Rigo Barrozo

Introducing a New Line of Bows from Arcos Brasil!

Introducing a New Line of Bows from Arcos Brasil! We are delighted to introduce a new line of bows from Arcos Brasil! Traditionally, the bows we have sourced from Arcos Brasil were made of Pernambuco, the traditional wood of choice for bows. It has the right properties of stiffness and flexibility to make the optimal bow. The Shift from Pernambuco to Ipe Wood Unfortunately, heavy sourcing and illegal logging have caused Pernambuco to become an Appendix II endangered species. This means that trade is tightly controlled and difficult to source for many bow makers. As a result, many bow makers have switched to alternative materials. These new bows we are carrying are made from Ipe wood. It is also known as Brazilian walnut and is a beautiful, resilient wood, ideal for making bows. Our New Lineup of Arcos Brasil Bows The lineup of these bows is identical to what we have carried in the past, with nickel and silver mounted bows, as well as higher-end specialty and gold mounted bows. We are currently carrying one specialty copy bow for each instrument, with plans to offer the less costly nickel and silver mounted options in the future. Specialty and Gold Mounted

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Is your Cello or Bass “Howling” – Understanding Wolf Tones

If you’ve been playing the cello for a while, you might have encountered an unusual sound when playing an F# on the G or D strings, coupled with excessive vibration. This phenomenon is known as a wolf tone. It occurs when the note you’re playing is close to the natural resonance frequency of the cello, typically between F and G. The resulting sound is an artificial overtone that amplifies the frequency of the note, leading to a wolf tone. So, what can you do about it? Identifying the Wolf Tone The first step in addressing a wolf tone is to understand its cause. A wolf tone arises when the resonance of the string clashes with the resonance of the cello body. While it’s challenging to eliminate a wolf tone completely, there are effective ways to manage it. Consult a Luthier Taking your cello to a luthier should be your first course of action. They can check for set-up issues that might contribute to the wolf tone, such as a tight sound post, a high bridge, or high-tension strings. A professional assessment can pinpoint the exact cause and suggest appropriate adjustments. Wolf Mitigating Options Several products on the market can help

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Exploring String Types: A Guide to Choosing the Right Strings for Your Instrument

Are you curious about the evolution of string materials and how they affect your instrument’s sound? Join us on a journey through history and innovation as we explore the world of Strings! Recently, I had the pleasure of attending the American String Teachers Association (ASTA) national conference in Louisville, KY. It was an enriching experience filled with reconnecting with old friends, forging new connections, and attending insightful educational sessions. One such session, hosted by D’Addario, delved into the intricacies of string materials and their impact on performance.

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1 Hour of Bad Practice VS 30 Minutes of Good Practice: Quality Over Quantity

Practicing music with efficiency is paramount to mastering your instrument and elevating your musical skills. However, it’s easy to fall into counterproductive habits that hinder your progress. At Paige’s Music, we believe in the power of good practice habits. In this post, we’ll explore three essential elements of effective music practice: setting goals, maintaining a schedule, and optimizing your practice environment.

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Bass

Understanding Bow Materials: A Guide for String Musicians

Choosing the right bow for your string instrument can be daunting, with various materials and price points. In this guide, we simplify the world of violin, viola, cello, and bass bows by focusing on the three primary materials used in their construction: fiberglass, carbon fiber, and wood. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional musician, understanding these materials can help you make an informed decision tailored to your needs and budget.

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Back To School

Back-To-School Sale – Now Through September

Can you believe it?  Back-to-school time is here already! To help start the year off right Encore is offering a $100 instant rebate on all in-stock intermediate or professional string instruments. Prefer to rent? If so, you’ll save $100 on the rental package price (in addition to any rental credit you’ve accrued with your student instrument!). We recommend auditioning the instruments before you make a purchase. You can Schedule an in-store trial and our string specialists will guide you through our selection and find the perfect instrument for you.  If you have any questions, you can contact us at [email protected]  

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Rigo’s Favorite Cellists and Why

Taking a break from going around the shop, I’d like to give you some cellists who I would consider my “cello heroes.” Steven Isserlis – his playing has captivated me since I first started playing cello.  His use of gut strings on his Stradivarius gives a unique sound no one can match!  Particularly, his recording of Schumman’s works for cello are especially beautiful.  I’ve taken some nuggets of wisdom from his approach to playing: let the music guide you as you, don’t try and force any of your own ideas! Gautier Capucon – I had the pleasure of seeing Mr. Capucon perform the Saint-Saens concert with the Chicago Symphony a few years ago.  He has a deep, rich sound that projected all the way to me in the back of the hall!  His recording of the Dvorak cello concerto is one of my favorites, as well as his recording of Prokofiev’s Sinfonia Concertante.  Pablo Ferrandez – He has a unique style with a very physical playing technique.  He has a series of videos on YouTube about cello technique that I have found very helpful.  He once posted a video where he compared 3 different Stradivarius cellos.  That would be a

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Encore Orchestral Strings

(Re) Introducing: Rigo Barrozo

Now that I am settled in to my new position and John has reintroduced himself, I thought it would be a good time to introduce myself as well.  My name is Rigo Barrozo and I am the new specialist at Encore Orchestra Strings.  I began my journey with Paige’s in June of 2019 as an intern in order to complete my Music Business degree at Indiana State University.  I was then hired as a retail sales associate, and in September of 2021, was given the opportunity to work in Encore.   In telling you who I am, you probably notice John and I have some key things in common!

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