Fair warning -- this is a major geek-out. I'll forgive anyone who doesn't want to slog through it, and I don't expect many comments.

But, I'll go ahead. As often comes up in comments to posts here, this is a freakin' fantastic site. Most recently this comment has come up in response to the video of David playing "Giant Steps", but the awesomeness has many dimensions, including the contributions of the star players, the working pros, the students and the people just trying to make the best music they can.

I have a malletKAT 2 octave Express 6.1, and a 1 octave expander, purchased at different times. The expander is louder, and the top octave of the Express is even softer than it's !st octave. How do I get them in balance? I have followed the instructions on pgs. 54 thru 57 and it doesn't work.

Thanks-ELK

I'll kick it off. I'm hoping all you guys record when you practice. So this week is Practice Tapes Week (tapes, ha ha). So take the pledge and post something from your personal practice tapes this week.

A little bit of a Spacey lesson here. But might be of interest for some!

I know it's me, but I love this photo. Anyone have any cool vibe photos of just the hands and the sticks??

Hi everybody,

So I know it's a bit late, but the new TOTM (Days of Wine and Roses) has really inspired me to build up a wider repertoire of tunes, so I've come up with a new year's resolution.

From today, I'm going to try and learn a new tune every two weeks (by ear), and at the end of the two weeks post a recording on here, to give a sense of finality to the exercise.

Does anybody have any leads on a used frame for an Musser M55? I have a set of bars and resonators. Just need the frame.

Let me know if you have any options.

Michael Zellers

Hi Everyone,

Here is a sneak peak of my debut album which will be released in late Feb (Australia). This is the opener of the 8 track album (all originals) featuring a fantastic line up, recorded at Bennett Studios, NJ:

James Whiting (AUS) - Vibes
Steve Newcomb (AUS) - Piano
Sam Anning (AUS) - Double Bass
Jon Wikan (USA) - Drums/Percussion
Stefan Schmid (GER) - Saxes

Keep you all posted when it is released!

James

John! You're birthday is the same as Gary Burton I think.

Two great people! One GREAT vibe player and one up and coming great vibe player!

You guys are both great friends of mine and great supporters of the site. You both have many friends here!

So I hope you both have a very Happy Birthday!

Let's all wish John and Gary a Happy Birthday!