ION INDIE MAGAZINE September 2015, Volume 16 | Page 69

messing with, but with a little internet research, I found a C minor, F minor, G minor, C minor chord progression in standard tuning that sounded close enough to the original to pass. This was a happy day for me! I am still safe from having to lug half a dozen guitars with me onstage, each tuned to a different key. So take heart Old School guitar players, a little research can really pay off big! *** About 18 months ago, my friend LES THOMAS at WELCOME TO THE ROCK PILE and ROCK PILE RECORDS (www.welcometotherockpile.com/) introduced me to the ROPO MUSIC INSTRUMENTS COMPANY’S GM FELIX HUANG--whose company already had a reputation for producing excellent instruments at an affordable retail price. As a working musician and gallery curator, I am proud to attach my name to his fine guitars, which I use live, and plan to record with. I spoke with Felix about his objectives and his pride in what his company does. When asked how he got started in the business, he replied "Well, let's just say I was curious, and found out there were enough cheap guitars on the market selling for about $100.00, but that's just good-looking furniture. Not a real guitar as a musical instrument. I met with my team and agreed we should make a real guitar as a musical instrument, but at a super affordable price." I asked Felix, what makes his guitars different? "When serious guitar lovers want to buy a great guitar with a great sound and playability, normally they have to spend thousands of dollars. We are aiming at doing the same for hundreds. This is because we have a dream to let guitar lovers have a great solid guitar even if they don't have enough cash on hand." I then asked, to what kind of musician would a Felix Guitar most appeal? "Any musician who knows how to create beauty by the sound of each note of the guitar tone. FELIX GUITARS are top wood selection, and more important, our guitars sound, detail, and playability have been tested by musicians in the USA, Netherlands and Australia!" To contact Felix and order a guitar direct, you can do so at [email protected] if you are in the United States or Australia. You may also contact me, THOMAS R. JENNEY, PH.D, at [email protected], or you can reach ELLIOT JOHNS at [email protected], and Felix will arrange a direct shipment. To learn more, visit www.ropomusic.com.