DR Strings, Fodera Guitars Partner with Pink Aid D R Strings and Fodera Guitars teamed up with Pink Aid to sup- port to breast cancer patients. DR Strings’ Pink Strings for Pink Aid campaign returned during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, joined this year with a new partner: Fodera Guitars,
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a Brooklyn-based instrument maker. Together, they’re sup- ported Pink Aid’s “Play It Pink” program, a nationwide effort har- nessing the power of music to uplift and support underserved breast cancer patients. DR Strings donated the proceeds of every set of Neon Pink guitar strings sold during
October to Pink Aid. Fodera Guitars created and donated a one- of-a-kind custom pink bass guitar, valued at more than $6,000, with proceeds from its sale benefiting Pink Aid. “Music is about connection, and we are proud to connect our craft with such a meaningful cause,” said Laura Fodera, CEO of Fodera Guitars. “By joining forces with Pink Aid, we hope to strike a chord of compassion and help ensure patients don’t have to choose between lifesaving treatment and providing for their families.” Pink Aid is the only national nonprofit delivering emergency financial aid within 48 hours to breast cancer patients in cri- sis. Through its Pink Purse Emergency Assistance Program, Pink Aid helps patients keep food on the table, the lights on and transportation available to get to treatment. {fodera.com, drstrings.com} Vidami Expands to Android with Firefox Support V idami has expanded its compatibility by launching Android support via the Firefox Add-On and new Firefox browser support on Mac and Windows. This milestone brings hands- free functionality to millions of learners on phones, tablets and
The frontman for indie rock band Young Rising Sons talks about his first guitar and how his musical journey began on piano. ANDY TONGREN, YOUNG RISING SONS Music Inc.: What was your first instrument? Andy Tongren: The first instrument I learned was piano. We had one in my childhood home, and I took a few lessons but mostly taught myself just by fumbling around. In middle school I got really into Blink-182, so naturally I wanted a guitar. That Christ- mas, after some convincing, my parents gave in and got me one of those Crate guitar-and-amp starter packs — a dark sunburst Strat. I absolutely loved that thing. MI: What is your all-time favorite instrument? AT: Although it might be what I’m least proficient at, I would say piano. Everything just makes sense to me when it comes to theory, and I feel like I generally do my best writing at the piano. There’s definitely an analytical approach to songwriting and visualizing the keys helps me figure out which part needs to live in which register. MI: What instruments are currently in your arsenal? AT: This project has allowed me to open things up quite a bit more. I’ve been having a lot of fun with the banjo and mandolin lately. I would love to learn pedal steel. MI: Are there any new or emerging pieces of gear you’ve recently tried that have caught your attention? AT: Not necessarily super new, but I love a nice rubber bridge guitar. Orangewood in particular does a great job with them. It’s just an instant vibe and difficult to replicate and really nail. — By Kimberly Kapela
desktops — whether they’re using the wireless Vidami Blue or the Original Vidami controller. “Our community has been asking for Android support, and we’re thrilled to deliver it,” said Amy Hayashi-Jones, co-founder and CEO of Vidami. “Now you can keep your hands on your instru-
ment, stay in the flow and learn anywhere — on any device.” Vidami Blue is a patented wireless foot controller that elimi- nates the frustration of stopping and starting online video lessons by hand, saving time and making learning easy. With Vidami, learners can set loops, adjust playback speed, play/pause, and rewind entirely with their foot, creating a seamless way to prac- tice playing. {vidami.com}
16 I MUSIC INC. I DECEMBER 2025
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