Hi folks



Last Monday's Webinar with Eric was really fun. I'm learning how to use this new technology for Autism Hangout but have some time to do other programs with it. And banjos are so much fun anyway...

So if I were to focus on a couple of programs for Banjo Hangout, how many of you would be interested in either watching or participating in:

-----------------

"Stores I'd like to visit"

Donald Zepp and I are now talking about a virtual trip through his store (via SKYPE laptop) and there are MANY more out there (Elderly, Gryphon, Buffalo Bros, Dusty Strings, Janet Davis, The Music Emporium, etc).

-----------------

"Play us a tune"



I SKYPE folks in for a live tune. I know John Boulding and Tom Collins are already in on this. Couchie is as well! Anyone else? Could really be fun!

-----------------

"Show us your instrument"



Lotsa collectable banjos out there. I'd love to hear people tell their stories. Anybody want to show off their babies?

-----------------

"The Banjo Builder Series"



There are SOOO many terrific builders out there that are members of BHO. As with the Store tours, I see these as a cook's tour of the builder's shop and a discussion of banjo building philosophies. You can ask questions of the big guys!

-----------------

Ok. These are just ideas at this point. But if enough of you have an interest (or another, better idea), I'll get a few of these off the ground for our viewing (and interacting) pleasure.

Let me know what you think!

Craig

"Gospel. The most powerful music in this world and the next."



www.frailin.com
www.myspace.com/frailin
www.myspace.com/singletonstreet
www.myspace.com/eelpouts
&
www.autismhangout.com

Posted - 09/04/2009 :  10:06:12        

Hey Craig,

I enjoyed your webinar earlier this week. On top of being just a really enjoyable sequence of discussions and performances, I thought you did a great job navigating through the technical glitches you were dealt during the broadcast.

I like the store tour ideas. I'd also like to see some builder shops... love to see tours of Geoff Stelling's, Steve Huber's or Arthur Hatfield's places

Also it would be neat to do a little more detail on a couple banjos. Have a builder walk through some of the finer points of craftsmanship on one of their banjos. Maybe have them sort of take us through the banjo component by component, maybe taking the banjo apart while displaying or something like that.

thanks

Tony

Posted - 09/04/2009 :  10:10:18        

... and one more thing. It would probably hold a few folks' attention if some of the performers discussed some of their techniques a little more. I'm not sure what finer points you look for with clawhammer, but it would be nice to hear a 3 finger style picker detail where they place their hand, how much they arch their wrist, how they wear their picks, what type of picks they use, etc etc... especially if there's something fairly unique about their techniques.

thanks

Tony

Posted - 09/04/2009 :  10:30:28            

Cool, Tony. Great suggestions. All that can happen.

Thanks!


"Gospel. The most powerful music in this world and the next."



www.frailin.com
www.myspace.com/frailin
www.myspace.com/singletonstreet
www.myspace.com/eelpouts
&
www.autismhangout.com

Posted - 09/04/2009 :  13:11:54            

"The Banjo Builder Series"

Ok. Bluegrass Banjo Builder roll call:

Arthur Hatfield
Chuck Ogsbury (both BG and OT)
Geoff Stelling
Cliff Fitch
Steve Huber
Tom Nechville
Gibson?
Deering?

Who else?

---------------------

OT Banjo builder roll call:

Chuck Lee
Jason Romero
Bart Reiter
Mike Ramsey
Kevin Enoch
Will Fielding
David Ball
Jason Mogi
Lo Gordon

Others?

------------------

I'm pretty sure I won't be able to get to all of these fine folks and some will probably not be able to participate (no webcam, etc.), but I'm sure others will be happy to share their products and trade!

NOW! I'd really like to do these interview/tours with a CO-host... preferably someone who either PLAYS that banjo or really appreciates that builder's work. THEN, I think it would be waaaay cool if a couple of folks that play that builder's banjos would SKYPE in and entertain us with a tune. So...

For each Builder Show, I'd like to find a volunteer co-host and a couple of players. If you're interested, gimme your name, the builder and the role you'd like to play.

These things could come together pretty fast if enough of you want to be a part of 'em.

Craig



"Gospel. The most powerful music in this world and the next."



www.frailin.com
www.myspace.com/frailin
www.myspace.com/singletonstreet
www.myspace.com/eelpouts
&
www.autismhangout.com

Posted - 09/09/2009 :  09:35:09        

Craig,

This is really great and I look forward to the builder webinars. I'd like to suggest you also contact Monte Hendricks of Hendricks Banjos to see if he would be interested. He builds some beautiful instruments and has some very interesting ideas on banjo design and construction. He is also a great guy and hopefully would share in his passion of banjo building in this manner.

Thanks for your efforts here,

Tom

Posted - 09/09/2009 :  10:57:05            

Excellent, Tom! Thanks for the recommendation. The interested banjo builders are now contacting me.

This will be fun!

craig

"Gospel. The most powerful music in this world and the next."



www.frailin.com
www.myspace.com/frailin
www.myspace.com/singletonstreet
www.myspace.com/eelpouts
&
www.autismhangout.com

Posted - 09/10/2009 :  06:26:18            

Ok! We've got some banjos builders in the wings ready and willing to show and talk about their stuff. I now need to coordinate and schedule.

Here's the roll call so far:



Jason Romero - I KNOW you old-timey folks would love to see this artist at work. Jason's banjos are amazing in many regards. But meeting and listening to the craftsman himself should prove most interesting. Bet he plays us a tune or two, too.



Chuck Lee - All the way from Ovilla, TX, master builder Chuck Lee is figgerin' out how to make his computer do what needs to be done here so he can show and tell more about his famous work. Hope someone else joins in to play some of Chuck's banjos for him during the show. Any volunteers, Mark?



Tanya at Ome - Yes, you read right. Tanya wrote to express her interest in taking us on the visual tour of Ome. Who knows, Chuck Ogsbury himself might show up and talk a bit. That guy has forgotten more about banjo building than most people will ever know... a true pioneer.



Arthur Hatfield - I got the sweetest note from Bev Hatfield about Arthur wanting to be a part of this but they don't have the computer setup to accommodate (nor are they likely to have it anytime soon). Is there anyone on BHO living near them that they could stop by with their laptop (with webcam) and assist them so we can all hear and learn about Arthur's work? There'll be a place in heaven for you, if you do :). Arthur and Bev have to be two of the nicest people in the world!

So there you have the makings of the first of the series. I know I'll be hearing from other banjo builders, so stay tuned.

I'll be back as soon as I can make the schedules work.

Thanks, all.

Craig

"Gospel. The most powerful music in this world and the next."



www.frailin.com
www.myspace.com/frailin
www.myspace.com/singletonstreet
www.myspace.com/eelpouts
&
www.autismhangout.com

Posted - 09/10/2009 :  22:34:34      

Add Bob Flesher to your list of OT banjo makers (and possibly BG also). Otherwise, great list.

Jessy

Frailaway, ladies, frailaway!

Posted - 09/11/2009 :  06:09:39            

Excellent suggestion, Jessy!

"Gospel. The most powerful music in this world and the next."



www.frailin.com
www.myspace.com/frailin
www.myspace.com/singletonstreet
www.myspace.com/eelpouts
&
www.autismhangout.com

Posted - 09/11/2009 :  12:36:50            

Ok... mark your calendars. The first official BANJO BUILDER WEBINAR will be with Jason Romero:



October 19, 2009
7-8P CDT
At: www.livestream.com/frailinflix



Stop by to hear his stories, see his shop and experience his work LIVE (includes playing!). You can also write in questions on the chat feature.



Craig (frailin)

"Gospel. The most powerful music in this world and the next."



www.frailin.com
www.myspace.com/frailin
www.myspace.com/singletonstreet
www.myspace.com/eelpouts
&
www.autismhangout.com

Posted - 09/23/2009 :  14:36:57            

Hey! I just got off the phone with Tanya at Ome.



She's attending IBMA next week (9/28) but the week after she'll be back in Boulder. She said she LOVE to take us all on a Webinar tour of the shop!



She also talked about including her dad (Chuck Ogsbury, the legend), Rich (luthier) and Gustavo who has been working tireless in that hallowed place for over 15 years.



So - It's lookin' like the Webinar will be the week of October 5th. I'll be back with a final date and time as soon as Tanya gives me the go-ahead. So watch this thread for updates!

Craig



"Gospel. The most powerful music in this world and the next."



www.frailin.com
www.myspace.com/frailin
www.myspace.com/singletonstreet
www.myspace.com/eelpouts
&
www.autismhangout.com

Edited by - frailin on 09/23/2009 14:40:00

Posted - 10/16/2009 :  06:24:18            

Jason is on for next Monday, 10/19 at 7P Central Daylight Time.



---------------------

Stop by www.livestream.com/frailinflix for the fun.



---------------------

I'm still workin' out the details with Tanya. Ome will be up next.



"Gospel. The most powerful music in this world and the next."



www.frailin.com
www.myspace.com/frailin
www.myspace.com/singletonstreet
www.myspace.com/eelpouts
&
www.autismhangout.com

Edited by - frailin on 10/16/2009 06:26:06

Posted - 10/16/2009 :  12:58:28      

Craig,
Hopefully these shows can be archived so folks can go back and listen/watch them if they are missed when live. Please, please please?



Happy Frails,
Dogfeathers
SF Bay Area

Posted - 10/16/2009 :  14:41:45            

Sure... that's the plan. The technology is there. I just have to remember to push "record."



Don't laugh! I've done dumber things!

"Gospel. The most powerful music in this world and the next."



www.frailin.com
www.myspace.com/frailin
www.myspace.com/singletonstreet
www.myspace.com/eelpouts
&
www.autismhangout.com

Edited by - frailin on 10/16/2009 14:42:32

Posted - 10/19/2009 :  18:57:52            

Wow! What fun!



Ok. Looks like this time the technology "took" and I actually have a recording of the show for you folks across the deep blue sea to watch on your own time. Here's the link:

http://www.livestream.com/frailinfl...pectheight=3

One other way you can access the program is to go to www.livestream.com/frailinflix, click on the On-demand button under the video player, open up The Banjo Hangout BANJO BUILDER Series file and click on Jason and Pharis Romero - Romero Banjos.

Oh, here's Jason showing me his Whyte Laydie tattoo. Boy, this guy IS into banjos!



DANG, we're lucky to be playing banjo at time of such great craftsmanship... and such great people. Lucky us!!



"Gospel. The most powerful music in this world and the next."



www.frailin.com
www.myspace.com/frailin
www.myspace.com/singletonstreet
www.myspace.com/eelpouts
&
www.autismhangout.com

Posted - 10/23/2009 :  08:21:33            

Ok. After OME, there's now HUBER!



And Brooks Matsen!



And then a surprise!



"Gospel. The most powerful music in this world and the next."



www.frailin.com
www.myspace.com/frailin
www.myspace.com/singletonstreet
www.myspace.com/eelpouts
&
www.autismhangout.com

Edited by - frailin on 10/23/2009 09:29:08

Posted - 10/23/2009 :  12:37:16          

I would really love a good banjo setup webinar or series of webinars. I still can't seem to understand neck relief for example.

Posted - 10/23/2009 :  14:58:39            

Yepper, now Tom's onboard for giving us all a virtual shop tour!



"Gospel. The most powerful music in this world and the next."



www.frailin.com
www.myspace.com/frailin
www.myspace.com/singletonstreet
www.myspace.com/eelpouts
&
www.autismhangout.com

Edited by - frailin on 10/23/2009 15:00:21

Posted - 10/23/2009 :  19:10:27        

Craig, this is the BEST idea I've heard of here! And to see these great builders want to share...WOW
Heck, two of these builders are on my shortlist for my next banjo, so i will be tuned in!

great work on the autism hangout site too

Posted - 11/09/2009 :  05:59:40            

BROOKS MASTEN WEBINAR, WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 11TH, 7P CST
Watch it live at: WWW.LIVESTREAM.COM/FRAILINFLIX



Brooks is going to be talking about the care and feeding of skin heads, too. Not sure about the carnival.

If you've got some questions for him, you can leave them here... or just write them in using the "chat" feature during the show.


"Gospel. The most powerful music in this world and the next."



www.frailin.com
www.myspace.com/frailin
www.myspace.com/singletonstreet
www.myspace.com/eelpouts
&
www.autismhangout.com

Posted - 11/11/2009 :  18:37:39            

Wow. Can you say "unique?" I can see why folks want to own 2 or more of Brooks "most original" banjos!



If you want to watch the show, it's archived here (copy/paste this URL):

http://www.livestream.com/frailinfl...nitthumburl=http://mogulus-user-files.s3.amazonaws.com/chfrailinflix/2009/11/11/c49a0d50-903f-4dae-b247-6861629e15f1_2090.jpg&playeraspectwidth=4&playeraspectheight=3

One other way you can access the program is to go to www.livestream.com/frailinflix, click on the On-demand button under the video player, open up The Banjo Hangout BANJO BUILDER Series file and click on Brooks Masten Banjos. At least THIS time I got a chance to spell his name right (can you say "dyslexic").



Thanks for building such great banjos, Brooks! And thanks folks, for tunin' in!

Craig

"Gospel. The most powerful music in this world and the next."



www.frailin.com
www.myspace.com/frailin
www.myspace.com/singletonstreet
www.myspace.com/eelpouts
&
www.autismhangout.com

Posted - 11/13/2009 :  06:16:06            

Next up!

NECHVILLE BANJO WEBINAR, WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 18TH, 7P CST
Watch it live at: WWW.LIVESTREAM.COM/FRAILINFLIX

To learn (and see) all about the...



"Gospel. The most powerful music in this world and the next."



www.frailin.com
www.myspace.com/frailin
www.myspace.com/singletonstreet
www.myspace.com/eelpouts
&
www.autismhangout.com

Posted - 11/14/2009 :  05:11:10          

Unfortunately my internet connection is so unreliable that I am unable to view videos and barely listen to audio files.

How long is the web cast going to be? i hour? 2 hours?

Maybe I can park myself and my laptop at Panera's or Starbucks for a few hours. I'm especially like to see Nechville's shop...

Are these webcasts recorded? Are they available by DVD? Just asking...

--Frank

Posted - 11/14/2009 :  06:13:57            

Hi Frank

The programs are "rezed-down" to make them more assessable for folks with smaller bandwidths. But they will be too big for dial-up.

They run about an hour.

And Panera usually has a pretty decent wi-fi. You might start checking out next Wednesday night's menu (Nechville).

Bon Appetite!

Craig



"Gospel. The most powerful music in this world and the next."



www.frailin.com
www.myspace.com/frailin
www.myspace.com/singletonstreet
www.myspace.com/eelpouts
&
www.autismhangout.com

Posted - 11/17/2009 :  10:59:54          

Nechville is looking forward to their visit tomorrow evening. Wish I were in Minneapolis that night! Thanks, Craig, for offering this opportunity for folks to see behind the scenes.

Al

______________________________
alprice@nechville.com
www.vzvalley.com