Amazing Scale Gizmo.

old_git · Jan 19, 2008

Not sure if the right place for this item is here or the theory section.
Just got back from seeing Griff about modifying a renaissance recorder for a friend with a right little finger problem and wondering if there is any end to his talent.
Feeling slightly guilty about leaving Jon's shop without increasing the take for a second time, asked if they had anything cheap but helpful and Adam produced this item. It's a simple align the discs computer that gives major, harmonic minor, melodic minor, pentatonic, blues, diminished, dorian, mixolydian and wholetone scales in all twenty-four keys and for just under a fiver, postage another three.
Now despite taking acid in half kilogram doses back in the sixties, even I can work out what you are talking about.
Not on their website yet but Just Flutes hold a stock. Highly recommended.
No connection just an admirer of a good shop and wishing I was on commissision. >:)

jonf · Jan 19, 2008

It is indeed a very nice shop - nice and relaxed, not too 'commercial' a feel about it. I popped in for a lig on the way home from work a little while ago, and I was glad I was on my bike, otherwise I might have been tempted to spend a lot.

They have some interesting stuff hanging around, such as the Conn bari that looks like it was fished out of the bottom of a river.

I think I know what you mean about the scales computer, Bill. Is it a sort of rotary slide rule type thing?

phil_edwards · Jan 19, 2008

Griff, we need details, sounds a useful little gadget for when the brain has frozen.

regards, Phil

jools · Jan 20, 2008

half kilos!? - reeespect!

old_git · Jan 22, 2008

Jon,
Apologies, was waiting for Griff to answer Phil's question but he has been busy with family/friend's christening ceremonies.
Yes, it is a 'circular slide rule' type of thing but could never fathom out linear slide rules let alone circular. Simply line up on the root and then read off the required scale form.
That Conn was fished out of the mighty River Wandle during a shark fishing expedition back in '47. Bait was live Piranha, they never can resist.
BTW How's the flute?

jonf · Jan 22, 2008

Morning Bill

Slide rules hold no fear for me - I am just about old enough to have gone to school before calculators were available, and I woked out that I could use my Dad's slide rule for complex calculations without the need to use the dreaded log tables.

Flute'ss fine, flute player not quite so good. Man, it's been a long time since I played - thinking back it must be 16 years. How the hell can a flute, with a bore the size of my thumb, seem to take more breath to blow than a baritone sax that's big enough to hold a small child? Must practice more.