Tuesday Night, December 1st for a complete demonstration of the Bose L1 & Bose Compact Systems. If you haven't heard these incredible sytems, make plans to be here Tuesday. It will change the way you make music. All are welcome for this one time event. We should kick off around 7PM. Come on down!

Thanks for all of your business and support of music near & far. Hope to talk to you soon.

-Mark

Visit us online at www.auburnguitar.com or call anytime at 334-821-6818.

We're open 10-8 M-F & 10-6 S

Become a fan of The Auburn Guitar Shoppe on Facebook!

Deal of the Day!!!

Three for Thursday:

Buy 2 packs of strings & receive a third pack of equal or less value for FREE! All day, today only! Oh yeah, you know you have been putting it off, so change those dead strings. We're open until 8PM.

See you soon!

-Mark

www.auburnguitar.com

Deal of the Day!

All in stock Ibanez Amplifiers 50% Off Retail Price all day! Amps as low as $59.00! Come on down. See you soon, Mark

www.auburnguitar.com

March of Dimes "Blues for Babies"
This Sunday, Nov. 15th, 5PM at The War Eagle Supper Club

Join us for the 2nd Annual "Blue for Babies" this Sunday evening at The War Eagle Supper Club presented by The March of Dimes and Lucky Rabbit Entertainment. This event will feature several local musicians performing to raise money and awareness for premature babies in our area. Acts include Big Toh Medicine, Jason McMillan, and The Good Doctor. There will be a silent auction of items from Kunnican's, Unwired, Auburn Art, Auburn Oyster Bar, and The Guitar Shoppe to name a few. Come out for an early evening of music and fun to support a great cause and round out your weekend with a good feeling.

Sign Up For Lessons Today!
We still have times available for private lessons at The Shoppe

You know you want to get better with your instrument. Come by and talk to Paul, Brennen, Wade, or Emery about taking some lessons. We offer beginner through advanced instruction on guitar, bass, banjo, mandolin, and keys. Sign up! You'll be glad you did.

Thanks once again for all of your support of music and The Auburn Guitar Shoppe. Feel free to contact us any time with questions or comments. Our store hours are 10AM - 8PM Monday - Friday and 10AM - 6PM Saturdays.

Talk to you soon! -Mark

Become a Fan of The Auburn Guitar Shoppe on Facebook.

Mr. Paul Reed Smith's Visit: Tuesday 8/4!!!
With David Grissom & Emil Werstler!

If you haven't heard, Paul will be making a special visit here to The Auburn Guitar Shoppe! How cool is that? Paul is visiting his Signature PRS Dealers to meet customers, talk about everything that's happening in the PRS World, & hang out for a while. All are welcome but please reply if you plan to attend. We should start around 7PM.

As a special treat, Paul will be bringing Texas Studio Guitar Master & Songwriter David Grissom. David has toured and recorded with artist from the Alman Brothers to the Dixie Chicks to name only two of the many. He has been featured in Guitar Player, Guitar World, Musician, and Vintage Guitar Magazine. To have David and Paul to visit us here at The Shoppe is an event no one should miss. More info on David can be found at www.davidgrissom.com .

And if that is not enough, Paul will also present Metal Guitarist Emil Werstler. Some of the fastest fingers I've ever seen. Check out a short video on our home page appropriately named, "Betcha Can't Play This!"

Can't wait to see you. This will be an exciting night. If you have any questions, feel free to drop us a line. As always, thanks for all of your support of music and The Auburn Guitar Shoppe.

-Mark

Become a fan of The Auburn Guitar Shoppe on Facebook!

John McEuen of The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
FREE Deering Banjo To Be Given Away!

We are excited to announce that John McEuen will be performing live here in Auburn, Sunday 4/19, 7PM at The Strutting Duck on Wire Road. This will be an intimate and up-close show with one of the most legendary performers of our time. The Guitar Shoppe & The Strutting Duck have teamed up with Deering Banjos to offer everyone a chance to win a Deering Goodtime Banjo signed by John. Tickets are on sale now at The Duck, The Shoppe, or by phone at 334-821-7277.
John will be at The Guitar Shoppe around 5PM Sunday 4/19 for a personal “Meet & Greet” with his fans. All are welcome.
Doors at The Strutting Duck will open at 6PM. Riley Yielding will open the show followed by John McEuen. Show will close with a special performance by Dooley’s Blue Revue.
Since forming The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band in 1966, McEuen has played over 5,000 shows around the world. Also known as the String Wizard, McEuen’s talent is not limited to the guitar but includes mandolin, banjo, and fiddle as well. As a member of the ‘Dirt Band,’ McEuen has earned various Grammys and CMA’s. He continues to tour with the band today while maintaining his solo career and hosting his own XM Radio show, “Acoustic Traveler Show.” Visit www.johnmceuen.com for more info. 

  

Old 280 Boogie in Waverly, 4/18

Multi-Cultural Arts & Music Festival
Free Fun for the Whole Family
Once again, The Guitar Shoppe will be one of the proud sponsors of The Old 280 Boogie in the lovely downtown of Waverly, Al. This event, now in its 9^th year, is always a real treat for all ages. Food, arts, crafts, cakewalks, & wagon rides are always part of the day’s festivities.
Oh, did I mention music? By all means! This year’s stage will host performances by The Figs (All Female Old-time), Dooley’s Blue Revue (Groovy, Bluesy, Grassy Old-time), 29 South w/Tony Brook (Local Heroes), Drew Jennings (AKA Elvis) & The Pine Hill Haints (Original Alabama Ghost Music).
The fun will go from 10:30AM until 5:30PM. Bring your chairs, blankets, kids, & grandmas for a great day the whole family will enjoy. Visit www.standarddeluxe.comfor more info.

Paul Reed Smith Clinic, Monday 4/27

Workshop with PRS Product Manager J. Hayes
Here's your chance to sit down with one of the masters from Paul's Shop. Jay will talk about all aspects of PRS Guitars as well as demonstrate some of his hot playing techniques. (Check out some of his guitar work on You Tube) As a special treat, you will be some of the first to check out the much anticipated PRS Acoustics and Tube Amplifiers. Drop us an email if you would like to attend this free workshop. 

John 5 Live at The Shoppe, 5/13
Get Ready To Rock!
Fender® and Squier® present an evening with Fender University Professor of Shredology John 5.
(Check him out on YouTube & then go practice!)

John 5 is hands-down one of the best modern shredders working today, but to label him merely as a shredder (albeit a great one) is to miss the bigger picture: John 5 is a great guitarist, period.
And a hard-working one, too. The man has a lengthy and impressive resume that includes his famous stint with shock rocker Marilyn Manson and his current gig with Rob Zombie, but the list also includes diverse work with some names you might not expect, including LitaFord, K.D. Lang, David Lee Roth, Meatloaf, Salt-N-Pepa, Lynyrd Skynyrd and many others.
Surprisingly, to many, John 5 has an ardent love of bluegrass music and has the chops to prove it (just listen to “Sugar Foot Rag” from 2004 solo albumVertigo).
Further, he is a self-described “Fender fanatic” with a jaw-dropping collection of his favorite instrument, the Telecaster (“the greatest guitars ever built, by far, hands down,” he said). Such is his love for the instrument that Fender introduced the J5 Telecaster (and J5 Special Edition acoustic) in 2004 and the J5 Triple Tele Deluxe in 2007.
Born John Lowery in Grosse Point, Mich., he started playing guitar at age seven, inspired by TV shows such as Hee Haw and The Monkees. His parents supported their son’s musical efforts and let him play clubs as long as he kept his grades up. Lowery moved toCalifornia at age 18 to become a professional session guitarist; his first band there, Alligator Soup, introduced him to producer and longtime friend Bob Marlette, who provided Lowery with much television, commercial and film session work. This led to a gig with Lita Ford supporting Kiss, and Lowery was subsequently chosen from among 2,000 guitarists totour with K.D. Lang. In 1996, Lowery narrowly missed out on an audition with Marilyn Manson and insteadteamed up with Rob Halford for industrial/classic rock band Two, appearing on the album Voyeurs. In 1998, Lowery contributed six songs to former Van Halen front man David Lee Roth’s DLR Band album. Later that year, he started a six-year stint with Manson’s bandand took the stage name John 5, appearing on the albums Mechanical Animals (1998), The Last Tour on Earth (1999), Holy Wood (2000) and The Golden Age Of Grotesque (2003). 
John 5 left Manson’s band in 2004 and was encouraged by guitar legend Les Paul to record his first solo album,Vertigo, a dazzling and dizzying combination of metal and bluegrass. He also began working on a new band project called Loser and, in 2005, joined cult rock artist and movie director Rob Zombie for that summer’s Ozzfest tour. Second solo album Songs For Sanityappeared later that year. After touring for almost a year, John took time out to work on his third solo album. Devil Knows My Name won him an accolade for Best Shred Album from Guitarworld.com.
Working with Hal Leonard, John 5 also released his first tuition DVD, a ground breaking instructional that mixed live lessons with horror movie inspired fillers.
His fourth solo album Requiem (June 3, 2008) sees him carry his work solely on his own back and again reinventing, remolding and restyling sounds that have become a part of his own style but marrying them to those more unfamiliar.
Visit the official John 5 Site.

Free Financing On Taylor Guitars
12 Months/No Interest & $200 In Free Taylorware

Taylor is offering 12 month interest-free financing on all guitars. On top of that you can receive up to $200 in FREE Taylorware just for buying the guitar you've always wanted. The New T3 Electrics have started to arrive as well the New Solidbody models and some cool New T5's. Give us a call at 334-821-6818, stop by for a hands-on, or visit www.auburnguitar.com for more info and to view all of our new arrivals

 

PRS Tech Center Plus Free Pickups Offer
Now This Is A Cool Offer!

Yes! This includes the coveted 1957/2008 Pickups! This is an incredible offer. Read all about it...

15th Anniversary Sale Continues
Killer Deals & Cash Back

This month marks my 15th Anniversary here at The Guitar Shoppe. In appreciation for all of the years of support, we will be continuing our Red-Tag Sale through the end of April. Not only can you find the deals ever on the coolest gear around, but you can also earn 5% Cash Bonus Points on all purchases until 4/30. Just our way of saying thanks for your business. You deserve it. Stop by & check us out. 

 
Well Wishes to Jeremy
We're Going Miss You

Four years ago this guy walks into The Shoppe and pretty much says, "You need me." Well, I’m sure glad I gave him chance. Our Drum Department at the time consisted of a few drumheads, some sticks, a couple of tambourines, and a rack of cowbells! Things have certainly changed in that area of The Shoppe since then. Our Drum Department today is complete & always well stocked with a super selection of drum kits, two walls of cymbals, tons of hardware, three racks of heads, any stick you could want, percussion galore, & yes, cowbells. 
Of course, the person I’m talking about is Jeremy Hammons, AKA “Square.” Jeremy will be moving within the next couple of months after four years of faithful customer service here with us. We’re all going to miss him. Be sure to stop by & wish him the best in his future. Word is he is cutting deals left & right before he splits but he doesn’t think I know about that! 
Jeremy’s will be tough shoes to fill. 

Employment Opportunity
Looking For A Cool Gig?

With the continued growth of The Guitar Shoppe, we will be accepting resumes for Customer-focused Sales Professionals. If interested, please visit our employment page.

 

I think that's all for now!
Check our events calendar to keep up with what’s going at The Shoppe & around some of the area scene. If you would like us to post any upcoming shows of your band or favorite local musicians, please submit your request by email to mark@auburnguitar.com .  

 

Thank you for supporting music & The Auburn Guitar Shoppe. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or comments.

 

Mark

Burgeon Bluegrass

Day 2

Here we are for the second day of the Burgeon Bluegrass Festival. The Packway Handle Band put a killer show last night with an additional appearance inside late.

We couldn't ask for a more perfect day for bluegrass on the back lawn of The Strutting Duck. The butts are coming off of the cooker and The Roof Rabbits are getting ready to take stage.

All day and all night the pickin' will be going on. Come on and join us.

Mark

Taylor Guitars Road Show

Monday March 9th - 7:30PM

Find more videos like this on The Loveliest Village

Burgeon Bluegrass Festival

March 6,7,8

 

 

Duck Strut Productions is proud to announce the first Burgeon Bluegrass Festival March 6, 7, 8. The three day festival will feature performances from some of the regions greatest pickers. The event will kick off at 6 p.m. on Friday, March 6 with a performance on the outdoor stage from the Tatum Brothers. Music will continue through the weekend with shows from Dread Clampitt, Packway Handle, Bibb City Ramblers, Dooley's Blue Revue, Corduroy Road, Alabama Gravy Soppers, Hill Country Hem Haw, Roof Rabbit, Tony Brook, Rustic Family Productions and others. Each night will close with an all star jam. Music performed prior to 10 p.m. will be on the outdoor stage (bring a chair or blanket). Festivities will move inside after 10.

 

Weekend passes are only $25. A limited number of VIP passes are available for $40. VIP passes include weekend access to the festival plus 5 meals! Tickets are available at the Strutting Duck and the Guitar Shoppe in the Glenn Dean Shopping Center. One day passes will be available at the gate.  

 

Visit www.burgeonbluegrass.com for additional information, links to each band's website and the official festival schedule. Don't hesitate to contact us if you have any additional questions.

 

Hope to see you out!

 

 

www.burgeonbluegrass.com

Taylor Road Show, 15th Anniversity, All-New Website, PRS, Burgeon Bluegrass, Road Worn, & Mixobluesian     Monday March 9th, 7:30PM. Don't miss it!.... (read all about it) 15th Anniversity Celebration  March 1st -April 30th It's been 15 years since I opened the doors of The Shoppe wide-eyed with a passion for music and serving the needs of the music community. Well we've come a long way from those first 18 guitars hanging on pegboard in the old downtown location, but one thing is for sure, the passion is even stronger than ever! To show our appreciation for all of your support over the years we will be running killer specials on gear throughout the Shoppe for the the entire months of March and April. As an added thank you, you can earn extra cash bonus points on the purchase of any of our red tag items. Just our way of saying thanks for your business and friendship over the past 15 years.      (Receive a list of Red Tag Items) Guitar Shoppe's All-New Website  Receive 10% Off Any Purchase From Our New Site! We've been hard at work on the new website for what seems like forever now and although it is far from "finished" we are excited to present it to you. Now you can go directly to our site and see exactly what we have in stock. All of the images are not completely uploaded but our pages accurately represent our current product selection. For a limited time we are offering 10% OFF any item purchased through our site and FREE U.S. shipping or in store pickup!   New Paul Reed Smith Models  Paul's 28, Signature Models, ................. We are proud to announce that The Auburn Guitar Shoppe is now a Signature Paul Reed Smith Dealer. As one of the few Signature Dealers in the Southeast, we can now offer you exclusive new models never before available. Check out our selection of new PRS arrivals and look out for the soon to be released PRS Acoustics and Tube Amplifiers. No doubt, you will be blown away! Burgeon Bluegrass Festival  Dread Clampit, Dooley's Blue Revue, Packway Handle, & more Right here in Auburn on Friday, Saturday, & Sunday March 6-8 the best in regional bluegrass & old-time. Make plans to be there. Check out their website for complete listing of acts and information.  Fender Road Worn Series  Some things just get cooler with age. It’s especially true of electric guitars and basses. They develope an unmistakable mojo over time that makes them look cooler and feel even more comfortable than when they were brand new.  The Fender Road Worn guitars and basses...... (read more) Mixobluesian Scale Add this to your repertoire. The Mixobluesian scale isn't a scale you're likely to find in a music theory textbook. It's more of a "carpenter's trick" kind of scale that breaks all kinds of rules but adds a lot of spice to your jamming. It contains all those hip, jazzy notes that Page, Hendrix, and T-Bone Walker played over the I chord of a blues that you can never seem to find in the blues box. Basically, it's just..... (read more; score, tab, & MP3 included)      These are just a few of the exciting things happening at The Guitar Shoppe. The Taylor Road Show should be huge. Try to make it if you can. We have other clinics and events in the works. We'll be sure to keep you informed. Once again, thank you for your support of Music & The Auburn Guitar Shoppe. -Mark   Please feel free to contact  mark@auburnguitar.com with any questions or comments. Keep On Pickin'

Taylor Guitars Road Show

Join Us For An Evening Of Guitar Talk And Demos With The Taylor Factory

Staff And Guitar Makers — Straight From El Cajon, California

› Rare and one-off Taylors available for sale

› Test-drive new Taylor models

› Free subscription to Premier Guitar for every attendee

› TaylorWare gear and Anti-Rust Elixir® Strings (while supplies last)

› Register to win a custom Taylor guitar

› Taylor Guitars “Petting Zoo”

Here At The Guitar Shoppe Monday, March 9, 7:30 p.m.

Visit www.auburnguitar.com for more info.

Paul's 28: Beyond Private Stock!

Just Arrived! Paul's 28. The most collectable Paul Reed Smith ever. Built by Paul himself.

PS#2106, #10 of 28. 

Only 17 available for sale in the US. More details to come......

Serious inquires contact mark@auburnguitar.com

www.auburnguitar.com