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

banjo sticks!

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:48:45 CST

many of you have probably heard and maybe even seen fiddle sticks...but have ya heard/seen banjo sticks!?! check this out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-NxfoP6GcU&feature=player_embedded enjoy

Now this is how you play the banjo!

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:01:31 CST

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXGZyz8osmE

flamenco and clawhammer-Old Woodchuck

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:35:00 CST

I love the rhythmic playing of flamenco guitar players and was watching this video of a flamenco strum. Looks very similar to the basic bum ditty strum. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZveCRpZRPqk Any ideas about the possible connection between the orgins of the banjo in Africa and flamenco? Woodchuck, I know you used to be a flamenco guitar player. Any thoughts? Any techniques you incorporate into your banjo playing?

Growing Popularity of Openback Banjos?

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 06:38:01 CST

I got my Elderly catalogue yesterday. There were four pages of open-back banjos listed compared to two pages of resonator banjos offered. Could we be in for another "folk scare"? Just kidding, it caught my attention and I wanted to share it with you all.

Interesting History Story on NPR

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 06:15:25 CST

From 11/17/09. A story about Polk Miller, a white banjo player and entrepreneur, who was one one of the first to record with black singers. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120398673 I found the story complicated, and therefore compelling. Miller's ambition both exploits African American culture and promotes it--or at least preserves a view into it. Overall, the story leaves me a little queasy, especially the last note: "Out of the 20 or so singers who worked with [Miller] in the Old South Quartette over the years, only two have ever been identified by name."

Ol' Georgie Buck

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:18:59 CST

Recently I've seen several videos of Elizabeth Cotten on You Tube and it seems one of the favorites - behind Freight Train - is her playing Georgie Buck on the banjo. It's always great to see her (my first time was here in San Diego in 1962), even at age 92, when she couldn't sing well, her picking was still strong. I believe most versions of the song trace back to her sweet original. But it reminded me of a CD that came out a few years ago with Taj Mahal and a group of West African musicians, "Kulanjan." Taj is always interesting and this project was no exception but, over the years, many of the songs have paled. His version of Ol' Georgie Buck, however, with ngoni and kora, is as exciting today as the first time I heard it. If you haven't heard it, buy it or even that one cut: it'll be worth the 99 cents. And I'm sure Libba would have loved it.

Clawcamp NW?

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:41:40 CST

Okay, you got my attention. (See CCW-10 http://www.banjohangout.org/topic/162872) Working on a Seattle location. Who's up for this and what time of year makes the most sense to yall? Play nice [8D], Dan "Ain't no bum-ditty" Levenson www.Clawdan.com Now teaching Clawhammer Banjo and Old Time Fiddle at San Diego Old Time Music Get started with Dan's Clawhammer Banjo From Scratch - Book and DVD (Mel Bay Publications) THEN: Come to Clawcamp! www.ClawCamp.com

Bluesageband.com website

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 04:35:17 CST

The Bluesage website (Mike Iverson's site) seems to be down. Does anyone have any information if it's only temporary, or....? . Jan-Olov

Have new Clinch Moutain Backstep tab

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:15:07 CST

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJqULQpGTQ0 I wanted a clawhammer version of Clinch Moutain Backstep by Ralph Stanley, but I felt most were not true to the orignal . So at the above link you can see the master play it himself . I found it fairly difficult to capture and tab out this tune trying to keep it's orignal feel with a clawhammer version . In the video Ralph capos at the second fret. You can play my version capoed to the key of A or just play it in standard G tuning . I did some research on this tune and found that when Ralph first recorded it that they did it in standard G tuned up a 1/2 step ? If you go to my home page and click on photos in the upper left corner I have taken three different pics of the tab. Quality is not the greatest .If you cannot see the tab well enough e-mail me at bmiller9@yahoo.com and I can send you a very clear scanned copy .

Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 04:32:12 CST

[img]http://i.ebayimg.com/03/!BfLVN3!!2k~$(KGrHqEOKiUEr)lthOb6BL!LlBYlfw~~_12.JPG[/img] (Not mine so I posted it here under clawhammer.....now on eBay, Item #360208355177, baby is holding a harmonica) 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

Carolina Chocolate Drops

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:28:42 CST

Pretty cool video here: [url]http://www.youtube.com/user/ccdrops[/url] Enjoy, Pete

Clawcamp West 10 - San Diego

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:48:29 CST

Hi Folks, Back from my latest Airstream rescue trip and realizing that the Early Registration Discount deadline is coming up soon. Registrations have already started coming in so don't be left out in the "cold" - literally! Warm spot again this winter as camp is set for San Diego. I'm working on special hotel rates at a very cool old place near the site. http://clawcamp.com/ for the latest and to download a registration form. Play nice [8D], Dan "Ain't no bum-ditty" Levenson www.Clawdan.com Now teaching Clawhammer Banjo and Old Time Fiddle at San Diego Old Time Music Get started with Dan's Clawhammer Banjo From Scratch - Book and DVD (Mel Bay Publications) THEN: Come to Clawcamp! www.ClawCamp.com

PBS banjo program

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 08:29:48 CST

I think the program I am listing is a local Sacramento, CA production and may not be broadcast nation wide. For those that live within the area of KVIE, channel 6 in Sacramento, it may be worth watching. Program: VIEWFINDER: Arts Alive - The Banjologist He has the storytelling skills of Mark Twain and a historian’s love of old-time music! This program introduces you to Gordy Ohliger, who has dazzled local audiences with his funky, old-time minstrel songs, 1800s ragtime, 1920s jazz, bluegrass, and novelty vaudeville. Wednesday, November 18, 7:00PM-7:30PM Sunday, November 22, 6:00PM-6:30PM Stan

Hands up for Harrietville ! ( Australia)

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 05:36:44 CST

21st Bluegrass and Traditional Country Music Convention, that is ! So who's going ? Here's the home page with the program: http://bluegrass.org.au/index.cfm?pid=111727 if you do a search you'll be able to find a more detailed page, but I'm having trouble getting links to work from it. hope to see you all down there, and catch up for a pick. Richard "There is nothing whatsoever that does not become easier with acquaintance" - Santideva hear my band: http://www.myspace.com/latitudefolkmusic my own page: http://www.myspace.com/richbanjo Stop by my homepage and hear my new tunes !

Gus Cannon mini-documentary

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 16:08:53 CST

Here's a link to a short (1:46) clip about the late Gus Cannon (aka Banjo Joe). Complete with live footage of 100 year old Gus frailing away on the banjo! Enjoy! [url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XdGR9duRZ78&feature=related[/url] Sean http://www.dearoldillinois.com Adventures in Haitian banjo building: http://seanbarth79.webs.com

video from Clifftop '07

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 09:19:19 CST

I stumbled on this video from Clifftop in 2007. I thought it was great. Enjoy! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWWP0Nif5Z4&feature=related Ray "We learn from history that we do not learn from history." --G. Santayana

First gig for our new OT string band

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 05:57:56 CST

It was finer than froghair -- the debut of Col. Terry and the Jake Leg Wobblers. We played last night at Pizza Forum in beautiful downtown Kendallville, Ind. Terry Thacker, a native of Possum Trot, Ky., and recently proclaimed a Kentucky colonel by the governor of that fine state, played the fiddle. Matt Katinsky played guitar and your truly was on clawhammer banjo. Lots of applause, pizza and enough money to go out and score some illicit drugs. JUST KIDDING! No drugs, honest. Cross my heart. Dean "Each one's got to have his own style. It's all creamed potatoes, just fixed a little different." -- Benton Flippen

Goshen: another Dan Knowles masterpiece

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 14:55:00 CST

My friend David Emery has been for a visit. While he was here, I made photos of his newest Dan Knowles Banjo called: Goshen. It is made to look like a vintage instrument from the 1800s. Here are some of the images: [img]http://www.banjohangout.ws/banjohangout.org/storage/photos/large/1896-136421514112009.jpg[/img] [img]http://www.banjohangout.ws/banjohangout.org/storage/photos/large/1896-237421514112009.jpg[/img] [img]http://www.banjohangout.ws/banjohangout.org/storage/photos/large/1896-440421514112009.jpg[/img] [img]http://www.banjohangout.ws/banjohangout.org/storage/photos/large/1896-541421514112009.jpg[/img] [img]http://www.banjohangout.ws/banjohangout.org/storage/photos/large/1896-349431514112009.jpg[/img] [img]http://www.banjohangout.ws/banjohangout.org/storage/photos/large/1896-551431514112009.jpg[/img] [img]http://www.banjohangout.ws/banjohangout.org/storage/photos/large/1896-126561514112009.jpg[/img] [img]http://www.banjohangout.ws/banjohangout.org/storage/photos/large/1896-227561514112009.jpg[/img] [img]http://www.banjohangout.ws/banjohangout.org/storage/photos/large/1896-14338172472007.jpg[/img] [url]www.johnbalchmusic.com[/url] [url]www.myspace.com/johnbalch[/url]

Free Chuck Levy show in Savannah, GA tonight!

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 07:51:30 CST

I am pretty excited. he will be playing banjo, akonting, banjonting, and banjo fiddle. I have never heard of a banjonting or a banjo fiddle. He is also holding a banjo cello in the add. Show starts at 7 at the ships of the sea museum.

Banjo & clawhammer roots

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 05:41:02 CST

(Please excuse brief venting) In the past week I (briefly) followed a post here on BHO on evolution which got pretty tedious pretty quick, a spin-off on the evolution of the banjo which seemed to be tainted by the evolution thread, then an excellent posting by banjobilly on some YouTube clips of contemporary African musicians playing banjo-like instruments. That thread intrigued me, since I had never seen some of the right-hand techniques, indigenous to Africa, which are clearly ancestral to the clawhammer style. That thread stalled with a short dispute on the origin of the banjo, which I think was a shame. I did a little YouTube searching this morning, and found a couple of interesting clips on the evolution of the banjo as a musical instrument, and some clips of contemporary African musicians playing banjo-like instruments which I added to BanjoBilly's list. I also figured out how to create a playlist of these clips, link below. I saved the best till next-to-last... a long clip with Scott Didlake, Mike Seeger, & Clark Buehling. If you stay with the playlist up to this clip, stay with it. Last clip is on early cigar box fiddles, kinda congruent with the info on early development of the banjo. [url]http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=418E7E1C4440FE96[/url] (this link takes you to a "playlist" page, click on "play all videos") 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

Question about JC Campbell Folk School

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 22:14:33 CST

I'm posting this question here b/c there was a previous thread about the JC Campbell Folk School. I was looking at the JC Campbell Folk School web site and am interested in maybe doing a work study or student host session there. I noticed that one of the duties of the Student Host is "leading blessings at meals". Wondering if there's a religious theme to the school. I guess to cut to the chase: Do people hang out at night and have a few drinks and smoke cigarrettes? -Bryce

Old Time Mississippi

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 21:01:18 CST

I have a question for all you folks out in Banjoland, a question concerning the fine state of Mississippi. I am familiar, and am a bit of a fan of, Mississippi stringbands (Ray Brothers, Freeny's Barndance Band, Charlie McCoy and a Chatmon (Bo, Sam, the other one?) disguised as the Mississippi Mud Steppers, et al) and I cannot help but notice that there are very few post-78 era recordings of Mississippi stringband music that I am aware of: Mississippi John Hurt, the awesomely amazing Sydney Hemphill and band, and the Hoyt Ming lp (Old Homestead I think released it). While I am not complaining about a lack of brilliance (These three groups can fulfil many awesome quota) I am just wondering: Is this lack of recordings a product of my own ignorance (If so, please enlighten me), or, were there really so few recordings made of Mississippi old time musicians made (If this be the case: Why? Lack of musicians to record?). Anticipating many insightful answers and will be very disappointed if I get none, Sam. If you ain't right, get right.

asked to play at psych hospital?

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:58:47 CST

Hello all, I work at an inpaient psych and rehab hospital and someone let the cat out of the bag that I play banjo and guitar. I have been asked to play for the kids on the youth unit (ages 12-17). I havn't the slightest idea how to approach this. I guess my question is has anyone out there done this before? Any advice would be helpful, from song recomendations to suggested reading or websites geared toward this sort of thing. My main concern here is that I play folk music on banjo, which I imagine a group of troubled teenagers may not dig AT ALL. Thanks a lot

Recording tunes to sound better...

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:50:23 CST

I want to record my playing using the "Audacity" ...then play back to improve my skills... ahhh, all I have is a small microphone that plugs into the computer. So, the question is without spending a bundle of money, what type of microphone should I use with my computer to record?? Also, where could I buy it? Looking forward to your response...thanks in advance!! [:)] Keep on the "sunny side"! Don

Researching Ohioan old time musicians

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 09:34:23 CST

I'm trying to do some research on old time musicians, both fiddle and banjo, both living and dead from Ohio. The trail has turned pretty cold so can anyone help me out with some names? So far I've got our own Hilarie Burhans, the occational Ohioan Dan Levensen and Dan Gellert. As for deceased players, I've come up with Ward Jarvis who moved to Athens Co. from WV and Jimmy Sutton. Others? "We put a lot of effort into being like the old-timers, but they were just being themselves." - R.D. Lunceford

Gold Tone BC350 and 350+

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 23:41:16 CST

Hi Folks I recently imported a BC 350+ into Australia. I'm pretty happy with it. I tightened the ren. head and put light gauge strings on it. I gather most folks prefer heavier (it came with mediums) but I like the brighter sound but still with the depth. The thing is so responsive that I just need to play it "nice" over the scoop and adust my right hand and let it 'ring' like a bell. Different from my other open backs with their 'plunkier' sound. I prefer my locally built 11" White Swallow for playing in a string band but the BC350+ is great for solo or singing with. Interested to hear from others who have BC350s and their setup preferences as well as comments on the instrument in general. Thanks Rob

Visitors to Oz

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 21:18:51 CST

Cathy Moore and Kim Johnson in Australia during the same period, though I don't think they're scheduled at the same place at the same time. A real chance for clawhammer players to see two of the best and most interesting stylists on the Banjo Hangout. Bill

Australia

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:18:31 CST

Just got done packing - tomorrow will be off to Melbourne, Australia with Rob McNurlin, Zoe Brewer, and Joe Dobbs for 18 days of touring/sight-seeing, house concerts, radio shows, and the Harrietville Bluegrass and Traditional Country Music Convention. Australia may never recover.[8D] kim johnson

Banjo Newsletter vs. Old Time Herald?

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:03:29 CST

This is going to be one of those can-o-worms topics, isn't it? This next payday, I wanted to buy a subscription to further my knowledge of banjo and Old Time music. But my delemma: which publication do I go for? There's the Old Time Herald, which is specifically focused on my preferred music, but it is only a bi-monthly. The Banjo Newsletter is monthly, but it covers some banjo topics that I won't be as interested in. Both are around the same price. So, what are your suggestions? Cheers! __________________________________________________________ Right way or wrong way, I just want to play the banjo SOME way.

Green Willis

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 09:19:41 CST

I am working on the Ken Perlman Intermediate Clawhammer DVD. I have been stuck, or did not choose to go on past Boatman and or Old Joe Clark, because I never really got up to speed on them. Then I learned Boatman the way Dwight Diller tabbed it out, etc, etc. (How come it sounds so good when Dwight plays it, but so crappy when I play it-don't answer, I know why) Anyway, I finally moved on in this course, and I'm working on Green Willis, which adds anticipation training. I almost have the tab completely memorized, now I'm getting my fingers to memorize it too. I was thinking that learning new skills might make it easier to play the other stuff I have already learned, but don't feel confident with yet. I like the tune too. Any thoughts? Or anyone want to throw a teaching moment my way? Your talk talks, and your walk talks, but your walk talks louder than your talk talks!

1926

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:04:40 CST

can someone with a decent historical knowledge paint me a picture of the 5-string banjo in the year 1926. Where did people buy banjos...what kind were most played (vega, ect)...what type of manuals were popular... thanks

I need a guinea pig....

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:20:13 CST

I need someone who is willing to give me some ideas on material and maybe try out a few bridges I send them. I have some ideas but I don't know anyone in my area that plays OT. No big rush, it will probably be after the first of the year, but I would like to get going on the material soon. If you are interested, just send me a PM. THANKS!!! [:)] Scott “You Can Hang a Sign on a Pig Saying It's a Horse...But It’s Still Just a Pig.”

Gold Tone CC-OT is sounding a little off

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 9 Nov 2009 19:27:07 CST

I recently purchased a Gold Tone CC-OT ordered through Guitar Center. I took it out of the box and tuned it to the best of my ability and it just sounds kind of lifeless, like everything is in a minor key. I played a few in a store before I ordered this one and they sounded a little plunky because of the fiberskin head but this one just ain't right. My last banjo was more of a bluegrass style and had a very bright sound that I am kind of missing right now. I have tried tightening the head and tuning to CC and G and no matter what I do it just sounds off. What should I do? Switch out the head and take it in to a shop to have it set up? I would love to hear your thoughts Banjo Community. Thanks

Historical question, Ireland, Pre- WWI.

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 9 Nov 2009 18:11:51 CST

Hi Folks, I'm a banjo innocent, and I'm curious about a particular banjo, and what sort of music it would have been used to make. Some background; my Great-Uncle William was a Belfast boy (age 19) when he was killed on the Somme; 1916. The last letter that went out to poor Willy mentions his banjo waiting for him to play when he gets home. Of course, he never did make it home, he's still buried in France. My question is this; the banjo is long gone, and so is anyone who would have known Willy. So, if there is anyone willing to take a few guesses as to what sort of banjo music would have been popular with the teenagers of the era, and what sort of banjo it would have been played on? I know; big order. The family's never been anything but working class (no coat of arms for us, we're working folk) and so the banjo wouldn't have been spectacular. Music Hall? Minstral shows? Irish folk ballads (probably a mix, knowing my family). And would the banjo have been four string, or were five string available? Tenor tuning? Speculate away, I'll love to read it. Truth is, I'm curious if a modern banjo is available that might work as a substitute; I might want to honor my Grand-Uncle by learning the banjo and playing a few tunes for his shade. Best to you all, Kyle Kyle

Gold Tone MM-150 and WL-250 comparison

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 9 Nov 2009 17:22:42 CST

Folks want a comparison between the Gold Tone MM-150 and Gold Tone WL-250, both of which have White Ladye tone rings. I asked Wayne Rogers, Gold Tone's owner, to compare the two. He says, "Same banjo: MM-150 has a rosewood fingerboard; WL-250 has an ebony fingerboard and prettier cosmetics. That's the only difference." Paul http://www.banjocrazy.com/ Gold Tone Banjos - Lowest Prices http://www.youtube.com/user/strumstering Paul's YouTube Channel

Franklin George Playing The Banjer

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 8 Nov 2009 10:06:58 CST

I thought I'd share this video a friend posted. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8ZrSXpPoYo ------------------------------ Chad Ashworth

Sweet Sunny South Old Time Music Festival (UK)

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 8 Nov 2009 09:22:09 CST

Dear Old-Timey Banjo People of the British Isles and Passersby, I'll be playing and giving banjo workshops at the Sweet Sunny South Old Time American Music Festival (http://www.sweetsunnysouth.co.uk/), in Hastings, East Sussex, next 10th-12th September, 2010. So tune up your banjos and come one, come all! I'm working on other dates around it at the moment, so if you'd like to see me in your town, send me names of places to get in touch with. Yours, Hunter "Eternity is in love with the productions of time." - William Blake Old-Timey Music for Body & Soul - www.hunterrobertson.com

Left Me Speechless

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 7 Nov 2009 21:09:15 CST

From the cd "Tony Furtado and Dirk Powell" ~ Angeline the Baker / John Henry. Wow! What songs have you heard recently that left you speechless? "F# is the new G."

Sidelined

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 7 Nov 2009 17:05:07 CST

Last Saturday I helped take down a garden shed belonging to my wife's friend's husband. In exchange for the labor, I got to keep the salvageable 2X4s (to build raised beds for our garden). The plan was for my wife to drop me off, run errands, and then pick me up several hours later. When I got there, I found that the shed was MUCH larger than I had pictured AND the fellow had only a regular hammer and a short-handled sledge. But we went to work and had the shed down and stripped in a couple of hours. The rest of that day, I felt fine. The following day, my right forearm hurt a little. By Monday, however, it felt as if it were on fire. Apparently I've developed some tendonitis and, as a result, I haven't been able to play banjo all week. I'm certainly not looking for pity--there have been several members of this community who have faced far more serious injuries and challenges. I just wanted to relate that it's taken being sidelined for me to truly realize how important playing the banjo has become in my life. I first started playing at the end of May and have practiced (nearly) every day since then. For the meantime, I'm resting, icing, taking plenty of ibiuprophen, and dreaming of being able to play the banjo again. Booger

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.

Frank Fairfield

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 6 Nov 2009 11:38:22 CST

Just found out about this player on YouTube and didn't see his name pop up in any searches he. He's a younger guy from California who plays banjo, guitar, and fiddle. Not a bad singer, either. Here's a really nice video of him playing the heck out of the banjo: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lefJBwJhQ6E He's got an album out on Thompkins Square records: http://www.tompkinssquare.com/frank_fairfield.html (you can buy mp3s else where on the web). Just thought he might be of interest to some of the players here. Here is his MySpace page: http://www.myspace.com/frankfairfield

Banjo Gourds

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 6 Nov 2009 06:06:23 CST

Can anyone tell me what sort of gourd is used for banjo's. I am a gardener by trade here in the UK and have not come across any gourd, squash or pumpkin that would dry out and leave a rigid shell. I would really like to grow my own banjo so any help, advice or even seeds would be welcome. Many thanks Tom[:)]

13 Banjos, Group Portrait

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 5 Nov 2009 10:36:22 CST

RWJones1970 has been bugging me to shoot a new family portrait of my banjos. This morning, I gathered them together in front of the fireplace for a portrait worthy of a holiday greeting card. [img]http://j-walkblog.com/images2/13banjossmall.jpg[/img] Here's a [url="http://j-walkblog.com/images2/13banjos.jpg"]much larger version of the photo[/url]. From left to right... 1880 H.C. Dobson Silver Bell No-name banjo uke No-name 1890s banjo, spunover rim Chuck Lee 12" Prairieville Vintage Jason Burns #11, with Dobson tone ring No-name banjo uke John Bowlin 1865 fretless Gourd Banjo #1 from Bisbee Banjo Works Ramsey Special 12" Jeff Menzies 14" Gourd Doc's Banjos 12" custom Jason Romero 11" custom Old Whyte Laydie 11" / Lo Gordon Neck With the exception of the Ramsey, they all have skin heads. I have Nylguts on the gourds, the ukes, the Bowlin, the old no-name, and the Whyte Laydie. I usually keep the Burns, Ramsey, and Romero tuned two half-steps higher than normal. The gourds and Bowlin are tuned low. Frankly, I don't know where they all came from. I started out with one, about four years ago. Next thing you know, they've multiplied and now they're all over the house. It's a mystery. Maybe we should start a new thing here: 'Banjo Collection O' The Week'. Who wants to be next?

Frailin' on a Gibson RB3?

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 5 Nov 2009 04:36:36 CST

I like the percussive sound of claw-hammer, drop thumb style of playing. I've tried a few of the basic bum dittys on my RB3, but it's hard to get my mind wrapped around it. I notice that people frail on the banjo up where the neck meets the pot, at around the 19, 20, 21 frets. I play up the neck breaks in Scruggs style close to the where the neck meets the pot, but not up on the neck itself. I also notice that on frailing banjos there is a spot there with no frets. I think I've heard it called a frailing scoop or trough something to that nature. What I'm wondering is this. Is it hard to play claw-hammer style on my RB3. Or should I just keep with the Scruggs on that banjo and try to get a frailing banjo if I decide to pursue learning claw-hammer. I live in the mountains..... The mountainous region of Central Florida. Sugarloaf Mountain; 312 feet above sea level. http://www.banjohangout.org/myhangout/photos.asp?id=20244&albumid=3256 Randy

Thumb Blister!

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 5 Nov 2009 01:48:20 CST

Argh! My thumbs gone red and blistered from too much frailing. Any tips on how to get it back up and running?

Jan. 23-24 w/Adam Hurt, Reed Martin, Cathy Fink

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 4 Nov 2009 16:24:10 CST

Save the date. Details to come for a Sat.-Sund. weekend of workshops and concert at the HOUSE OF MUSICAL TRADITIONS in Takoma Park, MD. Feel free to contact me at info@cathymarcy.com if you'd like more info NOW. Winter banjo fun.

Sugar in the Gourd-now!

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 4 Nov 2009 09:28:54 CST

John Salmon is playing a rotation with an extraordinary high % of banjo music these days...check it out! http://www.sugarinthegourd.com/ and enjoy Don't forget to play all of the quasihemidemisemiquavers!! Drop thumbs, not bombs Joe

Very funny YouTube video

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 4 Nov 2009 08:34:14 CST

This made me laugh! And I needed that. [url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Do3QHNWkpP8&feature=player_embedded[/url] "Do not pray for an easy life. Pray to be stronger. Do not pray for tasks equal to your powers. Pray for powers equal to your tasks." - Fr. Solanus Casey

Barberville (FL) Jamboree November 7 and 8

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 4 Nov 2009 07:26:54 CST

http://www.folkfiddle.com/barber.htm I live in the mountains..... The mountainous region of Central Florida. Sugarloaf Mountain; 312 feet above sea level. http://www.banjohangout.org/myhangout/photos.asp?id=20244&albumid=3256 Randy

Rounder songs

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 3 Nov 2009 17:36:08 CST

Hey out there, So, I have heard reference to the Rounder groups of songs. I know this includes Little Maggie and Darling Cora but was wondering if there are any others. I really like these two songs alot, so figured if there were others that I'd probably enjoy them too.