An anthology of essays and occasional pieces, written over a period of 24 years. Ushi Kak's pieces have appeared on the editorial pages of national newspapers like The Times of India and The Indian Express and in some leading news magazines like Outlook. She has a blog on WordPress under the pseudonym kashpundit, a name chosen to indicate her provenance and her penchant for puns and wordplay. “Funny, sad, and often eye-opening, these pieces are an entertaining read.” – Shashi Tharoor, Member Parliament, Author “Often hilarious, always mischievous but never malicious this is an enjoyable read for even the most staid … And a repeated heartbeat in this wonderland is the pathos of the human spirit symbolized by the joy and the sorrow of what has become of Ushi’s homeland, Kashmir. An engaging read, an experience!” – Wajahat Habibullah, Former Chief Information Commissioner, Government of India “Ushi Kak serves up a delightful soufflé combining humour and sensitivity with which to entice the literary palate. Bon appetite! Cheers.” – Jug Suraiya, Satirist and former Associate Editor of The Times of India

(Book). An essential item for the instrument builder, The Luthier's Handbook explores the secrets and science behind making good-sounding acoustic stringed instruments. Renowned author Roger H. Siminoff brings to the table more than four decades of luthiery experience and shares the time-tested philosophies, tips and technology of the craft. As the ideal complement to other books on building instruments, this text describes the structural and acoustical attributes of air chambers; what to listen for when tap-tuning; selecting a good piece of wood; placement of the braces and tone bars and how to tune them; how to select the right strings; what to consider in bridge design concepts; and much more. Includes a free String Gauge Calculator for determining the right set of strings.

This book addresses core questions about the role of materials in general and of wood in particular in the construction of string instruments used in the modern symphony orchestra – violins, violas, cellos and basses. Further attention is given to materials for classical guitars, harps, harpsichords and pianos. While some of the approaches discussed are traditional, most of them depend upon new scientific approaches to the study of the structure of materials, such as for example wood cell structure, which is visible only using modern high resolution microscopic techniques. Many examples of modern and classical instruments are examined, together with the relevance of classical techniques for the treatment of wood. Composite materials, especially designed for soundboards could be a good substitute for some traditional wood species. The body and soundboard of the instrument are of major importance for their acoustical properties, but the study also examines traditional and new wood species used for items such as bows, the instrument neck, string pegs, etc. Wood species’ properties for musical instruments and growth origins of woods used by great makers such as Antonio Stradivari are examined and compared with more recently grown woods available to current makers. The role of varnish in the appearance and acoustics of the final instrument is also discussed, since it has often been proposed as a ‘secret ingredient’ used by great makers. Aspects related to strings are commented.As well as discussing these subjects, with many illustrations from classical and contemporary instruments, the book gives attention to conservation and restoration of old instruments and the physical results of these techniques. There is also discussion of the current value of old instruments both for modern performances and as works of art having great monetary value.The book will be of interest and value to researchers, advanced students, music historians, and contemporary string instrument makers. Musicians in general, particularly those playing string instruments, will also find its revelations fascinating. It will also attract the attention of those using wood for a variety of other purposes, for its use in musical instruments uncovers many of its fundamental features. Professor Neville H. FletcherAustralian National University, Canberra

The setup, maintenance, and restoration of the five-string banjo. An indispensable guide for the amateur as well as the professional repair person. Every procedure is clearly explained and illustrated with detailed photographs and diagrams.

(Reference). The vintage guitar collecting market continues to grow. This book is the first of its kind to report on Washburn guitars, mandolins, banjos and ukuleles made before 1940. It contains detailed information about more than 450 instrument styles, serial numbering schemes and estimated production totals. A gorgeous 32-page color photo section of the most collectibles will make this book a "must" for players and collectors alike.

Every Sunday, Mollie - a miniature dachshund - would attend Mass at Holy Trinity Church in Gosport with her owner, Christine Harris. Mollie had her own kneeler, received the blessing of St Francis from the priest and regarded it as her special duty to welcome newcomers to the church. She was also known to be partial to a quick puff of incense. Her fame spread throughout the town when - in 2008 after her ‘sister' Sascha died - she took over Sascha's column in the parish magazine. Written with gusto and an anarchic approach to life, Mollie’s Tailpiece tackled every subject under the sun, from meeting the bishop and processing with the choir, to playing in the snow and riding in the basket on the front of Christine’s bicycle, all with a delightful grasp of the art of the malapropism. This collection of Mollie’s columns perfectly captures her much-missed sense of fun and mischief.