Update Update

[Dan Schultz]

Getting ready for Mother's Day 2013. You have been updated!

[Donn]

I wonder how a classic "sunburst" paint scheme would look on the inside of a fiberglass sousaphone bell ?

I suspect the reverse would look better, dark throat out to light rim. The sunburst effect is a sort of fake 3D, with reference to a similar effect on real 3D violin etc., and it focuses in on the guitar's junk, the strings/bridge/pickups/etc. The bell has plenty of 3D but in the opposite direction, and in the middle you have nothing there to focus on. (Unless there's going to be a mic assembly or something, in which case ... that's very different.) With all that geometry to work with, the obvious thing is to highlight it with stripes, flames, polka dots, etc.

[Dan Schultz]

Monday... it's off to battle!

[Z-Tuba Dude]

Picked up a 1926 4 valve Conn "Sousaphone Grand" yesterday....

PICTURES???

[cornholio]

The Great Cornholio has been activated !!!

[bort]

Might not be getting a new car after all, trouble with the financing (even though our credit is spotless and we were approved for the lowest possible rates). The salesperson made promises that the financial manager said are false and make no sense, even though I have it in writing.

Long story short, they can advertise a car as "certified pre-owned" and have it not be applicable for the low advertised interest rates. Because of that, I'd have an interest rate over 3% higher than I expected. Forget that.

However, they offered to make it right by cutting us a "great deal" on a maintenance package for the next 18 months, which would save a ton of money. That sounds great, except they didn't realize that it was already included as part of the original price of the car. They said that was a mistake, but again, I've got it in writing. Forget that, again.

Or, I could pay $2,000 to have it inspected and certified so I can get the lower interest rate. FORGET THAT!

They're supposed to talk it over and figure out what was communicated, and call me tomorrow morning. It should have been a great deal on a nice car, but things were seriously misrepresented to us. At this point, it'll be nice if it works out, but we're ready to walk. We certainly don't need to buy their car, and we don't need to buy their car.

Ok... I feel better.

[tofu]

Might not be getting a new car after all, trouble with the financing (even though our credit is spotless and we were approved for the lowest possible rates). The salesperson made promises that the financial manager said are false and make no sense, even though I have it in writing.

Long story short, they can advertise a car as "certified pre-owned" and have it not be applicable for the low advertised interest rates. Because of that, I'd have an interest rate over 3% higher than I expected. Forget that.

However, they offered to make it right by cutting us a "great deal" on a maintenance package for the next 18 months, which would save a ton of money. That sounds great, except they didn't realize that it was already included as part of the original price of the car. They said that was a mistake, but again, I've got it in writing. Forget that, again.

Or, I could pay $2,000 to have it inspected and certified so I can get the lower interest rate. FORGET THAT!

They're supposed to talk it over and figure out what was communicated, and call me tomorrow morning. It should have been a great deal on a nice car, but things were seriously misrepresented to us. At this point, it'll be nice if it works out, but we're ready to walk. We certainly don't need to buy their car, and we don't need to buy their car.

Ok... I feel better.

In all seriousness you should walk away from that dealership - that whole thing smells fishy. Dealerships are very savvy and they don't just forget things etc. They counted on you being so hyped up by the thoughts of new (or new to you) car that they figured you would just go along with the jack up in the interest rate. If they are willing to treat you like this before you buy can you imagine how well they will honor that 18 month maintenance package? You did the right thing by walking and I'd never return if I were you. Plenty of reputable dealers out there.

[bort]

Thanks... Sure feels like the right thing to do, too. I'll give them one last chance, but if things are still not what I expected them to be, then it's no deal. You're right, too much choice and too many options!

[bort]

True... I think it's more like, I expect a phone call from them this morning. I'll listen to what they say, but if it's not what I want to hear, then no deal.

[scottw]

Maybe record the phone call? Just sayin'!

[TubaRay]

Electric bass and guitar players are always staring down at the fingerboard.

Geez... There are wires on the fingerboards (I believe they call them "frets") that "do" every half step. What's the deal?

My dad always told me not to fret so much. And, as to half steps, why not just take full ones? I've been wondering about this.

[sousaphone68]

My singer song writer daughter is making me watch The Eurovision Song Contest

[bort]

I forgot to post my car update. There was a minor miscommunication on my part and the dealer's part. The end result was that I got the interest rate I wanted, and am paying an extra $10 per month for maintenance. We got an excellent deal on the car. Its a 2009 BMW 528xi. But most of all, its a car that works and is not in need of a ton of repairs (like our old car was!).

[Dan Schultz]

Today is "Buy a Musical Instrument Day". You've been updated!

[tbn.al]

quote="Curmudgeon"]First mosquito bites of the year. [/quote]

So.................you are a baseball fan too?

[Dan Schultz]

I've SEEN a few mosquitoes here on my property occasionally (after VERY heavy and relentless rains), but - so far...out here in my not-in-Memphis digs - I've not been bitten by any mosquitos.

There are probably too many MARTINS and BATS.

bloke "along with dragonflies, frogs, fish, etc."

Maybe those wood bees are eating 'em! Still got those critters? I evacuated two nests on my deck yesterday.

[tbn.al]

I grilled Saturday. On Monday evening as I was pulling the cover off the grill I noticed the tell tale wood droppings and found two fresh holes. In two days the little buggars had completely finished two nests. One of these days my deck is going to fall down from all the bee holes.

[jrobba]

Flying out to Columbia, SC today to check in with the 282nd Army Band.

[windshieldbug]

Flying out to Columbia, SC today to check in with the 282nd Army Band.

Congrats and thanks for serving!

Likewise!

[bububassboner]

I just bought a natural horn at a German bar. Came with a total of nine free shots. I think I did well tonight.