Banjo Hangout Forum Feed

What makes a difference?

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 9 Feb 2012 08:13:02 CST

Hi! I am just starting and have a Washburn B9, 5 sting. I'm wondering if I could make any changes to it to get a more "bluegrass" "old-timey" sound out of it...should it have a brass tone ring, is the bridge it comes with fine, strings etc...or should I just leave the darned thing alone and focus on playing...see I like to tinker.....

Swampuh

Getting the left hand to work with the right

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 9 Feb 2012 07:55:34 CST

Anyone else having similar problems getting the left hand in sync withe the right? I know the basic chords. When I try to change chords let's say while doing rolls, I automatically stop while trying to finger the chords. Any advice? Scotty

Red River Valley (CH video)

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 9 Feb 2012 07:42:38 CST

Forgive me but the inner cowboy came out this morning. This song has long been associated with the Old West, although it may have originated in Canada or even Pennsylvania. Well, it sounds cowboy to me, which is why I donned the hat.

Some historians believe the banjo was played by cowboys in the Old West more so than the guitar. But we think of the singing cowboy as playing his guitar and singing to cows. I have no cows to sing to, so you must endure.

Where is Travis when I need him?

Question about a Recorded Group Workshop

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 9 Feb 2012 07:37:00 CST

~ Note: I had initially emailed this issue to Eric, but today, clicking around the site, I realized that he prefers these issues posted here ~

So here it is:

I bought and downloaded the following recorded group workshop:

Fred Sokolow - "Fretboard Roadmaps for Banjo"
Recorded March 5, 2011 | Length: 1.5 hours+

http://www.banjohangout.org/lessons/workshops/buy-recordings.asp

The downloaded FLV file is only 58 minutes, however, and it appears to cut off right in the middle of Fred speaking. If there is another 30 minutes, I'd be interested in seeing it. Or is that even possible? If an hour is in fact the actual length, then maybe the advertised length should be changed. I wonder if someone else saw it and recorded it and can tell me the the actual length....

Thanks for any insight. And thank you, Eric, for making these Workshops available for people like me... They are great!

Man Bags

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 9 Feb 2012 07:34:39 CST

Ok, I like to think I really don't give a crud what people might think, but I would like to carry a small bag on travel, or in the field. I have a day pack when needing to carry quite a bit of gear, I have a messenger/laptop bag for carrying that type of stuff, but I would like a smaller bag for travel that has a long strap, and looks "rucksacky," or Ok I will say it-manly. I used to carry a large old camera bag, and one time a fanny pack. This would be for, say to throw in small camera, phone, keys, notepad or Ipad, and other misc. to keep from stuffing every pocket of my pants.

Do you ever carry a man-bag? Here is one I am looking at, From Filson Outdoor Clothing, made of heavy rough waxed cotton twill:

how is your banjo tuned for "Shady Grove"?

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 9 Feb 2012 07:14:39 CST

How is your banjo tuned for "Shady Grove"?

Bluechip Picks on the banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 9 Feb 2012 07:09:47 CST

I am quite new on the plectrum banjo. As a confirmed mandolin player, I use 3 rounded corners Bluechip picks on my mandolin. On the Bluechip site, I remarked that Cynthia Sayer uses them. As those picks are quite expensive, is it also nice for plectrum or tenor, and what type of pick do you recommend ?

Maybe what other type of pick do you recommend as a starting point ? By advance, Thanks

Incidental music for theatrical production

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 9 Feb 2012 07:01:47 CST

Hi folks,

I just uploaded 9 pieces I'm doing for a theatrical production of Yasmina Reza's play ART. This is music that I'll be performing (solo) in the background at various points in the play. Very challenging because you have to keep track of the script and your music (score) at the same time, plus take the volume up/down behind the dialogue, etc. But fun! Played on either a Deering 17-fret Little Wonder or a Deering Basic plectrum, both tuned plectrum CGBD. Recorded direct into a Zoom H1 in my living room, a tiny bit of Gverb added in Audacity but no other EQ, effects, etc. No edits generally, except a couple of pieces have one edit (inaudible thanks to Audacity) because I forgot where I was! Comments and criticism gratefully accepted

In other news, there was a thread some time ago about plectrum method books. I came back to banjo (from guitar) 2-3 years ago and have been pretty serious about plectrum since about last summer. I worked through Wm. C. Stahl's "New Method for Plectrum Banjo" (1920) twice, and found it useful, but then I started Arthur W. Black's "A Practical Plectrum Method for the Standard Banjo" (1919), and that's a whole other ball game. I'm 1/2-way through it now. It (Black) is much denser, and I think generally more advanced, than Stahl. By sheer luck the order I used -- Stahl-then-Black -- is what I would recommend to others. Also I think the music in Black is better and more sophisticated generally. Not that there's anything wrong with Stahl! They're both good, and both can be downloaded from Internet sources (I believe they are out of print, with no known rights holders).

Thanks again to everyone for all of the useful information I continue to glean from BHO!

Another Gas Can Banjo Build

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 9 Feb 2012 06:58:40 CST

All my friends and family loved the gas can banjo I built...they all said I should try to sell them. I pretty much knew I wouldn't be able to sell one for what it cost to make it but I was itchin to make another one and used it as an excuse(to my wife) to buy the stuff to build it. After I finished it I listed it on Ebay and it got alot of watchers but no bidders. I call it the "Texajo"

Why don't you tell me so

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 9 Feb 2012 05:55:58 CST

This a short Ron Stewart version.....I've always loved his version of it....my poor attempt.....sorry Ron..

"Gentle on My Mind" George Hickerson, Ronnie & Emily Collins, Shine Wilbour

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 9 Feb 2012 05:40:40 CST

Miss you Ronnie. Get well soon!

Block Rim segment pattern guide

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 9 Feb 2012 05:39:42 CST

My guide for cutting block rim segments to correct size is available at my website (HERE) as a free downloadable PDF that prints out full size segment patterns for 11" and 12" rims in either 5/8" or 3/4" wall thickness, and 8, 12, or 16 segments per layer. The image shown here can be used to read the dimensions if you zoom in, but the printable PDF is MUCH easier to use!

Would...you ..beleave...that...

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 9 Feb 2012 05:37:02 CST

I was informed.....by tha dynahmite store guys...yesterday..

That I ....require....ah ...special permit...no joke..

FOR........tha ...Paper Bag !!.......... That ...ANFO....comes.in...?!

It is tha same kindah bag...that...some of yer dawg food comes in...

Thay call 'em ah ...zipper bag.

Tha one whid tha string....that ya pull..

Just can't make this..."stuff"....... up..

Goin’ to see “Remington Ryde”!

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 9 Feb 2012 05:27:43 CST

Here in my part of Ontario Canada we don’t get too many bluegrass bands coming into town, but Remington Ryde is coming. I’ve heard they are pretty good. Has anybody else here seen them? Are they good?

-Joe

Honey You Don't Know My Mind

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 9 Feb 2012 05:18:00 CST

Here is my 30 second attempt at a break for "Honey, You Don't Know My Mind." It was played on my Hatfield Buck Creek and recorded with my Iphone.

http://www.hangoutstorage.com/jukebox.asp?site=Banjo+Hangout&URL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Ebanjohangout%2Eorg%2Fmyhangout%2Fmedia%2Dplayer%2Faudio%5Fplayer%2Easp%3Fisjukebox%3Dno%26musicID%3D25302

Congress: Instruments allowed as airline carry-ons

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 9 Feb 2012 05:11:27 CST

Click here for the article.

I.O.U..........U.O.ME....

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 9 Feb 2012 04:31:59 CST

We're....ah ...disfun-ton-al.......soci-itty...

THE CAR RADIO, AN INTERESTING STORY

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 9 Feb 2012 04:21:45 CST

My uncle Gregg worked at Motorla in Phoenix Arizona. He sent me this and I thought it was interesting and wanted to share it with you.

Randy

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SUNDOWN

One evening in 1929 two young men named William Lear and Elmer Wavering drove their girlfriends to a lookout point high above the Mississippi River town of Quincy, Illinois, to watch the sunset. It was a romantic night to be sure, but one of the women observed that it would be even nicer if they could listen to music in the car.

Lear and Wavering liked the idea. Both men had tinkered with radios – Lear had served as a radio operator in the U. S. Navy during World War I – and it wasn’t long before they were taking apart a home radio and trying to get it to work in a car. But it wasn’t as easy as it sounds: automobiles have ignition switches, generators, spark plugs, and other electrical equipment that generate noisy static interference, making it nearly impossible to listen to the radio when the engine was running.

SIGNING ON

One by one, Lear and Wavering identified and eliminated each source of electrical interference. When they finally got their radio to work, they took it to a radio convention in Chicago. There they met Paul Galvin, owner of Galvin Manufacturing Corporation. He made a product called a “battery eliminator” a device that allowed battery-powered radios to run on household AC current. But as more homes were wired for electricity, more radio manufacturers made AC-powered radios. Galvin needed a new product to manufacture. When he met Lear and Wavering at the radio convention, he found it. He believed that mass-produced, affordable car radios had the potential to become a huge business.

Lear and Wavering set up shop in Galvin’s factory, and when they perfected their first radio, they installed it in his Studebaker. Then Galvin went to a local banker to apply for a loan. Thinking it might sweeten the deal, he had his men install a radio in the banker’s Packard. Good idea, but it didn’t work – half an hour after the installation, the banker’s Packard caught on fire. (They didn’t get the loan.)

Galvin didn’t give up. He drove his Studebaker nearly 800 miles to Atlantic City to show off the radio at the 1930 Radio Manufacturers Association convention. Too broke to afford a booth, he parked the car outside the convention hall and cranked up the radio so that passing conventioneers could hear it. That idea worked – he got enough orders to put the radio into production.

WHAT’S IN A NAME

That first production model was called the 5T71. Galvin decided he needed to come up with something a little catchier. In those days many companies in the phonograph and radio businesses used the suffix “ola” for their names – Radiola, Columbiola, and Victrola were three of the biggest. Galvin decided to do the same thing, and since his radio was intended for use in a motor vehicle, he decided to call it the Motorola.

But even with the name change, the radio still had problems:

When Motorola went on sale in 1930, it cost about $110 uninstalled, at a time when you could buy a brand-new car for $650, and the country was sliding into the Great Depression. (By that measure, a radio for a new car would cost about $3,000 today.)

In 1930 it took two men several days to put in a car radio – the dashboard had to be taken apart so that the receiver and a single speaker could be installed, and the ceiling had to be cut open to install the antenna. These early radios ran on their own batteries, not on the car battery, so holes had to be cut into the floorboard to accommodate them. The installation manual had eight complete diagrams and 28 pages of instructions.

HIT THE ROAD

Selling complicated car radios that cost 20 percent of the price of a brand-new car wouldn’t have been easy in the best of times, let alone during the Great Depression – Galvin lost money in 1930 and struggled for a couple of years after that. But things picked up in 1933 when Ford began offering Motorolas pre-installed at the factory. In 1934 they got another boost when Galvin struck a deal with B. F. Goodrich tire company to sell and install them in its chain of tire stores. By then the price of the radio, installation included, had dropped to $55. The Motorola car radio was off and running. (The name of the company would be officially changed from Galvin Manufacturing to “Motorola” in 1947.)

In the meantime, Galvin continued to develop new uses for car radios. In 1936, the same year that it introduced push-button tuning, it also introduced the Motorola Police Cruiser, a standard car radio that was factory preset to a single frequency to pick up police broadcasts. In 1940 he developed with the first handheld two-way radio – the Handie-Talkie – for the U. S. Army.

A lot of the communications technologies that we take for granted today were born in Motorola labs in the years that followed World War II. In 1947 they came out with the first television to sell under $200. In 1956 the company introduced the world’s first pager; in 1969 it supplied the radio and television equipment that was used to televise Neil Armstrong’s first steps on the Moon. In 1973 it invented the world’s first handheld cellular phone. Today Motorola is one of the second-largest cell phone manufacturer in the world. And it all started with the car radio.

WHATEVER HAPPENED TO….

The two men who installed the first radio in Paul Galvin’s car, Elmer Wavering and William Lear, ended up taking very different paths in life. Wavering stayed with Motorola. In the 1950’s he helped change the automobile experience again when he developed the first automotive alternator, replacing inefficient and unreliable generators. The invention lead to such luxuries as power windows, power seats, and, eventually, air-conditioning.

Lear also continued inventing. He holds more than 150 patents. Remember eight-track tape players? Lear invented that. But what he’s really famous for are his contributions to the field of aviation. He invented radio direction finders for planes, aided in the invention of the autopilot, designed the first fully automatic aircraft landing system, and in 1963 introduced his most famous invention of all, the Lear Jet, the world’s first mass-produced, affordable business jet. (Not bad for a guy who dropped out of school after the eighth grade.)

Banjo head tension / same for OT banjo as Bluegrass Banjo?

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 9 Feb 2012 04:19:46 CST

Hey guys...I have been reading about all this talk about tightening and tap tuning banjo heads to "G" or "G#" My question is "does it really matter and make a difference?" Is the approach different between a bluegrass banjo as opposed to an OT banjo? Shouldnt an OT banjo head be a bit looser for optimum plunkyness or is all of this a matter of personal taste?

bluegrass jams

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 9 Feb 2012 03:55:14 CST

I am looking for bluegrass jams to attend near Fayetteville, NC. I attend jams weekly but am looking for more. If you have any information for me, please reply or email me directly at: scottiebeardsley@yahoo.com

Will suppliers hold onto Snuffy Smith bridges or sell them?

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 9 Feb 2012 03:16:19 CST

I suspect there's already been a run on people buying up the remaining stock of SS bridges - or will the suppliers hang on to them? Any ideas?

I think Snuffy would want them to be sold to people wanting them. But I can see the suppliers wanting to hang on to them for a while at least. They sure were good bridges.

Sledd Ride (live gig)

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 9 Feb 2012 03:10:48 CST

Wes Wyatt Band. This was our live rendition of this well-known tune by Dale Sledd and Sonny Osborne.

Sorry about the slight tuning issue with the banjo. It is what it is. This was recorded live before a very enthusiastic, dancing crowd. For what it is, there is a lot of energy that was captured in this recording.

Recorded at a live gig 8/7/09. Wes Watt (guitar) Frank Eastes (banjo) Bob Hinch (dobro) and Carroll Foster (bass). Thanks to the Country Jam, Blacksburg, SC for this recording. I still pick with Wes but this group has since disbanded...

I never knew how to properly end this tune, so I came up with just repeating the Am D G part an extra time, and there ya go!

I hope you enjoy.

Hydraulic Fracturing....what are the short/long-term effects???

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 9 Feb 2012 03:05:47 CST

I watched this documentary and posted it here because like many of us here on the BHO,,,the maker of this film is a banjo player. It gives the story of simple people in Pennsylvania that have been directly effected by the "local" hydro-fracking pump(s) near their area.and other areas that have allowed hydro-fracking...please give it a "look-see" and then post your thoughts, if you would, trying not to be political in your posts. I would like to expose the possibilities instead of covering the facts...

here's the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTYaNWskXtE

A tuner that lasts ?

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 9 Feb 2012 02:52:18 CST

My tuner, a FZone FT 77, only lasts about 2 weeks. I tune the banjo no more than once or twice a week and always switch it off. It never lasts more than 2 weeks. Is this normal ?

Easy Money! (Not)... A Warning for Receiving Odd P.M.s to BHO address...

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 9 Feb 2012 02:35:25 CST

Check this out... just came in a few minutes ago...

* * *

	Report to Moderator

From: makosi [8562022@mail.ru]	Sent: Thu 2/9/2012 2:23 AM
To: banjotom2
Subject: Attn:Tom Arri

Attn:Tom Arri I am Barrister Makarucha,personal attorney to late Engr.M.Arri,a national of your country, who died as a result of an industrial accident in his energy & gas explosion company. Since then I have made several enquiries to your embassy to locate any of my clients extended relatives, this has also proved unsuccessful. After these several unsuccessful attempts, I decided to track his last name on net, to locate any Member of his family.Hence I contacted you. I have contacted you to assist in repatriating theassets and Capital valued at US$11.6 million left behind by my client before they get confiscated or declared unserviceable by the management of the Finance/security company, where these huge deposits were lodged declared as Family treasures of Gold Jewelry and personal precious effects. The said finance/security company,has issued me a notice to provide the next of Kin or have the Consignment confiscated within the next seven Official working days. Since I have been unsuccessful in locating the relatives for over a year now, I seek the consent to present you as the Next of kin to the deceased since you have the same last names, so that this funds could be released to you as wished.Therefore, on receipt of your positive response, I will make all necessary information known to you, including the name of the finance company security and modes to the repatriation of this fund. I have all necessary information andlegal documents needed to back you up for claim. Kindly get in touch with me through this email address: makaruchaconsultants@lawyer.com for more details information. May his fragile soul rest in perfect peace, Yours Sincerely Makarucha

Close Window

Left Handed Clawhammer Banjo by an American folk music Icon...

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 9 Feb 2012 01:48:41 CST

Check this out...

Notice the position of the 5th string peg in the video...

This is Elizabeth Cotten, the lady who wrote "Freight Train"...

Elizabeth is also playing 2 finger style...

Upside down and backwards!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IobSpMzmjQY

Tom

www.banjotom2.com

Any Hope For A Leftie?

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 9 Feb 2012 00:55:48 CST

Hi,

I'm a leftie that plays a right handed banjo. I know it's been done before, and I haven't seen many, but I've only seen two finger picking.

Is there any hope that I could actually play anything that resembles clawhammer?

I currently frail with my index finger (bum) and use my middle finger to strum/play another note then pull up on the fifth string (ditty).

Double thumbing is a weird one for me but I think if I incorporate my thumb on the 1st string I might get something that resembles it eventually.

Polly.

Banjo Calendar

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 9 Feb 2012 00:41:39 CST

I have been searching for a banjo calendar with no luck. I would particularly like one with girl banjo pickers. Has anyone found one yet.

Bill.O
http://www.motleyminstrels.co.uk
http://www.elohim-ufogods.co.uk

Good Thursday Morning

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 9 Feb 2012 00:19:02 CST

Good morning from cold and snowy Sweden.

Local banjo friends?

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 9 Feb 2012 00:12:39 CST

How would I go about finding friends to learn how to play the banjo with, jam with, teach me, etc...

I've tried craigslist in the Platonic section a couple of times but had no luck. I'm very new to the instrument, only been at it for a month now, and it's my first instrument I've ever picked up, at the ripening age of 29. They say age makes things harder, and this may be so, I wouldn't be surprised if I'm picking it up slower than usual (but am enjoying my slow progress either way), but I digress...

Anyone have any helpful ideas for me? Maybe stroll through downtown with my banjo on a decently nice day & hope I run into someone else who's just beginning & wants to learn with me?

One of my best friends plays electric guitar, acoustic guitar, mandolin & ukelele, we've hung out & played together a couple of times, but it's always just screwing around & I'm seriously trying hard to learn how to play & play right & play well, so that isn't helping me too much.

Any ideas? Any help?

Help! Suicidal buzz blues

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 8 Feb 2012 23:05:13 CST

I purchased a new Stelling last year. during my first year of ownership the banjo simply refused to stay set up for more than a few weeks at time, regardless if it left my house or if the humidity levels changed, etc. The neck seems to move constantly. It rarely feels the same from week to week.

The big problem I have is buzzing on the fourth string, (the low "D") in the area of the fifth to seventh fret, namely at the seventh fret. It doesn't matter how much relief I give the neck, (the stelling ststem calls for .027'' , almost twice the relief many others use - often .015") . I have tried everything from not enough bow to simply too much. always the same eventual buzzing, sometimes loosening the truss rod just makes the buzz worse, even when I am at accepted settings of relief, action etc.

It doesn't seem to matter if the strings are high enough or not, any variable string height eventually yields the buzz. Generally I try to keep them where Geoff prefers, at 8/64'' at the 12th and 9/64" at the 22nd. They are lower than that this week- about 6/64 @ 12th and 7/64 @ 22nd- i took out most of the relief because the banjo was buzzing at the seventh, felt really weird to play, and would not stay in tune. That adjustment lowered the strings.

Unfortunately, no adjustment keeps it from eventually buzzing on the seventh fret after enough playing.

Oh --and the fret is not high. They have been recently dressed. the head is not loose, I use a drum dial. the tailpiece is adjusted properly.

I mailed the banjo to Stelling and he was cool and polite about it, but said he flat out could not hear the buzz. He gave me a free, slightly taller bridge and sent the banjo back.

the new bridge, up from the standard stelling 5/8" to 11/16'' seemed to just barely keep the thing from buzzing. Two, three weeks later it returned to buzzing ( I assure you it bloody well does!) at the seventh and I cannot reproduce the setup that kept the buzz at bay.

Should I shim the neck? get a 3/4'' bridge? burn this banjo? Kill myself? What is going on?

P.S there is one thing I sometimes suspect- the fret board has never quite met flush with the stretcher band ( to my chagrin for the price tag of this thing) . on one side there has always been just a small gap and no amount of adjusting can make it meet exactly flush. could this be the source of my phantom buzz?

Any Ideas are appreciated-Thanks

Shaun

Gibson original 70's to 80's pancake tuners mint

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 8 Feb 2012 21:59:50 CST

Gibson original pancake tuner's from the 70's are 80's mint condition.

see banjo parts classifieds

http://www.banjohangout.org/classified/26728

Play Counts ?

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 8 Feb 2012 21:50:40 CST

Tryed this question over there under the music theory topic but didn't get a reply, so let me try it here under a new topic,

Wanted to ask you good folks a question about playing counts, and what do they mean? I just today began working with BIAB and here's all these wonderful back up tracts with such a variation of different play counts from 22 - 300 !! Some higher than that, some lower; what in the world do they represent? I have all these wonderful back up tracts from "beckboys" site http://www.banjohangout.org/myhangout/music.asp?ID=52855 but haven't a clue how to read these let alone play with them.

Would some one give me a quick little tip in music theory, on how to play with BiAB. if this is part of what I need to learn, if it's related to music theory.

Sure hope so. Got this super nice Maple Blossom now with a Tony Pass Rim and I want to play it like everything.Thank You.

Butcg B,

Gibson (?) on eBay?

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 8 Feb 2012 20:54:07 CST

Something's not right about this. Could it be the label is upside down???

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Gibson-Mastertone-Banjo-Hardshell-Case-/160732280751?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item256c63f7af

vega question

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 8 Feb 2012 19:52:07 CST

What would be the maximum amount of value for either a galaxy made vega or a vega knockoff. Its in good shape, Im pretty sure theres no tone ring, no case, but it is very heavy. It could possibly be a real vega but I havent seen the model ANYWHERE. Simple dots, single rod on the inside and its a 5 string resonator. I am going to make the purchase tomorrow for $250 or trade for an old epiphone with its OHSC and I just want to make sure I get teh good end of the deal. It looks 70s to me. So please fellow pickers, help me out on this mystery vega! Thank you.

grover pancake tuners

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 8 Feb 2012 19:50:26 CST

look in classifieds.

Question about a drinking water pump,,,,,,,,,,,

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 8 Feb 2012 19:17:51 CST

The reason I didn't say well pump is because thing pumps water from a concrete tank up a hill approximately 200 feet on about a 45 degree angle into a small maybe 10 Gallon tank with a pressure switch on it then into our trailer. I'm guessing the supply line is 3/4", not more than an inch.

I was wondering if a large 24 foot swimming pool pump would do that?

Because we have one that is not being used and I'd hate to buy a new sub pump if that one will work.

We have been using a submersible pump for years but this is the third one to go bad when a frog or lizard gets in the supply line and the water gets low I don't think the pump shuts off and if we're away or don't know it it runs continuously until it burns up. The submersible ones are near $300 for a decent one.

Just wondered if anyone ever tried a pool pump for a water pump?

When i was a kid we had a shallow well pump that worked on top ground fine.

[ I should have mentioned that we would have to put the pump up here at the top and suck the water up as at the bottom it would most likely be under water with some of the heavy rains we get.]

I'm checking pumps and it indicating that a shallow well pump can only suck water 15 -20 feet but that's talking about straight up, that's way i was wondering about the slope, it's only about 50 degrees.?

Appreciate any information.

Paul

Glad things are good at FQMS

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 8 Feb 2012 18:01:48 CST

Folks:

I called FQMS today to order some strings, and was thinking of making a trek there to check out some V35s while on my vacations week. The guy I talked to said there are none there now to play, they cannot build them fast enough. So glad that someone is doing well in this difficult economy. This shows that people are willing to spend some bucks for quality.

Names above our avatars

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 8 Feb 2012 17:55:36 CST

When did this start and is this not a privacy issue?

Well I fixed "their" wagon but now that every one knows who I am it's a little to late

Names or "Handles"

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 8 Feb 2012 17:25:29 CST

Suddenly people's posts are showing up identified with their real names rather than their "handles."

Jim

Who would cut Faux Turquoise?

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 8 Feb 2012 17:02:35 CST

I have a custom Gibson banjo in the works and using faux turquoise for all the inlay.

I have the inlays cut except I need to find someone who will cut the Gibson logo. I have the piece to cut it from, just don't have the patience!

Anyone know of someone who does this (CNC) for a fee etc.?

Leather Gig Bag

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 8 Feb 2012 16:59:22 CST

I'm thinking about getting a Reunion Blues Classic Acoustic Jazz/Western Guitar Gig Bag (255-15-34) for my 1977 Gibson Super 400. Some people tell me that my guitar will fit in that gig bag. Others say it will not. So what do you think? Will my guitar fit in that bag?

For Sale or Trade: BANJO'S/GUITARS FOR SALE/TRADE AT PALATKA FESTIVAL

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 8 Feb 2012 16:50:25 CST

We will be at the festival in Palatka, Fl and will have Martin Guitars for sale, Gibson banjo.s and an Osborne Chief with all that came with it for sale. There will be a Martin HD-28, 18V and D-45 for sale. There will be a HD-35, 1993 Gibson Rich era RB-250 and an Osborne Chief with the case, capo and strap. The 35, 250 and Chief are for sale or trade. All of these instruments are in mint condition. If interested please feel free to contact me or look for the signs we will have posted at the camper. Again these are in mint condition so only come by if you are seriously looking to buy one please.
Thanks
Jim

What Does Everyone Think of Ray Goins?

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 8 Feb 2012 16:50:02 CST

I've not heard much of his playing, although I've heard alot about him. For the ones who have heard recordings of him, what songs contain his most "standout" banjo breaks?

Banjo Murders

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 8 Feb 2012 16:42:37 CST

Someone recently posted a newspaper article on the BHO about the guy who killed his wife with two banjos. Its also been all over facebook and we were discussing it at the folk club last night.

A friend of mine writes songs. Murder ballads are his preferred genre, and I could feel his creative juices beginning to flow.

I thought it might be interesting to pool stories of murders and crimes involving banjos as weapons. I could let him have that material and see if a song comes out of it.

Your input (links, accounts etc) appreciated

Paul

PS: Some of the folk guitarists couldn't resist pointing out that simply playing the banjo constitutes an offensive act..... So I played the banjo!

Cradle strap

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 8 Feb 2012 16:34:48 CST

I have a goldtone,black leather(soft shoulder)cradle strap for sale
In great shape,hasn't been used much.$20.00 (shipping included)
might trade on something...I just don't need it.

String advice

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 8 Feb 2012 16:33:40 CST

My RK 025 Madison arrives tomorrow and I think the first thing I should buy is a spare set of strings. Assume light strings for a beginner (don't know what Elderly has put on)? Would appreciate a brief primer on strings, materials they are made of and what is best for frailing, preferred brands, anything to avoid, etc.

Gibson logo inside of banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 8 Feb 2012 16:20:58 CST

CAN anyone help me a while back a member mentioned he had some

GIBSON LABELS/ LOGOS THAT ARE INSIDE OF GIBSON BANJOS,

i contacted him and made a request for one in the meantime my computer crashed,

low and behold i received one in the mail this morning

the envelope had an address on it tml wayward calf

i googled it up but i can't seem to find it on google

i want very much to thank this gent

can any one help me thanks folks

cigar box banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 8 Feb 2012 16:20:27 CST

It's been a while since i've posted but i need some help here. I have a cigar box banjo i just built that has 7 frets on it. I measured the fret distances from an old guitar of about the same size and my bridge is at the right location, and everything sounds alright except the intonation on the low G string is way off. I don't think it would have anything to do with using a guitar scale because all the other strings are fine. what could be the problem here?

RK80 vs Deco King

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 8 Feb 2012 16:10:20 CST

Besides the appearance what is the difference in the sound and quality between the two. I know the RK-80 is has a Mahogany Resonator and the Deco King I think is maple would there be much difference in tone due to to the wood. The style I like to eventually be playing is somewhat of the JD Crowe/ Scruggs sound. Thanks