These are Products that I endorse

This D'Addario instrument tuner is small and securely clips to the headstock of your guitar, ukulele or other musical instrument- yet is large enough to clearly see. 

It's as accurate as any I have found on the market (and way better than the SuperSnark!) 

You can find this product here: https://amzn.to/3HFeswb

Do you have divots under the strings... especially the unwound strings in the first 4-5 frets of your fretboard?   

It's likely that the capo you are using applies too much pressure on the strings and is denting your frets!  

Check out this Adjustable Tension Capo and prevent future fret dressings or an expensive refret job!

You can find this product here: https://amzn.to/4oXO7tC

These wireless headsets have a fob that you plug into the output jack of your guitar and transmits the signal directly to the headset.  I use them when testing my customer's guitars to eliminate any interference from the cable or amp.   

https://amzn.to/45HX7vv

You can use them to practice at volume without disturbing the family or neighbors at any hour of the day! 

• Easy-to-use controls for guitar volume and Bluetooth audio playback, plus instant access to six user-configurable tone settings
• Large, custom-designed 50 mm drivers deliver premium audio quality with rich, full sound
• Versatile two-way design folds down for compact storage or flat transport in a guitar bag pocket
• Built-in rechargeable batteries with auto standby/wake function to conserve battery life
• Up to five hours of play time with the headphones and up to 12 hours with the included BOSS WL-T Transmitter
• Unique onboard tuner function with audible tones that guide your tuning; visual chromatic tuner also available in the BOSS Tone Studio app

You can find this product here: https://amzn.to/45HX7vv

Learning to play guitar is hard enough without dealing with hand or finger pain. And that’s why we carry a line of Stringjoy Soft Touch guitar strings.

Soft Touch strings aren't just "light." They're engineered for balance that your fingers will respond to no matter your experience level. 

Available for both acoustic (phosphor bronze!) and electric (nickel!) guitar, Soft Touch sets feature gauges that have been engineered to reduce finger fatigue and discomfort. 

The result is a set of strings that feels noticeably easier to fret down while still delivering exceptional tone, clarity, and responsiveness.

Soft Touch strings are ideal for beginners, returning players, folks who are coming back from injury, or anyone looking for a more forgiving playing experience without sacrificing sound quality. 

You can find these strings here:

Acoustic:  https://amzn.to/4pSEspM

Electric:  https://amzn.to/4wD3JH6

Here in Southern California, September through October marks our driest stretch of the year. Humidity levels can drop into the single digits—great for beach days, terrible for acoustic instruments. 

Back East and up North, you are approaching heating season which does the same thing to the air inside your home!

Whether you play guitar, ukulele, violin, or cello, low humidity pulls moisture from the wood. That might sound harmless, but it’s not. 

Dry wood shrinks. And when it shrinks, it stresses joints, loosens bracing, and can even crack tops, sides, or backs. Neck shrinkage also causes fret ends to protrude—sharp enough to scratch or cut your fretting fingers.

Repairs for this kind of damage can easily run into the hundreds. Worse, your instrument may never sound or feel quite the same again.

So what can you do—ship it to Seattle for the season?

Thankfully, no. Protecting your instrument is simple and affordable:

✅ Use a Hard-Shell Case

A gig bag is fine most of the year, but during dry spells, a hard-shell case offers real protection. I personally like Gator cases—they’re sturdy, well-fitted and designed to fit your specific instrument, and widely available at music stores or online. 

For Example: https://amzn.to/4yVHlu3

💧 Add Humidity Inside the Case

A case alone won’t stop moisture loss. You’ll need a humidifier to restore and maintain healthy humidity levels. I use a D’Addario Humidifier Pro first to rehydrate the wood, and then switch to D'Addario Humidi-Paks to keep the levels stable. There are plenty of options out there—choose what fits your setup and budget.

Examples of Humidifiers can be found here:

          Guitars: https://amzn.to/46tvKF4

          Ukuleles: https://amzn.to/3KtCTO7

Humidi-Paks are available here:               

 https://amzn.to/47PPpRY

The key is consistency. Store your instrument in the case when not in use and to keep the humidity source active. A couple of simple steps now can save you from costly repairs later—and preserve the tone, feel, and longevity of your instrument.

Don’t wait until the Santa Ana winds roll in and supplies run dry. A little preparation goes a long way.