by John Rihani | Jul 10, 2018 | Uncategorized
A big part of my job involves making sure we have the right number of instruments available for our customers. Too few and there isn’t a good selection. Too many and we simply run out of room. Because of my background before coming to Encore, striking the...
by John Rihani | Jul 3, 2018 | General News
In spirit of the World Cup going on right now, I thought it would be a good idea to talk about goals! Many of our customers start out on a student level instrument, but don’t realize that there are upgrade options above that violin, viola, cello, or bass that they are...
by John Rihani | Jun 26, 2018 | Uncategorized
Listening can be difficult. I’m fortunate that several of my hobbies – musical instruments, hifi stereo systems, and concert attendance – overlap when it comes to critical listening. Most people step into comparing instruments, bows, strings,...
by John Rihani | Jun 19, 2018 | General News
I visited the workshop of Eugene Holtier today to pick up a cello he made for the shop. We will also receive a violin of his in the next two weeks. What’s missing? A viola! (He doesn’t make basses…) We chose this beautiful material from his stock and we should...
by John Rihani | Jun 12, 2018 | Uncategorized
One of the enjoyable aspects of my job is developing relationships with living makers and sourcing wonderful instruments for the shop. As often happens these days, I became aware of Eugene Holtier’s work through social media. We communicated over time and,...
by John Rihani | Jun 5, 2018 | Uncategorized
Later today, I’ll be headed north to Anderson University during their summer string camp. Throughout the year I have the opportunity to give talks to college students as well as high school and middle school students. Teacher and professors ask me to speak on...
by John Rihani | May 29, 2018 | Uncategorized
In the past, the one drawback to trying an electric instrument in Encore is that you were tethered to the amplifier by a traditional guitar cable. No more! We are breaking in the Line6 Relay G10 wireless system and should have it all dialed in the next couple of...
by John Rihani | May 22, 2018 | Uncategorized
Having a wide selection of cello cases in stock is almost as important to us as having a wide selection of cellos and bows. A hardshell cello case serves many important functions…and can also be a lot of fun! We see so many professionals and students using...
by John Rihani | May 15, 2018 | Uncategorized
Yamaha has a great little amp they were using at the NAMM show in January to demonstrate the great qualities of their YEV series electric violins. I knew we HAD to have one for the showroom so that our customers who want to rock out on the electrics have a way to do...
by John Rihani | May 8, 2018 | Uncategorized
I love looking at photos of instruments. Old instruments. New instruments. Instruments in the process of being made. There is just something about the wood, the varnish, the outline, and the craftsmanship that enthralls me. Over the past twelve years, Tim Gee...
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