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

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.

Romero Banjo blog

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 3 Nov 2009 17:00:56 CST

Hi folks - I posted this on the builders forum topics, but figured I'd post it here too.... I've started up a blog (well my wife has, but I'll take the credit :) Basically, the blog is a regular update on new banjos, shop ideas, hardware, future banjos, and more... I've just started building my number 200 banjo, and a friend suggested that I chronicle the building in the blog. So... I'll be putting up regular photos and describing the building process as I go - Pharis and I are excited about doing this, it's good fun to take the photos of the process and share the building of a milestone banjo for me! If you're interested, check out the blog at www.romerobanjos.com/blog. You can subscribe to have email updates sent to you when a new post is up. At most, it'll probably be weekly updates, if not monthly. best - Jason www.romerobanjos.com

Genesis

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 3 Nov 2009 15:31:05 CST

Being a big fan of R. Crumb, both as an artist and as a musician (I love the Cheap Suit Serenaders), I've been really anxious to pick up a copy of his recently published take on the book of Genesis. I got it last night, and I'm really enjoying it. This morning, partly because it's what I listen to, and partly because it's what R. Crumb listens to, I started thinking of old time tunes that relate to the book of Genesis. There are some really fun ones: "Adam and Eve In the Garden of Eden" by Bogus Blind Covington; "The Old Ark's a Movin' " by A.A. Gray and Seven Foot Dilly; "God Gave Noah the Rainbow Sign" by the Carter Family. Of course, this has now turned into an intended project to LEARN a series of songs that refer to the book of Genesis. So...I'm gonna dig through the stacks myself in the next couple few days, but I figured the collective knowledge and brain power here at the Hangout could suggest some tunes that I don't know about or that I might miss. So...Any ideas? Adam and Eve? Noah and the Ark? Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph? Methuselah? (Jeez, I think "The Man Who Rode the Mule Around the World" might LOOSELY fit). I'd love to hear your suggestions. Jami [img] http://www.banjohangout.ws/banjohangout.org/storage/photos/small/37287-14820203032009.jpg [/img] "When you want genuine music—music that will come right home to you like a bad quarter, suffuse your system like strychnine whiskey…ramify your whole constitution like the measles, and break out on your hide like the pin-feather pimples on a picked goose—when you want all this, just smash your piano, and invoke the glory-beaming banjo!" - Mark Twain

Old-time clawhammer guitar from banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 2 Nov 2009 16:45:46 CST

So I was just browsing youtube today looking at some clawhammer guitar and thought I'd throw out a couple of questions to anyone who might of taken their CH banjo technique to guitar already. 1) What gauge strings would one use for clawhammer guitar; I fooled around with the strings already on my guitar which are medium gauge guitar strings, and although my nails have no issues with CH banjo, I don't think they would last with all those thick wound guitar strings; and 2) Is the 6th string actually tuned higher as per the 5th of a banjo or is it kept as a bass string similar to standard guitar (this might be a matter of individual preference/technique)? as I believe I've heard both. What are you doing, keeping the 6th a base or raising the sixth? So let me here from all you CH guitar players! For those who haven;t heard CH guitar, here's a good clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfkF29P5Kwk&feature=related Steven

Why are banjos tuned those ways anyhow?

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 2 Nov 2009 16:34:42 CST

Why is it that fiddles, guitars, etc don't require retuning for many key changes, but banjos do. I am sure there is a good reason for it, I just don't know what it is because I have virtually no understanding of music theory. If there is money in farming, it's very well hidden.

Considering applying for a Traditional Arts Grant

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 2 Nov 2009 13:16:02 CST

Ohio has a program where a traditional arts master and apprentice can apply for a grant from the state in order to fund their studying/working together in order to preserve local traditions. Banjo and fiddle music seem to qualify, at least down here in the Appalachian part of the state. I'm interested in applying as the apprentice and obviously I'd like to study banjo, but I have two problems. First off, I've never applied for a grant so if anyone who's experienced with that sort of thing could give me some advice I'd greatly appreciate it. The bigger problem is that I'm lacking a master artist. Would anyone know of a person who would qualify that would be interested in doing this with me? Preferably the person would be in central or southeastern Ohio, but according to the grant guidelines, the master could be from another state. I live pretty close to the West Virginia border so I'm considering that an option too. I'm really hoping that with a little help I can make this work, because this seems like a valuable and rare opportunity. Feel free to send me a private message if you wish not to reply here. Thanks all. "We put a lot of effort into being like the old-timers, but they were just being themselves." - R.D. Lunceford

Old time banjo demo at Country Music Hall of Fame

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 2 Nov 2009 12:46:25 CST

Check this out: Way to go Rebekah! [url]http://www.countrymusichalloffame.com/site/experience-events-detail.aspx?cid=4349[/url] [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]

Painless Band - Angeline the Baker

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 2 Nov 2009 02:37:05 CST

Hi, A good friend gave me a CD of bluegrass and old time playing by a US band called Painless Band. They do the most fantastic clawhammer version of Angeline the Baker with a female vocalist who has a really lovely voice. I'm trying to find the name of the vocalist. Can anyone help? Thanks! Magnus

CH in Contemporary Praise and Worship Setting

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 1 Nov 2009 10:06:20 CST

Well, I really am living on the edge this Sunday!!! I have been playing fiddle and mandolin in our gatherings praise and worship services, but today we had this song called You Are God with a lively beat that the worship leader thought a banjo would be nice. I used a CH stroke play that turned out to add a nice layer of rhythm to the drums and bass if you can believe it. [:D][:D] I just stayed close to the melody of the keyboard. There were three female vocalists besides a couple of male singers and the rhythm of an acoustic guitar. I know this is not your normal CH setting, but it worked. [;)] Chuck Naill http://chucksmusicpage.blogspot.com/ For Charles J. Horner Violin and Mandolin Inquiries, http://charlesjhornerviolins.blogspot.com/

Paperstone Thinline Armrest-100% Recycled Material

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 1 Nov 2009 07:16:14 CST

We've been working with a major Banjo maker on alternate materials that meet "green" environmentally friendly standards. After testing 3 different materials for machinabilty, durability and no voc's used in processing, we have settled on "Paperstone". It is made of 100% recycled paper, water-based phenolic resin with cashew nut shell binder and pigment. Heat and pressure transform this mixture into a thoroughly impregnated network of cellulose fibers that give PaperStone its hardness, density and "ebony like" finish, perfect for our armrests. We'll continue to provide Corian® ebony colored armrests, and carry the Paperstone as an alternative to those of you who want to "Go Green". [img]http://www.banjohangout.ws/banjohangout.org/storage/photos/large/5806-2265715922009.jpg[/img] Doug Campbell www.littlemountainmusic.com

Got an Ome "Hale-Bopp" Silverspun... (Setup ?)

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 20:41:45 CST

Hey folks, I happened upon a 1998 Ome Jubilee from the limited run of "Hale-Bopp" edition of openbacks. Tanya Ogsbury at Ome tells me that there were "6 or 8" of those made, but that the inlay pattern inspired the "Bright Angel" line of banjos that are still being made. This particular banjo has a beautiful "satin amber" flamed maple neck with the scroll headstock and an ivoroid-bound ebony fretboard. The inlays are moons, stars, and (of course) comets. It also has Ome's Silverspun tone ring (with holes) in the 11" maple pot. While it is officially a Jubilee, then, its appointments make it more like the Bright Angel. I hope to have photos up soon. It arrived in a pretty grimy state -- dust bunnies in the nooks and tarnished metal bits. I took it all apart and it cleaned up beautifully. Now I have some tinkering ahead of me. I've been working long days of late and haven't got much past the initial cleaning and reassembly and have no measurements to quote yet, but I can tell the reader that even with a 3/4" bridge the action is quite low. 1/8" or slightly under, eyeballing. I tried some adjustment with the co-ord rods but didn't like the effect on tone. With the low action it plays cleanly but as I play CH I'd like to have a little more height to "bite" on. The neck relief (bow) looks about right. The fingerboard is above the notch in the tension hoop and the neck heel is forward of the rim of the pot. Seems like the holes for the neck bolts could be made slightly (only slightly!) slotted toward the back and something could be gained there. I could also have a still-higher bridge made. I think I'd like to install a higher 5th string pip as well. Anybody else have an Ome with such low action with that high a bridge? My other banjo is a 1987 Reiter Professional that had a similar condition -- but the 3/4" bridge got the action up to about 5/32" and I scooped the neck as well. I won't scoop this banjo as it is potentially a collector's item and has fancy inlay in the 17-22 fret region. Suggestions are welcome. I've read about shimming a neck but that doesn't sound ideal, to me. Questions/suggestions encouraged! Brian

Front Porch Favorites CD instrument question

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 08:03:27 CST

For those who have the CD "Front Porch Favorites - 19th Centrury American Classics" by Wayne Erbsen, please go to track 5 and listen to 'Polly Wolly Doodle" and help me identify the begining instrument playing. I was thinking at first that it was clawhammer banjo but now I am not sure based on the rhythum pattern. The CD does list the instruments used in the CD, though not for the specific tunes. Is it clawhammer banjo, maybe it is the bass mandolin, which I don't know much about. Thanks -Charis

Whyte Laydie & Nylguts

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 17:04:57 CST

I have an old banjo with a WL tone ring. Maybe it's just my playing style, but I've never really liked the sound of it. It's just too "raspy" sounding for my taste. I've tried all the usual remedies, including a skin head, a heavy bridge, and a wool sock under the dowel stick. Still, not a pleasing sound to my ear. So it hasn't gotten much playing time. I thought of selling it, but it's kind of a special banjo. It's the one that was featured in Dwight Diller's movie, [url="http://www.amazon.com/Fifth-String-Dwight-Diller/dp/B00077I436"]"The 5th String" [/url]. So I don't want to give it up. I just want to play it. Today, on a whim, I put on a set of Nylgut strings. Whoah! What a transformation. It's like having a brand new banjo. It sounds great, and I'll be playing it a lot now.

Time and financial constraints

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 13:26:37 CST

John C. Campbell Folk School, OR, Swannanoa Gathering???

2-Finger banjo class at J. C. Campbell Folk School

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 13:39:18 CST

Tish and I will be giving a one week course in 2-finger banjo the last week of April. The John C. Campbell Folk School is a wonderful place with many classes going on at once. You can take our class while your friend, spouse or whoever takes one of a variety of other classes offered the same week. The food is absolutely wonderful with both vegetarian and meat dishes offered. The campus is a beautiful mix of old and new. There are many things going on with opportunities to meet new friends and share the Folk School experience. And the mountains are beautiful in April. ya'll come! https://www.folkschool.org/index.php?section=class_detail&class_id=3697 ********************** Take what is given Give what is taken Chip Arnold

Old-TIme Banjo & Steel Guitar

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 08:15:01 CST

I had an interesting banjo-playing experience this past Sunday afternoon when I was invited to play a few tunes with Kayton Roberts, a world-class A-#1 steel player. Kayton played with Hank Snow for over 30 years, and was conducting a steel guitar workshop in Ashland, Kentucky. The clawhammer & steel made for an interesting combination, for sure! kim johnson

The origin of Soldiers Joy

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:09:55 CST

I discussed the song Soldiers Joy with good friend of mine, Ånon Egeland, who is teaching folk music at a Norwegian University. He told me that the oldest hand written version of this tune in Norway is from 1793, and is written for keyboard (clavichord or cembalo). It was called "Le Salut Royal". The first printed version of this tune is probably from Scotland around 1760. It is a tune that is known in a lot of countries. In Norway, the tune has lyrics which is about brewing beer. In earlier days there was a law that every farm had to brew their own beer. The words are something like this (my translation): At (the name of your farm here) they make the very best beer It will shake up your stomach like a horse’s foal And spin around in your head like a bumblebee And out through your *ss like a gunshot Pretty heavy stuff - and very far from "La Salute Royal". Or maybe the last line is what the salute is all about. There are other lyrics as well, and the lyrics are only for the first part of the melody.
My banjo is pre-war. Pre the next war
Jan Erik from Norway

Wednesday night jams Roanoke, Virginia

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 13:39:28 CST

I am traveling through the Roanoke,Virginia area and looking for any old time jams on Wednesdays. The one listed for Mill Mtn Coffee & Tea no longer exists. Attended a great one in Radford Monday night (Radford Banjo and Fiddle Club) and will be headed for Gillies Restaurant in Blacksburg for their weekly jam tonight.

Cover of I Want You

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 08:02:48 CST

Found this just the other day, Bob Dylan's I Want You getting the clawhammer treatment by The Tallest Man on Earth. Very nicely done, I'd say! [url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LmjyKqdLZA[/url]

Clawhammer History and a Thank You

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 05:10:43 CST

I've just started out on the clawhammer and can't shake that right-hand position! I've abandoned my guitar in the closet to collect dust and my fingerpicks won't be seeing the light of day anymore - it's been the most natural right-hand movement I've ever had the pleasure to learn. I was wondering where and when and how it started? And why did up-picking have to come along and keep people like me away from the real fun stuff? Also, I'd like to say a big thank-you to anyone and everyone who posts on this forum. The friendly and informative talk that I've been perusing through here has not only helped me learn how to get started, but has also kept me inspired to keep going. Even the heated arguments have been helpful, showing me that there are so many different ways to approach clawhammer. I've had 14 years of ups and downs with guitar, plodding along in stops and starts, but every single day out of these past few weeks playing clawhammer banjo I've discovered some new trick or lick or style that brings me pure unbridled joy and enthusiasm. I even laugh out loud from the fun of it! Again, thank you!!

The olde and the newer

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 18:31:14 CST

I am supposed to get my new Eric Prust Tackhead Banjo tomorrow . . . I bought flush frets and burnt in stars on it. And I am going to go see Steve Martin at the Meyerson in Dallas tomorrow night. I read that they are selling a commemorative Crow tour banjo at the concert. Probably jest buy a T-shirt if they are not too pricey. Tibilt

Securing a 5th String peg (geared)

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 10:05:01 CST

The 5th string peg on my ODE L/N is pulling out a bit and leaning towards the head. (it comes out just so far and stops) What would be the best method to secure the peg? SuperGlue? Wood Glue with shims? A permanent sulution is OK. "EVERY KID, WHEN BORN, SHOULD BE ISSUED A DOG AND A BANJO'- Charles Schultz

Earliest known clawhammer?

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 08:37:07 CST

Starting from a question that arose from another thread "Advise of the Masters": I've always wondered if there is any recorded history, written or otherwise, of clawhammer outside of WV. People moved around, so I guess so. You would think there would be more recordings of clawhammer and fiddle at the beginning of recording technology, but I think the musicologists recorded the people they could find, the friendly folks who would let them on the property, and the ones they were interested in. I'm sure that left a lot people out. I'll have to read the Celia Conway book for more info. Another factor seems to be the development of better roads and railroads, and the mail-order houses like Sears. But what about before that? The minstrels of the 1840's and on seem to have played a picking style, classically influenced. But what were the slaves themselves playing before that? Where the heck did clawhammer come from, and was it played before J.W. Sweeny added the fifth string? I know Africa is the likely source, but do we have any record of when or who? "Everything should be made as simple as possible, but no simpler." - Famous fiddler, Albert Einstein

Day 3 of playing the banjo - youtube vids

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 18:27:04 CST

Hello everyone, Just got my banjo in the mail 3 days ago and i've been loving it ever since and trying to learn how to play clawhammer. I have a few years of guitar expierence so I think that's a big help. I'm deciding to kind of document my progress with videos and will post them on youtube once a week or so. I'm in the middle of learning Cold Frosty Morning so I will post that in a few days once or if I can actually play it somewhat decent. Suscribe if you want or whatever. anyways here on the links to the vids Wildwood Flower http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRVHpBh9KJQ Cripple Creek http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKRAjiVsIaI _______________________________________________________ In the winter of sixty-five we were hungry, just barely alive. The night they drove old dixie down.

Artificial Sinew Strings

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 19:11:00 CST

I know there are quite a few OT players here who are also re-enactors, as well as many other "crafty" and ingenious players. Just wondered, has anybody tried using artificial sinew for strings? After all, it is nylon, and can be separated to create many different sizes/guages. I'd probably try, but my playing isn't good enough to be a fair judge. Ah well, just a thought. John ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I came into this world with nothing... and still have most of it left. Life is like a Purple Antelope standing in a field of Tuna Fish.

Learning both fiddle and banjo at the same time

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 18:31:16 CST

Hi, how about learning both CH banjo and OT fiddle at the same time?, besides time spent, would it create " learning confusion", or they enhance each other. Thanks.

Banjo Journal

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 17:32:08 CST

I bought a banjo from Jason Burns, and it arrived yesterday. It's his [url="http://www.burnsrepair.com/Banjo%20Gallery%2011.html"]#11[/url], with a spun over rim and Dobson tone ring. I love it. It came with a very cool tweed case (which I've never seen before). Tucked inside the accessory compartment was a leather journal. [img]http://j-walkblog.com/images2/banjojournal1.jpg[/img] I opened it, and saw that Jason had recorded every detail of this banjo. [img]http://j-walkblog.com/images2/banjojournal2.jpg[/img] How cool is that? There was also a note: "John, feel free to keep notes in it. Places you go or play with the banjo. People you meet. Future repairs or setups. I wish all of the old banjos had journals with them. It would help us all know about the history of the instruments. Maybe this journal will still be with this banjo 100 years from now." What a nice little bonus that was. Has anyone ever acquired an old banjo that had a journal with it? Is anyone keeping a journal for a banjo?

banjos in Cashiers, NC

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 12:48:11 CST

Hello, If you're going to be near Cashiers on the 29th and would like to see and hear a few of my different banjos--come on out. Here's the link to the time and place. [:D] [url]http://www.fontanalib.org/cashiers/index.htm[/url] www.maryzcox.com If you suspect you need a new banjo--you do. Trust your musical instincts. If a banjo calls to you to buy it, don't fight destiny. It was meant to be. :) http://banjoquest.blogspot.com Field videos of banjoists, banjos, tunes, and banjos in locations you may or may not have seen or heard before :) [img]http://www.banjohangout.ws/banjohangout.org/storage/photos/medium/2729-12636112132008.jpg[/img]

nice dock boggs version

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 11:48:12 CST

friend of mine sent me this link, it's pretty good. see what you think: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkFNLYq1-vE

Coal Creek March Lyric's ??

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 22:04:26 CST

Was looking for lyric's to Coal Creek March are there any ?? or was it just a tune . Thanks bob

Light and Hitch

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 19:42:59 CST

I'm surprised I haven't heard more about this phenomenal old-time band, or their banjo player (and banjo builder) Andy Norcross. I just posted a short review on my site which I'll summarize here in 3 words: BUY. THIS. CD. http://sitgnews.blogspot.com/2009/10/light-and-hitch.html Best, John Win a FREE copy of the New Lost City Ramblers' 3-CD retrospective: http://sugarinthegourd.com

Song suggestions

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 08:29:34 CST

I'm looking for some ideas for songs (not tunes) that would be good for a wedding ceremony. Something traditional along the lines of the Carter family, Hazel & Alice, etc.... nothing religious, but more like simple love songs. The trick is to find one where no one dies at the end... yeah, yeah I know, those are the best ones. [:)] It will be simple guitar accompaniment. Any links to BHO sound files or videos, youtube videos, etc. would be appreciated. I'm posting this here because the folks who read this forum know what I'm looking for (traditional ballads, etc. NOT bluegrass). Thanks! Scott Roberts www.oldgroove.com

How many banjos ?

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 21:42:31 CST

Hi all i was wondering is there any one on the hangout with just one banjo or are we all just banjo crazy are we always looking for the next must have banjo and like me trying to think of a good excuse to tell the wife , and then you get ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,you said the one before last was your last ever banjo do guitar players have the same problem oh well alan

Old skin heads

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 17:43:58 CST

Well, I guess with cooler weather on the horizon, it might be a good idea to loosen the tension a little. Last spring when it warmed up around here, I had to take up a little slack in the skin head. I sure don't want to have this old head tear 'cause it is tighter than Dick's hatband right now. If it sounds a little dull, I'll just crank down on the Kershner a bit more. "Look upward; He IS coming back!" "What happens in heaven, stays in heaven"

Chris Coole cd release concerts in Toronto

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 08:44:13 CST

Hi folks, This Thursday, Friday and Saturday, (October 22-24) Chris Coole will be releasing a new cd. As of October 20, all three shows have almost sold out in advance! Get your tickets while they are still available. To reserve, email - oldtimetix@gmail.com or call (416) 477-2745 Chris has this to say about his new recording: Old Dog Old Dog features five new original songs, three covers (The Band, John Hartford, and Dave Dudley) and four traditional tunes. The album is a bit of a new direction for me as it's neither bluegrass or old-time, although it draws from both. I'd have to say this is a roots music album by a bluegrass and old-time musician. There are some sound files on my website now. Apart from myself, the album features a number of my talented friends including: John Showman, Andrew Collins, Adam Warner, Burke Carroll, and Kristine Schmitt. I've decided to do the cd release over three nights in my friend Iner Souster's wonderful new art gallery "The Sixth" which is located on Queen St. West. The Sixth is a small, but good sounding and visually inspiring space to hear music in. The venue only seats 50 people, so I've decided to do three shows (Oct. 22-24). Each night, I'll do the first set on my own and then have one of the bands I play in do the second set. On October 22, I'll be playing with The Banjo Special. On the 23rd, it will be The Good Right Arm Stringband and on the 24th, my guests will be The Foggy Hogtown Boys (doing a set of old-time music!). October 22, 23, 24 The Sixth Gallery (1642 Queen W.) 8:30 pm - Tickets $15 To reserve, email - oldtimetix@gmail.com or call (416) 477-2745 seating is very limited Guests Oct. 22 - The Banjo Special (Chris Quinn, Brian Taheny, Arnie Naiman) Oct. 23 - The Good Right Arm Stringband SOLD OUT! Oct. 24 - The Foggy Hogtown Boys SOLD OUT! Chris Quinn www.foggyhogtownboys.com

Setup statement by Jason Romero

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 20:00:13 CST

During the webinar tonight Jason Romero said that he sets up his banjos differently for people that play clawhammer than for finger picking.... Would appreciate it if someone could explain what changes to the setup might be required between clawhammer and two finger picking... JJ

Baptist Shout ?

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 19:54:15 CST

Does anyone know the history of the tune Baptist Shout? I love its simple melody and as a Baptist the title delights me.

Dobson on Ebay

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 11:06:04 CST

I am a newbie to clawhammer banjo although I do play tenor banjo. I saw this banjo on Ebay and thought others might be interested. I have been searching on the internet for a couple weeks to learn about banjos for clawhammer, but I have not run across anything that looked like this Dobson. The Ebay URL is very long so I am listing the item number: 320437940420 or search using Henry C. Dobson's

Hammerin' in Hawaii-youtube

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:02:47 CST

Here's a youtube video of the 1st Hawaii Bluegrass association camping weekend. I'm the clown in the brown t shirt and straw hat playing some Angeline the Baker, and later guitar with some of the jams. Enjoy your view of paradise. Aloha, PH http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_UYzCRB1264

Open back in open air

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 20:58:45 CST

I just got home from a harvest fair / pumpkin walk hosted by a local garden store. Amid the various activities was an old-time string band with a fiddler, a guitar player, and a banjo player. The music was great and, of course, I focused on the banjo player--who, the best I could tell, was doing an up-picking Seeger-strum. While the fiddle and guitar were both plenty loud, the banjo player was inaudible. I walked around, moved in closer, tried everything I could do to hear the banjo player, but to no avail. It was only after I decided to head home and walked around the back of the band to get to the parking lot, that I could hear the banjo player loud and clear. All of his sound was going directly behind him--away from the audience. So, for those of you who perform in public, what do you do to avoid the dilemma of the "silent banjo"? (aside from using a mike or a resonator / bluegrass banjo) Booger