The Pocket Rocket: Intro & Quick Start Guide What is a Pocket Rocket? First of all, it's not what you think, no matter what you are thinking. It is a simple and elegant device that as the name suggests, fits in your pocket. When properly adjusted the Pocket Rocket is capable of making a significant improvement in the sound and responsiveness of your musical instrument. How does it work? There are three main factors that contribute to the overall sound of a musical instrument: the instrument itself, the player's body, and the environment in which it is played. These three aspects affect one another continually according to each one's characteristic resonance. A particular instrument may have certain frequencies that sound more strongly than others and certain overtone characteristics that lend a particular color or feeling to the sound. The players body, whether it is relaxed or tense, becomes part of the resonance chain. Also, the room and its contents will reinforce certain aspects of the sound and diminish others. These factors are usually not in the direct control of the musician. The musician does his or her best, of course to create the sound desired, and to have the best affordable equipment in good adjustment, but beyond that, there has not been much else a musician could do to significantly improve his/her sound in a variety of circumstances. That is, until now. The Pocket Rocket has become a new member of the resonance chain, and with proper adjustment, a musician can alter the distribution and strengths of the various harmonics present in one's sound, rendering the instrument more responsive, playable, resonant, even, and pleasing to the ear. What exactly is the Pocket Rocket? The Pocket Rocket is a wood sandwich fitted with solid, cylindrical, copper resonators. The wooden parts are attractive, polished pieces of various types of wood, some common and many quite rare and beautiful. One half of the sandwich is fixed and the other is interchangeable. Different types of wood have different resonance characteristics, so the choice of wood(s) depends on what type of instrument one plays, its sound features, and what needs to be improved upon. The copper resonators are also adjustable and can be fitted to various lengths. Each resonator has two ends, so in effect, four resonators interacting with the wood, the instrument, the player's body and the environment. How do I learn to adiust the Pocket Rocket? We have tested the Pocket Rocket with many fine players and in the course of our research have found some basic recipes for success with various instruments. You would receive a Pocket Rocket that has been set up within these basic parameters. (A few extra wood pieces of different types of wood to experiment with, is an optional extra.) Beyond that, it is a simple matter of lengthening or shortening the copper resonators until you achieve the best possible sound for your individual circumstance. You may wish to change your set up when playing in different halls, or when playing different musical styles or composers. We include a wooden "storyboard" so you can keep track of your adjustments (by marking on the storyboard). We are also available to talk with you by phone or email to help you enjoy the best possible outcome. (Adjustment advice can also be made over the phone, because we can hear the main part of your tone if you play and have your phone next to you. This will help you with learning what does what, and enhance your ability to predict the tonal changes that occur with each adjustment.) How significant a change in sound and playability can I really expect? Many of our professional player clients report that their overall sound and playability improved as much as it might have say, after buying a new and expensive bow, a better instrument, or after the effect of many years of playing on a relatively new string instrument. The principal trumpet in The Florida Orchestra, who has tried every horn and mouthpiece imaginable reported that, utilizing the Pocket Rocket, he could play one of the most challenging solos from the repertoire more easily and effectively than he had ever been able to in the past, and was very excited about the varied range of sounds he was capable of producing, utilizing various combinations of domestic and exotic woods. We have had excellent success with student level instruments as well, and with all acoustic instruments, including woodwinds, brass, and strings. How do I get started? If you have already purchased the Pocket Rocket, then you have already talked with us directly, or have filled out a questionnaire telling us what instrument you play, what about it you like, dislike and would like to improve. Then we send you the Pocket Rocket we think will best do the job of improving the sound and playablility of your instrument. The first thing to do is try it! In order to make an accurate comparison, first play your instrument without the Pocket Rocket. In this case, The Pocket Rocket must be wrapped in a towel or cloth and hidden away! Otherwise the eflect will still be partially present. Then, as quickly as possible, place the Pocket Rocket in your pocket and play the same music you played a few moments ago, then assess the difference. Ask yourself, "Is this better?" "How is it better?" "What am I hearing?" "Is the instrument easier or more difficult to play?" "What other improvements would I like to experience?" Try adjusting the length of the shortercopper resonator, just a little, say ¼ inch. Remember to keep a record of your adjustments on the storyboard. If you make it shorter, it probably "brightened" your sound a bit. If you made it longer, it is probably darker sounding. Lengthening and shortening the resonators will also affect the overall resonance and responsiveness of your instrument, so take your time and experiment until you find the sound and feel you most enjoy. Optional: try using different combinations of wood. You will find that one type of wood will impart a smooth, chocolate sound, while another might be lively and free. Have fun and, again, don't be afraid to experiment. How much does the Pocket Rocket cost. and how can I purchase one? If you have borrowed this guide, and haven't purchased your Pocket Rocket yet, you are in luck, because the purchase price is less than one tenth the cost of a good professional bow and far less than the cost of a new instrument. The Pocket Rocket sells for $150 to $275 depending on the type(s) of wood included in the package. You will also receive this guide and a storyboard. But first we need to find out who you are, what instrument you play, what you like about it and what you would like to improve. Then we can send you the right kit and model. Just email us at: vans@mindspring.com, or if you are in a mighty hurry, call us and we will discuss your needs. Good luck and good playing!

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