JonMenard.com

Hey all

I’ve been fooling around lately with the guitar and trying out some different tunings.  I’ve 2 to be very interesting; the DADGAD tuning (where you down tune both E strings and the B) and a similar one EADGAD (where you leave the base E alone).

I’ve used these tunings for the last two songs I’ve written and was glad I explored using them. Overall, you get a very interesting “ring” from the guitar, as the harmonics that overlap from the strings sound amazing.  not to mention any percussive hits on the guitar itself casues that ringing as well.

I was curious if anyone else out there has tried any other tunings that might be uncommon?  Let me know I’d love to give them a shot!

Now if i could only downtune a piano easily…that’d be some interesting stuff.

Hey everyone,

Just making these 2 things known.

I’ve recently been offered to play at a Starbucks in Lexington on a farely regular basis.  I’ll be doing both guitar/piano vocal things, as well as full nights of just piano solos there.  The only dowside is they don’t have their own PA system so I need to invest in one.  If anyone hears about a great deal on PA or has a friend selling/giving one away, be sure to let me know!

Also, wanted to make it known that I’d love to form a band again.  Playing with Edgewood Box a few years ago was an amazing experience and I was spoiled in getting the opportunity to share my music with such a talented group of guys.  I would like to have the chance to do that again.  Ideally, I’d like to get a 4 or 5 piece acoustic rock group together.  The obvious Bass/Drums and my rhythm instrument…but in addition 1 or 2 “lead instruments” such as guitar, sax, etc.  So, if you or anyone you know of would be interested and is in the Boston area, be sure to drop me a line.

Take care,

Jon

In preparation for the CD release, and the fact that I’ve beaten my Martin DCME to a pulp over the last 3 years…literally — scratches, a patched hole in the back, a rattling truss rod due to the percussion stuff I do on the neck of it haha…I’ve decided to invest in a new baby.  Though my DCME will be my backup and still played for certain songs…this one will be my new toy:

Martin 16-GTE Premium

Amazing guitar.  Great sound, and on top of that, has a condenser microphone located directly behind the strings…that pick up alot of the ambient percussive things I do, as well as just make for an overall amazing sound when played over a PA system.  Can’t wait to put this thing into action.

Update:  Just got it a few days ago.  Everything I hoped for and more.  I spent a good 2 hours at guitar center in nashua testing out its condenser microphone blend feature on all types of PA’s and amps, and it sounded phenominal.  Its also got a bit more of a “full” sound than my other guitar, so it fits well with the things I’ve been writing lately.