Baroque Mini Challenge 
Hey fellow toneBuddies!! 
We will have an insightful live stream roundtable discussion featuring some of the most renowned experts in the Baroque and Renaissance music (learn more about that here: 
). To keep the spirit of these incredible eras alive and flourishing, we thought it would be a fantastic idea to create a mini community challenge for all of you to participate in!
The Challenge:
We invite you to record and upload a video of yourself playing a piece from the Baroque or Renaissance era. We want to see your passion and skill while you bring these timeless compositions to life.
How to participate:
Record a video of yourself performing a Baroque or Renaissance piece.
- Upload your video to your preferred platform (e.g., YouTube, Vimeo, etc.).
- Share the link to your video in the comments section below.
- Feel free to add a brief description of the piece you chose and why you love it.
Interact and engage:
Don't forget to check out the performances of your fellow toneBuddies! Show your support by leaving comments, constructive feedback, and appreciation for their efforts. Let's encourage each other to improve and enjoy the beauty of these historical eras.
Reward:
There's no specific prize for this challenge, but it's an opportunity to showcase your talent, receive feedback, and connect with like-minded music lovers. Who knows? You might even make some new friends along the way!
Need inspiration?
Can't make it to the live stream roundtable discussion that inspired this challenge, don't worry! The stream will be recorded, you can rewatch it at any time!
Ready, set, play!
We can't wait to see your incredible Baroque and Renaissance performances. Let's keep the spirit of these eras alive and thriving in our community!
Happy playing, everyone! 
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Here is my take on Bach Bourrée BWV 996. I tried staccato and piano on the first , then more legato and forte on the repeat. Stopping strings to ring for the staccato, and in general to keep the intended duration, is a work in progress ... I was almost tempted to use my nose in a few places to stop the 6th string ( as suggested by Sanel Redzic) but found some alternatives :)
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Calin LupBlaise Laflamme Thanks Calin! So no part of the guitar touches your chest? ( It looks from the video like the top edge of the back may be touching) I know the chest is not a main contact point for stability, but my chest currently touches the guitar. Wondering how it would feel not touching...
I'm only 5'7". Do you think the half plate would work well for my height, base on what your are observing?
Thanks for your help!
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Barney Hi Barney, I mean with the half plate, the guitar lift doesn't touch my chest. The upper edge of the guitar does. I believe for your height it should also provide enough range to adjust to your preferred height.
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Calin Lupa Got it, I understand. thanks!
Last question on this: How do you remember the exact position of your guitar back to attach the Guitarlift each time?
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Barney that's a good question. I am keeping my guitar on a vertical stand now so I actually don't take the lift off too often, probably not a good practice... For when I do take it off , a pic like the above can help me reposition.
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Calin Lupa Okay Calin, understood. I appreciate your help. Thanks!!
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Calin Lupa good playing Calin. Excellent. I like your articulation. Relax on the stopping of notes. Once you have the ear and the will, your fingers will develop the skill.
I notice that in your playing first and third beats sound (almost) equally strong, I think, if you back down a little bit on the third beat, it will sound lighter, even faster, because you will have only one main accent.
btw I tried the guitar lift, small model, found it quite difficult to adjust properly. And it won’t hold on French polish, so you need adhesive tape pads. Once fixed it remains in the same position. Less flexible than p.e. the sagework magnetic support. Also takes some time to adjust and place the magnets, but you can easily vary the height and angle, depending on the available chair…. -
joosje thank you very much for the advice , the accents are a very good point I was not paying enough attention to.
Good points also on the support, Barney see the above considerations too.
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Calin Lupa joosje Thanks for the advice about the supports. I guess the only real way to know which one works best for you and your guitar (mine has a lacquer finish), is to try them...
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Barney exactly. And take the time for that process. It's not always so obvious...
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joosje I will keep that in mind. Thanks Joosje!
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Calin Lupa Hey Calin, I received my half-plate GuitarLift and found a position I like. However, after a few minutes the suction cups begin to come off. My guitar is a 1964 Ramirez with Rosewood back. The Luthier describes the finish as a synthetic varnish. I guess this is a type of Lacquer. I tried wiping the back of the guitar clean, and wipes the suction cups with some water (should not have been necessary, as they are brand new...), wiping any remaining water with my finger. These steps did not solve the problem. My Ergoplay Tappert support suction cups stay on much longer. I was expecting the Guitarlift suction cup design to last very much longer.
Does your GuitarLift suction cups stay on your guitar securely, until you decide to remove it?
So I was wondering if you might have any suggestions. Thanks for your help!!
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Barney Hi Barney, sorry to hear that. I assume you got the brand https://guitarlift.de/ . I tried the lift on both of my guitars , lacquer finish, and the suction cups stay secure until I decide to remove them . Try to attach it to another surface , like glass. If they stick, then maybe the guitar's back surface is the cause ? I would try contacting their support for advice, or return it.
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Calin Lupa @Thanks for your suggestions Calin!! Yes, it is the correct brand and purchased from "Strings by Mail". I attached the support to a mirror one hour ago, and it was still sticking. Then, 15 minutes later, one of the bottom suction cups came loose.
Have you ever needed to use the self sticking adhesive foils used under suction cups on some surfaces (like the ones provided by guitarlift.de on a Lacquered finish, or do you know someone who has tried it?
Not sure if it is safe on the lacquered wood. I sent an email to the Ramirez shop in Spain to ask that question, but no reply.
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Barney if after sticking it on the mirror it came loose after 15 min, I would say it is a product defect/quality issue, I suggest contacting "Strings by Mail" and /or guitarlift.de and asking for a replacement, or just return it if you don't trust them anymore. Also I would ask guitarlift.de support about the adhesive foils usage, I am not familiar with those.
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Calin Lupa Strings by mail is sending me new suction cups to try. If that doesn't work, they will accept a return. Thanks for your good advice! Regards.
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End of the Year Challenge: Finish Strong!
