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Woolpersteve - Posted - 05/06/2011: 12:29:48
Sonny,
The thought of gathering all of the stories ( I figure I have heard maybe .0034 % of what exists) and then editing them to something less than a set the size of the old Encyclopedia Brittanica is just overwhelming.! The saying "boxing a hurricane " comes to mind.
Steve
TheChief - Posted - 05/06/2011: 15:31:40
That's about right Steve. Catching a tornado in a glass jar...something like that. Or playing Dear Old Dixie without making a mistake or two..or thirty. Did I ever tell you that I tried to play it once..when I was about 16 yrs old and completely ruined it. So bad that I NEVER played it again although I knew, and know every note of it, I never played Dear Old Dixie again! And to be honest with you, I never heard E play it again after he recorded it. SO THERE! But one thing is for certain. He played it that time. PLAYED should be underlined!!!!!
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"
Woolpersteve - Posted - 05/07/2011: 05:01:11
Sonny I do count that Dixie curse story in my %.0034 .I refuse to play that tune in public for that very reason ; ) I was working on some picking last night while watching the NBA playoffs , which are just weird this year, and I hate to say it again like I am being paid but #35 is just getting better and better ! What an awesome tone .
Steve
laceyth9 - Posted - 05/07/2011: 06:37:28
Sonny,
#5 is doing very well and sounds great. Even have some "green stuff" showing around the tension hoop, brackets, and tone ring. The patina is evidence the banjo is old and getting older. Funny story, when I got the banjo from Dale Perry, it had quite a bit of patina on it. I started to clean it up and he said, "Leave that stuff on there. It makes the banjo sound better." I don't know if it makes the banjo sound better, but it looks cool... and old. Bet your Granada has some green stuff showing too.
Thanks for a fine instrument that I'll treasure for a lifetime.
Tim L.
Ebanjo - Posted - 05/07/2011: 13:23:13
Tim,
I played that banjo when Dale had it. You've got yourself a good one.
Eric Ellis
Banjo Stan - Posted - 05/08/2011: 12:12:17
Happy Mother's Day to "Tammy Swinette"! The mutha of the GRich Engraved MaHog Chief banjos!
Still Sweet as ever:)
Woolpersteve - Posted - 05/19/2011: 08:19:02
Sonny is that one of those cars that park themselves?
That would have been a nice feature on the tour bus I bet.
How many banjos can you haul at one time in it?
Steve
cripplecreeker - Posted - 05/19/2011: 08:45:14
The Chief drives a Prius. You really do learn something new every day on the Banjo Hangout when you log in and read. 
If someone reports that the Chief secretly bought a banjo without a tone ring, I will eat my hat!
Regards.
Todd
TheChief - Posted - 05/21/2011: 06:43:32
Todd you better get ready to either cook the hat or eat it raw. How bout a Gibson RB11? Does that qualify?
I also have a 1977 Chevy pickup. Newly painted Steve..by a professional. Almost have it completely restored to how it was when my Dad bought it new. I can haul several banjos in a truck. Could that be called a "truckload"???
S
Ebanjo - Posted - 05/21/2011: 07:23:01
Congratulations on the RB-11 there Chief. They're fine banjos.
Eric Ellis
ProudChiefOwner - Posted - 05/23/2011: 04:33:47
Hello again friends.
My Chief has developed a little too much arc in the neck, quite a lot actually. I read somewhere it is called an "overbow" ?? Its the first in thing in three years to go wrong - such as it is- so no complaints here !
Wondering if anyone thinks anything of this idea...
I look down from peghead to bridge and see a definite arc, so I remove the mop truss rod cover and (still looking down the neck) make one half turn clockwise .... is this right ? Then leave overnight to settle ? Sound about right ?
How much turning of the truss rod is safe ? A whole turn ?
Also...I have read that there are different types of truss rod, does anyone know what type the Chief has ?
Alas...a trip to Nashcamp and I could ask Mr Neat himself, ........ one day !
Thanks to anyone who thinks this post deserves a reply !
TheChief - Posted - 05/25/2011: 07:40:53
A reply indeed. We got to fix that pronto, if you haven't already. You may call Frank at 270 866 4515 and he will tell you how to adjust the rod and what kind of rod is in the neck.. Call Frank, tell him the problem. If he can't fix it on the phone, send it to me and I will take care of the problem.
OK?
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"
bevans - Posted - 05/26/2011: 13:15:37
Hi folks,
I just wanted to share the news that we've got an incredible lineup of instructors at the 11th Annual Sonny Osborne NashCamp Banjo Camp, October 21-23 in Fairview, TN, about 45 minutes west of Nashville. This year, we'll have the entire Kruger Brothers Band with us (Jens, his "brudder" Uwe on guitar and Joel Landsberg on bass) for Friday and Saturday. In addition, Jim Mills will be with us for the first time, along with Tony Trischka, Ned Luberecki, yours truly, Frank Neat and, of course The Chief!
Camp co-director Cindy Sinclair tells me that as of today we've got only about 20 student slots left, so if you're thinking of joining us, contact Cindy soon at 615-952-4040 or nashcamp@comcast.net.
This is really the best bluegrass banjo camp there is, folks. There, I said it. But this is what Sonny, Cindy and I set out to do 11 years ago, and I think we've achieved it. Come join us and find out why!
I'm attaching our new flyer/registration form to this email to check out more info. Also, visit nashcamp.com for more details. We hope to see you this October in Nashville.
All the best,
Bill Evans
Kep0042 - Posted - 05/27/2011: 10:46:36
Sonny,I haven't seen or talked to you for quite a few years. The last time I saw you was at Nashcamp, and you were driving the Lexus, it's hard to imagine you in a Prius.
I still have my four Chief's, and they are great sounding banjo's. Chief # 0042 is still the best one of the four. Do you remember when and where I received # 0042 from you?
I have been having some health problems for the last couple of years ( neuropathy ), in my legs and feet. I am doing much better now, I hope I can start getting out to do some pick'n soon, and showoff my Chief banjo's.
I hope everything is good with you and your family.
Jim
TheChief - Posted - 05/28/2011: 06:21:20
Jim...Man it has been a long time. Sorry to hear of your health problems. We might as well accept that as time goes on Mother Nature or Father Time will catch up.
I still have the Lexus..fine car. But the Prius, 56 MPG appealed to me. Still does.
For you who haven't heard Jens Kruger and intend on coming to banjo camp in October, be prepared to hear the most exciting banjo mind I have ever heard. He is really something beyond....
Be safe.
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"
Edited by - TheChief on 05/28/2011 06:25:42
markbyrum - Posted - 05/28/2011: 08:14:25
I can't echo Sonny's encouragement enough about Jens Kruger's scheduled appearance at NashCamp banjo camp this year. I attended NashCamp banjo camp last year and was greatly inspired by Jens Kruger's playing and his innovation and his musical expression. As a result of watching and listening to him (and Tony Trishka and Nedski and the other instructors) I came home with a new appreciation for music I can play on the banjo. I still love and play the "old standards" and the new songs patterned after them, but there is an excitement to be had by just sitting down and composing and playing a song on the banjo that doesn't sound quite like what we think of as the "old standards" - or finding a song someone else has written in a different musical genre and bringing it over to bluegrass and playing it on the banjo. Here is a link to the Kruger brothers playing a couple of tunes at a PBS TV station in San Diego - the second of which I recall Jens playing last year as a part of a longer tune which brought awe and appreciation to those who heard it. Enjoy (and look for other on line videos): youtube.com/watch?v=G5qHkxnLtiw
And come to NashCamp this fall, and most importantly - keep on pickin'!
Mark
JimmieSue - Posted - 05/30/2011: 16:38:04
I had the good fortune to be able to spend the last two weeks in Missouri at the SDC Bluegrass & BBQ festival - the Kruger Brothers were there. OMG! I've heard them via recordings.....but in person..... I sat there with every cell at attention and in complete awe! I had no words....... My sister talked to Jens after - but I still couldn't come up with anything.
I'm setup to attend NashCamp in October - and even tho I'll be in the beginner classes - I fully intend to 'sneak' in to see/hear Jens. lol Just hope I get over the dumb-struck..... he's a fun guy!
Sonny - Walnut 59 and I are looking forward to seeing you in October!
bevans - Posted - 05/30/2011: 20:47:42
Hey JimmieSue,
The good news is that ALL of the NashCamp teachers teach group workshops designed for all students and Jens is great with beginners - as are all of our teachers. If you stay in a beginners' track for the entire weekend, you'll have sessions from Tony Trischka, Jens, Ned, Jim Mills and me. Some of our sessions are electives designed for any level of student but the topics are usually of a more general nature, like intro to clawhammer, a music theory topic, or a harmony singing workshops, where overall experience level on the banjo isn't so crucial.
See you soon. I've heard from a lot of folks in the last week, telling me that they've signed up. I'll have to check with Cindy to see how many spots we have left.
All the best,
Bill Evans
Goldstarman - Posted - 05/30/2011: 21:43:58
With only one car now I dont see how I can make it but Id be all over it like a duck on a june bug otherwise.
TheChief - Posted - 05/31/2011: 13:29:49
Jens loves it so much and it shows in his personality as well as his playing.
s
Woolpersteve - Posted - 06/02/2011: 10:44:34
Sonny, I went to a get an outdoor party over the weekend .Bunch of pickers were there , Maybe three other banjo players. Different bunches took turns picking for the party goers .One guy had an older Gibson, one an old Fender and one had a no-name . When I played my Chief they all stepped aside. One left the stage completely .Everyone wanted to play the Chief. Clearly it was the best banjo by far .BY FAR!!! Funny thing is when I played their banjos they sounded alot better than before but still not Chief -like. You might have picked up a few fans that day.
Steve
atiger - Posted - 06/05/2011: 07:58:19
I have been having an ongoing love affair with my Chief since I got it in 2007. As my playing has improved, the love has grown. The Chief is an awesome banjo!!
Spike2 - Posted - 06/08/2011: 01:39:45
Hi Stan, ChipL, SonnyO.
Banjo Stan - Posted - 06/09/2011: 04:42:23
Back at ya, Spike! Hope everyone's doing well. Haven't been on the HO is a while.
chief3 - Posted - 06/14/2011: 07:04:49
Just wanted to let the tribe know that I took my Chief #3 to Sonny O and Frank to have a tune up and look over after 13 years of continuous use and/or abuse. The work they did was just perfect and the banjo sounds better then when I purchased it in 1998. These two gentlemen are absolute geniuses when it comes to everything banjo and they are willing to go beyond the call of duty to get it done right. So this is a public "shout-out" to both Sonny O and Frank Neat for the exceptional work and care they extended to both me and to the best banjo that I have ever owned or played.
TheChief - Posted - 06/21/2011: 07:33:04
Red and Pam.
It was a pleasure seeing you two again. That banjo has held up pretty well after 13 years. I love the way the neck wood has aged. I hoped it would eventually look like that, and it has done just as expected. I haven't seen numbers 1 and 2 in a while so that would be interesting to see if they aged the same as yours. (just for the record: Dale Vanderpool has #1, Tom Biggs #2, Red Nelson #3, Bill Evans #4, and # 5 went to Dana Cupp with Bill Monroe, then Dale Perry, with Doyle Lawson, now Tim Lacey of the Lacey family gospel band) There might have been an owner between Dale and Tim, but #5 got around and made some pretty good records.
Thank you for the kind words. I always figured a new banjo was no better than it's builder.
For the record, I owned one new banjo in my life. A Kay. My Dad paid $100 in 1949 from Haur Music Co in Dayton, Ohio.
How bout that for little known facts? That knowledge and $1 will get you a large coffee at McDonalds. Actually, the dollar itself will get you the coffee.
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"
JimmieSue - Posted - 06/21/2011: 08:09:10
Cute grandbaby, Sonny! Congrats! :)
bhrb75 - Posted - 06/21/2011: 09:21:36
Sonny,
Do you still have #00? I remember it to be a real hoss! I've not forgotten to send you those cds I told you I'd send, just have been busy trying to catch up with some stuff.
B.
chief3 - Posted - 06/21/2011: 16:28:17
Hello Sonny. Pam and I were just thrilled with our visit to Nashville and the chance to spend some time with you. You continue to inspire me as a musician and in many other ways.
For anyone interested I swapped out the original Huber ring from #3 and replaced it with a Blaylock more in keeping with the new Chief sound. Big improvement, not that I didn't like the Huber but now I can hear that zing on the note that I wasn't getting with the Huber.
And now for a Public Service Announcement. Even if you think you know what you are doing, messing with the coordinator rods and truss rod and head tension and bridge etc. can get things all out of whack eventually. If you have a Chief I would suggest you leave a good thing alone. But if you are going to look at major setup changes, trust your Chief to a professional banjo specialist . You might get it to sound different, but you won't get it to sound better. Just sayin' ,,,,,,,,,. I gave Mr. Neat far more work than he deserved.
jfb - Posted - 06/21/2011: 19:38:32
For the record, I owned one new banjo in my life. A Kay. My Dad paid $100 in 1949 from Haur Music Co in Dayton, Ohio.
You have to admit Mr Chief, you did pretty well with a couple of old used beater Gibsons..
Bow-tie75 - Posted - 06/22/2011: 08:35:28
Hello all, hopefully it's ok for a non-chief owner to chime in! I was at a festival with Red the other weekend, and have to agree, #3 sounded just awesome. Not that didn't sound fine before, but it really does have the "zing" he's talking about now. Plays sweet too. Was good to here you Red! and Hey Sonny!
Cheers, D'Arcy
kathy315 - Posted - 06/23/2011: 04:53:45
Sonny, Congrats! He's a beautiful baby...Enjoy...See you in the fall...
aj_fuller - Posted - 06/23/2011: 04:58:15
Sonny,
Seeing information about the upcoming release of the new book about J.D. this morning prompted me to want to ask you how things are progressing on your book? It has been quite some time since you mentioned it, and I was not sure if it was still in the works. Hope all is well with you, and thanks as always for being so willing to chat with the tribe!
For those who have not seen it, here is a link to info about the Crowe book:
press.uillinois.edu/books/cata...8255.html
Thanks!
A.J.
JimmieSue - Posted - 06/23/2011: 05:20:36
quote:
Originally posted by TheChief
And, that's GREAT Grand Son Jimmy Sue . How bout that! I know I don't look that old....yeah, right!
s
Well Mr. Chief......I 'assumed' ALL your grandbabies were GREAT - regardless of their generation. 
Banjo Stan - Posted - 06/25/2011: 09:19:03
Congratulations on your new great grandson, Sonny! He's a good lookin' little guy.
I'm really enjoying being a grand dad to two 5 month old twin girls. They love music so I'm always singing to them and dancing around like a fool.
Anything to make them smile
RayD - Posted - 06/25/2011: 09:26:34
Hey Stan, ain't it funny how grand kids can bring out the inner fool in us grand dads? It's also fun to watch the kids' reactions to seeing ole dad doing silly things!
Sonny, having fun here in San Antonio getting reacquainted with my Chief banjo after being gone for 9 months! This should be my last deployment - I'm just getting too old for that stuff!
And congratulations on the newest member of the Osborne clan!!!
TheChief - Posted - 06/25/2011: 11:55:28
Hey Stan...Ray...Kathy. Man it's good to hear from you all. It's been awhile. Really glad to hear you're all doing well.
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"
RayD - Posted - 06/25/2011: 12:39:38
Sonny, it's good to be back in the good old USA! Man, sometimes I wonder how other folks can stand living the way they do in other countries! Where I was I couldn't really do much interacting on line - I could browse sites and I monitored the hangout. I'm glad to finally be able to interact again. And one of these years I'll make it up to Nash Camp!
TheChief - Posted - 06/25/2011: 22:41:03
Ray.. The banjo camp is a good place to hear good playing by some of the best, to learn, and just a good fun time. The food and people who attend are all really good people. You'd love it. I do!
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"
1935tb-11 - Posted - 06/26/2011: 04:14:40
hey sonny,, long time since we spoke, so glad to see you're doing well. you keep making all those good chief banjos and you might hurt G@&S@N feelings.
i got to meet mike scott last nite at a ronnie reno show and he was gracious enough to let me play his old style 75 . great banjo by the way. but he really started grinnin when he seen i was playing it upside down and backwards. he told ronnie and jackie miller "he ya'll come and see this". i told him thats the same thing you told raymond fairchild the first time you saw it too!!!. anyhow he is a real nice fella ,, heck all of them are.
but anyway ,, you take care of yourself and keep on put them great chiefs out there ( i see them alot).
terry m
TheChief - Posted - 06/29/2011: 07:47:29
Terry..without doubt..the strangest (banjowise) thing I ever saw.
Playing left handed with a five string neck...and making it work. I've seen a lot of things, some strange some not so strange. You are the only one I've ever seen do this.
Good to hear from you.
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"
TheChief - Posted - 07/01/2011: 08:18:34
Hey!
Kristin Benson's Chief is listed in the classified adds.
Why you ask??
She wants to buy a new one. Matter of fact she has it already.
s
Sonny Osborne Banjo Co
P O Box 647
Hendersonville, TN 37077
chiefbanjo@comcast.net
615-824-0096
sonnyosborne.com
"IN GOD WE TRUST"
Edited by - TheChief on 07/01/2011 08:27:01
Woolpersteve - Posted - 07/01/2011: 08:40:10
Guess she knows a good thing when she picks it.
bcampbe5 - Posted - 07/01/2011: 09:14:03
So did Kristen go with another Maple or did she get something different this time? She let me play the one she's selling.
The new one must really have something special in it because I think the first one is great.
TheChief - Posted - 07/01/2011: 12:36:23
Maple. Same as before. She just wanted a new one. Liked what I brought her, and decided to buy it and sell the other one. I think it's a girl thing!!!!!
She had a mighty good banjo, I thought. Sure sounded great on all those records.
s
Sonny Osborne Banjo Co
P O Box 647
Hendersonville, TN 37077
chiefbanjo@comcast.net
615-824-0096
sonnyosborne.com">sonnyosborne.com
"IN GOD WE TRUST"
Edited by - TheChief on 07/01/2011 12:39:16
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