We've just reached a landmark. On March 19, 2003 we registered the domain JazzMando.com and started documenting our own exploration into the magic of fifths tuning and how easily the world of jazz could be explored through this symmetry. Five years later, we're still doing it, having developed the systematic FFcP approach to attacking the fretboard, tips on chord production, "What's New," a regular news entry updated every 2-3 days, our "Tips and Tricks" section added to weekly, and of course, the Jazz Mandology feature at Mel Bay's MandolinSessions.com.

It's been a great ride, three collaborations with instrument builders (Rigel 'Gypsy Q' and Q-Dola', the Old Wave Solocomp JM), and are currently prototyping the Clark JM Two-point with that world class young punk Austin Clark. Of course our JM flatwound string series (over 1400 sold!) with the JM11, JD13, and our soon to be released JM10B ball-end electric mando, we've tried to encourage instruments and accessories that make smooth, linear playing more effective and comfortable. We're looking forward to the future; Happy Fifth Birthday to us...

This kind note from our friend and mandolin software innovator, Craig Schmoller: "When worlds collide--Traveling a Jazz Mandolin road through a BluegrassLandscape--That's gotta get lonely. It takes a lot of vision and love and a profound understanding of the instrument's potential to maintain that course--And some guts to crash both the Jazz and Bluegrass parties at once, too! JazzMando.com is blazing that trail. There are precious few, if any, resources that bring these worlds together like this place, providing powerful insights from a uniquely jazz-mandolin perspective, tons of examples, tips, tricks. You are having an impact on the music world, one player at a time--You are certainly the single greatest factor in hooking me on the mandolin family after decades of wandering the guitar-wasteland. Thanks JazzMando.com for introducing me to the Instrument of the Future! You are an essential resource, don't stop--The best is yet to come."

Posted by Ted at March 18, 2008 9:52 AM