Home


Subscribe to RSS

Welcome to the Vintage Guitar Learning Center.

This site was put together to help you find the perfect instrument whether you are a beginner looking for your first instrument or a professional searching for that one of a kind collectible. Whether you already have an instrument and want to learn how to play it or you already play but want to develop some vocal skills so you can sing along.  Our reviews are all written by professional full time musicians and teachers.

We will help you avoid some of the pitfalls when picking your first instrument or that rare vintage classic.  We will point you in the right direction if you want to learn how to play guitar.  Whether money is no object or you are on a Raman Noodle budget,  you have options if you know what to look for.  So, let’s get started.  Music teacher,  Sam Glionna will take it from here.

                                                        =====>GUITARS FOR BEGINNERS<=====

These days with so much information available it’s difficult to separate fact from fiction and hype from reality. I personally have taught music,  performed with and directed musical groups,  worked as a music producer/composer in radio and television and as an on-air personality and performer.  I have also owned several music stores and a music school. Over the last twenty years we have taught students of all ages How to play Guitar.  I can help you sort through the hundreds of  Guitars for Beginners  to find the one right for you at a price that won’t break the bank.

For over twenty years I have seen so many students give up in despair because the inferior instruments they were playing  would have frustrated even the best musician.  I have also seen students, with guitars a professional would envy, get involved with well meaning but inexperienced teachers who weren’t aware of the many options and teaching methods available and so failed to catch and hold the interest of their unique and individual student.

As home schooling has become more and more acceptable and popular so too have many excellent on line musical self teaching methods. I must admit, as a teacher,  it has been very hard to accept the fact that someone could become quite proficient without paying me for years of lessons.  I have written reviews for some of the best online courses about How to play Guitar.

                                                       =====>LEARN HOW TO PLAY GUITAR<=====

If you are completely new to the music scene, I want to help you avoid some of the hurdles and pitfalls.  If you are frustrated and have been disappointed in the past perhaps I can help you make a fresh start.  Based on my experience and in consultation with other industry professionals, friends and colleagues,  all of the products on this site have been used by us personally or we have seen them successfully in action. They are products from strong companies with great track records and a solid money back guarantee.  If you try a product and are not happy you can get a complete refund.

Whether you're looking for your first instrument,  want to learn How to play Guitar or develop your vocal skills,  music is a life long investment.  Every musician who achieves even modest skills is grateful for the joy music brings to their lives.   If you’re like me,  just the thought of getting in front of a microphone and connecting with an audience is what dreams are made of.  You can do it.  Just take that first step NOW and I will help you along the way.  To show you I'm serious, I want to start by giving you a FREE one year subscription to our monthly newsletter with absolutely no strings attached.

 

                                   FREE FOR YOU TODAY

The E-version of our Monthly Newsletter – a $59.95 value

  • Stories that will keep you motivated
  • Free Downloads, Tips and Techniques
  • The Latest Product Reviews
  • New Technology Shaping the Future
  • One of a Kind Deals

Just leave your email address in the upper right corner of this page to become part of our Vintage family for free.

 

WE RESPECT YOUR PRIVACY and promise to never sell, rent, share, divulge or spill our guts to anyone, under any circumstances regarding your personal information.

Learn to Sing – Review

  LEARN TO SING

Have you always wanted to become a singer? Many people dream of singing, but few take the steps required to learn. Here are some quick tips that will get you started.  Having a coach, whether a live one on one teacher or an on line teaching system will help you achieve your dreams at a quicker pace than going it alone.  However,many vocalists teach themselves to sing. Learning to sing by listening to other singers, without formal training, is called ‘singing by ear’. While some classically trained vocalists frown on this approach, it can lay the foundation for strong pitch recognition.

The problem with learning to sing by ear is that you can develop bad habits that are difficult to break later in life. Professional lessons can be expensive, though. Many singers find middle ground by using self-study courses.

                                                                     —-> Hire Your Vocal Coach Now<—-

Self-study singing courses typically contain videos or audio files that guide you through warm-ups and vocal exercises. They can help you expand your lung capacity, control your breathing, increase your vocal range, and sing smoothly across your vocal breaks.  Basics are basics and if you have the drive and self discipline to practice you will learn every bit as well as having a live teacher prod and push you.

If you decide to go this route, reading reviews like this before you purchase a product is a must.  You can find self-study singing courses online, or at your local library or book store but all courses are NOT created equal. For more than twenty years I have coached and directed Choirs, choruses, rock groups, acapella groups, Kids chorus, Duo’s, Trio’s and Quartets. While I enjoy being paid will for one on one instruction the truth is there are a few very good on line study courses that can compete and maybe even beat some of the teachers and coaches out there.

One of them outshines the others and that is why I recommend the  SINGORAMA Vocal Program.  From exercises that strengthen your diaphragm to simple harmonization,  you will get step by step coaching.  If certain notes or exercises  are more challenging you can repeat them at your pace until you are comfortable.  Sound tracks back you up like having your own band.


  —->Buy the Singorama Vocal Program Now<—-

 

 Free Help to Learn Singing

We have seen that on line courses can eliminate almost all of the high ongoing expenses of one on one lessons. By joining a choir at your school, church, or community center you will get access to an instructor and other singers that you can trade tips and techniques with.  Choir directors are also a great resource to help if you get stuck or have questions about your on line studies. I have seen very mediocre voices become solo quality using this method.

After you’ve spent some time practicing, you might decide that you really enjoy singing and want to do more of it. It can be a little daunting to sing solo when you’re accustomed to singing with a group, but a little practice will decrease nervousness and having a group of familiar friends in a choir or chorus to support you really takes away a lot of the pressure .

      —->Learn More About Singorama<—-

The entire Singorama Vocal Program costs what I charge for two introductory lessons. If you play guitar or keyboard you can bring your creativity to a whole new level for an incredibly small investment. You can use your self-study course to learn advanced techniques like perfecting your head voice, reaching into your falsetto range, and developing a vibrato. You will also learn to read music and transpose your favorite songs into a different key so that you can sing them easily.

Now that you know how to learn singing without putting a huge dent in your bank account,  have fun experimenting with different musical styles and gaining confidence in your voice!  Whether you buy the Singorama Vocal Program or get a one on one vocal teacher don’t wait another day.  A small investment in music leads to a life time of enjoyment not only for you but for those you love.

    —->Buy Singorama Now<—-

  FREE FOR YOU TODAY

The E-version of our Monthly Newsletter – a $59.95 value

  • Stories that will keep you motivated
  • Free Downloads, Tips and Techniques
  • The Latest Product Reviews
  • New Technology Shaping the Future
  • One of a Kind Deals

Just leave your email address in the upper right corner of this page to become part of our Vintage family for free.

 

We respect your privacy and will never sell, lease, rent, divulge or spill our guts to anyone, under any circumstances regarding your personal information

How to Play Guitar Review

 HOW TO PLAY GUITAR

When it comes to education, the internet has been able to bring  inexpensive Ivy League lessons to anyone who wants to learn.  This is especially true when it comes to learning How to Play Guitar.

I have taught private lessons and  grade school and middle school music for more than twenty years.  The idea that I could be replaced by an internet program was difficult to come to grips with.  The honest reality is that there are some “select” teaching programs out there who’s success rate would embarrass many teachers.  In this review I will give you a few reasons why on line methods can be more effective than one on one teaching. I will also address the disadvantages and how to know when it is time to spend more money for personal, one on one help.

Jamorama - Learn Guitar

How to Play Guitar:  ADVANTAGES

Let me start by emphasizing that when it comes to learning  How to Play Guitar not all “self teach” courses are created equal.  In fact, the best self teach courses are not “self teach” at all but utilize the talents of some of the best guitarists in the world.  Through video, sound tracks and organized lesson plans they lead you step by step into the wonderful world of  musical performance. Note by note, chord by chord you learn at your own pace and you can take the lesson over and over again until you master the principles and are ready to move on.

Sound tracks are included in the really good courses so you are interacting and performing with the instructor and other musicians.  Adding your part to the mix, as simple as it might be, is a great source of encouragement. Nothing succeeds like success.  The fact that you can hear and experience progress so quickly is a big advantage over the older type, outdated book methods so many guitar teachers still use.

     —>LEARN TO PLAY GUITAR NOW<—

When it comes to learning  How to Play Guitar and based on our discussion so far, there is one course that stands out above the multitude of others.  With over 200,000 successful students the Jamorama Guitar Method has earned my respect.  With the Jamorama method you have world class instructors at your disposal twenty four hours a day.  The video classes are exciting and easy to understand and there is no chance the teacher will be having an “off” day.  Furthermore the classes cover all genres of music.  Is your preference rock, jazz, reggae, blues, country, metal or hip hop?  It is almost impossible to find all those traits or talents in one human teacher.  Best of all the entire course costs less than what I charge my students for a single,  one on one,  half hour lesson.

THE DISADVANTAGES

Obviously, no one system or method is perfect. If you are not a self motivated person you might need the prodding and encouragement of a live one on one instructor.  This can sometimes be overcome by setting aside a half hour time slot each day.  As this habit develops you will actually look forward to your “music break”.

As you progress, certain styles and genres  will require more technical knowledge and advanced playing techniques which may be more effectively accomplished with a one on one instructor.  However, for most beginners learning the basics of  How to Play Guitar, the advantages of a proven on line teaching method like Jamorama far outweighs the disadvantages. The biggest decision is to decide!  That may sound dumb but only you can take that first step. Don’t waste any more time. Get started now.

—>LEARN TO PLAY GUITAR NOW<—

You will never regret the musical investment you make in yourself and the joy it will bring to those you love.  We are fortunate enough to live in the era of the internet where even the most “budget limited” can have access to education opportunities only royalty and the wealthy could afford just a few short decades ago.

As a teacher who makes his living off one on one musical instruction, I highly recommend the Jamorama Guitar Method. I believe there is room and a need for both. Once the basics are mastered on line there are many knowledgeable teachers like me who can take you to the highest levels you want to go.   Whether you decide to learn How to Play Guitar on line with a program like Jamorama or find a local one on one guitar teacher, don’t waste another day dreaming about it.  Start making music now.

Jamorama - Learn Guitar

  FREE FOR YOU TODAY

The E-version of our Monthly Newsletter – a $59.95 value

  • Stories that will keep you motivated
  • Free Downloads, Tips and Techniques
  • The Latest Product Reviews
  • New Technology Shaping the Future
  • One of a Kind Deals

Just leave your email address in the upper right corner of this page to become part of our Vintage family for free.

 

We respect your privacy and will never sell, lease, rent, divulge or spill our guts to anyone, under any circumstances regarding your personal information

 

Guitars for Beginners Review

GUITARS FOR BEGINNERS

The entry level guitar market is overwhelming for anyone but a seasoned musician. The amount of information for GUITARS FOR BEGINNERS and even more so the amount of disinformation is shocking.  As a grade school and middle school music teacher for more than twenty years I will discuss two of my favorite entry level guitars. One can be had for well under $100. The other will serve you well into your intermediate level for about $119 more. To see detailed reviews, click on one of these:  MY FAVORITE “TIGHT BUDGET”    Jasmine by Takamine S35   or my favorite of the GUITARS FOR BEGINNERS   Yamaha FG700S Acoustic Guitar.         There are a few fundamentals that apply to all guitars.  Two of them are very critical.

First and foremost the neck must be well designed and straight to allow the strings to sit as close as possible to the frets without touching them.  This allows the guitarist to move easily up and down the neck whether playing notes or chords.  If the strings are too high off the fret board it will not only be difficult to form chords and notes but the strings will tend to cut into the fingers.  This problem is rampant on very low end GUITARS FOR BEGINNERS.  This is one of the key reasons for student failure and frustration in learning the instrument and achieving a level of proficiency.

Second is the quality of the tuning pegs or tuners. Cheap mechanisms will not hold the strings taught and the guitar will continually detune itself. Even the best musician will sound bad if the instrument cannot hold its tuning.

What Else Should I Know About Guitars for Beginners?

There are other dynamics that come into play:  the type of wood used on the sound board, sides and back, the bridge and how it is fastened, the fretboard, solid versus laminate etc.  Most of these relate to sound and appearance and can greatly increase the price however, you do not need to be an engineer in your quest to find GUITARS FOR BEGINNERS.

If you keep these two main points in mind you will eliminate the two main causes of guitar related student frustration.  If these two problem areas check out OK, more than likely everything else will be satisfactory if not perfect. After years of working with students I have put this site together to help you through the maze of options so you can recognize fact from fiction. For more detailed information on my two entry level instrument picks click the review to the right or go here:  My “tight budget guitar” choice the Jasmine by Takamine S35 or my favorite of the GUITARS FOR BEGINNERS the Yamaha FG700S Acoustic Guitar

 

Learn How to Choose a Guitar Teacher

 

  FREE FOR YOU TODAY

The E-version of our Monthly Newsletter – a $59.95 value

  • Stories that will keep you motivated
  • Free Downloads, Tips and Techniques
  • The Latest Product Reviews
  • New Technology Shaping the Future
  • One of a Kind Deals

Just leave your email address in the upper right corner of this page to become part of our Vintage family for free.

 

 

We respect your privacy and will never sell, lease, rent, divulge or spill our guts to anyone, under any circumstances regarding your personal information.

 

TAKAMINE JASMINE Review

Takamine JasmineTAKAMINE  JASMINE

Hi,

I’m music teacher Sam Glionna.  Over the years there is one student acoustic guitar that I have seen more than any other.  That brand is Takamine.  Known among professionals as a very high end guitar,  Takamine has created the very affordable  Jasmine line and  there is one model that has become a student legend and consistently gets five star reviews.  That model is the s35  Takamine Jasmine .   Best of all it sells for about the same as many far less worthy generic “no names”.

Jasmine by Takamine S35 Acoustic Guitar, Natural

Overall, this remarkable guitar is a very basic ‘plain Jane’ looking instrument.  However,  Takamine has not overlooked what is really important, starting with the thin neck and low action.  This is where most entry level guitars fail miserably. Students will easily be able to navigate the fret board as they learn chords and fingering.

Next is the tuners. These are chrome plated and hold the tuning steady even under hard playing. This is important because an untuned guitar sounds horrible even if the musician is playing the right notes and chords. While there are tuning gears that cost far more than the guitar itself, those provided on the S35 Takamine Jasmine are of a much higher quality than one would expect from this entry level instrument.

Jasmine by Takamine S35 Acoustic Guitar, Natural

The spruce wood top gives it a bright resonance and good intonation. Tone quality that can compete easily with guitars twice its price. It is sturdy and durable with a matte finish so it doesn’t show nicks and scratches easily.

I know one guitarist who uses the S35 as his backup and travel guitar.  Although I personally would go for a higher end instrument even as a backup I am seriously impressed with the S35 TAKAMINE JASMINE  and highly recommend it as a very affordable and playable entry level guitar.

Where to Buy the S35 Takamine Jasmine

The S35 lists for $169.00 but is available at many music stores for $99.00 however, you can  buy it now  for $75.99  A savings of over $93.00.

Whether you buy the S35 Takamine Jasmine   or another guitar it is important to remember that string action on the neck and the quality of the tuners will be the difference between an enjoyable learning experience or giving up in frustration.

BUY IT NOW Jasmine by Takamine S35 Acoustic Guitar, Natural

 

  FREE FOR YOU TODAY

The E-version of our Monthly Newsletter – a $59.95 value

  • Stories that will keep you motivated
  • Free Downloads, Tips and Techniques
  • The Latest Product Reviews
  • New Technology Shaping the Future
  • One of a Kind Deals

Just leave your email address in the upper right corner of this page to become part of our Vintage family for free.

 

WE RESPECT YOUR PRIVACY and promise to never sell, share, rent, divulge or spill our guts to anyone, under any circumstances,  regarding your personal information.

Yamaha FG700S Review

  YAMAHA FG700S  

Hi,

I’m music teacher Sam Glionna.  Long before internet reviews became the norm I knew Yamaha was a five star company.  From the first time I played their ‘Japanese’ grand piano to my days as a Yamaha guitar dealer this company stood out from the others. That being said, it comes as no surprise that the Yamaha FG700S consistently gets five star reviews. There are few entry level guitars that are worth talking about. Most do more harm than good in helping to develop a love for music. The Yamaha FG700S is one of the exceptions. We’ll take a look at some of the reasons why.

Get a Great Deal on the  Yamaha FG700S Acoustic Guitar

Let’s start with the most important consideration when finding your guitar.  When you put your hand around the neck of this guitar the precise engineering that Yamaha has accomplished gives the feel of a much higher end professional instrument.  The strings are close to the frets making it easy to quickly glide up and down the fret board whether playing notes or chords. Precision fine tuning is achieved easily with die cast chrome tuners often reserved for much more expensive guitars.

====BIG DISCOUNT ON THE Yamaha FG700S Acoustic Guitar====

Should You Buy the Yamaha FG700S?

Strum a few chords or play a riff and you will be thinking: “How can anything this inexpensive sound so good.”  Not only that but the Yamaha FG700S does not look like an entry level guitar.  A rosewood bridge, fingerboard and solid spruce top are set off with black and white body binding and the high gloss finish is awesome under stage lighting.

This is definitely an instrument that will serve well beyond the beginner stage and well into the intermediate years of most musicians. It is also the backup and travel choice for many professionals.  At a retail price of $322.00 it is a bargain.  It can be purchased at many fine music stores for $259.99 but you can buy it right now for just $199.99

SAVE 38% ON  The Yamaha FG700S Acoustic Guitar

I highly recommend the Yamaha FG700S. Whether you are just starting out or want to step up a notch you will be hard pressed to find a more music worthy instrument even at three times the retail price. With the huge discount of over $120.00 and one of the most trusted names in music and a solid money back guarantee, now is the time to make a small investment that will last a lifetime.

====>BUY THE Yamaha FG700S Acoustic Guitar NOW<====

 

  FREE FOR YOU TODAY

The E-version of our Monthly Newsletter – a $59.95 value

  • Stories that will keep you motivated
  • Free Downloads, Tips and Techniques
  • The Latest Product Reviews
  • New Technology Shaping the Future
  • One of a Kind Deals

Just leave your email address in the upper right corner of this page to become part of our Vintage family for free.

 

 

 

WE RESPECT YOUR PRIVACY and promise to never sell, share, rent, divulge or spill our guts to anyone, under any circumstances,  regarding your personal information.