TheChief - Posted - 07/25/2010:  11:24:56

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D tuning would be..First to fifth strings:

D 1ST
A 2ND
F# 3RD
D 4TH
F# 5TH

C 1ST
G 2ND
E 3 RD
C 4 TH
E 5 TH

Do this and I believe you should be playing in C with a D tuning.

s

Goldstarman - Posted - 07/25/2010:  11:44:36

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You know I was just thinking how lucky we are and how great a place the banjo hangout is. We as banjo players get to come here and interact and have discussions with the greatest players to ever play a banjo and probably never think a thing about it. Rock guitarists and such would love to do the same and talk with Page, Clapton and guys like that should they be living. Were really blessed and lucky that guys like Sonny take the time to do this...this is great!

Thanks Sonny

Banjov1 - Posted - 07/25/2010:  12:31:50

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quote:

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Originally posted by TheChief

D tuning would be..First to fifth strings:

D 1ST
A 2ND
F# 3RD
D 4TH
F# 5TH

C 1ST
G 2ND
E 3 RD
C 4 TH
E 5 TH

Do this and I believe you should be playing in C with a D tuning.

s

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thx Sonny

TheChief - Posted - 07/28/2010:  07:20:31

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I hope that's right..funny, I haven't played the banjo since Nov. 23, 2003 and I had to literally figure out what the notes were...when at one time I could transpose immediately in my mind...where this took 15 minutes to figure out, I could have done the same in 15 seconds. Out of sight, out of mind..so to speak.

s

s

Banjov1 - Posted - 07/28/2010:  20:51:21

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I've been fooling around with some of the riffs that I've heard/seen you play on Up This Hill and they're pretty easy to finger with the left hand using this tuning, so I think this works.

thx again
T

TheChief - Posted - 07/28/2010:  22:16:17

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anytime I might be of assistance, you've but to ask.

s

bhrb75 - Posted - 07/29/2010:  06:02:49

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Tony,

If you want another good one to learn that Sonny did, check out "When You Wind Down." If I remember correctly, I think it's in D tuning; not dropped a whole step to C like "Up This Hill and Down." It's kinda along the same lines but I like it a little better.

B.

Banjov1 - Posted - 07/29/2010:  20:59:43

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I'll check that out Brandon.

thanks
T

JimmieSue - Posted - 08/05/2010:  05:15:03

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Ok, it's official, so I can say this now....... I ORDERED THE WALNUT OSBORNE CHIEF!!!!

OMG, I'm SOOOO excited!!!! I'm also planning to get myself to TN for Banjo camp next fall.....wasn't sure I'd be prepared skillwise to make an appearance this year....but next year - Y'all WATCH OUT!

Woolpersteve - Posted - 08/05/2010:  07:16:53

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Woo hoo Jimmie Sue! Congratulations ! You are going to be very happy with that new Chief.
We are all living vicariously through your acquisition .
Steve

apherigo - Posted - 08/05/2010:  07:46:56

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Nice choice! Congrats!!!

Aaron

Leslie R - Posted - 08/05/2010:  13:59:21

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I was at Gruhn's yesterday. I played several banjos, including a 1933 ( I believe ) RB1, then a 1927 TB5 conversion.
They had an Osborne Chief, and I had the opportunity to play it. I thoroughly enjoyed this banjo. It was fabulous. I've never played a better sounding, more playable banjo. If I had the financial resources, I would have purchased it then and there.
Whatever IT is, this banjo just had it, plain and simple.

TheChief - Posted - 08/06/2010:  05:01:25

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HEY ALL..THERE WILL BE NEWS OF A PRICE REDUCTION COMING SOON..WITHIN THE NEXT COUPLE DAYS. PASS THE WORD AROUND TO BE WATCHING..and yes Sue, you will be included. Your Walnut Chief is coming to life as we speak.

As soon as I can get the details worked out I will post it here on the Hangout, and on my web site.

s
Sonny Osborne Banjo Company
P O Box 647
Hendersonville, TN 37077
chiefbanjo@comcast.net
615-824-0096
web site: sonnyosborne.com
"IN GOD WE TRUST"

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Edited by - TheChief on 08/06/2010 05:08:29

JimmieSue - Posted - 08/06/2010:  17:06:00

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Nice! Thanks Sonny!

Goldstarman - Posted - 08/07/2010:  04:14:16

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Cant wait to hear what the new prices are Chief.

Banjo Stan - Posted - 08/07/2010:  05:39:42

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Congrats on the Walnut Chief, Jimmie Sue!

TheChief - Posted - 08/13/2010:  05:56:13

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It has been a matter of cases. I have offered what I considered the best equipment available. Calton raised their prices that it became impossible to do this without raising the price of the Chief so I stopped using them.
Gary Price was making an equal case so I went that route.
I was just informed that I won't be able to get another Price case for 6 months. So I needed to find an alternative, which I did.
Music Link (Scout) has a case that I believe is 90% (the other 10% is in choice of colors..exterior and interior) equal to Calton and Price in Quality, but cheaper in cost and that translates to a reduction in the cost of a Chief banjo.
Where my price for a standard Chief package has been $4595 plus shipping, it will now be reduced by $300. New price for a Chief, Mahogany, Walnut, or Maple, Elliott capo, Dogwood Designs Strap etc. will now be $4295 plus shipping, starting immediately.
The color of the new case is White with a bluish tint. The interior is black..very plush. The shape is the same as TKL, Calton, and a host of others. Looks like a banjo. Appearance is very good, weight is less than heavy. I'll get more information in the next couple days, with a picture so you can see how it looks.

Thanks

s

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Edited by - TheChief on 08/13/2010 06:02:04

Woolpersteve - Posted - 08/17/2010:  16:42:04

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Sonny,
Normally at this point you say " Case closed".
Steve

TheChief - Posted - 08/24/2010:  12:29:34

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Sue..the walnut Chief is done!!!!

s

JimmieSue - Posted - 08/24/2010:  12:37:40

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quote:

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Originally posted by TheChief

Sue..the walnut Chief is done!!!!

s

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Holy SMOKES! That was QUIK! How's she sound, Chief?

OMG! I need a brisk northerly wind to blow it up here quicker!

notetaker75 - Posted - 08/24/2010:  16:22:16

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Sue..I have owned a walnut Chief for nearly two years. I have been extremely pleased with mine and I know you will love yours as well...Monty

JimmieSue - Posted - 08/24/2010:  16:31:30

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Monty,

I can't wait to get it in my hands! I'll probably be in such AWE - I'll forget everything I've learned and not know how to play a lick!

TheChief - Posted - 08/27/2010:  05:42:25

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Suejames...You should have Walnut Chief by Tuesday or Wednesday next week. No, you won't forget, you'll be surprised at how well you play...or...

thank you.

s

Incidentally..I know where your little town is..about an hour from St. Paul? Don't ask how, but I know!

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Edited by - TheChief on 08/27/2010 05:46:21

JimmieSue - Posted - 08/27/2010:  11:20:56

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Well geez, Chief........how am I not sposta be curious about that! ;)

Checks in the mail......REALLY!!

RayD - Posted - 08/27/2010:  14:29:44

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Sue, it's a little early since you don't have your Chief in your hands - mine were shaky when I opened mine up in April of 07 - but, welcome to the Tribe! And what Sonny implied (at least I think it's there!) is true - your playing will be better. You'll be surprised how you'll rise to the level of that instrument. It's going to be hard to put it down!

Cheers,
RayD

TheChief - Posted - 08/27/2010:  22:16:11

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Thank you Ray..for that testimony..but in case I haven't done so lately, thank you for your service...do not for once ever think it wasn't appreciated.

s

RayD - Posted - 08/27/2010:  22:31:33

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Sonny, compared to what our young service members have done and continue to do, my small service was the least I could do. If I may be so bold to give my thanks to you and all who support our service members on behalf of those I have and continue to work with. They are the true Heroes!

And my new design Chief still gets comments. What an instrument!

Cheers,
RayD

JimmieSue - Posted - 08/28/2010:  03:33:43

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Thanks from me too, Ray.

I'm hoping the excellence will flow from my Chief into my fingers........ lol

Andrew Roblin - Posted - 08/28/2010:  05:37:12

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Sonny, on which of your recordings did you play 6-string banjo?

I have one--a very nice Iida--and want to listen and learn.

Thanks.

Andrew Roblin
Former Gruhn Guitar janitor
Former Sho-Bud janitor
Friend of Gene "Slyde" Wooten

TheChief - Posted - 08/28/2010:  09:28:17

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Lots of sessions from Lisning to the Rain in about 1970 through 1975.

s

TheChief - Posted - 08/28/2010:  09:32:18

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Jamessusan! It will if you want it badly enough. The big secret is practice, practice, practice. And, don't be content with half right. As many hours as you can put into it the better.

s

RayD - Posted - 08/28/2010:  09:53:48

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Like the old joke: Aspiring star: "How do I get to Carnegie Hall?" Established star: "Practice! Practice! Practice!" But it sure helps having an excellent quality instrument to practice on.....

RayD

bhrb75 - Posted - 08/28/2010:  18:23:15

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Sonny,

I don't think practice is a secret at all. Just a simple fact. lol There are those of us dedicated enough to put in the time and work to get it right and then there is everybody else. Sorry if I sound so harsh with it but if the shoe fits then you gotta wear it.

Hope you're doing well! I was watching videos from Banjothon the other day and it made me think about you.

B.

TheChief - Posted - 08/29/2010:  06:23:07

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Hey Brandon..I'm doing as well as could be expected, considering. I trust you're well.

I heard someone try to play Up This Hill and Down t'other day. (I meant to misspell "the other") And who ever it was, played it wrong..made me think of you!!!!!! (That was meant as a hoke!) I didn't spell that wrong either..merely practicing spanish!

s

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Edited by - TheChief on 08/29/2010 06:25:08

bhrb75 - Posted - 08/29/2010:  06:54:27

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Sonny,

What's the spanish word for smarta&^? lol I can bet that if it was wrong, it wasn't Kristen. lol Boy that Up This Hill and Down sure is cool, although I really like "When You Wind Down" a little better. Yeah I'm doing real well. Glad to hear that you are. I'm gonna send you a copy of our demo when we get it all mixed and everything. I'd like for you to hear it (gotta get my thick skin on) lol.

See ya,
B.

TheChief - Posted - 08/31/2010:  05:22:45

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Brandon..so, am I to understand that you and someone has made a record?

Who played banjo on it????

s
Sonny Osborne Banjo Company
P O Box 647
Hendersonville, TN 37077
chiefbanjo@comcast.net
615-824-0096
web site: sonnyosborne.com
"IN GOD WE TRUST"

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Edited by - TheChief on 08/31/2010 05:24:31

bhrb75 - Posted - 08/31/2010:  05:29:04

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Sonny I can just see you sitting at the computer with that S&^t-eatin' grin of yours while you were typing that. We had Little Roy come play the banjo on that record, said he was trying learn some Sonny licks...

B.

JimmieSue - Posted - 08/31/2010:  05:34:33

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quote:

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Originally posted by TheChief

Jamessusan! It will if you want it badly enough. The big secret is practice, practice, practice. And, don't be content with half right. As many hours as you can put into it the better.

s

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No worries there, Chief...... I'm cut from the 'old school' cloth..... "If you're gonna do something - do it right - or don't do it." Something my dad left me. He also gave me the "it only costs 10% more to go first class" mentality..... but he didn't figure that with inflation, or a poor economy. lol

TheChief - Posted - 08/31/2010:  10:46:06

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SusanJames...Your Walnut Chief is on it's way home. It's beautiful and sounds good now, but will improve as you play it more.

The saying as I heard it is: It only costs a little more to go first class, but you just can't stay as long!
I look forward to hearing you play that Mr. Walnut Chief.

Remember..check it first (after getting up off the floor) for shipping damage, then play to your hearts content.

Keith tuners:
The black thumbscrews set the high note. Have fun.

s

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Edited by - TheChief on 08/31/2010 10:51:28

JimmieSue - Posted - 08/31/2010:  10:53:51

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Am I glad this is gonna be a long weekend!!!! hehe My calluses are gonna get a serious workout!

Thanks for the update, Chief! I'll do you, and Mr. Walnut, proud!

TheChief - Posted - 08/31/2010:  10:55:21

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Ah...Brandon..That would take a fair amount of talent...can you guess the rest?

s

Leslie R - Posted - 08/31/2010:  12:16:36

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There is a Chief at Gruhn's.
Is that one you have on consignment with Gruhn's?
If not, do you know the story behind it?
It has a price tag that I believe is in line with a new Osborne Chief, and it also looks brand new.

bhrb75 - Posted - 08/31/2010:  13:30:50

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Sonny I can only guess that the rest may not be in the best taste to post on here. Ha ha

B.

TheChief - Posted - 08/31/2010:  13:37:51

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Ambpicker..I checked my records and I do have a new Mahogany Chief at Gruhns. I think it's number 20..About 2007..all new with a Calton case, which is not available any longer.
Charlie Cushman set it up.

s

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Edited by - TheChief on 08/31/2010 13:49:18

Leslie R - Posted - 08/31/2010:  13:59:26

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I did play the Osborne Chief that I mentioned. It did not occur to me to obtain the serial #.
It is on the Gruhn's website, and I would have to restate that it appears to be brand new. It appears to show a small amount of wear.
I think the resonator is mahogany.
I asked if they would be interested in a trade, but they said it was on consignment.
I didn't mean to put you on the spot or anything about the story behind it.
The main thing is this: That banjo is stuck in my mind. I really, really liked it.
The neck fit my hands well, and the sound was truly just dead on right.
The more I think about that banjo, the more I realize I want that banjo. It is perfect.
That is the kind of banjo I want to have for the rest of my life.

TheChief - Posted - 08/31/2010:  14:31:15

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If I remember correctly, Charlie set that banjo up and used it to demonstrate the sound, so in saying this, the banjo is new, but the use it shows is from being played at the store...which would probably amount to an hour.

I'm sure you would like the playability and sound even more after you play it for a while..Of course, I WOULD say that wouldn't I? Beings it is a Chief and I do believe they are the best new banjo on the market.!!! Good luck with it if you get it..it will do you well! Stay in touch.
And, thanks.

s

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Edited by - TheChief on 09/01/2010 06:54:27

Banjo Stan - Posted - 09/02/2010:  04:12:30

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Get the Mahog, Ambpicker! It's a great banjo!

JimmieSue - Posted - 09/02/2010:  17:51:19

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pppsssssttt........IT'S HERE!!!! and I only have 3 letters.....ok.....maybe 6 - yeah, definitely 6......

OMG!!!! WOW!!!!!

Not only does my Chief LOOK good - it sounds just AWESOME!!!! Dang near plays itself.....if only I could keep up! lol

But Geez....Mr. Chief......couldn't you have done a better job of tuning it???

I LOVE IT!!!

TheChief - Posted - 09/02/2010:  20:12:49

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Aw I'm sorry JS. I thought I had it pretty well in tune. You found the strap and capo?

They're in the pocket.

Play lots and well.

s