New cello-shaped violin cases from Bobelock

by | Oct 15, 2019 | Uncategorized

One of the most popular “fun” accessories in the shop is cello-shaped violin and viola cases.  The fun shape, range of colors, and ability to be accessorized with stickers are all part of the appeal.  When I got the news that Bobelock was introducing a...

Butler Cello Day 2019

by | Oct 1, 2019 | Uncategorized

As many of you know, I was a cello performance major at Butler University (class of 2000) and studied with Dr. William Grubb.  He hosts Butler Cello Day each fall and has been kind enough to include Encore Orchestral Strings.  I have the opportunity to bring items to...

ALL of Indiana…and beyond

by | Sep 24, 2019 | Uncategorized

I love serving my customers in central Indiana.  For most of them, weekly school visits mean I can take care of their repair needs and their accessory needs whether or not it’s convenient for them to come to the shop.  If they’re shopping for an important...

David Folland cello no.221 is here!

by | Sep 17, 2019 | Uncategorized

I just returned from Northfield, Minnesota after a memorable visit with master luthier David Folland.  He recently completed the cello we ordered from him and it was finally time to play it!  One of the special aspects of this cello is that we provided David beautiful...

It’s the people

by | Sep 10, 2019 | Uncategorized

What makes a shop special?  The people.  While Encore and Paige’s receive praise as businesses and physical places, it’s really the people that garner the compliments and loyalty.  When you ask a band director about Paige’s, they’ll usually...

5 strings? Carbon fiber? Sure!

by | Sep 3, 2019 | Uncategorized

I know what you’re thinking.  Sometimes…I can read your mind.  You woke up this morning thinking, “Man, you know what I really need in my life? A 5-string carbon fiber cello.”  See?  I can read your mind! There are times when you need something...

Family traditions

by | Aug 27, 2019 | Uncategorized

The history of violin making is replete with examples of families passing knowledge and traditions from generation to generation.  Amati, Guarneri, and Stradivari might be the most famous, but family traditions also existed in Germany, France, and many others as...

The Jacoby cello is here!

by | Aug 20, 2019 | Uncategorized

If you’ve been following this blog, you’ve already read about how excited I’ve been in anticipation of the arrival of a cello by Christopher Jacoby.  He began work on this instrument while in Lincoln, Nebraska and finished it in his new workshop in...