We’ve been excited about the International Society of Bassists convention being held in Bloomington this year ever since it was announced!  Encore has always had

While the Coda Marquise GS – their new top offering – has been out in the wild for a while, I have not heard much

I recently used social media to ask my cellist friends what kind of rosin they liked to use.  I’ve been using the same rosin –

While there is no way I could cover even an overview of violin family instrument varnish in a single blog post, it’s been on my

As I helped a cellist choose a bow last week, it struck me what a wide selection of cello bows we currently have at the

A few weeks ago I shared two beautiful basses by Andrew Hassel of Chicago Bass Works that were in the shop.  We had previously helped

Sound is a big part of what I do.  I realize that might sound obvious, but I’ve been thinking a great deal lately about the

I love hearing about a new product in the cello world.  So much of what we use every day has been around for so long,

Although I spend the bulk of my time in the shop, there are days I get to load up a couple of basses, grab a

For the next week these two beautiful basses by Chicago Bass Works luthier Andrew Hassel will be in the shop.  This is a fantastic opportunity

We talk a great deal here at Encore Orchestral Strings about treating our customers like family.  While this can mean different things depending on your

I grew up in a small town in North Carolina.  Although it wasn’t a vast metropolis, it had excellent opportunities to hear music, experience theatre,

It’s that time again – this Saturday is State Solo & Ensemble!  While this day is full of fun and excitement, it can occasionally get

If you’ve spent any time around me talking about the making of new instruments, you know how big a fan I am of the great

The value of trust is something I consider nearly every day.  As I raise my children, we often talk about trust – how to build

On January 30th, 2019, near-record-breaking low temperatures are forecast.  Windchill temperatures of -45 are possible and it begs the question – should I take my

Ferrari. Linguini. Stradivari. Olive Garden. All things for which we owe Italy a debt of gratitude. Okay…maybe not the last one. I’ve been familiar with the Italian

We’re going to start making videos focused on answering YOUR questions, so feel free to send them in!  I’m excited about the opportunity to hear

There is a famous saying here in Indiana that goes “If you don’t like the weather, just wait a few minutes and it will change.”  With

For my last blog post before Christmas, I am going to address a topic that has been on the mind of at least three people