The Resonator

I wanted to show you all something really neat that I saw at SXSW's guitar showcase that I had never seen before: the resonator guitar.


These guitars are really unique as they provide a different sound because of their metal resonator soundboard. Typically they are acoustic but can be electric, and are known to have interesting designs that add a mystery to the genres they are used for most: blues and bluegrass.

Most of what I know about them has come from Wikipedia, so if you are interested I would suggest checking out their page on it here.

For being so interesting looking, it's pretty hard to find them in Austin, but there is one place that has them called Quincy's Guitars. It's located on Congress Ave, and he calls them Reso-Phonic guitars.

I also found that Quincy's sells a reso-phonic mandolin - my favorite instrument of all time. I just had to show you a picture of it:


I found a video all about Resonators - the history and how to go about finding one or even making one. Here it is:



Now to listen to how one sounds. I think you will agree that this guitar has a very distinct sound, and I have to say that I like it! Happy listening!

Cupcakes, How I Adore You

Everyone loves cupcakes: they are the perfect size of cake for one person, and come in a variety of different flavors, sizes and decorations. I recently did a podcast on cupcakes and my favorite places in Austin. Here's what I came up with.

Starting with a shop right of Rio Grande and 28 1/2 St. called Polka Dots, this little bakery offers a lot for the taste buds.


With flavors ranging from traditional like chocolate and vanilla to smores (shown above), dirt and peanut butter and jelly, it really is one of the more creative bakeries in Austin. It was named "most creative" by UT's Daily Texan in 2008 and has been cited by the Austin Chronicle as an up-and-coming Austin bakery.

Next was a bakery at a store a little more well known: Whole Foods.


Apparently local Whole Food fanatics have been raving about the bakery's cupcakes, and I can see why. With mini cupcakes just starting at 49 cents, it's no wonder people love them - they're a steal! They also have normal-sized cupcakes at 99 cents, as well as what they call "fancy" cupcakes that range from two to four dollars.

Finally, I chose Hey Cupcake! an Austin sweet treat roadside stop just off of Congress.


With more traditional flavors with a flair, this bakery offers giant cupcakes for a reasonable price. To me it's all about the experience. For example, getting a Michael Jackson cupcake with a whipper snapper ... or a chocolate cupcake with vanilla icing and a shot of whipped cream on the inside ... while walking down Congress. They recently opened a bonafide shop on Burnet Rd.,

Here's a video of the whole story of Hey Cupcake! that I found. Check it out:



I hope you all enjoy this and hey - try to go out and satisfy your sweet tooth with a treat that's short and sweet!

Ventilo Interview as Promised

Hey all. A while back I told you I would post the interview I did with Meredith Crandell and here it is! It's somewhat long, but very informative, and Mer was really a neat person to talk to. Enjoy!

Crandell Interview