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Fellowship of the Frets
 Have you ever stopped to think what being a fretted instrumentalist can
mean? Have you ever considered your instrument as an exclusive
membership token to what is, perhaps, one of the most exclusive groups
in existence? .The name of the Fellowship – well it has no name except
for one word frequently heard; “The Frets’’ It is a brotherhood
(and sisterhood, too) despite its unofficial nature, It has its
conflicts and disagreements and will continue to have them as long as
fretted instruments and their owners are in being. In no other section
of the musical world exists this parallel and if proof be needed one has
only to attend a 'Fellowship' Gathering.
I do not remember reading exactly what constitutes a 'Gathering'. To the
uninitiated the word 'Fellowship' may conjure up images of strange rituals
and mysticisms, at best, an exclusive meeting of some nebulous body
known vaguely as “The Fellowship....” whose activities are not for the
average musician. Until one has attended such an event one cannot fully realise the meaning of this phrase;
“Fellowship of the Frets”
The 'Fellowship' is not noted for its numerical strength in fraternity.
Perhaps because of the small numbers, the majority of fretted instrument
players are known to each other without the existence of a National
Body. Outside this comparatively small circle it can be difficult
to understand how universal membership of the 'Fellowship' is.
Let us take a look inside the hallowed space where a fraternity of the
fret is in full swing. Everyone present is the owner of (or is
associated with) a fretted instrument. Here you may talk freely of
nuts, bridges, machine heads, wire wounds, guts and nylons and be fully
understood for perhaps some 6 hours. One may listen to or ignore the many
contests which are often the reason (not to mention the excuse) for this
gathering beneath one roof of more players of the “Round Holes, Petite Bouche,
Selmer Guitars and other kindred Instruments than one hitherto
imagined.
In the tuning area we may see a fantastic collection of oddly shaped
cases ancient and modern and—with the popularity of the amplified
instrument still on the increase - a variety of ancient and modern
pickups or amplifiers. One feels free to talk openly, without formal introduction to other
instrumentalists.
There may, perhaps, be a small, hardy minority able to sit through the
entire proceedings without becoming bored but constant repetition of
some of the test pieces makes this unlikely. Despite this there is
something for everyone, if taken in not-too-large doses, and one does
not need to remain in the performance zone the whole of the time. I
well remember the impact of my first 'Gathering' three years ago. At that
time I knew but few of “The Fellowship” and it is true to say that on
arrival I knew only but one person present. On leaving, however, I had
increased the number of my acquaintances and have continued to do so at
each successive event. For me this is the part I look forward to most
of all; the regular meeting with friends.
Friends who, I know, will not be bored by constant talk of things
associated with Manouche Swing music — from picks to strings, players to performances;
instruments to
amplifiers, Luthier's to collectors.
So many will soon feel compelled to re-attend the “Fellowship of the Frets”
Acknowledgements to Jeffrey Pocock for
this article. (Frodo of the Frets)
The Manouche Network
 Manoucheries
can post their details here to make contact for the formation of Venue Player
Groups or Local Tuition Clubs -- There is much to discuss with your local
players, how the types of strings, picks, and guitars affect the sound of this
music.
Your gypsy jazz guitar technique may
also require you to relearn and rethink picking styles how to play chords and
solos.
All this information can be found
somewhere within the Fellowship with your local links. If you really wish to
play Manouche Swing, it’s worth making the effort and extending your contact to
like minded Manoucheries.
Just remember “The first hundred years are the worst”
Player's Wanted
West Midlands Area.
John Atkins - Guitarist of many years experience but relatively new to
Gypsy Jazz seeks a Gypsy Swing playing partner(s).
email contact -
Fellowship of the Frets
Gadjo Gatherings
If you have an established
Manouche Club or Gypsy Jazz Group meeting regularly list it here to
increase your membership
Gadjo Gatherings Parle Manouche?
Gypsy Jazz
Jams
If you have a
casual gathering in your local pub for a Gypsy Jazz Jam and you need
some additional volunteer players then let us know.
Gypsy Jazz Jams | 
PAUL
VERNON CHESTER
