Banjo Hangout - Playing Advice: 4-String (Tenor & Plectrum) Styles Forum Feed

The better Plectrum banjos

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 3 Nov 2009 18:04:03 CST

Hi all. I'm new to this group and this is my first post. Years ago I had a Vega tenor banjo with goatskin head. Stupid me, I trade it for a Pete Seeger 5 String Vega. Both great banjos but that tenor was outstanding and I didn't know it would have been even more so with a "plastic" head. Live and learn. My main reason for this post is to ask your opinions on the better Plectrum banjos. Is one considered to be the best of all by most or many:? I think a plectrum has a less plunky sound and think I'd like to go that way with my next banjol. Plec

SCORDATURA!

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 3 Nov 2009 16:13:00 CST

Yes, I have been reading about the mis-tuning (altered tuning) of the tenor banjo (CGDA) here on hangout. Irish, Chicago, who knows what all. Well, in reviewing the October 1948 issue of BMG magazine I finally discovered the word that describes this phenomenon. SCORDATURA. To quote: " "Scordatura" originated with the lute and viol and has been employed on all tunable instruments thoughtout the ages, and, in the fretted instrument world, solos for banjo, mandolin and guitar with "altered tuning" are not unknown." So, those of you who have wandered from the proper CGDA tuning of the tenor banjo have engaged in an act of Scordatura. Should be a felony in most states. Beezaboy

strings question

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 2 Nov 2009 14:54:01 CST

Any difference between d'addario strings for tenor and for five string? I have a set of medium gage strings for five string and my tenor needs new strings. Thanks, db

Tenor Ball End Strings?

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 2 Nov 2009 07:20:29 CST

I'm looking for strings with ball ends for 17 fret 1920s Slingerland tenor, standard tuning. Any suggestions would be appreciated? Can't seem to find ball ends readily available. I guess I could also go with loop ends, but the tailpiece is really designed for ball end strings. I did find La Bella strings at Juststrings(dot)com. Opinion? Thanks in advance.

Now that I own it, what is it?

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 1 Nov 2009 16:45:07 CST

I bought a banjo today at a used furniture store. I have pictures of it on my homepage under the title "tenor" It has 4 string and 17 frets. I am kind of surprised at how nice the tone is one it. Anybody have any idea who made it or when? Is it indeed a tenor or is it something else? There was also a banjo mandolin in the shop but it was in pretty rough shape. I realize this isn't really playing advice but I thought it might be the best place to get a good answer. Thanks. Pete If there is money in farming, it's very well hidden.

Plectrum or tenor?

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:49:49 CST

Okay, I've only visited this section a couple of times in my life (no offense...It's just that I've played 5 string exclusively since I took up the 'jo 5 or so years ago), so this may be a potentially stupid question. Anyway, I am thinking about dabbling in the 4-string world, just for the sake of dabbling in the 4-string world...want to see what I can make a 'jo do with a flatpick (I used to play guitar and have a box full of picks). I don't have my heart set on any specific genre...main thing is I want to go the route which would be the easiest transition (sounds lazy...I know) from a 5-string. I know that there would be countless variables to take into consideration, but generally speaking, i.e. OVERALL, between tenor (tuned, say, to CGDA) and plectrum (tuned, say, to CGBD) which would be the easiest to transition to from the 5-string? "This is the best of all possible worlds" - Leibniz 1710 "If this is the best of all possible worlds, I'd hate to see what the others look like" - Voltaire (paraphrased) 1759

Mute/Tone Brightener

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 23:26:42 CST

Some jazz banjo players here in the UK use a mute consisting of two metal strips above and below the strings screwed tightly together behind the bridge. Often there is felt or rubber sandwiched between the metal strips. Close up and touching the bridge the banjo sounds quiet and harp-like. Placed a quarter of an inch behind the bridge though, the sound is loud and clean. I've heard that the reason for using such a mute/tone brightener is that more vibrations are forced through the bridge, and vibrations are not lost through the tailpiece. The result is a less plunky sound. I think that some of the typical banjo overtones are lost, but the sound can be brighter, and can cut through a jazz band more efficiently. Any comments please? John

New Eddy Davis Videos on Youtube

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 07:59:49 CST

Jim Robinson ("wyatturban") has posted many more videos by Eddy Davis on Youtube. Eddy is playing a Gibson which he told me was owned by the father of a friend so it isn't Eddy's banjo. But there is no doubt who is doing the playing when you hear any of these wonderful solos. We all owe both Eddy and Jim Robinson a big debt for making these. (Sorry they aren't live links. I've tried a couple of things but neither worked. Anybody know how to put up this long list as live links? HELP!) New Videos from wyatturban • Banjo Music "How About You?" Eddy Davis Tenor Banjo • Banjo Music "The Heebie Jeebies Dance" Eddy Davis Tenor Banjo • Banjo Music "It's Nice Work If You Can Get It" Eddy Davis Tenor Banjo • Banjo Music "I'm Gonna Stomp Mr. Henry Lee" Eddy Davis Tenor Banjo • Banjo Music "Girl Talk" Eddy Davis Tenor Banjo • Banjo Music "Fly Me To The Moon" Eddy Davis Tenor Banjo • Banjo Music "The Days Of Wine And Roses" Eddy Davis Tenor Banjo • Banjo Music "Weary Blues" Eddy Davis Tenor Banjo • Banjo Music "Cuddle Up A Little Closer" Eddy Davis Tenor Banjo • Banjo Music "By Myself" Eddy Davis Tenor Banjo • Banjo Music5" Beale Street Blues" Eddy Davis Tenor Banjo • Banjo Music "Autumn Leaves" Eddy Davis Tenor Banjo • Banjo Music "Aunt Hagar's Blues" Eddy Davis Tenor Banjo • Banjo Music "At The Jazz Band Ball" Eddy Davis Tenor Banjo • Banjo Music "A Shanty In Old Shanty Town" Eddy Davis Tenor Banjo • Banjo Music " 's Wonderful" Eddy Davis Tenor Banjo • Banjo Music "Two Deuces/Baby Your The Best" Eddy Davis Tenor Banjo • Banjo Music "Tin Roof Blues" Eddy Davis Tenor Banjo • Banjo Music "There's A Cabin In The Pines" Eddy Davis Tenor Banjo • Eddy Davis "The World Is Waiting For The Sunrise" Eddy Davis Tenor Banjo • Banjo Music "The One Note Samba" Eddy Davis Tenor Banjo • Banjo Music "When Joanna Loved Me" Eddy Davis Tenor Banjo • Banjo Music "Yellow Dog Blues" Eddy Davis Tenor Banjo • Banjo Music 'Yard Bird Suite " Eddy Davis Tenor Banjo • Banjo Music "That Dada Strain" Eddy Davis Tenor Banjo • Banjo Music "St. Louis Blues" Eddy Davis Tenor Banjo • Banjo Music "Somebody Loves Me" Eddy Davis Tenor Banjo • Banjo Music "So Long Deary" Eddy Davis Tenor Banjo • Banjo Music "Smile" Eddy Davis Tenor Banjo • Banjo Music "Potato Head Blues" Eddy Davis Tenor Banjo • Banjo Music "Ole Miss Blues" Eddy Davis Tenor Banjo • Banjo Music "New Orleans Stomp" Eddy Davis Tenor Banjo • Banjo Music "Mandel Medley" Eddy Davis Tenor Banjo • Banjo Music "King Chanticlear" Eddy Davis Tenor Banjo • Banjo Music "Memphis Blues" Eddy Davis Tenor Banjo • Banjo Music "Make Me A Pallette On The Floor (Altanta Blues) Eddy Davis Tenor Banjo • Banjo Music "Learnin' The Blues" Eddy Davis Tenor Banjo • Banjo Music "Laura" Eddy Davis Tenor Banjo • Banjo Music "Jelly Roll Blues" Eddy Davis Tenor Banjo • Banjo Music " Willie The Weeper " Eddy Davis Tenor Banjo Frank Geiger frank.geiger@yahoo.com www.geigeracousticdevices.com

Virtual Session

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 10:54:22 CST

Here is a great link to something called "Virtual Session", from BBC 2. You can select from the included pieces and play along as well as print out the music. Just click on the Welcome to Virtual Session area of the Web page. Examples include: Reels Jigs Barn Dance Hornpipes Polka Planxty Slow Reel Slip Jigs Waltzes Scottish Jigs I sent the BBC 2 a thank you for their work using their contact link at the bottom of the page of their web site. Have fun! [:)] Here is the original link which I forgot to include. http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio2/r2music/folk/sessions/ The link provided by Judy is direct and a better choice.

Should my 2nd finger hit the first string

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 07:30:01 CST

Hi all I have started to focus more on my right hand technique now I have been playing a few months. I am noticing that when I play with my fingers down on the head as I come back over the strings to strum the fourth string my 2nd finger touches the first string. Is this normal? Or do I need to spread my first finger and thumb holding the pick away from my second finger so it makes more space? Any help to stop me getting into a bad habit much apreciated. With thanks Richard

Tone ring or not?

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 08:41:07 CST

Hi All I play a 17 fret short scale Tenor Deering Goodtime Special. I am after a lightweight version just to pick up and have a quick practice and for ease of travel. I would like another Deering so I seem to be down tho the Goodtime open back version. Just to decide between the 'special' or not. The special seems to be the same but has an armrest and a tone ring. My question is :- Does the tone ring add much weight and will I get a much quiter sounding banjo if I go for the basic version without the tone ring? I dont suppose it needs to sound like a B & D Silver Bell as it is a second instument to help me to practice more often but I want to be reasonably happy with the sound. I should imagine the basic version is 100 times better sounding than I am at the moment anyway [:I] Many thanks for any help in easing my decision. Cheers Richard

Anybody got any tenor/plectrum tabs?

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 11:12:16 CST

I just added several tenor/plectrum tunings to the tab archives...now I just need people to post tabs under those tunings! http://www.banjohangout.org/tab/ If you've got any, please post 'em. _eric Banjo Hangout Webmaster Rules and Guidelines: http://www.banjohangout.org/forum/rules.asp

Jig Picking

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:27:35 CST

I'm trying to improve my technique on picking jigs and there's loads of differing advice out there... The "easy method" is DUD UDU....Mike on Banjosessions this month is advocating DUD DUD... wheras in Enda's book, he advocates that the first note of the bar should be D. I sit for hours trying to get the DUD DUD going, and am fine when only playing it on a single string... when it comes to cross picking i get all confused and couldn't really tell you what i play, it's all fairly random... Any suggestions on practice technique for cross picking (and where there are only sat 2 notes in a bar.. is that DU or DD?????)... And then of course there's triplets to be thrown into the equation....... which I can quite often manage okay, but where does the DUD DUD fit in there????.... but maybe that'll be a separate discussion.. I really want to get my jigs more "rhythmic".. Thanks in advance Chris "There's always one listening" - Gerry O'Gorman, Bacup (RIP)

snuffy tenor bridge

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:18:43 CST

I'm getting a new bridge for my banjo and was about to order the standard Grover Minstrel 3ft bridge,till i spotted a Snuffy Tenor bridge on eagle music website. As it's nearly 3 times the price, i was wondering if anyone could suggest if it is worth the extra money... item is here http://www.eaglemusicshop.com/details1.asp/ProductID/5982/snuffy-smith-style-1-tenor-banjo-bridge.htm Thanks Chris "There's always one listening" - Gerry O'Gorman, Bacup (RIP)

Need Help

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 08:26:34 CST

I have a four string plectrum and I am having trouble finding books and or dvds on how to play. Can any body help?

fingerpicking in cgda

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 18:16:14 CST

Any resources out there for learning...sure cant find any tabs for it...dont have high speed so I cant check youtube....I dont read notation (not in realtime anyway) and am not anxious to learn...I'd sure like to learn an easy rag or two, if there is such a thing.

Strumming advise

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:55:38 CST

Hi all Sorry I am after some more advise. I have just watched my Buddy wachter DVD as I thought I should start trying to get to grips with Tremelo practice. I have been practicing my chord melody playing and feeling as though I making reasonable progress. But I have now seemed to pick up a bad habit. Due to spending all my effort on left hand placement I have not been keeping my finger ends down on the banjo head whilst single string and chord melody placement. I have now been practicing to play my tunes tonight with the fingers down. I am now finding I am hitting strings I don't want to as I pass back over the top of them. I am also unsure of if I should be moving my pick finger and thumb away from the string as I go back past a string I don't want to hit or should I raise my fingers off the head as I pass instead? Oh, one more thing as I keep my fingers on the head and go to strum the 4th string my middle finger touches the first string. Do I need to spread my pick finger away from my middle finger? Hope the above makes sense. Many thanks Richard

Beginner Tenor Banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 07:43:21 CST

I am looking for a tenor banjo in the lower scale of the price range. I was wondering if anyone here had some good experiences with cheaper tenor banjos designed for beginners and if they could point me in the right direction to buying one.

Basic 4-string banjo playing information

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 16:09:53 CST

I am a newbie to Banjo hangout. I joined to learn more about clawhammer playing. However, I have played tenor banjo for years. I read through many of the postings and I got the impression that many people are not at all familiar with 4-string playing. I am posting a URL to a website that has simple playing information, links to chord charts for both tenor and plectrum banjos and many songs that are in the "standard" 4-string repertoire. This does not include the Irish genre. Most commonly, a flat pick is used for striking the strings, either individually or as a chord. Rhythm players use chord charts that show the sequence of chords for a given tune. Melody players read from a music sheet. The melody and chords are usually combined into what is called a lead sheet. Tab is not generally used. Players can learn to combine the melody and chords to play "chord melody". This requires that you learn all the postions on the neck for many chords. Any particular chord and be found in several positions on the neck. The chords frequently used are major, minor, dominate 7th, minor 7th, augmented, and diminished. Occasionally, a major 7th, 6th and 9th might be found. On the west coast, plectrum banjos, 22 frets, are the most popular. They are a bit easier to play in the chord melody style. Their tuning (CGBD) allows most melody notes to be played on the 1st string. I have been told that tenor banjos, 17 or 19 frets, are more popular in the east. Their tuning (CGDA) places many melody notes on the 2nd string. That is a bit harder for most people. Tenor banjos are considered by many to be more effective rhythm instruments when playing in a jazz band. A tenor banjo can be tuned as a plectrum, but not the reverse due to the longer scale length of the plectrum. Another common tuning, sometimes called "Chicago" tuning, is like the top 4 stings of a guitar, DGBE. Irish playing, using tenor banjos, is mostly (all?) single string playing. The tuning is usually GDAE. I am not familiar with playing it. I hope this is useful as a starting point for some of you. Here is the link: http://www.jbott.com/

No name 40 year old tenors

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 07:09:33 CST

A local shop has 2 tenor banjos-he says they are probably 60s-70s. Both have been sitting for a few decades and are not currently playable. Both are no namers. One has a flowery inlay on the resonator and 19 frets, and appears to have been played quite a lot from the fingerboard. Seems like a solid instrument and I know I can pick it up very cheap. The resonator trim/binding needs glueing. Its not beat though, just well used. The other one was a 17 fret (I think...it looked shorter) and also looked playable but had no strings and the tailpiece had been modified. I would like to have an idea what these are, but I dont have any pictures....anybody have some names I can research for who made no-name tenors during this period, or how to ID them? I just like to have an idea what they are before buying, if I buy...

Tenor pick thickness

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 06:21:37 CST

Hi all I am a begginer and only been playing tenor banjo a few months. I am getting advise through books and the Buddy wachter DVD that you should use a medium pick thickness. I have picks from about .46 to .88 in various jumps in size but I just want to know what range is the right thickness? Many thanks Richard

Tubaphone Banjo?

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 03:43:49 CST

I have seen references to Tubaphones. I was at a guitar show yesterday and saw a few Tubaphones. What sets them apart from other Joes? Forgive a New Bean's question. Tibilt

Now that's an Irish tenor banjo -- and Irish box

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 09:07:59 CST

Two great photos, John Maloney with a Paramount, and Johnny Bresnahan with (I think) a Baldoni, Bartoli & Co. Irish-American accordion: http://www.msp.umb.edu/MassMemories/Hibernian%20Hall/album/photos/photo23.html http://www.msp.umb.edu/MassMemories/Hibernian%20Hall/album/photos/photo22.html PG

New old tenor

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 20:23:58 CST

Just finished restoring this old tenor. It's been laying around for a few years now. More info and pics here [url]http://hillcountrystringworks.com/tenor.html[/url] [img]http://hillcountrystringworks.com/sitebuilder/images/tenor1-467x346.jpg[/img] [img]http://hillcountrystringworks.com/sitebuilder/images/tenor5-396x529.jpg[/img] [img]http://hillcountrystringworks.com/sitebuilder/images/tenor8-506x669.jpg[/img] Doug Edwards http://hillcountrystringworks.com "In Heaven, even the banjos will stay in tune."

Another Banjo Recommendation Question

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 12:10:41 CST

Hey there, and thanks in advance for any help. I'm looking for any advice y'all might have in my search for a tenor banjo. I'd be playing jazz and swing on it, and would like to build a good repertoire of New Orleans stuff as I'm down there a few times a year gigging and would like to sit in with some local musicians. I like a warm sound and larger necks, and would prefer a vintage instrument from the 20's. Let's put a cap of $2500 on the banjo. What would y'all recommend? Any suggestions on what to look for? Again, my thanks! Pete

Sean Moyses and Lee Floyd

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 18:42:16 CST

I just thought I would alert everyone to some new videos of these two great plectrum players playing together that have been posted recently on youtube. Go to youtube.com and then do a Sean Moyses and Lee Floyd search. By the way, Lee also now has his own web page (plinkfloyd.com). --Cjazz

tenor setup question

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 9 Oct 2009 06:08:19 CST

i have a question for someone here who knows how to set up an old tenor banjo. anyone here willing to be emailed about that?

Good deal on a nice Fender plectrum, Anaheim

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 8 Oct 2009 08:26:03 CST

Pete's music in Anaheim CA has a unplayed condition Fender Allegro plectrum banjo. I played it for a while and if someone is looking for a great player or a something inexpensive for a "street" banjo this is a good grab. They were made in the 70's and are pretty decent. This model is very plain, rosewood neck, dot pearl position markers an Fender in a gold decal-a Plain Jane but a player and a professional performing quality-a good leap above even Gold Tone. $299. Pete's is on Euclid and Katella by Disneyland, I have no connections except I have bought 2 of my favorite instruments there-both on just wondering in-my 76' Martin D35 and a beatup Weymann tenor. Jon

Tablature and chord diagrams for 4 string

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 8 Oct 2009 01:43:25 CST

Hi I'm happy four string players are getting more space on the hangout, maybe it could be nice to upload tablatures, chord diagrams etc in the tablature archive having the possibilty to choose the right style (plectrum or tenor) and the proper tuning (CGDA, GDAE, CGBD, DGBE for exemple...) best to all, strummers and pickers! paolo

notion that 17 fret = irish tenor !?!

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 7 Oct 2009 20:16:44 CST

Hello - I'm wondering how the notion has come about, outside of Ireland, that the 17 fret is an "Irish Tenor" per se? Discussions have suggested that banjo makers have effectively branded the shorter tenor as being preferable to 19 fret tenors for Irish playing. And yet, we know that within Ireland that virtually 90% (if not more) of tenor banjo players opt for the 19 fret. So my question is ... what has motivated banjo makers to brand the 17 fret in such a misleading manner? And how is it that they have been successful in misleading so many (albeit not all) of us? Thanks in advance for the replies. "Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that's creativity." Charles Mingus

Tenor banjo chords

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 5 Oct 2009 03:28:23 CST

Hi, I was recently given a book '500 chords for the tenor banjo' by Keith Papworth - '1960'. The person that gave it to me knew that I play the banjo, but I play the 5 string & not tenor! The book contains twelve pages of diagrams for all the chords, in all keys & demonstrates up to three inversions of each chord. The book is in reasonable condition considering it's age (though well thumbed) & would obviously be of interest to someone learning the tenor banjo. If anyones interested in having the book let me know as I'd much rather see it go to someone that'd use it!

Howard Alden plays Nola ...

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 4 Oct 2009 16:15:19 CST

Nicely done: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWsAgQkDOjU&feature=channel Thanks, Mark If there are no dogs in heaven then when I die I want to go where they went... Will Rogers

Plectrums

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 4 Oct 2009 07:25:12 CST

While I've been playing 5 string the past 2 years, I keep comming back to wanting to strum. I just enjoy it more, less frustrating and I can sing along with it, which is all I've really wanted to do all these many years. I've been looking at plectrums and would like a mahogany plectrum. All I seem to be finding is the Gold Tone PS 250, which is maple except for the resonator, and the Gold tone CC Plectrum. Who else makes a nice plectrum, mahogany preferably, and I suppose one could put rail road spikes on these as I have on my CC-100R plus and use a capo for other tunings? Thank you, and any other thoughts on plectrum would be appreciated. _______________________________________________________ Learning the Banjo isn't a race, so slow down and enjoy the ride. 2006 Gibson - Earl Scruggs Standard 2009 Gold Tone CC100R Plus

would like a few bits of help

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 12:43:35 CST

first i was wondering if anyone knew of some blank chord diagrams for the tenor. the ones that show the 4 strings and frets, with no chord marks on them. i think it would help me to write out my own chords to learn from. also, does anyone have a tabbed out version of "oh boy what a girl"?

CD's That Feature 4-String Banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 09:36:52 CST

A friend just emailed me a request. He wanted me to give him the names of my favorite CD's that feature 4-string banjo. He doesn't know much about our instrument, and he wants to know more. Off othe top of my head I listed these nine (in no particular order--I wrote them down as I thought of them.) I'm sure that if I had time, I'd come up with many, many others. Please give me some of your favorites so that I can pass them along to him. Also, I'm curious. What did you think of my selections? Cynthia Sayer The Jazz Banjo of Cynthia Sayer (Vol. I & II) Narvin Kimbell Narvin Kimbell & Friends Elmer Snowden Harlem Banjo Don Vappie Banjo A LA Creole Eddy Davis Just Sitting Here Strumming This Ole Banjo Cynthia Sayer String Swing Cynthia Sayer Jazz At Home Cynthia Sayer Attractions (with Bucky Pizzarelli) Eddy Davis From Broadway to Hollywood

Advice on practicing strumming inside strings

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 16:43:15 CST

Well, I'm still working on strumming and whether to mute the A or strum carefully (see Wachter tutorial) the three inside strings without touching the A. My strum through all four strings sounds smooth (I'm practicing at 130 bpm). My attempt at strumming just the three inside strings sounds stilted because I can't get the bounce when just striking the inside strings. Practice advice, please. Beezaboy

Information on Eddie Condon

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 12:14:36 CST

Eddie Condon was originally from Goodland, Indiana. He was a Hoosier, as I am. I was born in Greenhill, Indiana. Eddie played tenor banjo then he saw a plectrum and switched to that tuning. Latter he decided to play guitar and got a tenor guitar and tuned it to plectrum, as plectrum guitars were difficult to find. latter he got a Gibson plectrum. I use to live at 27 Washington Square North on the 4th floor. Eddie and Phillis lived on the 3rd. After he died she gave me the guitar to play and I had it for about a year, then she died and Maggie one of the daughters took it back to keep in the family. I tuned it down to FCGD when I played it, because normal CGDA will not work on that longer neck. If you would care to see a couple of pictures of me sitting on the front steps playing it go to my website and go into the personal pictures and look at pictures 103 and 104. Take a look at the videos listed under Media if you please. Eddy

Eddy Davis on youtube

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 02:42:15 CST

20 new videos of Eddy Davis have just been posted on youtube [url]http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=wyatturban&view=videos[/url] They are all shot solo in his apartment, providing a great insight into his approach to interpreting material, and, for me, as a beginner on chord melody, they are a great tuition resource. I'm a newcomer to this forum so I don't know if they have been shot by someone on the hangout. They are certainly putting together a great library of material.

basin street blues

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 15:14:07 CST

could someone give me the chord structure for basin street blues?

4-string banjos with a lowered Chicago tuning

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 08:41:33 CST

Dear Chicago tuned players, In another thread (http://www.banjohangout.org/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=158355&whichpage=1) I this morning mentioned an alternative Chicago tuning as told/shown/played by the famous UK jazz banjo player Gentleman Jim McIntosch. Instead of a DGBE tuning he (plus a few others) is using a half-tone lowered tuning C#F#AEb. DGBE is well-suited for folk/string bands etc. - but when horns and reeds pop up at the scene - the lowered tuning is much more suited and natural. Most tunes written for combined horn/reed/string bands (f.ex. jazz tunes) are written in the keys F, Ab, Bb or C. The C tunes are however sometimes played in Bb in order to please the blowers. Folk tunes and string band oriented tunes are on the other hand often written in the "clean" keys D, F and A. I myself am a dedicated tenor guy playing a CGDA tuned banjo. This tuning suits most keys - except for Db, Gb and B. Indeed some rare and seldom used keys! If I were going to learn playing on those long necked 4-stringers seriously - I would absolutely consider the lowered Chicago tuning. With this I would be able playing most tunes in a more relaxed way and f.ex. including an extensive use of loose strings. Have any of you "Chicagoans" ever thought about this - if so, please come up with some remarks/comments. Kindly regards Polle

Good cheap tenor???

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 21:48:53 CST

I'm mostly a clawhammer player, and I mostly sing in D, which means I always capo up on the second fret on a regular banjo. Seems like a waste, and when I got back into banjo about 3 years ago, I saw this Hohner HTB travel banjo for a good price, with a short neck, but a full size pot. It occurred to me that it seems to be just the length of a tenor neck, and I think someone else noticed this too. I never restrung it, but I did rearrange the strings that were on it to a semblance of tenor strings, tuned it low to Irish tuning, and was pleasantly surprised at the playability and the sound. It has a small brass tone ring. The 5th string tuner was actually loose when I got it, and I don't think it would take much to remove one, even if it wasn't loose. The big flaw in the banjo is the tuners on the headstock. They are the cheap, horrible tuners so many low priced Asian instruments are afflicted with. I recently got some Wilkinson clones of Waverly tuners, and they are loads better, and even improve the sound yet more, since the old tuners had so much slop they seem to have absorbed some sound. I got mine for $185, but the current price seems to be $250. Something to think about if you have a need for a cheap tenor for a beater or for students. The fingerboard is just about exactly 13 inches from the nut to the pot, and it has 17 frets, with room for an 18th to be installed. (Clawhammer players tend to play over the fingerboard, I think that's why they left it off.) Michael mp3 page: http://ezfolk.com/audio/bands/1088/ Also available: Michael's Old Time Fiddle and Banjo Hour (Hi-Fi and Lo-Fi streams)

Tinny tenor

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 20:05:43 CST

I got my first tenor a few days ago. It's a vintage 17-fret beginner's model - I think a Lyon & Healy no-name, probably 1920s. It's in great shape and appears to be all original equipment. It has a bit of a tinny sound in the two high strings. I killed the tinniness by weaving a handkerchief through the strings between the bridge and the tailpiece. Does that mean the tailpiece is the culprit? Or could it be the strings? I have it tuned DGBE and the TP is a NoKnot. I'm basically a beginner, so I don't know a whole lot about this. I did check the 12th fret harmonics and adjusted the bridge accordingly and have been fine tuning the pitch of the strings with my tuner. The brackets are snug. I don't have a properly sized wrench, so I haven't fussed with the drum. At last it sounds good (with the handkerchief). Any recommendations re: strings and TP or something else? Thanks

Thinking about going to a "tenor" jam...

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 06:53:24 CST

Hi gang, I'm normally a 5-string player but I do enjoy tenor/plectrum stuff, ie, Dixieland, 20's-30's Jazz, etc. I own two tenors (a Bacon "Blue Ribbon" and a Paramount Style A) but have never really played anything but Irish (celtic) stuff on them...and to be frank, I haven't messed with them in years. So...the "Birmingham Banjo Bash" (Birmingham, Alabama) is coming up in a couple of weeks and I'm thinking about attending. I went a couple of years ago and just sat and watched. This time I'm thinking about attending and would like to at least sit in the back of the jams and strum along. I guess what I need are some generic "jam tune" progressions, movable chords, etc. I have no expectation of being able to do much more than hold my banjo and strum a bit... Of course, I may be better off just tuning to GCEG and using my knowledge of 5-string chords to get there... So, sources for tune progressions? Chord charts? Lists of common/basic Jam tunes? ===Marc "If banjos needed tone rings, S.S. Stewart would have made them that way."

torn between two interests!

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 18:10:46 CST

hey guys. initially i really wanted to purchase a cheap plectrum banjo from the local used music store. the more i think about it though, since i was really only going to get a $110 entry level plectrum, and i am also interested in the prospect of playing 5 string (more specifically, clawhammer), would i be better off getting a 5 string and removing the drone string as needed? opinions? is it going to be that much rougher to learn with the extra neck bulk? thanks y'all. [:)]

where to start

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 16:28:32 CST

ok, just got a tenor. anyone know of a good FREE learning source? I havent been able to find much tab on the net. i really like robert crumbs stuff, and uncle daves tenor stuff. not so into the irish stuff though.

Plectrum Teachers in Branson, MO

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 19:34:43 CST

I'm in West Texas struggling along trying to learn to play a plectrum without benefit of a live teacher. We are taking the motorhome to Table Rock Lake so will be close to Branson for a couple of weeks. does anyone know idf there are any plectrum teachers in that part of the world. If so I would really appreciate their names, phone, etc. Thanks Al Al, the Plectrum beginner

'Pre-War' Pots??

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 12:40:16 CST

There's a thread in the collector's section (mostly tongue-in-cheek) re: converting 'pre-war' tenor banjos to five strings via 'operations' that would chill the heart of any TB player![:0] Some in this thread have asked: "How do tenor banjo players regard the Gibson 'pre-war' pots? Are they as valued amongst TB players as they are for 5-stringers??" What say Y'alls?? dave

Tenor banjo sheet to 5 string banjo tab conversion

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 20:02:23 CST

I play in a jazz band, and i am going to play at the Reno Jazz festival taking place in 2010, and a song the band was hoping to try was one called The Old Beelzebub Blues, written by a guy named Larry Dwyer. The problem is, I play a 5 string with tab, and the part is for a tenor banjo in sheet music. Is there a way to play tenor banjo parts with a 5 string banjo? i can re-string a second banjo if I can do that, and then is there an easy way to convert sheet music into tablature?

Frank Vignola at Smalls -- NYC

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 12:19:20 CST

I hope no one is offended by this post, as Frank is playing Guitar this night with the great Jazz pianist John Bunch. HOWEVER, some of you were interested to know more about Howard Alden. You people should also know about Frank. He is a fantastic Tenor and Plectrum banjo player also. He has Banjo records out, as a matter of fact I produced his first banjo album (on plectrum) when he was 13 years old. He has also recorded (along with Howard and Cynthia and myself) on a CD with the "New York Banjo Ensemble" plays Jass. WELL -- the object of this post is he is performing at Smalls jazz club on tuesday evening the 22nd from 7:30 'til 10pm EST. -- AND YOU CAN WATCH HIM ON STREAMING VIDEO!!! You have to watch at that time as it is not recored and will never be seen again. Eddy

Finger-picking style on tenor / plectrum?

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 12:52:05 CST

This is my first foray into the 4-string world, and here's why. I played a friend's 1931 Weymann Megaphonic Tenor a few days ago. The tone was absolutely devoid of all harshness. It was so sweet that if all banjos sounded like this one, there would be NO BANJO JOKES! Although I only got to spend about 5 minutes with it, I have been thinking about it ever since. It occurred to me while playing that it might sound good played with finger picks, but I didn't have mine with me. Is there anyone out there, famous or not, playing a 4-string banjo with bluegrass finger picks, using rolls, pinches and single-string techniques. This is a complete shout in the dark, but do you know anyone doing this? Do they have recorded music available? Michael B. Rentz