Sheldon - Posted - 04/01/2012:  07:51:19

One question:
How much did Bill's mandolin sell for??

Sheldon

O.D. - Posted - 04/01/2012:  09:29:26

quote:

---

Originally posted by Gymbal31

quote:

---

Originally posted by bobdenver1961

Don't let some of the sellers on Ebay get hold of it. They would part it out and sell the pieces. 

---

It would never sell on Ebay.  Too many people would be around to explain what was wrong with it and why it's probably a fake.

---

 L.O.L.!!!

right on bro.!!

 Many a truth has been said in jest.

 Regards, O.D.

wbelm - Posted - 04/01/2012:  10:47:30

Of course this is just a speculative thread......none of us will have a part in the determination of where the banjo man's Granada will end up. And, I am certainly glad after reading through the post. This thread is a classic example that everyone has a opinion, regardless of aptitude, experience, level of understanding, etc. However the great and positive commonality here is that we are all deeply in love with Earl Scruggs and his contribution to our lives. We love you Earl, your family and friends.

I see no harm in this thread or reason to remove it.

LouZee Picker - Posted - 04/01/2012:  11:48:42

quote:

---

Originally posted by Hotrodtruck

I don't think the question is inappropriate. We are not family members trying to get our hands on it before anyone else, or before Earl is put to rest. We are a banjo playing community and it is a natural thing to wonder about. It shows no disrespect to Earl or his family. I'm sure they would not be offended and would understand completely.

Going up to their door and knocking on it to ask the question would be different. I hope no one has done that. It would not surprise me to learn that some feelers have been put out by someone though.

 

YOMV

Mike

---

Well said Mike, I agree, I don't think anyone means any disrespect to Mr. Scruggs or the Scruggs family. That's one of the first questions that popped into my mind after I heard the news of his passing.

Brian

stevena - Posted - 04/01/2012:  11:59:35

I'm sure one of his so called "friends" will make some good money on it.. watch for it on ebay!

stevena - Posted - 04/01/2012:  12:00:48

.

Edited by - stevena on 04/01/2012 12:01:38

Omegrown - Posted - 04/01/2012:  13:33:35

Your right coelhoe... Air Force... my memory was vague on the story.. I just remember reading about it in a Rosanne Cash interview while waiting to have my hair done one day... at the hair salon.. I stand corrected.. Thanks..

Julie..

Edited by - Omegrown on 04/01/2012 13:35:25

Dr Ralph - Posted - 04/01/2012:  13:56:09

An image to remember

Fishrrman - Posted - 04/01/2012:  15:25:17

"An image to remember"

Indeed it is.

Earl was a thoughtful man. I'm sure he had his mind made up about what to do with the Granada, and conveyed those wishes to his family, or incorporated them into his will.

In accordance with Earl's wishes, I could see the instrument going to a museum like the Country Music Hall of Fame -- seems like the natural place for it would be alongside Monroe's mandolin, for more than any others, they are the two instruments that defined bluegrass music.

Or, perhaps Earl wanted it to remain in his family, either for use by his sons, or perhaps even to serve as financial security for them.

Wherever it ends up, it won't be the same as when it was in The Master's hands!

- John

stelling58 - Posted - 04/01/2012:  23:11:03

I was reluctant to comment, but just to try and ease everyones mind, I have been told by a close friend of Earls that THE banjo will REMAIN in good hands for years to come. Eventually, I'm sure that the details of this will become public knowledge. As for now, I suggest we concentrate more on Earl and what he has done for all of our lives than worrying about what will be come of his earthly possessions.

-MPT

Edited by - stelling58 on 04/01/2012 23:13:13

wuzapicker - Posted - 04/02/2012:  07:41:32

Frankly, I don't care about the man's banjo. But in my opinion, it is better to know where the authentic item is rather than to have fakers foisting phonies off on covetous buyers. That banjo is sufficiently documented that a faker could build a convincing counterfeit out of readily available parts. Its kind of like the Mona Lisa in a Sherlock Holmes story, once it was stolen Professor Moriarty was selling reproductions to fleece collectors. Of course that is fiction, but not so far fetched and idea.

Aitor - Posted - 04/02/2012:  07:50:51

The man will became a legend.

the banjo is just a piece of wood, metal....

Let's think about the man and how to thanks and rememeber him and his legacy

Edited by - Aitor on 04/02/2012 07:51:21

Barretone - Posted - 04/02/2012:  08:04:27

OK, now I'll opine to my own question. First, for those offended by the inquiry, no harm intended. By the number of responses, the future of Earl's granada is on a lot of minds. And it should be. We loved Earl's playing, his contribution to the music -- and that banjo. I hope the rumors that the instrument will remain in a player's hands are true. Look, these banjos do not naturally rot. If well cared for, they will last for hundreds of years. For a lesson on this, look to the famous Italian violins -- they are 350 years old and counting AND still being played. They carry the names of the famous players/owners who used them before: Paganini, Ole Bull, Lady Tennant, Huberman, etc. It should be the same with the great flathead mastertones like Earl's. Who will have the honor of playing the Scruggs Granada? I don't know but it will be a thrill to find out -- and hear that instrument make great music for generations to come.

Randy

quote:

---

Originally posted by stelling58

I was reluctant to comment, but just to try and ease everyones mind, I have been told by a close friend of Earls that THE banjo will REMAIN in good hands for years to come. Eventually, I'm sure that the details of this will become public knowledge. As for now, I suggest we concentrate more on Earl and what he has done for all of our lives than worrying about what will be come of his earthly possessions.

-MPT

---

Bruce4501 - Posted - 04/02/2012:  08:35:47

Personally..................I think the topic is a bit untimely, but if it had to go anywhere, the Country Music Hall of Fame alongside Lester's D-28 would be a fitting tribute.

HOPEFULLY, for now, it will be a source of comfort for Gary and Randy having it to remember their father.

o2playlikeEarl - Posted - 04/02/2012:  15:03:32

I hope they donate it to the Country Music hall of Fame and place it with Munroe's mandoline and Flatt's D28.

bigmr_clean - Posted - 04/03/2012:  06:30:04

You people get a life. "What will happen to Earls banjo" REALLY?? How about let's pray for Randy and Gary and the rest of his family. Just like when someone loses a family member and people start fighting over the will. The sound that came out of his 34' Granada is the God Almighty right now. Reading crap like this is just sickening and pisses me off. People have no respect or morals anymore.

banjostan - Posted - 04/03/2012:  14:08:28

Mike that is well said.

Sarge1201 - Posted - 04/03/2012:  14:37:53

quote:

---

Originally posted by bigmr_clean

You people get a life. "What will happen to Earls banjo" REALLY?? How about let's pray for Randy and Gary and the rest of his family. Just like when someone loses a family member and people start fighting over the will. The sound that came out of his 34' Granada is the God Almighty right now. Reading crap like this is just sickening and pisses me off. People have no respect or morals anymore.

---

 Lighten up Francis. (and everyone else who is intent on being insulted)  Nobody here is trying to "divide up Earl's property".  Just wonderin' where it might end up and hoping it is well-loved.  No impropriety involved.

drew-gurbach - Posted - 04/03/2012:  15:09:56

quote:

---

Originally posted by Barretone

Look, these banjos do not naturally rot. If well cared for, they will last for hundreds of years.

Randy

---

A friend of mine works at the Rock and Roll HOF and Museum.  He regularly gets in artifacts that he cares for and displays.  He told me he got a couple Elvis Presley guitars and was actually in charge of tuning (yes, tuning) them and preparing them for display.  He even got to play them to insure they were properly tuned.  Again: Tuned JUST to be displayed.  Now that’s care!

jbkirby - Posted - 04/03/2012:  16:03:47

quote:

---

Originally posted by mikehalloran

>Personally, I suspect it will end up in the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, but if not, then whatever Earl had in mind will suit me just fine.<

​It will be in very good company there. Probably better than the Smithsonian.

---

 I hope it does not find its way to the Smithsonian as they tend to rotate items for display and much of what they have is in storage out of sight. The Country Music Hall of Fame would cherish this instrument as it should be.

rstevens - Posted - 04/03/2012:  16:16:43

Why wouldn't  it be the center piece at the new Earl Scruggs Center in Shelby?

DHutchens - Posted - 04/03/2012:  16:41:55

Ok, I've already told you how tasteless this thread it....

If Earl's Will isn't broken the banjo will go to some people who gave him a new life within a few months of Louise's passing....until about 3  years ago, when he was taken from his friends and basically put under "House Arrest"..........

I won't mention any names, but they are folks on the hangout who gave Earl the greatest gift that anyone could give......their time..... Its a __mn shame that his kids didn't do it........and they got mad as __ll when others did......

Some who watched to see that he got his medications, some that saw that he ate at the right times of the day and then took him around "Town" and around the countryside and to their homes to get something he did not get in the "Mansion"....Tender Loving Care....

Evidently the "Scruggs Machine" did not care for their father....but these folks did and in time it will be documented in the eons of time....

I for one got "Damn tired or listening to the "boys" and their medicore music  to hear a little bit or Earl".  and you can quote me on that..............

I knew Earl and Louise well from the late 80's until the mid 90's and and would have loved to do some things....that he did later on with him....But by then I was out of the loop.....

CurtissWhite - Posted - 04/03/2012:  16:57:53

The banjo ........ OK, whatever. I'd love to put his picks on my "fangers" for just a few minutes.

DHutchens - Posted - 04/03/2012:  17:04:55

Don't say that too loud: White....the "Scruggs Machine" might have a set up at "selected locations:" where you can play the banjo for 50 second's for $50.00.....

But damn kid...learn to spell...Lester and Earl almost didn't do the "Hillbillies" for idiotic stuff like mispelling and making fun of "Country People"....

If you have not figured it out yet...I have little.....No  "No Respect" for the "New Scruggs Machine".....  I loved Earl but his kids evidently drank bad water..after a flood...

Doug

TNCowboy - Posted - 04/03/2012:  17:54:02

While I think that Earl's Granada is certainly legendary this topic reminds me of an old story that may prove worth the telling.

During the age of the Knights and such there was a Knight of particular valor and conquests. He was approached by a young wanna be who asked to examine the sword that had won so many battles. After examining the weapon, the young'un disappointedly said "I see nothing special about this weapon"  to which the Knight said "that is because you have not examined the arm that wields it"

Nuff said.......

Michael

NCjones - Posted - 04/03/2012:  18:15:24

LOVE IT.  That story is awesome.

quote:

---

Originally posted by TNCowboy

While I think that Earl's Granada is certainly legendary this topic reminds me of an old story that may prove worth the telling.

During the age of the Knights and such there was a Knight of particular valor and conquests. He was approached by a young wanna be who asked to examine the sword that had won so many battles. After examining the weapon, the young'un disappointedly said "I see nothing special about this weapon"  to which the Knight said "that is because you have not examined the arm that wields it"

Nuff said.......

Michael

---

dmiller - Posted - 04/03/2012:  19:07:01

quote:

---

Originally posted by Sheldon

One question:

How much did Bill's mandolin sell for??



Sheldon

---

James Monroe (Bill's son) was asking $1.125 million for it.

I  THINK it's in the Country Music Hall of Fame.  Not sure.

How it got there has a "checkered past".  Others here could

probably tell the whole story with details.  

Edited by - dmiller on 04/03/2012 19:19:08

Lou Bourbon - Posted - 04/04/2012:  12:47:18

I'm gonna go out on a limb and guess that Earl was quite happy the banjo didn't end up in a museum as a tribute to either Don Reno or Snuffy Jenkins. The greatest things Earl gave us were his music, forever imprinted on vinyl and stored as a digital medium, and his method.

I like what was said earlier by another poster...Without Earl picking it...it's just another (incredibly rare) banjo.

Earl's legacy lives in all of us...not some banjo.

Hope someone is pickin on it right now!
Lou

BanjoDiva - Posted - 04/04/2012:  15:17:07

quote:

---

Originally posted by dmiller

quote:

---

Originally posted by Sheldon

One question:

How much did Bill's mandolin sell for??



Sheldon

---

James Monroe (Bill's son) was asking $1.125 million for it.

I  THINK it's in the Country Music Hall of Fame.  Not sure.

How it got there has a "checkered past".  Others here could

probably tell the whole story with details.  

---

 David, you are correct, Monroe's Loar is in the CMHOF.

barbbanjo - Posted - 04/04/2012:  17:11:58

After watching family members pass away and what ensues, I don't think this question is out of line. We all wonder about the banjo Earl played because we all loved him and his music so much. I'm sure that he took care of all this in his will and I say a special "thank you" to his family for keeping his banjo safe and for doing with it what Earl wanted. I would imagine that at this time, having his banjo with them might bring them a great deal of comfort. When my Mama passed away she left so few belongings and none of which she was attached to. Her death came suddenly and after about a week, I was cleaning out her nightstand. In the corners of the drawer were little bits of her hair that must have come from her comb. I carefully put them together and saved them in a little baggy. I wish I had something she loved like Earl's family have his banjo. Surely it is comforting to them and they must feel his soul in it. God bless them for doing with it what he wanted. And perhaps someday they will share it with the rest of us.

FriendOfTheScruggs - Posted - 04/04/2012:  18:53:19

Its natural that people are curious about what will happen with Earl's iconic instrument, but let's not use this topic as an excuse to post bitter and hateful comments about the Scruggs family. I don't understand the need to attack Earl's children at a time like this. It's tasteless and cruel and in my opinion reflects very poorly on the poster. We should be celebrating Earl's life, not using his death as an excuse to attack his family.

Tim13 - Posted - 04/04/2012:  19:33:22

Truthfully, it would feel very strange taking possession of that banjo.  It is such an iconic instrument, and has such a prominent place in BG history, that having anyone other than Earl owning/playing it seems strange.  There are plenty of pre-war Gibson originals, and conversions out there for people to own and play.  If Earl's goes into a museum for all to see and admire, then that's not a big loss in my eyes.

As far as the family issue goes, it seems like more than one person is describing the same situation.  One person can be written off as an ax grinder, but when multiple people start relating similar experiences, there's usually some truth to it.  At this point though, members who have been active here, cultivated reputations, and who knew Earl, carry more weight than someone who has been around for two days, and claims special knowledge.  At least that's the case as I see it.

Tim

Edited by - Tim13 on 04/04/2012 19:34:55

lethegoodtimesroll - Posted - 04/04/2012:  22:54:32

I hope one of the Scrugg's will continue to pick it..Randy is a good Banjo picker.

RB3WREATH - Posted - 04/05/2012:  02:49:34

RB3WREATH - Posted - 04/05/2012:  02:52:23

This has all seemed so silly. Is there any question of what should have happened to Don Reno's banjo Don Wayne has it and plays it every day stop worrying about this he has kids who play

Joe

steve davis - Posted - 04/05/2012:  04:46:18

None of my business.

beegee - Posted - 04/05/2012:  05:08:38

quote:

---

Originally posted by steve davis

None of my business.

---

Mine either. I don't have a dog in this fight and nobody else does either. No different than who gets Earl's car or neckties.

JoeZ - Posted - 04/05/2012:  06:00:56

While none of us has ANY say in where or to whom it will go, all of us have a right to our own thoughts about whether we wish it would be displayed in the CMHOF next to THE mandolin, and Lester Flatt's guitar. I'd love to see it there, and Mr. Rainwater's bass and the Chubby Wise fiddle in there, too. That's a personal wish, not an opinion or suggestion. There really is something almost spiritual about being there in the museum and seeing them just a few feet away from you - Monroe's mandolin and Flatt's guitar. And I'm not usually that way. I don't need to hear anyone else play them. Whenever I see them I can hear their owners playing them, and always will be able to do that.

I knew nothing of the family issues some of you have been alluding to in this thread. I suppose there is a Will, and I suppose it will have something to say about the destiny of that banjo. I'm just expressing my personal wish. That's all. If anything, perhaps it is in some small way honoring Earl Scruggs' legacy to express such a wish. Many of us have done so. What's wrong with that?

Bruce4501 - Posted - 04/05/2012:  06:43:37

I do agree that it was GOD first then Earl that made the music we all love to hear. (Though the tool used to make the music was important too in the overall package)

To prove this, and to help lighten up this thread a bit, here is a clip "the Banjo" NOT sounding anything like we are used to hearing!!
youtube.com/watch?v=VDm_u96GsoM

I just hope, that where ever "the banjo" ends up, it will be appreciated and it will ALWAYS remind us of Mr Scruggs, his genius, and the gift he shared with ALL of us.
R.I.P. Earl!

OSCAR82AA - Posted - 04/05/2012:  08:44:53

quote:

---

Originally posted by steve davis

None of my business.

---

 Mine Niether ,  Let the man rest in peace people.  So much talk on here about things we know nothing about.

Polle Flaunoe - Posted - 04/05/2012:  09:01:39

"The Dance Around The Golden Calf"

Have any of you by the way noticed, that Barney McKenna - the Godfather of Irish Style banjo playing - far more important than Earl in a global sense/context - has also left Planet Earth lately?

Will his banjos get the same interest?

So who´s next?  Me and my B&D Silver Bell Ne Plus Ultra´s?

Polle

Robxx - Posted - 04/05/2012:  09:32:07

Thank you Polle for telling us about Barney, Another banjo legend gone. He was one of my heroes, as were the Dubliners as a band. I'm very sad to hear of his passing, but also very glad that I got to see him live on various occasions.

Rob

Robxx - Posted - 04/05/2012:  10:41:24

quote:

---

Originally posted by Robxx



youtube.com/watch?v=Scawc6Q9heI

 

---

BanjoDiva - Posted - 04/05/2012:  10:41:53

Just as an FYI:

A few folks earlier in this thread (I don't know who because I'm not bothering to comb back through it) mentioned Chris Scruggs, Earl's grandson, as being the desirable heir apparent. I think this interview with Chris is quite enlightening:

nashvillescene.com/nashvillecr...interview

In it, he indicates that he doesn't play the banjo. Further, he had this to say about his father (Gary Scruggs) and his grandfather:

NC: What's your relationship with your father's side of the family?

CS: My parents split before I was born and my father chose to have nothing to do with me growing up, but I recently met my grandfather, Earl Scruggs, for the first time at a pickin' party that was the day after his birthday and I didn't know what that was gonna be like, because I'd never met the guy. We had a really nice hour-long conversation about music and traveling, and the thing turned into a big pickin' party and we played music together for about an hour. That was really something big for me, really something special. Because people will -- on a daily basis -- say, "How's Earl?" and I've just always said "Well, he's still playin'," and not had much more to say. It always did put me a little bit on edge, but now that I've met him and we had this really wonderful evening, it's kind of made peace with a lot of things for me, so everything is good now.

 

I don't have an opinion about what happens to Earl's banjo, but based on this interview I doubt that Chris is going to be the recipient.

Robxx - Posted - 04/05/2012:  10:46:08

I'll try again, video of Barney McKenna another banjo legend who died today. Here he is about ten years ago playing his CE paragon.

youtube.com/watch?v=Scawc6Q9heI

Edited by - Robxx on 04/05/2012 10:49:55

Bruce4501 - Posted - 04/05/2012:  10:52:02

Thanks Diva,
Very interesting article.
Bruce

From Greylock to Bean Blossom - Posted - 04/05/2012:  10:52:55

Rob,

Might I suggest that Mr. McKenna rates a thread of his own?

Respectfully,

Ken

owlcreekdan - Posted - 04/05/2012:  11:02:49

i think it would be an awesome thing for the banjo to be played by the greats in the bluegrass field today such as ronnie stewart,jd crowe,sammy shelor, kenny ingram & others. a great banjo needs to be played with ownership staying with the scruggs family.

Robxx - Posted - 04/05/2012:  11:19:05

quote:

---

Originally posted by From Greylock to Bean Blossom

Rob,

Might I suggest that Mr. McKenna rates a thread of his own?

Respectfully,

Ken

---

Yes Ken you are absolutely right he does, I shall on to it right now.

Cheers

Rob