Banjo Hangout Forum Feed

Tim McGraw Special

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 19 May 2013 21:13:02 CST

Well I had to tune out when the rap crap came on. And I really didn't need to hear another Taylor Swift song with 5 notes either. I give it a 3. Swift is a nice young lady but I will never understand the star status and millions of dollars.

By the Mark

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 19 May 2013 20:27:32 CST

This is a great Gillian Welch song. I played all the parts on this one. Hope you like it.

Advice: Playing many hours standing up...

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 19 May 2013 20:21:45 CST

Hi folks,

I am looking for a little advice...This weekend I am going to play a festival with a lot of playing on the street. In years past, I have taken my open back banjo (no problem, it's light), but this year I am bringing my RK-80; an 11 lb. monster. When playing with the RK-80, my shoulder will get sore going a 2hr gig, let alone playing many hours on the street. I have a Lakota Leather strap, which is great, but it doesn't stop the pain from coming after awhile. Any advice? Thanks so much!

Unbelievable

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 19 May 2013 20:08:04 CST

Just browsing Youtube and came across this Young Trio. After watching these guys, I feel like hiding my head in the sand. The only thing is the video says they are practicing "Pretty Polly" it does not sound like Pretty Polly to me, maybe it was labeled wrong, I don't know, however, they were Fantastic !

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

Do you use 1 finger, 2 fingers, or all fingers in your clawhammer playing?

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 19 May 2013 20:07:51 CST

Hello,

I guess that should start out by saying that I am new to the forum and new to the banjo. In fact I don't even own a banjo yet! I hope to have one in the near future though (been looking at Reiter Round Peaks)!

Anyway, if my memory serves me correctly, in both Dan Levenson's and Bob Carlin's clawhammer instruction DVDs they both do the "down picking" (I might be using the wrong term!) with either the pointer or middle finger. I just watched a couple of Cathy Fink's lessons on TrueFire and I think she said to use all the fingers. So my question is what should I be doing as a beginner? Should I be trying out all three different ways (I am using one of my guitars until I get a banjo)?

Thanks much!

-Ryan

my summer project - starting over

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 19 May 2013 20:03:14 CST

I've come to the conclusion I need to "start over" picking the banjo. I need to pay more attention to the left hand because I tend to rest my fingers low toward the fret board when I'm not fretting the string. Sometimes a buzz comes out, and I'd love to get rid of those buzzes. Second, I need to eliminate pick noise. I think if I pay attention to the way my picks are fitting, I'll eliminate a lot of that, but turning my wrist clockwise will help too. Third, I need to practice more. I've lost speed. My timing on speedy tunes is really nasty right now. Finally, I pick soft, loud, medium volume.. what ever the song needs. But my medium and soft pickin' lacks the timing accuracy that I can pull off when I pick loud.

So there's my summer project.

Orpheum No. 3 5-string Conversion

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 19 May 2013 19:40:50 CST

Just posted in classifieds (hit dollar icon in bar above). Its a very nice banjo, with sound clip!

$1500. plus S&I, please have a look and listen.

Thanks,

New videos by the Foggy Hogtown Boys-featuring Chris Coole and Chris Quinn

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 19 May 2013 19:13:44 CST

Hi folks,

The Foggy Hogtown Boys have made two new videos. They're on YouTube and in BH's video library. I am featured playing bluegrass style on "I've Always Been A Rambler". And,

Chris Coole is featured playing old-time claw hammer for "Little Sadie".

Hope you enjoy them.

Chris Quinn

replica style 7 resonator

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 19 May 2013 19:08:31 CST

Here's what I've been doing today. I got to thinking that maybe a set of pictures would be of interest to some here, so here they are.

I jointed and glued the center seam of this maple blank yesterday, milled it to the correct thickness today, then got the idea for pictures, so I'll start here.

Bluegrass Festival - Oak Hill, NY July 17-21st

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 19 May 2013 18:38:51 CST

I was reading the back of Banjo Newsletter, March edition. It is called the Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival held in Oak Hill, NY, July 17 through the 21st. I believe it is just outside Albany, NY. The big news is that they are going to Raffle off a Stelling Grey Fox Model Banjo, to benefit the Bill Vernon Scholarship Fund. I wish I could make it, just to try and win that Banjo !

Roy Clark Banjo LP

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 19 May 2013 17:19:14 CST

I was watching Hee Haw on RFD-TV and wondered if Roy Clark had a banjo album. His online discography lists an instrumental LP called "A Pair of Fives (Banjos, That Is)" with Buck Trent.. How is it? Worth searching out?

http://www.ibiblio.org/hillwilliam/BGdiscography/?v=fullrecord&albumid=1893

Boundin' Pixar Short Banjo Tab

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 19 May 2013 15:48:24 CST

I recently saw the short titled 'Boundin' from Pixar and my father requested that I learn how to play it on the banjo. I looked for tabs on the internet but I didn't find anything except an old post on this website from 2010, but the link to the tab gave me a 404 error (meaning the link was broken). Is there anyone out there who knows where I might be able to find this tab? I believe it was written by Bud Luckey.

Thanks in advance for your help!

What kind of wood is this?

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 19 May 2013 15:40:56 CST

Is this maple?

Thanks.

Jessie Baker

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 19 May 2013 15:12:47 CST

Does anyone jnow what kind of picks Jessie Baker is using? They sound great

Banjo setup near Santa Rosa, CA?

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 19 May 2013 15:12:07 CST

Any recommendations?

whatever happened to.........

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 19 May 2013 14:47:04 CST

Last night. Was following Roxannes thread..'dont do that'...........this morning it has dissapeared...what did I miss while I slept?

Achalsia

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 19 May 2013 14:01:20 CST

does any one else on the hang out have this rare disease like me ?. some times I feel like this cross is just getting a little to heavy.

where were you in 1973

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 19 May 2013 13:42:57 CST

I was in high school in Richmond Hill Queens living the good life untill it was time to get my draft card then I was praying they would not call me to go to Viet Nam.thank God that war was allmost over,I love Nixon for getting us out of there I just wish he would have done it better.

Scott Avett plays clawhammer, sings "The Coo Coo Song"

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 19 May 2013 13:38:55 CST

Got a chance to catch The Avett Brothers again the other night. Great show as always. Scott Avett came back out for the encore playing clawhammer style with a progressive version of "The Coo Coo Song". Here's a youtube video of him taking a more traditional approach.

BTW, I first saw these guys as an opening act for BR-549 with about 125 of us (at the most) in a small club venue. They performed as if there were a thousand of us. I've always been impressed with their appreciation for and connection to their roots as well as the humble attitude; but also, their ability and willingness to progress with creative license wherever the music leads them.

Enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-TI1RbQHlg

Skillethead

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 19 May 2013 13:37:41 CST

I just tabbed out what I think Ron Stewart is playing on his first break of Skillethead off of the new Boxcars cd. I will put it in the tab section and would love to hear some feedback on how close you think it is. Maybe someday I will get the second and third breaks tabbed too.

WTB, Alvarez Montana 5 Star

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 19 May 2013 13:14:51 CST

I am looking for a Alvarez Montana 5 Star, Model 4286 in Excellent to Near Mint condition. Would prefer the seller was close to Atlanta, GA so I could play the banjo before I buy it but will consider regardless of location.

I have looked at the two listed in the Hangout classifieds. The one from PA is a little out of my price range and I do not like the capo rod. I would consider the one from Miami, FL but would prefer one from later in the 70's.

Thanks,

Thumper47

Really like this case!

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 19 May 2013 12:53:49 CST

Fits like a glove, well padded, very sturdy, not heavy, and tough exterior. Usual disclaimer.

http://www.banjo.com/TKL_8740_Concept_2_9_Series_Banjo_Case_p/2847.htm

Alison Krauss and Union Station Tabs

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 19 May 2013 12:21:43 CST

Hi! all, I'm sure that this has been asked before, but I can never seem to find anything. I've recently bought a double live album of Alison Krauss and Union Station. I just love some of the Ron Block banjo and was hoping that some kind person might have some Tab for some of the songs.

Hope someone can help

Ade

Saving a piece of History

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 19 May 2013 12:16:46 CST

I was given a special gift.

It's a American flag...Old Glory from NOLA that flew during Hurricane Katrina.

It's clean...but faded, and not in the best of shape, but that flag needed saving.

I went out and hung the flag in my Hideout.

It will stay there. Safe.

A good gift. I appreciate it. It has a home now. Poor old flag. It saw a lot.

Nancy

Your favorite OT fiddlers @ BHO

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 19 May 2013 11:47:06 CST

There are some really excellent fiddlers among the old time banjo hangout regulars. Here a couple of my favorites, Dan Levenson and Bob Buckingham playing a couple of tunes which my fiddler assigned me to learn. Thanks fellas for these postings! Curious to know who your favorite OT fiddlers are at BHO. Don http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4j3qOKsv_8

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

Learning to play all over the fretboard, how?

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 19 May 2013 11:36:45 CST

I've been playing mostly old time music on my banjo and very little bluegrass, but I've recently took another interest into Scruggs style and I want to learn how to play all over the fretboard. I have questions though..I know most guitar players learn pentatonic scales when starting out but do most banjo pockets bother with these scales? Is scales something I need to learn on Scruggs style or does the chord structures and chord inversions play more into being able to play up the neck?? Any and all advice would be helpful, Mm

Pine/cedar for banjo necks?

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 19 May 2013 11:24:15 CST

I've heard that woods such as pine and cedar aren't used for necks because they are considered soft woods.

Fiberglass cases

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 19 May 2013 11:16:41 CST

I am in the market for a fiberglass banjo case. I of course know about the Price cases and they look great, but, I don't know if I can afford the cost of them. I see that Superior makes fiberglass cases but I can't seem to find the white ones. Every search I have done seems to come up with the black cases but I was wanting a white one. That is why I thought I would put this out there to see what my options were. Does anyone know where I can buy a good fiberglass case without spending a ton of money? Maybe I should just man up and spend the money for a new Price case?

Showing off.

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 19 May 2013 11:11:26 CST

How would you define showing off?

Neck Carving

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 19 May 2013 10:52:50 CST

I have a friend and neighbor who is a retired Air Force Master Sergeant. who got a degree in boat building and wood carving after retirement. His wood carving is exceptional and is more of a paid hobby for him than a money maker. I was wondering if there would be any market for carving banjo necks. Based on his work, he could eat neck carving for breakfast.

If so , what would be the going rate?

Thanks!

Bob

scroll saw/banjo string blade

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 19 May 2013 10:29:30 CST

In my new incarnation as "1:35 Military Model Man" I have just strung up Dad's old scroll saw with a .010 banjo string and proceeded to cut up an old credit card.

It cuts in all directions and will be used to shape sheet plastic panels.

This started when I saw a you tube on modelling tips and a guy used sewing thread as you would when flossing teeth to cut free doors,hoods and trunks on models that had them fixed shut.

I'm going to try and string up sewing thread or dental floss in the scroll saw,next.

Bankester Family - Nice - BG On The Tube

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 19 May 2013 10:02:39 CST

What a nice rendition of Carolina Rain by this family group. Just got it from Bluegrass On The Tube. When you hear this young lady sing it makes you wonder how in the world Taylor Swift made it - not only made it - but made it big. I still scratch my head over that one - don't get me wrong - she seems delightful. She just cannot sing. I don't get it.

Jeff Menzies Jamaican Pine Boucher Style Banjo - Gut Strings

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 19 May 2013 09:48:49 CST

Jeff Menzies Jamaican pine Boucher style gourd banjo. 26" scale neck. Serial # 276. Pine bridge. Ebony nut and tail piece. GUT strings. Will ship world wide.

* Jamaican Pine looks similar to North American Yellow pine yet is MUCH harder and has less sap. Much more consistent. This pine was air died for 10 years.

I am working on developing an inventory of instruments. Please see the other banjos that I have for sale:

jeffreymenzies.com/instruments/for-sale

I will also consider mountain style banjos as trade ins towards. Must be a reputable maker, past or present.

Gibson Auto-Tuner

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 19 May 2013 09:34:01 CST

Interesting little gadget. I'd love to see this developed for the banjo with a setting to "lock" your preferred tuning into memory. Maybe A-B-C settings for capo use.

http://www2.gibson.com/Products/Min-ETune.aspx

DALESFEST: Yorkshire Dales Bluegrass & Americana (UK))

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 19 May 2013 09:30:09 CST

Hi all. Apologies if this is the wrong bit of the forum, but thought it might be of interest to some.

My dad helps organize this festival, I'm just helping with promotion.

Poster by the talented Miss Jenna Lee Alldread: http://jennaleealldread.blogspot.co.uk/

We're on facebook too.

Cheers!
L

Can't take my banjo head off.

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 19 May 2013 08:49:50 CST

First time fitting a vellum, just taking my banjo apart for the first time too.

Bit worried about doing all this, but i'm kind of enjoying it too.....anyway i got the brackets, tail piece and armrest loosened, took the tension band off.....went to lift off the head and it kind of gets caught under the small space at the end of the fret board. You can see in my pic here......

Does this mean i have to take the neck off (really not looking forward to doing that), or does it just need a wiggle? Don't want to damage the end of the fret board.

Thanks for any help,

Oh yeah, stupid question, on a calf vellum, is there a right way and a wrong way up?

Calv.

Calfskin Fitted to 8" Rim

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 19 May 2013 08:36:52 CST

After spending much time this weekend working on the test bed 8" rim and it's tone, ring, tension ring and flesh hoop, I decided to 'grab the bull by the horns' and fit the calfskin head...

The calfskin came from Bill Miller and was very stiff when dry. I soaked it for about 5 minutes in cold water but it still did not seem to be supple enough so I added some hot water for another 5 minute soak. That seemed to do the trick.

I then used the fitting technique recently mentioned where the excess calfskin is pulled through inside the rim, it just seemed a nicer approach.

I had a quick watch of the YouTube video and then started.

I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was, there's no rush, just stay calm and proceed in a business-like manner. first pulling the wrinkles off the flesh hoop and then tightening the hooks.

Page views tab

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 19 May 2013 08:33:11 CST

Hi Eric

We are many persons uploading tabs, is there a possibility to know how much persons are looking to our tabs (like page views in classified) ?

That would be interesting to know

Thanks a lot

Patrick

1938 B&D Serenader Silver Bell

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 19 May 2013 08:30:01 CST

I'm posting for a friend who is a banjo player, but not a computer guy. He was born in the Groton area (c.1930) and his dad bought a brand new B&D Serenader Silver Bell in 1938; it was handed down to my friend and it is still in pristine condition and is played regularly. The serial number is 35463. He was raised knowing it was one of the last banjos made in Groton before the hurricane of '38. My query is to see if it can be determined when in '38 his banjo was made - he'd like to know how long it was before the hurricane hit on September 21st, and how many more banjos were made in Groton before the storm. The banjo hasn't gotten very far as he's still in that area.

Thanks for any help!

How to look after my Lakota Leathers strap?

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 19 May 2013 08:09:26 CST

Hi all,

I wondered if i needed to do anything with my leather strap now and again to keep it in good condition? The leather is so soft compared to most other leathers, do i need to rub anything into it or clean it with any particular product?

Thanks,

Calv.

beginer mandolin songs

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 19 May 2013 07:53:35 CST

I have been playin all my life, guitar, banjo mostly. I wanted a mandolin, so in the past 3-4 years, I have built 4, i A model, and 3 F's. I have gotten through Baldasaris dvd, but need more. What are some good mando numbers to work on?

Re. Randy Stockwell

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 19 May 2013 07:52:06 CST

Does anyone know if Randy Stockwell (the moon bridge maker) does other luthier work? He seems to have a BHO page, but there's little on it.

Thanks!

Jeff

tb1 conversion pyramid vs flathead

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 19 May 2013 07:43:56 CST

I'm starting to plan a conversion and was wondering if someone can give me input in the differences in tone, volume etc. between the pyramid and a flathead. I don't have a specific flathead tone ring in mind but any generalized info would be great. If you feel like telling me your opinion on different flathead rings I'm ok with that as well.

Also, I'm converting a 26' tb1 with a diamond flange. I like look of the diamond, but I know lots of people change out the flange. I'm not trying to save money here, want to get the most out of the conversion, can the original diamond flange be used? Is it a bad idea?

I know opinions vary, not trying to find the right answer, just hoping to get the input of the many experienced players and builders here.

Thanks,

Chris

Opinions....how about the stock market ?The economy?

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 19 May 2013 06:58:32 CST

I see on tv that the stock market is super high...guess it is higher than ever before.

Then,,,they tell that the jobless are hurting. People on food stamps, and economy hurting.

How come the stock market is through the roof...so to speak, and the economy in a ditch?

If there is a way, can we not do politics on this? Just reasons?

Nancy

I Just Got To Heaven And I Can't Sit Down lyrics

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 19 May 2013 06:33:02 CST

I wonder if someone could help me with the lyrics to this old gospel tune. I've heard a few folks sing it, but I can't seem to understand all of the lyrics. Thanks.

Snakes and Worms breaking a rule

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 19 May 2013 06:30:56 CST

I hate snakes and over the years its been well documented on this site. That said I will break a rule today and have my neighbor (Not me!) catch one for me. My sisters Fiancee has requested when I stop by later today that I dig him some night crawlers for his gardens and or fishing. Folks around me are always welcome to dig for worms in my horse enriched worm laden soil but having me dig them and deliver them is a bold request in my mind. I will bring him a large container .............and stand well back when he opens it! I can only hope he hates snakes as much as I do !

Do you think money corrupts people?

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 19 May 2013 06:29:15 CST

Do you think that the more money someone has, the more it negatively affects who they are? I have seen it go both ways, where some people use money to help others and to do good things, and other people lose their values. The most generous people I have met are the ones with nothing. As long as I have enough to pay my bills, eat, have somewhere to live, that's good enough.

Recording King RK-025BR

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 19 May 2013 06:23:39 CST

Just bought a Brand new Recording King Madison RK-O25BR. open back I hope it sounds ok. Does anyone have one? I did some research and it seems to be a winner. .

Bela Fleck

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 19 May 2013 05:21:26 CST

Will be performing with the Canton Symphony Orchestra this Wednesday in Canton, Ohio! If anyone is near "come on down" will be a great show!

Banjo or muscial instramint question..

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 19 May 2013 05:03:28 CST

Have you...

Evah played sumthin...

That ..you..really liked tha sound of...

N..then have ..absolutely...no idea..how ya dunit..?