Allo Internet

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Switching to Allo Internet from Comcast

I am so excited for my new Allo internet.

Being a very loyal customer, I will do quite a bit to stay with a company that treats me well and offers good service. However, after not having any problems with Comcast (now Xfinity) for over 20 years, I started losing connection with online students and had to continually watch the circle spin. This was especially prevalent around 5pm when everyone was home from work.

Trying to Troubleshoot

Initially, I thought since my modem was 10 years, that could be the problem. Before calling Xfinity, I decided to spend $200 and get a good modem that was on their compatible equipment list. My router was fairly new, so the technology on that should be ok.

The new modem didn’t solve the problem, so I called and they sent a service tech who put in a new line to the junction box. That didn’t seem to help either. The service tech said there is a lot of noise in the line from the houses around me, so that may be the problem.

The tech said if the problems persisted, then I’d need to rent their modem. I was wondering how a new modem would help with the noise in the line, but figured he’d know better than me.

Finally, after a couple more weeks of dropped signal and spinning wheels, I went to bite the bullet and order one of their modem rentals.

Allo Internet

The Spinning Wheel

Xfinity Computer Hangs Up on Me

After calling Xfinity, all I could get was their automated computer. I had already done all the online trouble shooting, so there was no need to go through all of that again. Besides, the tech said I’d need to rent a modem.

After repeating “representative,” “customer service,” etc. the computer told me I would have to go online to trouble shoot and then just said “Good-bye” and hung up on me. Wow. I got hung up on by a computer.

I figured that was my cue.

The Switch to Allo Internet

I did some research and finally called Allo. What amazing customer service. I actually spoke with a live, human representative right away. She was super friendly and wanted to make sure I knew how excited they were to have me. Sold!

Now I am still new, but their tech came out and was incredibly friendly. We worked together running the lines and when we were done, he tested the system. No equipment rentals, no service charge, and a really nice guy.

Now my upload speeds are exactly the same as download. Plus, I am the only one on the line. So, when 5pm rolls around, no more watching the circle spin around and around.

I am hoping to continue to have great service and a long relationship with these guys. Sometimes the universe helps you to get to where you need to go. In this case, it was moving on from a company who changed focus from offering personalized human interaction to offering computerized customer service.

If you have any questions about how the internet is doing, feel free to contact us. 

Learning a Musical Instrument

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The Power of  Music Lessons

Have you ever thought about learning a musical instrument? Maybe you’ve always been drawn to the guitar, bass, or drums, but you’ve hesitated to take the plunge. It can be daunting to think about starting something new, especially when it involves learning a skill that requires both physical and mental coordination.

Learning a Musical Instrument

Bringing that old guitar to life

The Fear of the Unknown

Stepping outside of your comfort zone can sometimes be scary. The fear of the unknown or the fear of judgment can hold us back from pursuing our passions. But taking the first step, no matter how small, can be the most rewarding experience of your life. Most of my students are very nervous when they step into my studio. But after a few minutes, we get into conversations about their favorite artists and musical styles. It is amazing how quickly that puts people of all ages at ease. There are almost always artists or bands they introduce me to that I’ve never heard of. And sometimes those artists have songs that end up on repeat in my player.

The Benefits of One-on-One Lessons

One of the best ways to overcome these fears is to start with one-on-one lessons. Having a dedicated instructor who can guide you through the learning process can make all the difference. With personalized attention, you can learn at your own pace and receive tailored feedback.

Breaking Down the Barriers

One of the biggest advantages of one-on-one lessons is the opportunity to learn from an experienced musician. If you’ve never touched an instrument before, you can avoid common misconceptions and bad habits that can develop from learning through online tutorials or self-teaching. Your instructor can teach you proper technique, music theory, and performance skills from the very beginning. This can especially help with music theory concepts and understanding how music works.

Building Confidence, One Note at a Time

As you progress through your lessons, you’ll notice a significant improvement in your skills and confidence. Each small victory, whether it’s learning a new chord or playing a simple melody, will motivate you to keep practicing. The sense of accomplishment you’ll feel is truly indescribable. Learning a musical instrument is a lifelong journey. It’s a skill that you can continue to develop and enjoy for years to come. Whether you want to play for fun, perform in a band, or simply express yourself creatively, music can enrich your life in countless ways.

So, if you’ve been thinking about taking music lessons, I encourage you to take the leap. You might be surprised at how quickly you can learn and how much fun you can have. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to text us.

Fender Champion II

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Fender’s Champion II 

Recently, a student brought in his shiny new Fender Champion II 50-watt amplifier and wanted me to tweak it for him. I have always been a huge Fender fan because they’ve got such amazing sound quality. They have also honored their warranty even when one of my amps went south after almost 3 years. They sent me the upgraded model that I still use today.

The one thing that is really nice is how everything is adjustable using the front knobs. No searching through menu’s and submenu’s to try to figure out how to get the right amp sound. The only downside is that the sounds can’t be saved. It is like the old amps where if you accidentally bump a knob, you may not know it and your sound could be way off.

Fender Champion 2 50 Watt Amp

Fender Champion 2 50 Watt Amp

 

 

Here is a quick synopsis of the amp…

Build and Design

The Champion II 50 has the traditional Fender look with a sturdy construction. Its 12-inch Fender Special Design speaker delivers a robust and clear sound, making it suitable for both practice and small gigs. The control panel is easy to use, featuring a selection of amp voicings, effects, and tone controls. Having a headphone output and USB connectivity adds to its versatility, allowing for silent practice and digital recording.

Sound Quality

One of the standout features of the Champion II 50 is its wide array of amp voicings and effects. From solid clean tones to metal distortions (which could get a little over the top for me), this amp can cover a broad spectrum of musical styles. The built-in effects, including reverb, delay, chorus, and more, further enhance the possibilities. The ability to dial in the classic Fender tones is so nice. I was able to dial up a rich bluesy sound with reverb effects that fit the student’s style in less than 5 minutes.

Performance

The Champion II 50 delivers a surprising amount of power and headroom for its size. It can easily keep up with a drummer in a band setting, and the 12-inch speaker provides a full and rich sound. The amp’s responsiveness to playing dynamics is commendable. This was really nice when using the guitars volume to increase the crunch.

Value for Money

Priced competitively, the Champion II 50 offers excellent value for money especially during black Friday. It provides a comprehensive package of features and performance capabilities that would typically be found in more expensive amps. For players seeking a versatile and affordable amp that can handle a variety of musical styles, the Champion II 50 is a compelling choice.

Conclusion

The Fender Champion II 50 is a well-rounded amp that delivers impressive sound quality, versatility, and value. Its user-friendly interface, wide range of amp voicings and effects, and robust performance make it a great option for players of all levels. Whether you’re practicing at home or performing on stage, the Champion II 50 has the power and flexibility to meet your needs.

If you want to know more about the Fender Champion 2, feel free to shoot us a message.