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Charlotte - Posted - 11/16/2009: 05:05:45
Hi guys
I've been playing for a while using a fairly traditional resonator 5 string banjo. It's not an awfully good one (poor action, no geared 5th, etc) and I want something slightly nicer. Eventually, if I think I deserve it, I'm going to treat myself to something really lovely, but until I do, I want a good practice instrument.
Given that I live in a flat (what you leftpondians would call an apartment) in London, I want to keep the volume down. This being the case, I don't really see why I need a resonator banjo for practice.
I'm learning Scruggs-style playing, but would an open-back be suitable? I'm thinking I can get a better instrument for my money if it's not so complicated and as long as I ask for it to be set up for Scruggs rather than frailing, I should be okay.
I was thinking about this instrument - what do you think?
http://www.andybanjo.com/cgi-bin/tr...rod_RB175OZ2
flatfoot - Posted - 11/16/2009: 05:18:02
.
You do not need a resonator banjo to learn Scruggs, but you do you need an instrument with good action and a sound that you enjoy hearing.
The "Rally" looks like a quality instrument. Should be fine. In this forum the Deering Goodtime and the Gold Tone range are most recommended for beginners. About the same price range. The "Rally" seems to be constructed along similar lines.
>>>...Given that I live in a flat (what you leftpondians would call an apartment) in London, I want to keep the volume down...>>>
Open back banjos are a lot easier to mute than any resonator model.
I got some tunes up on Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/flatfoot50
Kentucky5 - Posted - 11/16/2009: 05:23:22
That looks like a fine open-back banjo and would totally be fine for scruggs style.
That being said, I would rather have a resonator banjo for scruggs style, plus for around $20 dollars you can get a banjo mute so as to not disturb the neighbors.
"You can see the fields of bluegrass where I roam"
youdye - Posted - 11/16/2009: 05:25:12
there are also some great mutes on the market, I play all the time at home and don't disturb my kids or my wife while they're sleeping. especially if you like the banjo you have. Have a great day!
4+1=Hootnanny!
O=='={::}
LarryD1 - Posted - 11/16/2009: 05:34:35
You are absolutely correct that you don't need a resonator to practice.
The openback banjo you are considering has the same style neck as a Bluegrass banjo with resonator. You should be able to practice and improve your Scruggs Style technique with no problem.
You can also make it even quieter for practice by putting a sock or hand towel between the coordinator rod and the back of the head.
The only problem will be when you are ready to go out and jam with others, you won't have the volume or tone that comes from a Bluegrass Banjo with tone ring and resonator.
You may consider buying a better Bluegrass Style Banjo and removing the resonator for practice. The sock for quieting technique can still be used.
Good Luck and Keep Pickin,
Larry
Kentucky5 - Posted - 11/16/2009: 05:39:20
On that MeanMary Website that is the best sounding goodtime open-back that I have heard, and she was pullin great tone and volume and it looks like she wears no picks.
"You can see the fields of bluegrass where I roam"
Ronnie - Posted - 11/16/2009: 07:31:46
I have played some jams with Mary and that little Goodtime has plenty of volume. A dishtowel stuffed under the head should keep your neighbors happy.
www.bobbythompsonbanjo.com
Edited by - Ronnie on 11/16/2009 07:51:24
Gus Bloch - Posted - 11/16/2009: 07:33:20
When shopping for an open back for three finger, consider the string height over the head. Some open backs use 11/16" or taller bridges which may make three
finger playing awkward especially for small to medium hands.
banjotom2 - Posted - 11/16/2009: 09:32:04
2 wooden 'clothes pins' will also act as 'mutes'...one placed on each side of the bridge...north and south...
It'll save ya some $$.
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http://www.banjotom2.com
"I don't put on...I put out!" Uncle Dave Macon
"Doc, I come from Alabamy with this 'danged thing' on my knee!", Gary Larson
"Them what picks together...sticks together!" (Original, BanjoTom2)
Charlotte - Posted - 11/18/2009: 01:16:57
Thanks guys! I know I can take the resonator off my current banjo, but because the main body of it is made of metal, it's really uncomfortable to hold. Mind you, for the time being I didn't realise that I could mute the volume in so many ways - maybe I'll pop the resonator off, stuff a towel in there and re-fit?
That'll see me through for a couple of weeks until I go and see the guy who sells the banjos I linked to.
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