Banjo Hangout Forum Feed

Charlie Poole mentioned on NPR this week

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 7 Nov 2009 14:52:10 CST

Good ol' Charlie Poole was featured this week on National Public Radio, actually talking about a new CD by Loudon Wainright, all about Charlie. Loudon is on a "campaign" to get Charlie Poole inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. NPR split the piece into playing some Charlie Poole records, talking about his life and early death, and talking with Loudon about the mix of Charlie's songs and songs written about Charlie on the CD. The NPR announcer sounded like he knew what he was talking about concerning Charlie Poole. He especially didn't varnish Charlie's death after an astounding multi-day bender. Ah well, that sort of thing continues to this day. "Twas ever thus..." The Old Timer "This here man is such a sap, he won't hold you on his lap, unless you are an old five string banjo!" Lester Flatt singing to Pearl about Earl Scruggs as husband material

index or middle finger

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 7 Nov 2009 14:51:48 CST

Ok, so I've been playing clawhammer for about 2 months now. I play with my index finger hitting the strings, but I have been experiencing some pain in my wrist and hand after about an hour of practice. So I read some stuff that I found and it said that clawhammer should be played with the middle finger hitting the strings and not the index finger. So for the last two days I've been trying to change over to the middle finger. It does seem like the middle makes it ring louder. I am of course not as accurate yet at hitting the correct string all the time, but hopefully I won't have the same pain issues. What are everyone's thoughts on this please? Thanks, Mandy[;)] www.tynergraphics.com www.tilstuff.com

Editing your own posts

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 7 Nov 2009 14:36:39 CST

Just sent you an email but maybe this is the proper way to deal with this matter. I edited all my posts about the Dannick tone rings that caused such a controversy, but then it all went back to the top of the forum list after I edited everything, pouring more salt in the woulds... Isn't there some way to change (the software) so that editing your post after you feel you may have been a bit vocal about a person or product or broken a rule not realizing it at the time, and then you have to go back in full view once again of all the other members... I would think it would be more of a quiet change, I'll just edit this out, and that will make me feel better kind of thing.... No moderators ever told me I could go back and edit my post last week when the big controversy was going on, I thought it was a permanent record... More people should be aware of this ability and there would be less rule violations in my opinion... Thanks a lot, John

Miker the Biker's November Adventure

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 7 Nov 2009 14:29:41 CST

Weather forecast was mid 60's for today, niuce and sunny. Tomorrow supposed to be colder. So I figured I'd run a few errands on the scooter, which gets upwards of 100 miles to the gallon. About a mile and a half from home, the rear end started swerving, losing traction. I had just pulled away from a stop light, so I wasn't going very fast. Dropped the throttle speed, since braking is a bad idea in that situation ( thank you, training class!). Checked the back tire for some sort of puncture. And I noticed the valve stem was gone. Just plain vanished. As luck would have it, I was almost directly in front of a house where they had a rummage sale, a few months back. And the lady of thh house was cleaning the garage. So, rather than leave my scotter where it might easly be stolen ( by two guys and a van or pickup, even with one wheel useless), I asked if I could park it by their garage. Then I took off walking. Walked back along the bust street, looking for the stem. It's about two inches long, with a 90 degree bend at the midpoint. Looks sort of like a twig, or maybe a half-smoked cigarette, darkened by road dust. It was a beautiful day for a stroll. There are an awful lot of things along a busy stretch of city street that look like a twig or a cigarette. Got home, got the Ford Escort, emptied out the junk I'd been storing in the tiny trailer, hooked it up, and went to get the scooter. Scooter is longer than the trailer bed, so I backed it on, placing the majority of the weight INSIDE, and only the front wheel hanging off the back. Tied it down. Took it to a small, very independent motorcyle repair shop, just 3 convenient blocks away. It was a beautiful day to be out motorcycling, and maybe that's where everybody was, because the place was not open. Went to the nearest auto parts store. No Hond scooter stems. OK, fair enough. It's not an auto. And now, as the sun pulls away from the shore, and our boat sinks slowly into the west, we bid a fond farewell to the Actual Plans for Saturday. Ah, the joys of having mechanical thingies to make one's life "less complicated".[;)] =):{ ) Mike Gregory, Banjo Maker Infraordinaire When I say my instruments are as good as anything Gibson or Martin ever made, I mean MEL Gibson and DEAN Martin! My banjos can be seen on my own website http://littlebanjos.lunare.net See me & my SQUARED EEL banjo on the Y'all tube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97EfvhFgRBY

Cats to kill human race?

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 7 Nov 2009 14:27:37 CST

At this time there are two cats with Pig Flu. Since people let their cats run free because, “Cats come and go,” “No one can own a cat,” pooping in other peoples yards, etc. Now you know that if two cats have Pig Flu there are many more...Keep your kids away from free range cats and I suggest you keep away from them too. Thank you, "Count" Hugh "I bent over him, and tried to find any sign of life, but in vain." -- Jonathan Harker, Dracula

Update on PStroud1

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 7 Nov 2009 14:20:42 CST

I just talked to Paul on the phone. He's still in the hospital, but sitting up and able to talk. One of the 3 doctors was ready to let him go home, but the other 2 are still chasing down problems. He's lost 100 pounds and feels pretty good about that. He asked me to THANK EVERYONE FOR THE PRAYERS! It means a lot having such a wide base of support. I could be some 50 year old dude sitting around in stained shorts resting my pizza on my beer belly, except I'm too old. Jerry

going nowhere

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 7 Nov 2009 14:09:51 CST

This a thread about going nowhere. Where are you not going? [img]http://bloggingbelmont.files.wordpress.com/2008/06/road-going-nowhere.jpg[/img]

Ballad of Jed Clampett chords in G

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 7 Nov 2009 13:52:01 CST

I have been messing around with this tune for a while and have noticed that it sounds a bit discordant the way it is shown/played by all of the instructional vids etc, when the song shifts over to C major it is followed by a C sharp and then a D major before resolving to G again. I have found that a plain old A major ( 1st and second strings at 2nd fret) after the C major and before the D major sound so much more pleasing to the ear that I will play it that way in the future I think. does anybody else play it this way ? If not, give it a try and tell me what you think. Y' All come back now ! spoonfed

Banjo Mafia website

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 7 Nov 2009 13:32:32 CST

I went to this website last night and it is almost an exact copy of the banjo hangout, is it being setup by the same people? Endorsed by the hangout? Just asking questions this time around, but it looks like someone is doing a copycat thing to me, and can't we come up with our own unique web site designs? I mean it just requires a little forethought ahead of time. I believe the word is plagarism, and do not have a cow about it if you are involved with the Banjo Mafia site... ( Or I should say a Horse about it!) First of all I think the whole site is in poor taste as the Mafia has a bad name in the first place. Al Capone , corruption, extortion, control of the markets and anything else they can control, politics, etc... No wonder no one goes there... Except me and the other person who were there at the time! I am somewhat of a skeptical person, the devils advocate, distrust of authority type. So anyway to keep to the point of my post, I would appreciate anyone who knows something about this site and if it is run by AMB banjo company or they are just sponsors... I am just curious as they really do seem to act like a mafia if you say anything bad about Dannick tone rings on the banjo hangout... (From my own personal experience...lol) And anyone who defends them, if you are also from the state of Maine please reveal your associations with AMB co., up front, not that everyone from the state of Maine is in the Banjo Mafia, as it appears very few people are visiting that website! Probably because it is an exact dupicate of the Banjo Hangout... Just google Banjo Mafia and see what I am talking about, then post a comment if you so desire... I'll let everyone make up their own minds about it... It is kind of like a Pizza Parlor Mafia, Family Oriented and very light hearted... I just don't like the fact that it is a clone of the banjo Hangout site, almost a clone... very very similar.... If they need some ideas on how to make it more original they should just ask some of the hangout members! We have lots of ideas on the hangout... "The Pen is mightier than the sword..."

Ernie Ball finger picks

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 7 Nov 2009 13:24:16 CST

Just bought some today to give them a shot. Wow, very comfortable and they seem to really be smooth on the strings. Not bad for less than $2. [:)] Mr. B Wind me up and watch me go!

hi all

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 7 Nov 2009 12:43:28 CST

i finally went out today and bought my first banjo (its a 5 string by vintage) is this model ok to learn with? apart from this site where is the best place to look for advice for a complete novice(im after decent videos etc) thats all from me for now as i never know what to say in these introductions cheers pasty

Earthwood strings

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 7 Nov 2009 12:27:13 CST

Has anyone used Ernie Ball Earthwood strings? I picked up new strings for my banger and all they had was these. They have a rather bright, tone almost too much. Also is there any way to tone them down a little" Us hillbillies iz the best people, no doubt about it!

Strap on my FB-55

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 7 Nov 2009 12:22:45 CST

Hi everyone, This is my first post, and I'm a new banjo player as of last night. I've played a multitude of stringed instruments most of my life, and am a fairly advanced guitarist. Anyway, I made great trade for a mint Fender FB-55. Not what I would have chose should I be purchasing a banjo, but the price was right, and it's perfect for me to learn on. Anyway, it included a Levy's strap. I'm unable to thread the strap under the head tensioners though - just not enough room. Seems Fender realized this as well as there a little triangular strap ring on the end of the tailpiece mounting nut. So my question is, how do you go about strapping a Fender and with what strap? I really want to use the Levy's but I don't think it's going to work. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Regards, Jeff

Did Vega ever make an archtop banjo?

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 7 Nov 2009 11:15:34 CST

Just wondering, I have never seen one. http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/The-Lickety-Split-Banjo-Boys/181289677232?ref=ts http://www.flatpickerhangout.com/my/revellfa

Surf banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 7 Nov 2009 11:01:58 CST

Does anyone have any tab for "surf guitar" ala Dick Dale etc... that I could play on the banjo?

Stand By Me - Ben E. King: Multi-Style

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 7 Nov 2009 10:41:05 CST

This morning I arranged this R&B standard in different styles: Chord-Melody, Jazz Octaves and Scruggs... It is now in the BHO tab section. I'm going out to rake leaves now. Have a great weekend! +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 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)

Steve Martin CD

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 7 Nov 2009 10:10:59 CST

Hey folks Just purchased the Steve Martin, The Crow CD. Great tunes, big names on there too. Check it out, it's good! Terry "Banjo, one of my favorite things to pick"

do you know my johnny/johnny lad

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 7 Nov 2009 09:59:15 CST

old kingston trio tune...looking for tabs/chords

Executive Inn Owensboro

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 7 Nov 2009 09:41:16 CST

The Executive Inn is scheduled to be imploded Sunday Morning. It was a big part of the IBMA in the early 90's, it was the place to stay with multifloor all nights jams and the home of the first IMBA award show. First place I ever saw live bluegrass being played in an elevator. Seems kinda sad for some reason. Later Daze, Mike The beatings will continue until morale improves

Block Rim on Lathe

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 7 Nov 2009 09:01:59 CST

Hey guys, How do you mount a block rim to a lathe in preperation of turning? I am sure there are a number of ways and I would like to hear a few of your ideas and methods. Pictures would be a huge help. As always, thanks in advance for your answers. Don

Yo Halifax

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 7 Nov 2009 08:57:28 CST

Hey everyone, been absent from the boards for awhile, but just wanted to throw up a post looking for people to jam in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. Its kinda lonely up here for Old Time music, but drop me a line if your into playing sometime. I also play fiddle. Cheers Jeff

D'Addario vs. GHS RB 250 frailer

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 7 Nov 2009 08:36:48 CST

I didn't know which forum to put this in because I'm a frailer who uses a bluegrass banjo-RB250. I had some work done on my banjo and the shop put on D'Addario mediums .10 .12 .16 .23. .10. I just put on GHS JD Crowe .10 .11 .12 .20 .10 To my ear, the JD Crows sound louder, even though they are a lighter guage. Is this possible? Of course, its been so long since baby has had new strings so that might be what I' m hearing. (Even dead strings sound good on this banjo) I wanted a good open back like a Bart Reiter but I kind of fell into the deal for the RB 250 and now I'm glad I did. I can play very softly with the 250 and still hear myself and then step up for solos (I've been told a few times to stop playing so loud). I don't hear the dry tone, either that Gibson flatheads are supposed to have. Baby sounds just as sweet as any open back I've heard.

Free New Lakota Leathers Strap!

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 7 Nov 2009 08:33:29 CST

We are currently looking for new dealers around the country. We have many dealers, but we can always use new ones. If you have a local music store that is not currently a dealer, simply ask them if they are already in negotiations with us. If not, then email us their name and number and we'll handle the rest. If they purchase at least 12 straps from us, we'll give you one for FREE! That simple! The easiest way to get a brand new buffalo hide strap that there is! Kenny Bohling www.lakotaleathers.com Handmade and custom buffalo hide instrument straps from the Lakota Sioux Nation

Nice Conversion Tone Ring For Sale

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 7 Nov 2009 08:27:56 CST

I have a really nice conversion tone ring for sale. Not sure who made it.. It sounds great. I put it in Archy to see what it sounded like for a while, but I can't get away from the archtop sound!.. nickle plated $165 delivered anywhere in the US.. Kenny Bohling www.lakotaleathers.com Handmade and custom buffalo hide instrument straps from the Lakota Sioux Nation

log in problem

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 7 Nov 2009 08:04:54 CST

The last couple of days BHO has rejected my long time password. I reset it to the same PW that was rejected and re-log in with no problem. Is this a common problem and is it being worked on?

Hand placement

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 7 Nov 2009 07:17:14 CST

I've been playing about 2 months. I practice my rolls everyday with a metronome and try to adhere to the hand placement in the literature I've read. Most books say you should pick about an inch out from the bridge but that makes it really hard to plant 2 fingers and not touch the bridge or strings. It's much easier for me to move out 2 inches or so....is it any big deal or is it OK to play a little further out...I don't want to develop any "bad habits" Thanks Best time to Go fish'in or Play your Banjo is now !!

Hatfield Buck Creek

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 7 Nov 2009 07:05:19 CST

2008 Hatfield Buck Creek. This is a beautiful mahogany banjo with rosewood fingerboard & Arthur’s no-hole ring. http://www.banjohangout.org/classifieds/detail.asp?id=18795&cid=12120

Wanted - RK Rim

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 7 Nov 2009 06:24:19 CST

Want To Buy: RK-50 or an RK-80 rim in good condition. If you have something of interest, email description and price. Thanks.....Will

Men That Stare at Goats

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 7 Nov 2009 06:18:22 CST

We saw it last night. 1 star Here in South Carolina we don't hear a lot of swearing, so that got some laugh's, of course the "F" word got the biggest. "Tough titie" also got a big one. I don't think the producers watched this thing before they put it out, otherwise it would not have made it. It should go to Blockbuster real fast.

Fitzroy Melody-jo 5 string

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 7 Nov 2009 06:09:07 CST

Hi....does anyone have any info on this Banjo as I've just bought it off E-Bay and go to pick it up on thursday when i'll post some pics....All i could find on the net was its about 1930's. ----------------------------------------------- Have you hugged your Banjo today ?

Adding rolls to fast tunes

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 7 Nov 2009 06:08:00 CST

As I alluded to in another thread last week, I've started figuring out melodies & adding rolls to the tune to 'bluegrass it up' a little. I have not trouble finding the tune (generally, but for tunes with fast lyrics, I struggle to see where the rolls can fit in. The tunes I have been trying are Waltzing Matilda & Buddy Holly (by Weezer). Is there a technique, or are these tunes simply not meant to be 'banjo'd' up..? thanks marc PS I might not reply to this thread for a while as I'm off on vacation tonight... [:)]

Hillbilly 101

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 7 Nov 2009 05:21:01 CST

Hey James, Got your PM, but I have no way to reply to you since your preference page rejected a reply. Anyway...thanks for the offer, but Goldtone isn't on my radar. [8D] __________________________ "It is better, of course, to know useless things than to know nothing." -Seneca

Documentary suggestion

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 7 Nov 2009 04:50:38 CST

Watched a fascinating documentary last night about the ever-evolving internet and the immensely interesting ways in which groups are using it. I had no idea some of the areas which the doc explores even existed. For instance, through certain sites, people are forgoing banks altogether and getting approved for low interest loans from thousands of people all at once (micro-financing in a fiercely free market situation). The reason I bring it up here is because this Banjo Hangout forum is exactly one element of what the documentary is about: aggregated information which benefits an individual and only *costs* a thin promise to contribute in kind. Amazingly, research has shown that this basically anonymous-user promise is kept the VAST majority of the time -- and at more than a 1/1 ratio! The Banjo Hangout forum, of course, exemplifies this idea very well. Like no time before in history, we can now all benefit immensely from the help of others even when those others may only have, say, tiny bytes of information or they can offer only a very small amount of emotional, informational, financial (etc.) help. My understanding of the doc, anyway, is that this aggregate benefit of a million -- even a billion -- non-experts, each with only a tiny bit of information, is leaps and bounds more beneficial than a thousand (often disagreeing) experts who charge handsomely for their (arguably questionable) expertise. Even when the 'too-much' info dilemma becomes a problem, the tool "tells" you it's a problem and steers you in the right direction. The point of the doc is that the consensus-building fostered by the internet is PROVING to be vastly superior to that of institutions, governments, etc. This has, of course, major implications for the future -- especially as a new generation emerges; one which doesn't have to assimilate to the internet and its built-in consensus building apparatus. For instance, there is a football club in England that is owned and operated by the fans -- but not like Green Bay does with its American football team (though I think that system rocks, actually). This one is done more like a fantasy sports set-up. The fans all make their picks for who will play what position, start, etc. The winning votes of thousands of people then actually decide what the team does. That little experiment worked out quite well for the team in question; Ebbsfleet won at Wimbley this spring -- with internet-based owners/fans/coaches running the team. Highly recommend the documentary. [url]http://www.usnowfilm.com[/url] Oh, and of course, the film is freely distributed over the internet. [:D] ____________________________ billyshake: The #1 Banjo Player on the Sub-Continent! (of course, that's assuming I'm the ONLY banjo player on the sub-continent)

Bacon Special Grand Concert

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 7 Nov 2009 04:23:55 CST

.....on eBay. [url]http://cgi.ebay.com/1920s-Bacon-Special-Grand-Concert-4-String-Banjo_W0QQitemZ120487032331QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item1c0d96360b[/url] [img]http://www491.pair.com/wylieboy/P1030747.JPG[/img] [img]http://www491.pair.com/wylieboy/P1030753.JPG[/img] Mark Ralston "Now, people…. when it comes to the scientifical parts of music I know nothing about it, but I can play. Listen…. A man comes to this world naked and bare; He goes through life with troubles and care; He departs this life and goes we don’t know where; But he’ll be all right there if he lives all right here" ......... Uncle Dave Macon www.yellowstone-jewelry.com

First time post, newbie questions

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 7 Nov 2009 03:56:11 CST

First off, I love this site. I am an early riseer and spend at least an hour on here before work. I am amazed at the tallent and dedication of BHO members. I have been listening to bluegrass for many years and can never get enough. I used to play guitar when I was younger, but playing the banjo is where I would like to be. I will be purchasing a used westminster today. I know its a cheep banjo, but practice time is limited especially with my 2nd son due in less than a month. I am unsure of what style I would like to persue, claw or scruggs. Any suggestions. How do you know which is right for you? Thank you for your time. Jason

busted banjo (emergency!)

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 7 Nov 2009 03:46:43 CST

I never thought I'd actually mean it when I say "I busted a nut," but I most definitely mean it this time. It snapped this morning while I was tuning -- most definitely not over-tuning by any means! It just split in half and snapped off at the third string groove. So my banjo is at a luthier who specializes in ouds and other east and south Asian instruments. He wants to know what kind of wood to use and I don't have a clue as to what it should be. The banjo is a little Deering Goodtime and the nut was a hard plastic, I believe. Will teak wood work? It's pretty hard. Should I ask him for bone or ivory (there is a legal type of ivory here)? I'm in a jam -- please give me a shout as soon as you can, folks. Sincerely, Your hopeless step-child. BillyShake ____________________________ billyshake: The #1 Banjo Player on the Sub-Continent! (of course, that's assuming I'm the ONLY banjo player on the sub-continent)

Can i adjust the neck

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 7 Nov 2009 02:48:58 CST

Hello I have deering sierra .When i am playing up the neck i find the banjo is very tight and its hard to bend the strings. I was told by another banjo player that its possible to adjust the neck! Till this day I still cant comprehend how you can adjust a neck of a banjo . Another question to any seirra owners . I dont have any clips to attach a strap to the banjo. Does anyone use the brackets to connect a strap. My only concern is whether the brackets could take the weight of the banjo Any comments much appreciated and on that note thanks to all who have answered any of my other questions wris

Good Saturday Morning

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 7 Nov 2009 00:10:50 CST

Good morning from the raain in Sweden [img]http://www.eontarionow.com/images/Rain.jpg[/img] . Jan-Olov

2008 Nechville Walnut Phantom and Tenor

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 6 Nov 2009 21:32:52 CST

OK, this hurts. I love this banjo but need to sell it as per 'the powers that be'. Here's a great chance to own two banjos for a decent price. Right now, I would like to sell the Phantom along with the tenor neck as a pair (as per the ad). That is (1) a Phantom neck, (2) tenor neck and (3) the Helimount pot. It is a real beauty and a great player. It is basically in mint but I listed it as excellent because it is almost 2 years old this winter. http://www.banjohangout.org/classifieds/detail.asp?id=8369&cid=12097 Steven

"Blessed" Steve Ivey

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 6 Nov 2009 20:47:17 CST

Looking for 5-string Scruggs Tablature for this Bluegrass Gospel Song

A little local drama

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 6 Nov 2009 20:33:09 CST

Inmate taken to hospital, by deputy, for medical treatment. Inmate decides it might be a good idea to grab one of the surgical tools and stab the deputy. Deputy decides it might be a good idea to shoot the inmate before the stabbing gets to where the instrument actually reaches him. Hospital staff decide that the man with the bullet in him should be taken to surgery. Everybody lived through it. Free Advice. Kids, IF your choices result in jail time, and IF you need medical attention during your incarceration, remember two unpleasant little facts: It is NOT a television show, and you are NOT the action hero you used to pretend to be. ........................................ [img]http://c1.nemimage.com/Neweggmall/ProductImageS320/2008423100-1.jpg[/img] The following is not a fact, but merely an opinion: Even under ideal conditions, it is seldom a good idea to borrow a knife and start a gunfight.

Moving/re-ordering photos in my classified ad

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 6 Nov 2009 20:07:07 CST

I can't move around the order of my photos in my classified ad. I want to present the pics properly but am getting this error message when clicking on an arrow to move a pic: Microsoft VBScript runtime error '800a005e' Invalid use of Null: 'cint' /global/functions_classifieds.asp, line 565 Steven

Performance at New Music Festival

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 6 Nov 2009 19:45:24 CST

Hi all, For anyone interested in recent classical compositions and/or those close to Boston: I'm performing at the Boston Conservatory's New Music Festival in two concerts on consecutive days. I playing tenor banjo for a performance of Terry Riley's piece "In C" on Friday (11/13). For those unfamiliar with it, "In C" is considered to be one of the seminal minimalist works -- it's for a large ensemble (flexible instrumentation -- I'm playing banjo at the behest of the conductor) I'm also playing in a performance of john Adams' Gnarly Buttons (chamber ensemble with clarinet solo) on Saturday the 14th. It has banjo (5 string) in the 1st movement (my part also has mandolin in the 2nd movement and guitar in the 3rd.) It's a fine piece -- challenging mostly because of the shift of instruments from one movement to the next without time to really adjust technique (finger picks for the banjo, flat pick with a fair amount of tremolo for the mandolin and fingernails [i.e. standard classical technique] for the guitar). The details are as follows: Friday (11/13) at 8 pm (In C) Saturday (11/14) at 8 pm (Gnarly Buttons) Seully Hall The Boston Conservatory 8 The Fenway Boston MA Jim Dalton Jim Dalton

Another head question

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 6 Nov 2009 19:41:37 CST

First off my head is to tight, but here is my question, is it normal for all strings to sound good except the first, which out powers the rest by a long shot. Is this common for a tight head or is something else the matter with it? As I mentioned earlier all the rest of the strings sound really good. Thanks

Banjo test - Guess which is the Helix?

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 6 Nov 2009 19:40:31 CST

I uploaded two mp3 files of a little banjo test I did. I am playing 3 songs on each banjo (I know it's not like Earl played it). One of the files is a Helix Hurricane long neck - capoed to open G. The other file is my Deering Calico open G tuning. I played at the same intensity and same distance from mike. Check them out - see if you can tell which is which? There is a slight delay before the last song on each file while I am retuning to open A. Which one is the Helix and which is the Deering? Have fun [:)] Try to overlook my poor playing... [:I] Banjo # 1 - http://www.banjohangout.org/myhangout/media-player/audio_player2.asp?musicid=14948 Banjo # 2 - http://www.banjohangout.org/myhangout/media-player/audio_player2.asp?musicid=14949

Yes I did!

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 6 Nov 2009 19:40:15 CST

There was a jam session tonight that I only went to once before. I was sort of afraid of it, because they go around the circle and you can either suggest a song or pass. Last time I always passed, but since then I practiced a lot and memorized some songs, some of which I can play without mistakes, even if people are listening. I started talking my self out of going -- I'm not good enough, I'll make mistakes, I'll get terrified, etc. But then I decided I have to go because I have to develop some courage, and besides it would be fun. So I went and I played some solos -- with mistakes but nothing terrible. I got through it, got some nice complements and wound up feeling great. So my advice is if you're afraid to go to a jam session just force yourself. Every time we do it, it will be easier and less frightening. I am not scared at my usual jam session, and now I am not scared at this one either! I played music all my life but mostly alone, so jamming the past 2 years has been wonderful for me. You really have to resist talking yourself out of going. pcfive

Just when I needed you

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 6 Nov 2009 19:36:45 CST

"Just when I needed you" Please, Anyone have this tabbed out?

Practice Approach.

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 6 Nov 2009 19:20:51 CST

Ok, I have been slapping at this thing for years and years. I do some things well and others things "foggy mountain roll" I just blew right passed and developed my own thing. Here I am years later limping along. So my question for you seasoned pickers is: Do I go page to page mastering every lick and song in Mr. Scruggs book? Do I keep learning and tripping though songs I dig off Youtube? Focus on licks? Scales? My own thing?? I do not have the money for an instructor nor to much time. Maybe 45 to an hour a day due to season of life (3 young kids). I am just having a hard time staying with one thing and I am all over the place. Adult ADD? Probably but I like it all and want to learn it all. Talk to me folks, I would love to hear your feed back. The good the bad and the ugly! Blessings to ya! Mr. B Wind me up and watch me go!

A scale conversion neck on ebay

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 6 Nov 2009 19:12:42 CST

I listed A scale neck for vega pot on ebay .It is also in the BHO clasifieds Rusty old student : I learn something new every day

Murphy Method Beginners Banjo Video Volume 2

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 6 Nov 2009 18:37:07 CST

Includes video instruction on: Foggy Mountian Breakdown - High Break, Old Joe Clark, Salt Creek, Fireball Mail, Lonesome Road Blues, and Murpyhs Ending Licks. This is a VHS instructional video in excellent condition both VHS and Storage Case. http://www.banjohangout.org/classifieds/detail.asp?ID=24762&cid=12117 _______________________________________________________ Learning the Banjo isn't a race, so slow down and enjoy the ride. 2006 Gibson - Earl Scruggs Standard 2009 Gold Tone CC100R Plus