TheChief - Posted - 08/11/2011:  12:46:13

Gary..The guitar player is Benny Birchfield, Bass was George Shuffler I believe. Stanley Brothers, Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, Pete Seeger, Judy Collins, Clearance and Roland White, Buffy Saint Marie. Big show.

My banjo was the RB3 Gibson. Sold it to Aaron McDarris last year. They call it the Rocky Top banjo.

1964.

s

larry p - Posted - 08/12/2011:  08:11:51

Greetings Chief!

  Heard Ms Kristen Scott Benson with one of your  'Chief' banjos sounding great recently with 'The Grasscals': clarity, depth, sparkle, presence-it was all there in spades...

Have enjoyed checking out this thread! Some of the recent postings have jostled around some very precious memories of my own: The first time I had the pleasure of meeting you was at a festival in North Carolina. My old Chevrolet station wagon was loaded down with some old banjos and guitars, and there were a few folks checking some of them out. An excited buzz started going through the crowd that was gathered there listening to the music: Sonny Osborne and J.D. Crowe are walking this way!!! Thus began a most cherished friendship..Some of the best times of my life were spent with you; riding the bus to some of your dates when I had a weekend off (I never ceased to be amazed at how great your band was! No matter where the shows were, or who was on the line-up-when 'The Osborne Brothers' hit the stage the singing, level of musicianship, and professionalism went up by leaps and bounds), our lunch dates, the amazing pickin' parties we used to have-great times! I recently found an old VHS tape of a show you did on one of those Bluegrass cruises, and you played 'Northwest Passage'-WOW! I wish the banjo album that you and J.D. were talking about doing together had become a reality..Speaking of Earl Scruggs; I sure would Love to see some of the pictures you took during one of the trips to the zoo we made with him and LeAnne..I know you've got a priceless shot of him face to face with a buffalo at 'The Grassmere': he and the buffalo stood and stared at each other a few minutes, then he turned to us and said, 'That's the closest I've ever been to one of those things.' Ha! Oh well, I could go on and on, but I know this is a thread about the great banjos that are justifiably called 'The Chief': you and Frank Neat are building an instrument that in my opinion are second to none. I greatly admire you for finding a way to continue making incredible contributions to the fabric of our musical landscape in spite of adversity and health challenges..thanks for everything Sonny! You always have been, and always will be a great inspiration..

TheChief - Posted - 08/13/2011:  10:29:47

Thank you Lawrence. You brought back some precious memories. Thank you.

I loved that Northwest passage tune but never got the true hang of just how to play it.

I too wish the JD thing would have materialized but I could never get a definitive answer. It would have been interesting. Too bad.

The Chief is alive and doing well. Thank you for the kind words. I've never spent one dime advertising. They sell themselves from statements like yours and everyone else who owns one. I'm fortunate and I know and appreciate all.

Take care of yourself Larry.

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"

larry p - Posted - 08/14/2011:  20:46:23

Ha!! You know, Louise Scruggs heard you call me 'Lawrence' during one of the picking parties they hosted, and I was 'Lawrence' to her right up to her last days..

As for you 'never getting the true hang of just how to play' 'Northwest Passage'-I wish I didn't 'get the hang of it' like you did!! Like EVERYTHING you did musically-your version is awesome!! You played it the way I WISH I could play it. Hearing Sonny Osborne play one of our tunes was an incredible high point in my musical experience-like hearing 'The Beatles' sing a song or Walt Whitman recite a poem I'd written..

The 'J.D. thing' would have been interesting indeed..Don't know why you never got a definitive answer on that project, but I know for me (and likely countless other banjo players) the prospects of playing banjo duets with you on a session would have been intimidating, unsettling and downright unnerving-(unless I could play clawhammer or tenor banjo, or maybe Bobby Thompson style)...Your tone, phrasing, presence and artistry is so brilliant and powerful..I'm SO THANKFUL I came along when you were playing and for the opportunity to hear you on stage, in the studio, and in many unique, private settings..

It's easy to see why you've not had to spend money for advertising: They sell themselves! If I didn't have a banjo that suited me and has served me well for many years-I'd have to have one..

Good catching up with you my friend!! Please come see us if you happen to be in Lebanon with some extra time ..

bcampbe5 - Posted - 08/16/2011:  10:15:14

Hi Chief,

I saw Mr. Ingram and the Roll Muddy River Vega at the Milan, Mi festival last weekend.  That's a winning combination right there!  It was a pleasure to finally meet Kenny, and to see the Vega up close.  He was makin it talk. 

Unfortunately, they didn't have Old J. D. Crowe and his Medicine Show this year...  That would have been a real treat to see..    Oh well, there's always next year I suppose....  We can only hope...

Also got to see and play not one, but two Maple Chief Jo's:  Aaron McDarris had his there and Kristen had her new one there as well.  They don't come any better than that; both in banjos and people. 

Hope you're doing well.

TheChief - Posted - 08/21/2011:  07:03:28

Kenny Ingram really loves the sound of the Roll Muddy River Vega with little or no tone ring. Then the other two you mentioned happen to be great banjo people. In fact, those three are at the very top of the list of best  banjo players going right now. All in high profile jobs too. The Larry Stephenson Band, The Grascals, and Rhonda Vincent's Rage.

I believe Aaron's Chief is for sale, since he bought the Rocky Top RB3 last year. He really has that banjo sounding good. He gets more out of it than I ever did...could! Good banjo though, and I was very glad to see him get it.

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"

bcampbe5 - Posted - 08/22/2011:  10:21:53

Aaron let me play the Rocky Top banjo last year at Milan, Mi..  Awesome banjo..  I'm quite certain it will wilt small house plants, if you're not careful.    More than that though, the tone was just out of this world.  It's great to see someone get an instrument like that, that plays professionally.  Many times, as you well know, they go to a collector and never get played or heard.   

As for his Chief, he had just gotten it back from Mr.  Cushman and like I was saying earlier, it really sounded good.  They were flying that weekend, so that's why he had that instead of the RB3.       

TheChief - Posted - 08/23/2011:  07:39:53

Funny..when I would fly with the 3 or Granada I bought it a ticket and strapped it in the seat beside me. Now, I understand they will let you carry them on the plane with you and store them in an overhead bin.



Airlines need the business. {:-)>



My thoughts exactly on the matter of the banjo's being played as opposed to rotting behind glass in a display case. People pay to go to a museum and they can only see, if they pay to see Rhonda Vincent they can see and HEAR Aaron play (and marvel) at the old 1934 RB3.



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 08/23/2011 07:44:56

JimmieSue - Posted - 08/23/2011:  08:13:02

Hey Sonny,

Your signature block reminds me of the Link Family.....ever heard of them?  They have a song called "In God We Trust".....  If you've not heard it - here's a link to a video on YouTube.  youtube.com/watch?v=vlDh3E1NkXk

This is one family that truly lives by that.....  They charge nothing for their concerts - they live off 'free will' donations.  God provides.

Saw them the first time at the SDC Bluegrass & BBQ festival.  They're current 'single mic' champs.

RatLer - Posted - 08/23/2011:  14:47:13

JimmieSue...those "Link Family" videos are something else...!! Really nice sounding group and the choreography is awesome!!!

Woolpersteve - Posted - 08/25/2011:  03:47:57

Chief,
Kenny and the RMR Vega will be up this way with Larry's band in December .I figure to be in the front row .
Man, isnt it time for banjo camp yet ? I need a fix .
Steve

TheChief - Posted - 08/25/2011:  07:11:10

Steve it'll be here before you know it. I think we're sold out, or so I hear. See you then. Be good to see everyone again. I might find out where they will be (Kenny) and ride up with them.

s

bevans - Posted - 08/25/2011:  07:55:23

Hey Chef, Steve and everybody,

We are indeed technically "sold out," however we usually have a few cancelations as the camp date gets closer, so if you sign up on our waiting list now, there's a good chance that a bed will open up and you can join us. Contact Cindy Sinclair at cynthiasinclair@comcast.net or phone 615-952-4040 for more info. Cindy is our camp co-director and this event wouldn't happen without her, that's for sure!

All the best,

Bill

Woolpersteve - Posted - 08/25/2011:  08:10:38

Sonny,
Larry is coming up to Richwood Opry in Boone County on December 9th.Come on up if you are looking for something to do.
Steve

kathy315 - Posted - 08/26/2011:  09:33:15

Steve, camp is just around the corner...Can't wait !!!!

myfavefive - Posted - 08/29/2011:  20:48:04

I enjoyed Larry P's recollections of the old Osborne Bros shows, and I listened to Ken Landreth's recordings of the incredible set from the 1969 Camp Springs festival all the way up the road to the Darrington, WA festival last month to see Kristen playing her Chief and Kenny playing the old Vega.  So I've been getting lots of good Sonny vibes lately, but I'm wondering if anybody has a recollection of what happened at the print shop back in 1964 with this Sunset Park poster.  Maybe somebody's "O" looked like an "A" on the order form...

Edited by - myfavefive on 08/29/2011 20:49:04

TheChief - Posted - 08/30/2011:  07:25:47

When you saw those two players you saw two of the best. I've only heard sketches of Kenny playing the Vega. Kristin's Chief is outstanding.



That poster! I had not, or don't remember seeing before. Real funny.

when I worked for Bill Monroe in 1952 we played the old theater in Grundy Va. As we drove to the show we could see the building. Painted on the side in HUGE letters..it read:

COMING SOON...IN PERSON..DIRECT FROM THE GRAND OLE OPRY...BILL MONROE AND HIS BLUEASS BOYS. Mr. Monroe had a fit. I was 14 yrs old. Jimmy Martin, Charlie Cline and I just about exploded trying to keep from laughing..which would have not been appropriate. Remember the year was 1952. WHEN MR. MONROE LAUGHED, YOU LAUGHED..When he was upset you sat in the front seat and made NO sound.



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 08/30/2011 07:34:39

JimmieSue - Posted - 08/30/2011:  09:15:36

now THAT'S funny! I don't care who ya are! LMAO!

cotton eyed joe - Posted - 08/30/2011:  10:14:49

Question for the Chief, What banjo did you use on the Osborne Brothers and Red Allen stuff? Its sounds awesome!!! Thanks in advance, Joe Rose

TheChief - Posted - 08/31/2011:  06:56:26

I used the RB3 with a skin head. Now called the Rocky Top banjo and owned by Aaron McDaris. (Rhonda Vincente's Rage.)

It is a good banjo but I found I had to play it too hard to get what I wanted to hear. The Granada answered and erased that problem.

I wasn't an extremely hard player. Too lazy I guess.



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 08/31/2011 06:59:11

chief3 - Posted - 08/31/2011:  07:20:17

Hey Sonny, I'm assuming that it is the RB 3 that you are holding on the Bluegrass Express Album. My dad brought that album home and when I saw that banjo on the cover I thought it was absolutely beautiful with that old worn head and everything. I use to stare at that album cover and dream of playing like you whenever I played that album. Too bad we don't have album covers anymore. P.S. Some things don't change, I'm still dreaming of playing like of you.

Bobby and Sonny

 

bhrb75 - Posted - 08/31/2011:  09:29:58

Sonny,

I'm sure some of these guys have seen it and you might have even talked about it on here, but why don't you tell us about that wacky "M" shaped bridge you had on the 3. Was it around '60-'61?

B.

TheChief - Posted - 08/31/2011:  10:10:06

That is the RB3 in that picture. At the time that picture was made I hadn't played it in a while.



To my knowledge it was the first compensated bridge ever.

1961 I guess. The second and third strings have never noted true so I decided the problem would be solved by changing the shape of the bridge. Making it a shorter and longer distance from nut to bridge for the 2nd and third strings. I asked Billy Hamilton, a mandolin player and a good friend, if he could understand what I was trying to do and he said yes and he would make several and let me try them.

He did, and I did, and they worked to perfection but I was so accustomed to the sound of the banjo as it was that it sounded out of tune to me, although it was correct. AND, whilst playing one night sometime after that the darned thing collapsed. I tried all five and they all did it, so I gave it up as a bad deal. I wish I had kept a better record of the time as to when I started and stopped using that idea.

I don't know when, but Shubb put the same idea on the market. I guess they're still available.

I still have four of the five Billy made.

Geoff Stelling started making his banjos with a compensated nut. He believed in it and we argued several times about it. I still think that as soon as you note the string the fret noted becomes the nut. Correct me if I'm wrong. A rocket scientist I'm not.



That is the story.



s



Sonny Osborne Banjo Co

P O Box 647

Hendersonville, TN 37077

chiefbanjo@comcast.net

615-824-0096

sonnyosborne.com

"IN GOD WE TRUST"

cotton eyed joe - Posted - 08/31/2011:  10:24:07

Thanks so much Chief!!!

Goldstarman - Posted - 08/31/2011:  12:16:09

Chief I agree with you and argued with Geoff about the very same thing. I told him if you capo on the 2nd and cut the damn headstock off that nut is not a factor anymore.....he said different and maybe he knows better than me?....he is the banjo maker after all.

TheChief - Posted - 08/31/2011:  17:53:03

My thoughts exactly. Once that string hits the fret, the fret becomes the nut.



Case closed!



s



Sonny Osborne Banjo Co

P O Box 647

Hendersonville, TN 37077

chiefbanjo@comcast.net

615-824-0096

sonnyosborne.com

" IN GOD WE TRUST"

STILL!

TheChief - Posted - 08/31/2011:  17:54:46

Has Gibson got theyself in a sling or not?

Ebanjo - Posted - 08/31/2011:  18:11:33

I'd say so Chief. Me thinks somebody has got it in for them.
Eric Ellis

RayD - Posted - 08/31/2011:  18:45:07

The whole thing with Gibson and the woods makes want to ask this: Is the wood Frank Neat uses documented? Don't want the same thing to happen to these great Chief banjos and their makers.

I ask because the long radio report I heard on this case and some of the other articles I've read makes me very nervous. Especially since the Lacey law is, from what I've read and heard, a RETROACTIVE law.

Cheers,
Ray

P.S. - Still loving the sound of my new design maple Chief!

El Dobro - Posted - 09/03/2011:  16:52:40

Had a lot of catching up to do here. Prius?

TheChief - Posted - 09/04/2011:  08:10:20

Don

Prius at 55 MPG @ 65 MPH. I'll take that.

Trick is to find one!

Does anyone know what a "hung slate shot" is?

Edited by - TheChief on 09/04/2011 08:12:38

RayD - Posted - 09/04/2011:  09:38:05

Chief, my good friends at Google tell me it's a coal mining term for a shot that didn't bring the slate down which in turn caused a lot of hard work for the miners. I can only imagine how hard that is - I've not done coal mining but I've dug plenty of big holes for various things. Difference being was that I was in the sunlight and didn't have to worry about the roof caving in (just the sides). My hat's off to those miners!

Cheers,

RayD

From Greylock to Bean Blossom - Posted - 09/04/2011:  12:56:26

I sent a message to Jim Reed asking if he could shed light on the term.

Ken

dmiller - Posted - 09/04/2011:  20:21:36

RayD is right.  It's a mining term.  Kind of like "hang fire".

In other words - -  a malfunction.  

TheChief - Posted - 09/04/2011:  22:07:50

We got a smart bunch.



Ray Goins told me once after a rough night, that he felt like a "hung slate shot." He explained it just as Ray did. They would drill back into the slate and put dynamite in the hole. If it didn't explode it was a "hung slate shot" and someone had to go to the hole and check it out. That was the dangerous job.

s

Edited by - TheChief on 09/04/2011 22:12:00

Woolpersteve - Posted - 09/05/2011:  04:31:11

As for the Gibson situation I'd say keep your powder dry on this one .
Steve

jimh269b - Posted - 09/05/2011:  05:31:35

hung slate usually happened with conventional equipment as a cutting machine,after the cutter cuts the coal,then it has to be drilled and then shot,some times the drill will drill up in the roof,then when shot the slate roof will hang there,yes someone will have to check it out,but they dont have to go under it,if they got any sence,the some one will doby the rock with powder and shoot it down,i have done that many of times,just got to watch what you are doing

jimh269b - Posted - 09/05/2011:  06:08:17

here is video our mining is done now,i wish i could have found a old joy cutter

VIDEO: JOY Continuous Miners
(click to view)

 

jimh269b - Posted - 09/05/2011:  10:13:22

i forgot to mention that some times theres a thin seam of mud or just unstabled adverse roof conditions in mining,but  the hung roof happened in the older years of mining when they driiled and shot coal from the solid

El Dobro - Posted - 09/05/2011:  13:57:03

quote:

---

Originally posted by TheChief

Don

Prius at 55 MPG @ 65 MPH. I'll take that.

Trick is to find one!

Does anyone know what a "hung slate shot" is?

Sonny Osborne banjo Co.

 PO box 647 Hendersonville, TN. 37077

615-824-0096

 

---

 Well, I found one in my driveway this morning.

pick1936 - Posted - 09/05/2011:  20:46:03

That is  about  right  on.  My  dad  owned,  and  worked  His  but  off  in  a  little  coal mine  here  in  MO.  Mined  in  the  winter.  Mechanics  in  the  summer   My  grandpa  was  Mo. fiddle   championship  2  different  times.  He  worked  the  mine  until  He  was  bad  hurt.  Then  He  became  a  Gunsmith. He  died  in  1948,  when  I  was  12.  I  don't   know  what  Gibson  is  going  to  do.  But  My  Gibson  flat--Top  is  52  years old.  played  hard,  and never  needed  any  work,  still  don't.  I  will  never  sell  it, It  plays, and  sounds  to  good,  and  My  wife  bought  it  used  for  Me  for  our  anniversary.    I  would  hate  to  see  Gibson,  or  any  guitar  builders  have to  close.  More  people  out  of  a  Job.   (I  Work  So  Hard  To  Live,  but  I  Don't  Have  No  Life)    ( Sometimes  It's  Trouble,  Other  Times  Its  Misery,  Seems  Like  Trouble  Hangs  Around  With  Me)..   Take  it  easy  Chief. 

Nechville.  In Higginsville

Lee Kelso

momo - Posted - 09/06/2011:  05:24:31

Sonny what can you tell us about The Joe Drumwright RB-3 Wreath thats listed in the classifieds?

TheChief - Posted - 09/06/2011:  16:00:56

If it's truly the Joe Drumwright Wreath pattern 3,  I believe the original tone ring has had more holes drilled. I almost bought that banjo many years ago for $2750 when Randy Wood had a shop here. But Randy told me it had been drilled and I was not interested.

The original banjo was good. I used it on Fair and Tender Ladies, Each Season Changes You, and a couple more. If not mistaken Earl told me he used it on Red Foley's cut of Polka on a Banjo. But that was before it was altered.  

I never understood why that was done but several banjo's were victim of the same.

s

SONNY OSBORNE BANJO CO

CHIEFBANJO@COMCAST.NET

PO box 647

Hendersonville, TN. 37077

615-824-0096

"IN GOD WE TRUST"

momo - Posted - 09/07/2011:  06:15:58

Thanks, Sonny, That Banjo has quite a history........Almost bought it for $2750?....Now $125,000....WOW!!!!!

TheChief - Posted - 09/09/2011:  08:31:19

That's a little more than 27 Chief banjos. A little less than one third of a certain Granada. Unreal!

s 

SONNY OSBORNE BANJO CO

CHIEFBANJO@COMCAST.NET

PO box 647

Hendersonville, TN. 37077

615-824-0096

"IN GOD WE TRUST"

From Greylock to Bean Blossom - Posted - 09/11/2011:  15:47:08

I just listened to Banjo Medley again for the umpteenth time. That playing never ceases to uplift me and amaze me. I think it is the best I have ever heard. Seeing your facial expressions I would love to know the thoughts that went through your mind as your were playing. It would be rare insights to a master. I know you couldn't possible remember after this time, but I always think that when I see you play it. Sometimes it looks like you are listening as a third party and sometimes it looks like you are pushing (way up the neck) and sometimes there is a hint of relaxation (grin) but then back to hard focus.

Did you play that Medley at any other times or was it just for that concert?

Thanks for giving us that.

Ken

TheChief - Posted - 09/12/2011:  07:18:53

Ken:

I have a vivid memory of that time and playing that specific tune.

One thing I thought about was the fact that there we were in Sweden and it came to mind that Bobby and I came from a place five miles over a small mountain where a person, to get there had to ride a horse or walk from Hyden, KY. (pop.400),  a house with no water, bathroom, electricity, etc, etc. And here we are on the other side of the world with a full house, of people who came to see and hear us. I know you hear this story often but when you live it, it's pretty awesome, and will tend to humble you beyond belief. I thank God for allowing me to live in this time.

A lot of the things you mentioned were true. At one point Blaine Sprouse or Steve Thomas (Fiddle) to my right said something and I looked at him, but the concentration when you're playing a medley like that is, and was, tremendous. No, we didn't play it on every show but we did play it some. The rhythm stayed the same so I was able to change to a different tune. I tried to confuse our band players at times but they were all good enough to never miss a beat. Paul Brewster, J.D.(Jimmy Dewayne) Brock, and Steve Thomas.(Or Blaine Sprouse)  

I've seen that video and wondered about the thought process. Some I can remember, some I can't. And what I described above happened so fast, I mean less than a second. Like a heartbeat, or the blink of an eye.  One does not dare break concentration for fear of losing it completely. I remember I marveled at the sound of the Stelling SONflower banjo I was playing.. I had monster problems keeping it in tune, and ultimately for that reason I gave up on it, but for then man, it really performed well. I was pleased.

Thank you for the kind remarks and compliments. You'll never know what that means to me because there are not words that fit. I wish I could express myself better but a rocket scientist I'm not. But thank you.

s

SONNY OSBORNE BANJO CO

CHIEFBANJO@COMCAST.NET

PO box 647

Hendersonville, TN. 37077

615-824-0096

"IN GOD WE TRUST"

Edited by - TheChief on 09/12/2011 07:23:49

Mike Greylak - Posted - 09/12/2011:  10:27:17

Hi Chief, Just spent some time with Bobby and Bobby Jr. up here in Wisconsin, They put on a great show!! At East Troy yesterday-- Really miss your banjo though, (and thanks for the gold tuners and autographing those old album covers!!
Mike

whywild - Posted - 09/23/2011:  11:14:43

Just a month until Banjo Camp......look forward to seeing everyone! 

Doug