Banjo Hangout - Other Banjo-Related Topics: Clawhammer/Old-Time Forum Feed

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...

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

Tom

www.banjotom2.com

tune up to 'A'

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 8 Feb 2012 11:14:04 CST

Since I don't have an A scale banjo, and a capo on the second fret really reduces sound quality, how about tuning everything up a note? Too much stress an the neck, strings?

Do some of you do this?

right/best banjo for singing

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 8 Feb 2012 07:31:10 CST

My favorite banjo activity is singing old time ballads and folk songs. I've had a few different banjo through the years but recently I acquired an old SS Stewart " spun 11" pot , skin head banjo, very light weight and put nylgut strings on it. So far it is the best banjo I have ever had for backing up singing because it is mellow and not as loud as a lot of banjos that too easily overwhelm my voice. I also have a Tradesman with minstrel nylguts and while it is excellent in all other aspects, it is so loud that it is really hard to sing with as it overwhelms my voice. I find it very difficult to play the Tradesman quietly and still employ normal CH dynamics, there is isn't enough gradation between being able to play quietly with good tone/playing dynamics and having a cannon. Perhaps a skin head could put this gradation into the banjo?

I guess one point I am trying to make is that for singing you don't need a top of the line banjo, that more is not always better, that a cheaper banjo may better suit your needs, particularly for backing up singing. There is another thread http://www.banjohangout.org/topic/227793 in the fix-it section forum about fixing up an old Bakelite rim banjo and Supertone plays and sings The Wreck of the Old 97 and it comes out great. The Stewarts are very light weight - no neck rods or heavy-duty tone rings, often have mellower skin heads and usually play and sound great and won't break the bank to acquire. In the singing respect, Stewarts/bakelites seem to be much better suited for backing SOME singers (the quieter ones like me) than most of their more expensive cousins.

Just throwing out some random thoughts on playing banjo/singing. Yours? Banjered

2012 Berkeley Gourd/Tackhead Banjo Making Workshop June 4th - 8th

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 8 Feb 2012 04:18:43 CST

Great news! The 2nd annual Berkeley Gourd/Tackhead Banjo Making workshop has
been scheduled for June 4th - 8th. There will be a brief orientation on the
evening of the 3rd to prepare us for the week ahead.

Last year was a huge success and we all had a great time making banjos.

Students have the option of making either a gourd banjo or open back tackhead
banjo. Each instrument is designed specific to your own design and needs. No
previous wood working experience required.

The class will be held at the Caning Shop and hosted once again by Jim Widess.
The location is 926 Gilman St. Take a peak at the below link and you will see all
about the Caning shop and see a photo of class of 2011. Plus there is a link to
the workshop poster with further details.

http://www.caning.com/

Please feel free to email with questions. Registration is open immediately and
will require a non refundable $125 deposit to hold your spot.

Jeff Menzies

jeffsbanjer@yahoo.com

OT related places / stores in Houston, TX?

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 7 Feb 2012 13:10:37 CST

I'll spend some time in the area in May; is there an OT scene? Which store would be interesting to visit?

I know about the "normal" frosted heads...

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 6 Feb 2012 17:26:51 CST

...and I know about the clear heads.

But what about these heads that you can sort of see through? Not clearly like clear ones, the ones that appear to me to be plastic. ?? Every once in a while I see them in videos I watch.

Is there a reason..musically.. for them, or is it just the look that people like?

Openback banjo with clear head can be cool

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 6 Feb 2012 13:00:40 CST

An openback banjo with a clear head and a nice tonering can be very pretty. This banjo sound great too, with this head. BTW, it's a Remo clear head.

Iida banjo from the 1970s with deep pot and chrome-plated 20-hole flathead tonering. In the background Deering Vega No.2 Tubaphone openback.

Photo summary: camera is Zorki 3 with Jupiter-8 lens (50 mm), film is Kodak Tri-X at 800 ASA in developer Kodak D76 1:1.

Entertainer or virtuoso?

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 5 Feb 2012 15:26:10 CST

Just curious as to what most folks would choose to be.

If you had it in your power to become awesome overnight, what would you choose? To be kinda so so on the banjo, but very entertaining to a wide audience, or would you choose to be a complete virtuoso with appeal to a much smaller audience?

New / Old Banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 5 Feb 2012 11:03:20 CST

Hi all, I told myself I wasn't buying anymore banjo's but I can't stay out of the classifieds. I came across this old Lyon & Healy and just couldn't say no, Phil said he thought it was from about 1900. Anyway I'm really excited and can't wait to get it so I just had to tell someone, the wife isn't interested. Larry

http://www.banjohangout.org/classified/26590

Share the Banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 5 Feb 2012 09:45:02 CST

Last Thursday I played some songs for my daughter's 1st grade class. I'm still smiling, just thinking about it. I'd encourage everyone to take the opportunity to play for others: kids, adults or whoever will listen. For two reasons, (1) you will enjoy it (2) they will enjoy it. Who knows, maybe you will ignite the 'banjo spark' inside someone.

If you have reservations, like I do, regarding public performance here is my situation. I'm not a great player and am just learning. I can play some songs ok. The kids are a great audience because you can do no wrong in their eyes. I didn't play perfectly and was nervous. But not one child seemed to notice or care. They just enjoyed it.

A couple of highlights regarding playing for the kids:

I took my banjo out of the bag and there were lots comments such as "Wow" and "What is it?" (not from my daughter of course...)
I played a Civil War era song. Told the kids it was about 150 year old song. The comment that stood out was "Wow that's old, is your banjo that old too?" me: "No, old song, new banjo"
kid: "Can you play fast?" me: "No, I play pretty slow" kid: "That's good because your fingers could catch on fire or fall off if you play fast"
Most of the kids plucked at the strings or drummed the head before they would let me out of the room. Oh, well it is easy to retune, right?

So, if you have the opportunity to play for others, take it. Share the Banjo.

Regards,

Scott

Banjo Lessons on Skype

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 5 Feb 2012 09:36:48 CST

Hello

I am introducing dulcijo/clawhammer banjo lessons on skype.. Anyone interested go to www.dulcijo.com.

Thanks

Michael Fox

Garrison Keillor's Radio Show BBC Radio 4 Extra Sat 8am

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 5 Feb 2012 08:04:15 CST

Every Sat morning at 8am ( Repeat on Sun at 1pm) the BBC is broadcasting the Garrison Keillor's Radio Show on Radio 4 Extra.

A couple of weeks ago Abigail Washburn was guest musician, this week it was Sam Bush and friends. Well worth tuning in for great music and some Minnesotan humor.

Lyrics wanted for It's Only A Coal Miners Grave

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 3 Feb 2012 14:49:22 CST

I would dearly love a copy of the lyrics. I have been trying to decipher from Hazel's own YouTube rendition (an amazing woman and fantastic song) but there are many parts I still cannot determine. I live in Hamilton, New Zealand, and last year we had our own Pike River mining disaster - 27 killed possible through the carelessness of management.
I would like to sing this at our next Bluegrass concert - I play guitar and 5-string banjo. I look forward to any help someone may be able to give me. Many thanks in anticipation, Paul Corboy - email: hawkeye@xtra.co.nz

New Gold Tone CB-100

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 3 Feb 2012 14:26:38 CST

I just acquired a new Gold Tone CB-100, initial impression is very good. Seems like a good solid banjo, setup is pretty much spot on as received.

The nut/spacing is a little wider which is great for my giant fingers, it has a nice oldtimey tone.

Finish is nice,not too flashy.

Tommy and Freddie

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 3 Feb 2012 09:42:37 CST

So , I was out in the shop gluing up banjo rims and listening to a cd of these guys after listening to a newer cd of some of the current oldtime. And I started thinking how , if Tommy Jerrel and Freddie Cockerham where to show up at clifftop , or perhaps one of the "cool" open mikes in Ashville or Charlottesville or somesuch the oldtime police would at best ignore them but would probably make them leave because they didn't sound good enough. Just random thoughts while the glue dries....

Pete

New Website for Clawhammer Banjo Players in Switzerland

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 3 Feb 2012 05:28:18 CST

I started playing clawhammer-banjo a little more than a year ago. I learned a lot through this website and would like to thank you all for all the information and music you are sharing here.

I had to find out, that the clawhammer banjo is a rather exotic instrument/playing style here in Switzerland. So I started a clawhammerbanjo website for swiss clawhammer players to give the small community in my country a kind of a "virtual home".

At the moment the website is in german only. But we have four official languages in Switzerland (and english is becoming a kind of inofficial fifth language ;-) So feel free to comment in english, french, italian, rumantsch, ...

Maybe your are an american living/working in Switzerland looking for people to jam with? Just let me know.

Please have a look at http://www.clawhammerbanjo.ch/ Any feedback ist welcome.

Caspar

How Have You Matured as a Banjo-Player?

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 3 Feb 2012 00:14:04 CST

I've been at it 40+ years so I've been through a few phases, but in the beginning once I had control of all of the techniques I tended to play much more melodically and maybe a touch too fast.... Just because you can doesn't mean you should!!! I had departed from the style I picked up from my Dad.

Now, left to my own devices ('cause fiddlers can drag you down the bog road) I tend to play simpler and slower but with more emphasis on rhythm and syncopation. In other words, at least to me my playing sounds more like music and not so wrapped up in executing techniques. I returned to the style I picked up from my Dad with a few added twists. (My Dad was from The Little Dixie region of North Central Missouri and two of his main influences were local players, Morg Howard, b. 1860's, Jess Wright, b. 1840's).

I'd like to think I've developed some "taste".

For those of you that have been playing awhile, what changes have taken place in your music over time?

Portlandia? Well... I don't know...

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 2 Feb 2012 17:29:21 CST

So I stopped by the Lucky Lab on my way home from work to do some more work, but at least with a pint of Super Dog IPA at my elbow, and spotted this cover art on one of the the local art & entertainment weeklies, The Portland Mercury:

So I grabbed a copy and skimmed it. Didn't see any connection between the cover art and the cover story about sensory deprivation tanks. And when I went to the bijijoo.com web site I didn't see anything to suggest a connection with old time music. But I'm intrigued by the painting. Banjo fiddle duet. Two finger up-picking. Second fret capo on an open back banjo, suggesting A or D tuning. Seems like the artist has some familiarity with old time music. Young tattooed female banjo player sitting in an older-home alcove. Very Portland. Not sure what to make of the ladybug playing fiddle. But, you know, we're pretty welcoming and open minded out here. :-)

Anyway, no real point to this post. Just thought I'd share a curiosity. Guy Davis is playing Duff's Garage in a bit, so I gotta go.

Scott

Somethin' about the banjo....

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 2 Feb 2012 15:24:45 CST

Don't know what it is, but folks seem to like it.

It was a beautiful day today in central Illinois. I'm semi retired and had the afternoon off. I decided to enjoy the 60+ temp and sunshine by letting the kitties and bunny romp around in the yard while I sat on my front porch playing my banjo. I've only been playing for 6 months and the 20 or so songs I know are all very simple but I was amazed by the people who stopped by and gave me comlpiments. People out walking the dog, neighbors who just happened to hear me while I was outside. One lady even stopped her car when she saw me and rolled down her window and listened for awhile, then waved and drove off with a big smile.

The best part was the two kids who moved in across the street came out and started dancing and clicking sticks together to the beat.

I gotta tell you I'm not all that good but that didn't seem to matter to the folks.

I had a good banjo day!

Union Grove Fiddlers Convention

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 2 Feb 2012 05:21:13 CST

Can anyone tell me what the Union Grove weekend (Easter weekend) is like nowadays? I've heard all about the old days when it was a wild time and am wondering what it is like now. thanks, wendy

Jason Burns

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 1 Feb 2012 13:21:42 CST

Last year I sold a Jason Burns banjo and now I want to buy it back! I just don't remember who I sold it to. It had an artists palette in the scoop. Can anyone help?

Banjo Special

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 1 Feb 2012 12:06:11 CST

The 12th Annual Banjo Special. This Sunday in Toronto at Hugh's Room. Come on over. Details on my homepage blog

Breakin' Up Winter

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 1 Feb 2012 08:38:32 CST

This looks awesome.

Banjo tuning to match fiddle?!

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:12:16 CST

Hey I play a version of shady grove on the fiddle that closely resembles Doc Watson's I think its in Em. My buddy learned a version of Scruggs style Shady Grove thats in sawmill tuning, and it doesnt match up with the fiddle and mando..Any ideas what he needs to do to match it up??

Stumbled upon a wierd new tuning

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:13:14 CST

I was trying to practice a song with my capo in the 2nd fret and the 5th string tuned to A, because I haven't find the courage to drill the holes to set up a capo bar yet. When I was finished, I took the capo off and started to fool around, just strumming a little bit and found the new sound to be quite interesting.

I'm sorry for asking this, but I'm just starting with the banjo: so is DBGDa kind of a regular tuning?

If so, is it usual for old time?

First open-back conversion is almost done!

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 10:42:25 CST

My Vega tenor conversion is almost done! Eric Stefanelli has made a beautiful neck... much nicer than I could have dreamed. As it turns out, I'm going to Prague for most of February, so he'll be able to ship it from his workshop in France and I'll get my hands on this baby a lot sooner than I was originally thinking I might.

I'll have to get seriously to work on learning clawhammer.

Richie Stearn's banjo and sound?

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 07:56:12 CST

I recently discovered Richie Stearns and am really intrigued by his sound. I find it incredibly warm. I seem to be drawn to that "plunk" sound of nylon strings, which is why I'm surprised I love his sound so much.

Can anyone share any light on what type of banjo he normally uses? I'm still too much of a banjo rookie to be able to tell one from another, I'm wondering who makes it, if it's a tubaphone style, etc. To my eyes, all I see is an old open back style with a skin head.

Can anyone share any information? I think it's a neat sound, maybe it's just my ears, I'd love to try to duplicate it, if I knew how. Not that I'd be able to play like him!, give me a stratocaster, I still won't sound like Hendrix!

What are your latest Banjo-centric music purchases?

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 23:58:24 CST

I recently bought - The Freight Hoppers - "Mile Marker", Sheesham and Lotus - "Five Miles from Town" , Bad Dog "Old Time Blah, Blah,..." and Mark Johnson & Emory Lester "Acoustic Rising" what awesome CDs. What music have you been listening to lately?

Banjo Players

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 19:36:04 CST

How many oldtime players 60yrs plus are still playing at festivals and local jams.Some recordings are all I have for listening .What I noticed is the oldtimers played the two finger style more than the clawhammer, all is good .

New tabs in archive

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 12:06:28 CST

I have posted tabs for the following tunes:-

Buy Broom Besoms,Dashing White Sergeant,Daintie Davie,Fanny Blair,Fete Champetre,Flow Gently, Sweet Afton,Frere Jacques,From Thee, Eliza,Funeral Party,

Girls of the Shamrock Shore,Heaven Will Protect an Honest Girl,Jim Jones,Jefferson & Liberty,Jamie Come Try Me,Jamestown Homeward Bound,

Long Funny Dingle Dangle,Ye Banks & Ye Braes.

http://www.banjohangout.org/tab/browse.asp?m=bymember&v=18324

Do particular banjos sound best in a particular tuning?

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 16:40:20 CST

I play two banjos on a regular basis, a Flesher banjo with a 12" pot and a Chuck Lee Chalk Mountain Model with an 11" pot. Both have ebony tone rings. To my ear, among the most popular OT major key tunings the Flesher seems to sound sweetest in A tuning, whereas the Lee seems to sound it's very best in G tuning. Have others noticed that particular banjos seem to have an optimum tuning, or might this be entirely a figment of my imagination?

Appalachian Funeral Songs

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 11:04:49 CST

Hello all,

Just wondering if anyone has a list of old time Appalachian songs played at funerals.

Thanks,

David

Smoky Mountain Banjo Academy, May 4-6, 2012

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 20:55:41 CST

Anyone here going? I'll be on staff for the Friday "Banjo History" lecture/demo. For the rest of the weekend I'll be teaching Stroke Style, Clawhammer & Classic 1890's fingerstyle for those who want it. Heck, I might bring a BG banjo along and see if I can still pick one.

Looks like the current lineup includes: Leroy Troy, James McKinney, Tom Nechville, Ian Perry, Dave Ball, Wayne Erbsen, Sonny Smith, Jack Hatfield and myself. Jack probably has a couple more up his sleeve.

If you haven't ever attended one of these, they're a hoot...worth every penny. The venue is up in the beautiful Smoky Mts (Gatlinburg, TN) and the view of the Blueridge is awesome. Class sizes are small and there is ample room and time for one-on-one teaching, discussions, jams, etc. It is a resort motel so you sleep in the same building where the Camp is held...and everyone in the joint is all about the banjo for the whole weekend. Atmosphere is relaxed, food is good and you won't find a friendlier group of folks.

For more info, go to Jack Hatfield's website: http://www.jackhatfieldworkshops.com/workshops/smba2012/

I hope I see some of y'all there!

which old-timer (e.g. hobart smith) does my playing style best replicate?

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 19:47:24 CST

i am just curious who i sound most like when i play the banjer.

thanks,

jack

Nail or callous

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 16:51:40 CST

So, I'm thinking of abandoning all nail care, just cutting my picking nail short and developing a callous on my fingertip.

Surely I can't be the first. Anybody else here frail with a nail free finger?

Nailtique 2 - Really good nail hardener.

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 16:38:44 CST

Just thought I'd pass on the link to this product.

I have no connection with the company.

Went to the pharmacy and the lady there directed me to a beauty saloon where they sell this stuff.

I've been using it for 2 weeks and it's really great. It probably hasn't really started strengthening my nails yet but it is really robust as a coating. Some oil for cuticles was also in the pack I got.

Anyway here's the link

http://www.nailtiques.com/products.asp?CategoryID=1

Freedom Lake Park Old Time Jam (Clearwater)

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 16:06:49 CST

The Pinellas Folk Festival at Heritage Village is Saturday. It looks like most fiddle and banjo people in the area are going there, so there will not be anyone at the Freedom Lake Old Time Jam.

The next Freedom Lake Jam will be Saturday Feb 11.

Nick

Athens, Ohio old time scene

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 09:57:04 CST

A friend is moving to Athens, Ohio.. What is going on there with old time music? LEE

Home on the Range

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 08:06:15 CST

http://www.kshs.org/teachers/read_kansas/pdfs/i11card02.pdf

So today I am helping with the Kansas day celebration in the local school. This with be in recognition of Kansas' 151st year as a state.

Anyway, I went looking for help with the state song Home on the Range and was shocked how little info I could find. The man singing the song is singing in the key of C, so I'm playing out of double C tuning. I'm wondering, do any of you have any recorded clawhammer of Home on the Range? It's actually a very pretty tune and was once VERY popular with the in crowd.

The last song of a gig

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:24:07 CST

Two theories on the last song.

1. Bring 'em down, slow to mid tempo song with feeling. Like the end of other things physical...oh, that was nice, great trip, but I'm done for.

2. Send em home revved up and feet tappin. Go out with a bang.

We tend to favour the former. You?

www.jdminer.com

O.T.2-finger class with Chip Arnold, May 13-18 2012

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:26:59 CST

There will be an old time 2-finger banjo class May 13-18 taught by Chip Arnold at the John C. Campbell Folkschool in Murphy, NC. ( www.folkschool.org ) Should be fun! ------------------------------------------

Learn the wonderfully expressive, old-time, two-finger banjo style made famous by such players as Bascom Lunsford and Will Keys. We'll take your abilities as a somewhat experienced clawhammer or three-finger player, and apply them with new techniques and individual guidance to bring forth your inner two-finger player. Emphasis will be on learning by ear, but tablature will be available.

No Recession In Heaven

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 12:02:26 CST

First of all, this is not a call for a political discussion; we don't do that here.

Here we are 5 years into the greatest economic catastrophe since the Great Depression. Just wondering how these events have affected your musical world in the present and maybe the future. I got to thinking about this last year when my wife and I played a set live on a local, and I mean very local radio station. It was fun but it also had a very creepy, in a cool way, feeling of a live radio show from the '30s when people could neither afford concerts or even records any longer. Adding to the deja vu was the fact that Linda Jo was playing her depression era f-hole archhtop guitar and I was playing my 1927 Gibson. The "studio" was in a ramshackle house built just after WW I .

My wife and I have both managed to stay employed and insured, so we feel incredibly fortunate. Especially as we live in a mostly rural county with double digit unemployment and a poverty rate creeping up towards 20%. In our neighborhood you cannot help but to notice that there are scads of for sale signs up in yards and the complete absence of any new cars.

Well, this is about music, so here are some observations in my world:

*We play the Farmer's Market regularly here, and we used to make good money. Last year our busking proceeds were less than half of what they were. The market is still popular, but people are spending their cash on food, not tipping the musicians.

*Events that used to get grant money are not. No grant money means we get to play those events for free.

*A key member of our stringband is self-employed. The situation here has forced him to take a low-paying part time job to make ends meets.This has disrupted our regular practice.

*I've noticed more instruments on consignment than ever before at the fine music store up in the big city. My wife bought two used guitars last year; a vintage Kaycraft parlor and an Alvarez 12 string both attractively priced. It's a buyer's market if you have the dough.

*Another music pal had his rural home burglarized over Labor Day last year. His vintage Martin that he had used back when he toured professionally was stolen as well as a banjo I had loaned him to learn on. Lots of break-ins out in the rural areas around here.

*Don't know about you, but I've stopped buying CDs. I cannot even participate in the "best recordings of 2011" type threads. Just watching my money, and puting money into backyard gardening projects and the like.

*Finally, in regard to BHO, I've noticed several regular members disappear. I fear that amenities like internet access are no longer part of their budgets. Actually, I fear worse.

I'll conclude by admitting that yes, I am one of those "doomers" that thinks life will soon get very basic and very local. This is only a prelude to the new normal. To that extent we may be ahead of the curve in that we mainly entertain ourselves playing music both around the home and jamming with friends. In fact, another pal is being forced to move back into town so it will actually be more convenient to play with him.

How has the contracting economy affected your musical world, for better and for worse? How do you see the future in regard to your music? To old time music?

Don

Cathy Fink: Somewhere Over the Rainbow

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 19:03:05 CST

She was/is in Hawaii. I wondered about flying to the islands with a banjo. Then I realized she's playing one of those Nechville Atlas banjos. Supposedly, they can be taken apart easily.

Youtube: Cathy Fink, Somewhere Over the Rainbow

Thoughts on the LaBella strings?

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:09:39 CST

Where I live it's almost impossible to find banjos (so far I have only been able to find a brand called Caraya), not to mention accessories.

They do sell only one brand of banjo strings: LaBella (011, 013, 015, 021W, 011). When I needed to change strings (I broke some of the one that came with my banjo while tuning the first time) I had to go with LaBella.

It wasn't that bad, but I wasn't satisfied at all with the sound, it seemed to me too "metal", I don't know how to explain this, but the had too much resonance and were too bright or something. They just sounded wrong to me.

Recently I just replaced them with a D'Addario set (light, bronze), so far I'm liking the results a lot.

Was it just me and my bad technique or it's just that LaBella (specially that type) are just not suited for Old-time?

Quality Short Scale Banjo Case

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 22:16:23 CST

I am looking for a smaller case to fit my custom built shorter-scale 5-string sometimes referred to as "A" scale or "24" scale banjo with a 12" pot at a 3" depth - 35" from top to bottom. I just want a case that doesn't require me to pack it with stuff to keep it from moving around and lighter than a full size generic case for taking on planes and walking from parking lots at festivals.

I have looked at the TKL 7838 Premier Tenor and the TKL 8938 Professional Arch-Top Tenor cases but wonder if anyone here has other suggestions. I would really like something light if possible without spending more than $200. Even a decent form fitted featherlite or durafoam type case, or a used case would be acceptable.

New banjo - who knew?! driving me crazy!!

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 02:13:33 CST

looking to get a new banjo but who knew there were so many options! it's driving me crazy. as soon as i think i've settled on one, i become uncertain. do i scoop or no scoop? maple, cherry, walnut or mahogany neck or pot or both? new or used? and how old is too old? will it have a neck shape i like? import or domestic? and can i find it in my price range($500-$700, of course the cheaper the better).

you'ld think i was buying a house! which seemed easier then actually.

cedar creek banjos. anyone know about them?nothing in the reviews here or anywhere. http://cedarcreekluthiers.com/Banjos.htm found a used one, walnut rim and neck, $700 w/gig bag.

or Deering Goodtime classic - scooped or not scooped (i haven't played scooped, but like the sound of it when i've heard it on youtube) $500

RK-RB12 - walnut rim and neck - $599

AC Fairbanks No.1 Special - $600

I'm leaning towards the cedar creek because it looks like a nicely built banjo, even though it is stretching me quite a bit. it's also made in the USA, which i kind of like. it's also made of walnut, which is along the tone spectrum I like. I haven't played much in the way of banjos, and am a relative newbie (i.e. 4 months), but those i've played with and liked were often made of walnut or mahogany. the deerings always seem too bright or something although they do seem like good deals. I also really like Deerings slimmer necks, unlike the V-shaped necks like the RK's. But the RK's look better built then the Deerings. I've also only played on a GoldTone resonator banjo and didn't care for the neck. it felt fat to me. AC Fairbanks is/was a nice little banjo at a nearby shop. seemed pretty original, had a nice sound, but not necessarily the easiest to play at my level. i think it would be a great second banjo. i've been playing on a borrowed Harmony Bakelite, which I'd like to give back. I just think as soon as i make the purchase, something else will come along.

anyway, mostly thinking out loud. any insights into why you bought what you bought? any suggestions? i plan to decide in the next day or so.

New UK session

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 06:51:33 CST

Some of you may remember the "Pickin' Lunchtime" which used to take place once a month on Sunday lunchtime at the Retreat in Reading. That was an excellent session, which lately changed its start time to 5 pm to tie in with a "Translantic Linkup" over video. A great idea, but the new time didn't suit everybody.

I'm proposing to revive the "Pickin' Lunchtime" sessions at the Catherine Wheel in Goring on Thames, with a start time of 1pm on the last Sunday of each month, starting on Feb 26th. This pub also has the advantage of backing on to the village car park, which is free on Sundays.

This will NOT be an "Irish" session - there are enough of those already in the local area. It will be an "Americana" session, with the emphasis on American Old Time music. All acoustic instruments will be welcome, but you probably won't find much you can fit in with if you play a free reed instrument (Melodeon, Concertina, Accordeon) though, if you can play American Old Time tunes on it, please give it a try. I expect the bulk of the instruments to be 5-string banjo, mandolin, guitar, fiddle, dulcimer, etc.

If you play any American Old Time music, we'd be pleased to see you there. Please forward this e-mail on to anyone you think might be interested.

See you on the 26th, I hope.

(obviously, this won't be of interest to any of our American pickers - unless they come over to the UK for a holiday. I'm aiming to make this a monthly session on the last Sunday of every month - Goring and Streatley station is about 5 minutes walk from the pub, and is on a direct line from London Paddington)

Singing revisited

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 10:53:57 CST

I wrote a while back about the desire to take voice lessons after discovering that what I REALLY wanted was my singing to be primary to my banjo playing. So I've past the 13 month anniversary of lessons with this incredible (and young) teacher in NYC. What I've learned is there are no shortcuts. I thought that he'd show me how to sing on pitch and that would be that. Well, that is NOT that. In my weekly lessons I do 20 - 30 minutes of vocal chord warm-up then pick up the banjo and start singing.

But this guy's a stickler and does not settle for less. So we stop often and make corrections so I can release more and open up more. I should have known that it wouldn't be easy. Learning to paint was not easy either and I've been doing that for 25 years. But I expected to be able to sing in a couple of months. I like to say that when I started my singing sucked. Now I can honestly say that my singing sucks LESS! that's a good thing.

But my compromise has been not learning and perfecting more banjo technique. I use the basic bum-ditty and add all manner of slides, pull-offs and hammer-ons to spice things up. But I'm so psyched about singing that I'm willing to live with the trade-offs.

So - I'd love to hear other people's experiences along these lines. tell me I'm not the only one playing bum-ditty and singing!

First Open Mic/Jam

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 21:35:16 CST

My good banjo buddy and fellow BHO member PaulR has been attending an open mic/jam session in our area for some time now. For probably the last year or more, He has mentioned it to me several times, saying I should come on out. I just never seemed to have the time/nerve/gumption to really make an effort. For a long time I have dreamed of busking, performing for people, and just sharing this great old time music with others but just have never been able to overcome my nerves and fear of screwing up etc. I've played with small groups at Clifftop and small family gatherings, but never up in front of an audience with a mic and the whole nine yards. Well, tonight I just decided to go for it. Now or never. Get it over with. If you screw up, so what. Who cares. It won't be the end of the world.

Well, I gotta say, what a feakin' rush!!! It was so awesome. I really can't wait to do it again. I played three songs which the crowd seemed to find quite entertaining, and Paul and I did a clawhammer duet of The Boatman's Dance. I just wanted to share this, because I tend to be a bit introverted at times, but have wanted to do this for so long. If there are any "closet" banjo-players out there that really want to play for people, but just don't have the nerve, just do it! Don't put it off for three or four years or longer. Get a couple of tunes down pat, and just find yourself a venue. Yes, it's scary as all hell, but it's incredibly rewarding.

Ok, I gotta try and go to sleep now. Just had to share this.

Camps - Old Time banjo & Fiddle

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 06:58:38 CST

Looking for a fun music camp around the Four Corners (CO,AZ,NM,UT) with classes for clawhammer banjo & old time fiddle. My friend & I would like to go this year, but can't seem to find a camp that offers both. It's kind of bluegrassy around here, I guess. Thanks for any help you may be able to provide. Happy pickin! ;-)