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mandohead - Posted - 09/27/2009: 12:07:21
I'm looking at purchasing a nice openback over the internet- it has all the options I want > but no arm rest........ 
I've little experience - but an arm rest seems like a nice- almsot - necessary touch
>> Your thoughts appreciated
p.s. The builder states that The 16 hook spacing of the 0919 is wider than the 24 to 28 hook spacing on commercial banjos for which armrests are available and so a nogo
BANJOJUDY - Posted - 09/27/2009: 12:15:09
I didn't think I needed an arm rest until my skin and the metal decided to react to each other, and the metal peeled.
So, now I have a piece of plastic tubing around the area where my arm rests - do I need a rest? Not really, but my skin is dictating that I do - besides, it would look nicer than the clear, cut plastic that currently is there.
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on October 8th. Also will be holding fiddle and banjo classes.
Balloon Fiesta Week - you might want to plan a trip and join
the fun and lovely weather.
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Oldpiper - Posted - 09/27/2009: 13:38:25
With the notched tension hoop I don't think an arm rest is absolutely necessary, but with the grooved tension hoop I find it very uncomfortable without one. Depends on which you are looking at.
Fred USN(SS) Ret.
John Gribble - Posted - 09/27/2009: 13:43:11
One of my banjos has one, two of my banjos don't. I may be an insensitive clod, but I can't tell much difference. If you like the banjo, buy it. As others have said, adding one is no big deal if you have a comfort issue. I suspect they came into use as much to protect the head as to provide comfort. My first banjo had a calfskin head which rotted away where my forearm rested on it. That banjo needed an armrest. Or a less toxic beginner. 
John Gribble
Tokyo, Japan
Edited by - John Gribble on 09/27/2009 13:45:09
BigDaddio88 - Posted - 09/27/2009: 13:49:51
I don't use them. I had one one my first banjo than took it off. Just another piece of hardware.
If we live in fear of banjos, than the banjos have won.
switzforge - Posted - 09/27/2009: 13:51:04
No, you do not need an arm rest. If you decide you would like one you can always add it later. if you like the new banjo, buy it. an arm rest is optional.
Will play Banjo for food, will stop playing banjo for money.
John Switzer
Beulah, Colorado
www.blackbearforge.com
DumbPluck - Posted - 09/27/2009: 14:13:03
I have two banjos now. One is perfectly comfortable without an armrest, and the other digs into my forearm quite a bit... I guess it is just a matter of where you lay your arm when you play..... What I use it for the most, is using the rest to hold my arm at a better angle when I am lazy... :)
oldtimeterry - Posted - 09/27/2009: 14:20:23
I prefer without. I had one on an old banjo and the metal rest left blisters on my arm. That bad experience scarred me (in more ways than one.)
Voyageur - Posted - 09/27/2009: 14:26:43
I like the thinline. Please see my review of this product!
Mary
"Do not pray for an easy life. Pray to be stronger. Do not pray for tasks equal to your powers. Pray for powers equal to your tasks."
- Fr. Solanus Casey
maxmax - Posted - 09/27/2009: 14:50:40
quote:
Originally posted by maxmax
If you need an armrest or not depends on the banjos bracket band, if it irritates your arm or not.
I meant tension hoop. A bracket band wouldn't make a differens in this case.  Max
rendesvous1840 - Posted - 09/27/2009: 16:29:52
Since you're buying over the internet, you most likely have'nt played the banjo in question. Find out if the maker can supply one later if you feel it would be more comfortable. I tried mine without before I bought it, and found it uncomfortable. The maker added the armrest, and that made a huge difference. Playing an instrument that fights you is the surest way to have an instrument that stays in the closet. A lot may depend on the position you hold the banjo in while playing.
As an aside, I tried adjusting the armrest higher and lower after I got the banjo home, and found there was a "sweet spot" where it really feels good. Higher or lower is less comfortable. I ended up back where the store had placed it. I guess they knew better than I, but now I know too.
Paul
"A master banjo player isn't the one who can play the most notes. It's the one who can touch the most hearts." Patrick Costello
http://www.banjohangout.org/forum/t...IC_ID=128303 IBARD topic
http://ibard-rendesvous1840.blogspot.com/
oldwoodchuckb - Posted - 09/27/2009: 17:09:33
I'm as allergic to the arm rest plating as to the banjo plating. I tend to take them off because my hold is better when my (protected) forearm is against the rim. This is actually pretty close to the elbow, where my arm pivots to play. If you are more a wrist player the arm rest might be better for you than it is for me.
http://www.rocketsciencebanjo.com
Rocket Science Banjo - Advanced Clawhammer Techniques for beginners and long time players alike. Plus videos and 25-40 EZ Clawhammer Tunes.
& check out "How To Mold A Mighty Pinky" at:
http://www.pricklypearmusic.net
banjo brad's great banjo site
jojo25 - Posted - 09/27/2009: 17:39:01
need might not be the operative word
more like want
about 7 years ago I good friend gave me an old armrest from a Bacon...very appropriate for my AE Smith...and the Smith is so ringy that it really contributed to the sound...making it even more ringy!...as it keeps my forearm from deadening the sound so much
but even still, I do not consider an armrest as a need...and some folks don't like/want all that ring...but I revel in it on the Smith
Don't forget to play all of the quasihemidemisemiquavers!!
Drop thumbs, not bombs
Joe
Edited by - jojo25 on 09/28/2009 06:54:55
tomberghan - Posted - 09/27/2009: 18:40:11
An alternative to using an armrest:
Here is a trick lots of stringed instrument players use (not just banjoists).
Take a nice thick soft sock and cut the foot off and throw that part away (a worn out sock will do). Now you have a "tube." Then slide your hand and wrist through the tube and position it over your forearm. This provides a soft padding for your arm, protects your skin from the metal, and, protects the metal from your perspiration which can be pretty corrosive to the metal parts.
I dont use mine much because I personally don't get any soreness from the hooks . . . but in the summer when it is really hot I use it to protect the banjo from perspiration. I could also wear long sleeves, but then that that gets a little warm. Anyway, works great and the price is right.
Edited by - tomberghan on 09/27/2009 19:39:28
CoE15NJV - Posted - 09/27/2009: 18:45:41
I have a Vega style armrest on my banjo. I like the added height this gives my arm and I like the angle I get with it for my hand while playing.
Steven
windbreaker - Posted - 09/27/2009: 18:47:42
quote:
Originally posted by tomberghan
Here is a trick lots of stringed instruments use (not just banjoists).
Take a nice think soft sock and cut the foot off and throw that part away (a worn out sock will do). Now you have a "tube." Then slide your hand and wrist through the tube and position it over your forearm. This provides a soft padding for your arm, protects your skin from the metal, and, protects the metal from your perspiration which can be pretty corrosive to the metal parts.
I dont use mine much because I personally don't get any soreness from the hooks . . . but in the summer when it is really hot I us it to protect the banjo from perspiration. I could also wear long sleeves, but then that that gets a little warm. Anyway, works great and the price is right.
"...for, as long as but a hundred of us remain alive, never will we on any conditions be brought under English rule. It is in truth not for glory, nor riches, nor honours that we are fighting, but for freedom -- for that alone, which no honest man gives up but with life itself." The Declaration of Arbroath (1320)
devoall - Posted - 09/27/2009: 20:25:46
quote:
Take a nice thick soft sock and cut the foot off and throw that part away (a worn out sock will do). Now you have a "tube." Then slide your hand and wrist through the tube and position it over your forearm. This provides a soft padding for your arm, protects your skin from the metal, and, protects the metal from your perspiration which can be pretty corrosive to the metal parts.
This works great. This is what i've always done no matter what instrument I'm playing. it also acts as a sort of lubricant for your arm. it allows you to move it smoothly. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------" Take it easy, but take it."--Woody Guthrie
oldwoodchuckb - Posted - 09/27/2009: 20:33:20
Tomberghan,
I have summer socks and winter socks to protect my arm. The winter socks just have the toe cut out while the summer socks are cut in half. I make summer socks out of the ones my heel goes through.
http://www.rocketsciencebanjo.com
Rocket Science Banjo - Advanced Clawhammer Techniques for beginners and long time players alike. Plus videos and 25-40 EZ Clawhammer Tunes.
& check out "How To Mold A Mighty Pinky" at:
http://www.pricklypearmusic.net
banjo brad's great banjo site
Plinkerton - Posted - 09/27/2009: 20:38:20
I actually just took mine off. I like the angle of my forearm better that way.
Clawdan - Posted - 09/28/2009: 07:04:50
Need is too strong a word. I prefer them as they stop the hooks from diggin into my arm when I get carried away, and they can keep my arm from touching the head and deadening the sound if you hold it too tight but I don't feel anyone "needs" them. I like the old wire style (chuck lee was making them for a while) or the old vega "hotdog" style which has to be measured to see if it will fit your banjo or an extra hook added.
PS, mandohead, what banjo are you looking at?
Play nice  ,
Dan "Ain't no bum-ditty" Levenson
www.Clawdan.com
Now teaching Clawhammer Banjo and Old Time Fiddle at San Diego Old Time Music
Get started with Dan's Clawhammer Banjo From Scratch - Book and DVD (Mel Bay Publications) THEN:
Come to Clawcamp! www.ClawCamp.com
Edited by - Clawdan on 09/28/2009 07:06:03
mwc9725e - Posted - 09/28/2009: 07:28:48
quote:
Originally posted by mandohead
I'm looking at purchasing a nice openback over the internet- it has all the options I want > but no arm rest........
I've little experience - but an arm rest seems like a nice- almsot - necessary touch
>> Your thoughts appreciated
p.s. The builder states that The 16 hook spacing of the 0919 is wider than the 24 to 28 hook spacing on commercial banjos for which armrests are available and so a nogo
I don't have arm rests on 4 of my banjos, and don't miss them at all.
davr - Posted - 09/28/2009: 11:06:48
Excuse my 'newbie' preconceptions, but I thought the abillity to 'deaden' the head via the right forearm was an expressive device intentionally used by CH players! This thread suggests that this is not so and that arm rests exist solely for the comfort of the forearm.
I've been experimenting with various dampenings of the head of my banjo with my forearm, based on what I believed to be a performance practice -- Have I been mislead??
dave
Edited by - davr on 09/28/2009 11:23:07
mwc9725e - Posted - 09/28/2009: 11:30:59
quote:
Originally posted by davr
Excuse my 'newbie' preconceptions, but I thought the abillity to 'deaden' the head via the right forearm was an expressive device intentionally used by CH players! This thread suggests that this is not so and that arm rests exist solely for the comfort of the forearm.
I've been experimenting with various dampenings of the head of my banjo with my forearm, based on what I believed to be a performance practice -- Have I been mislead??
dave
I had always thought they are used mostly to protect the banjo head and rim. Never thought about the business of intentionally damping the head. May be something to it.
olderisbetter - Posted - 09/28/2009: 16:22:35
i have a peggy seeger banjo instructional book and in it it has the different parts of the banjo listed. and the armrest she has in the drawing is just a little length of leather with a tie at each end. these ties then look to be tied to a bracket hook. i thought it actually looked kind of cool and it seems like it would be comfortable. this might also be a nice choice for people that have bad reactions to the metal. i think this would be more pleasing to the eye than a sock too. has anyone seen this?
brokenstrings - Posted - 09/28/2009: 17:23:36
No, but it sounds like a good idea.
Jessy
Frailaway, ladies, frailaway!
RG - Posted - 09/28/2009: 23:03:08
You don't need an arm rest if you're OK with letting your arm get tired...
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"It's a league game Smokey..."
Couchie - Posted - 09/29/2009: 07:27:27
quote:
Originally posted by jojo25
Drop thumbs, not bombs
Joe
Now I have to clean all the cereal off my computer screen.... Don. O=='=(::} http://www.doncouchie.com
chuckb - Posted - 09/29/2009: 07:45:30
The last banjo I bought came without a rest. My other two banjos came with rests, so I hadn't really given a thought about whether they are needed or not. However, my new banjo was uncomfortable. I bought a Vega style rest for $9, new, and problem solved. It is probably true, as stated here, that this is a case by case situation and one solution doesn't fit all, but in some cases it may be a need (a rest), not just a want. It also came with Gibson style bracket nuts which really dug my thigh. I was going to get VEga style nuts, but, instead, I got strap that took care of it. The advice given about trying before buying is sound; what a banjo looks like may not be what it feels like.
itockman - Posted - 09/30/2009: 10:31:20
Tried a Vega-style armrest for awhile and it didn't seem to make the banjo more comfortable. The banjo feels better without it. Maybe a different style would have worked better for me. I don't use 'em at all these days.
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