Introducing OPEN E.A.R.

As you may have read, we're celebrating our 12.5 year anniversary this year (say what? check here). We started modestly, with the new Lavender U.P. But now we kick it in a higher gear. But first some background.

A while ago, I received an email from a customer names Chris Thile. He is a professional musician and had just ordered an U.P., requesting some help in sizing and setup. He wanted a position to provide the most comfort and the least risk to his hands as he needs those to make a living. Not a question I get every day but totally understandable.

I responded with how I would do the setup based on what I know about what a professional musician might need. With the caveat that I know very little about music, aside from the odd concert I've attended and a week in the Panama jungle with a group that included the amazing Julian Lage. To which Chris replied: "Julian is a DEAR friend of mine". Small world. 

Anyway, I was lucky enough that Chris and his band visited Amsterdam shortly thereafter, and I got to see him in concert and backstage at the legendary music temple Paradiso (photo below). 

The small world story actually started years earlier. Maybe 8 years ago, our resident photographer Marc sent me a link to a movie. That happens, usually it's bike related, but this one time he asked me to check out his favorite musician. Of course my response was: "Oh, I know him, I spent a week with him in the Panama jungle". 

Andy and I realized we know a ton of musicians who ride OPEN. A really eclectic mix as well. So we thought of something to do with that. The musicians were as enthusiastic as we were, so today we are launching OPEN E.A.R. (Exclusive Artist Recordings - you can always rely on us to come up with a corny abbreviation!)

It's quite simple: 

• We ask a musician who rides an OPEN if they are interested in designing a frame and making some recordings available 
  
• He/she designs the frame, we paint it and we agree on how many units we will offer to all of you. We produce the frames as designed by the musician - this can be a small batch of identical frames or each frames designed individually. That all depends on the musician. The frames are painted to order so you can choose the frame model and size, so expect a 3-4 month lead time. This is for people who really love this concept, not a "get you on your bike tomorrow" offer.
  
• On each frame is a unique QR code. If you scan the code, an exclusive recording will play. In some cases this recording is unique per frame, in some cases it's the same recording for the batch. In all cases though, it is a recording that does not appear on an album or streaming service. 
  
• These frames are then offered for sale, meaning you can get a uniquely designed frame plus a recording that only you may ever hear. Of course we hope you'll be generous and let others scan your frame too. 
  
• Part of the proceeds goes to a charity of the musician's choosing. 
  

And of course in the course of the above process, there will be plenty of photos, (music) videos, etc to showcase the project.

First up will be Spanish guitarist/producer Refree (some random shots from "the making of" his EAR project in the slider below). We are very excited, we hope you are too and look forward to this becoming a semi-regular feature. And hopefully soon, Julian and Chris will feature on an OPEN frame near you too.