I bought a Helix rim and put it together with a Hazen neck. Two weeks later and this thing screams. It vibrates like nothing I've ever played before. It mic's better than either of my resonator banjos. It only weighs 5 pounds. I've played 6 gigs with it and it plays in the mix beyond any expectations. I look down still, and can't believe it's an open back. Like where's the battery or something?

Previous to this, I've played my Goodtime, CC100R and Vega as open backs, and wasn't interested. I'd played the Goodtime and Epiphone open backs at Guitar Center, yuck. I'd even played my Calico without the resonator, ewww.

Ironically, the Helix is the 13th banjo I've owned. (and first and only non factory custom build)

If my house was on fire today and I could only save one banjo... I'm sorry to all you bluegrassers, but I'd grab the open back.

What is happening to me?

Dean

Posted - 11/03/2009 :  18:09:35        

It's called maturity, refining your tastes, growth.

Dean

"Each one's got to have his own style. It's all creamed potatoes, just fixed a little different." -- Benton Flippen

Posted - 11/03/2009 :  18:11:07        

quote:

---

Originally posted by fretlessinfortwayne

It's called maturity, refining your tastes, growth.

Dean

"Each one's got to have his own style. It's all creamed potatoes, just fixed a little different." -- Benton Flippen

---

Posted - 11/03/2009 :  18:12:11  

I think it's called an epiphany.


Welcome!

Steven

Posted - 11/03/2009 :  18:14:44        

I think you're what Rush Limbaugh refers to as a "BINO" - Bluegrass In Name Only.

Posted - 11/03/2009 :  18:16:09        

quote:

---

Originally posted by 1four5


.........What is happening to me?

Dean

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Posted - 11/03/2009 :  18:18:38          

Hurry, run away from open backs while you still can!

Austin

Posted - 11/03/2009 :  18:18:43    

Say it isn't so

Posted - 11/03/2009 :  18:22:54        

You all my posts saying that lefties should play righty?

Well.....I take those all back.

Obviously this was a mistake as it causes serious brain damage.

.

Dennis

Posted - 11/03/2009 :  19:14:17        

Guess what I'm taking to my next bluegrass jam?

Yep Today I played my open back at a show, and then practiced for an hour with my Goodtime... and it seemed like it weighed a ton! Then this evening my Calico weight at least 95 pounds and when I went back to the Helix... ahhhhhhhhhh and it's louder, dryer and cleaner. I'm a mess.

Dean

Posted - 11/03/2009 :  19:14:51      

It was meant to be....
GerryH

Posted - 11/03/2009 :  19:24:49        

come to the dark side...

Posted - 11/03/2009 :  19:26:11          

Dean, is that third fingerpick wrapped too tight cutting off blood flow? That new neck of yours does peak some interest though. Any sound clips comparisons?

Thanks,
Tommy

Posted - 11/03/2009 :  19:32:53        

My only sound clip connection is BHO member KyBlugrass. Today's technolgy has run away from me. One of these days we hope to put something together! The 3rd fingerpick just means the other's don't have to work so hard

Dean

Posted - 11/03/2009 :  20:15:25      

Sounds like your tastes have embraced something new. Never say "never". An openbacker is born. Next, embrace some index or thumb-lead 2 finger. You'll be surprised what you don't need the other pick for.
Paul

"A master banjo player isn't the one who can play the most notes. It's the one who can touch the most hearts." Patrick Costello
http://www.banjohangout.org/forum/t...IC_ID=128303 IBARD topic
http://ibard-rendesvous1840.blogspot.com/

Posted - 11/03/2009 :  21:35:20  

And pray tell, which wood is your great sounding Helix rim made from? Just curious.

Posted - 11/03/2009 :  22:02:38          

All good! I may need therapy...one more hill to climb...I thought I was making progress. :) Banjos rock. I have a feeling someday I will have the same struggle!

Mr. B

Wind me up and watch me go!

Posted - 11/03/2009 :  23:54:16        

Be careful, Dean. I made the same mistake and some dobro player at a jam ended up leaning over and saying, "Roy: I am your father!" with James Earl Jones's voice.

Roy Carpenter

And to think of all the time I wasted not playing the banjo...

Posted - 11/04/2009 :  02:45:26        

Good one Roy ...

quote:

---

And pray tell, which wood is your great sounding Helix rim made from? Just curious.

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Edited by - 1four5 on 11/04/2009 02:48:46

Posted - 11/04/2009 :  03:28:10    

Amen to the Helix brand.

Larry, what have you done to Dean?

This just 'aint right.

Proud Union Man

Regards from London.

Posted - 11/04/2009 :  06:31:26            

Hey Dean

I played Scrugg's style BG for 15 years. It was "ok." I converted to CH on a whim. Best decision I EVER made (and I've never looked back).

* Now I can SING with my banjo!
* I can play lead or backup without overwhelming the other members of the band
* I'm more about rhythm than notes (which I like)... I CAN get people to tap their toes
* Open-backs weigh a whole lot less

If you come this way, don't tell others... pretty soon NO one will be playing 3-finger any more!

"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 - 11/04/2009 :  07:33:49      

1four5,

You must listen to me......it's not too late. Sure it sounds good (you say) but think of the coolness factor. Think of the hoards of girls that will no longer be mysteriously drawn to you because you dont have a resonator, but who will flock to the rest of us who do! Think of the raised eyebrows at the jam sessions when they see a open back coming...everybody knows you can't REALLY play Shuckin' the Corn on an open back.

And the temptation to give up the picks and 3 finger style for, dare I say it....can I utter the words ......clawha ....clawhammmmm .....clawwwwhaaaaaa.......that other style.... will just be too great!

Think of your family, man! Think of what you will put them through!

Come back to us, the ones who love you. Put the resonator back on the Goodtime and let's put an end to this foolishness.

Here is a number you can call...1-800-RESONATOR. The people there understand what you are going through and can help. They have meetings where you can get together with other guys like youself who are struggling with this issue. They have loaner resonators and no one plays without picks. Give them a call before it's too late.

tex

Edited by - thetexan on 11/04/2009 07:35:54

Posted - 11/04/2009 :  08:26:13          

Dean, I headed over that way too a few years back. I still keep the picks around as well as a proper BG banjer. But love the open back way

embrace it

Rick

Posted - 11/04/2009 :  08:44:50        

Hey Tex, I called the number you provided... and they said I had to enroll in a 12 bar program ...

My Goodtime still has the resonator on it... and I have realized that one drawback of an open back is that it would be harder to smuggle secret RK documents inside it, without a resonator. But since I'm not into secret agent stuff, I guess it's not much of a delimma

quote:

---

* I'm more about rhythm than notes (which I like)... I CAN get people to tap their toes

---

Posted - 11/04/2009 :  15:12:52          

Your eyelids are getting heavy. You are growing tired, so tired, You can't carry that heavy lead slab any farther. YOu want a simple light banjo and to free yourself of those steel picks. You hear a tune. "Turkey in the Straw" is calling to you. You can hear it in the blue mist of dusk. Close your eyes and sing:


Well we had a little chicken but it wouldn't lay an egg....






http://www.rocketsciencebanjo.com
Rocket Science Banjo - Advanced Clawhammer Techniques for beginners and long time players alike. Plus videos and 25-40 EZ Clawhammer Tunes.
& check out "How To Mold A Mighty Pinky" at:
http://www.pricklypearmusic.net
banjo brad's great banjo site

Posted - 11/04/2009 :  17:57:13        

quote:

---

Originally posted by oldwoodchuckb

. You hear a tune. "Turkey in the Straw" is calling to you. You can hear it in the blue mist of dusk. Close your eyes and sing:


Well we had a little chicken but it wouldn't lay an egg..

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