Dave Magram - Posted - 05/21/2013:  18:38:49

Hi Sonny,

I’ve admired your playing and singing for many, many years. Thank you for all of the great music!

Here’s a little story that I had posted elsewhere on the BHO about a year ago. I thought that you might enjoy it, since it involves you, Allen Shelton, and Earl Scruggs’ banjo!

In 1994, I got to see Jim & Jesse with Allen Shelton playing “second banjo” (actually a “banjo-Dobro”) at a bluegrass festival in California. After their set was over, I noticed Allen manning the J&J merchandise table--with nobody else there. Since Allen has always been one of my favorite banjo-players, I went over to him and started chatting. Allen was extremely personable and pleasant and we must have talked for about 40 minutes (fortunately for me, but unfortunately for J&J, no customers visited the booth during that time). Near the end of our conversation, I asked Allen if he did his own banjo set-up, and he said, “No, I don’t-- I have Curtis McPeake check out my banjo about once a year.”

I said that the reason I was asking was that for the first time in the many years that I’ve owned my Gibson banjo, it wasn’t sounding the same, and I was wondering if Allen had any idea what it could be.

Instead of responding that he had no idea in heck why my banjo tone had changed, Allen, ever a Southern gentleman, just told me the following story: “Back when I was with Jim & Jesse the first time, we were playing the Grand Old Opry one night. I was in a dressing-room backstage talking with Sonny Osborne and another banjo-player, when Lester and Earl came into the room. It was December and cold outside, so Earl put his banjo case on a table, and opened up the lid to let his banjo warm up. Then he and Lester left the room to take care of some Opry business.

“Sonny had his fingerpicks on, and he walked over to Earl’s open banjo case. He brushed across the strings a few times with the banjo still in the case, just to hear what Earl’s banjo sounded like. You know, that banjo sounded like a tinny piece of junk and besides, it sounded all out of tune. Sonny and me just looked at each other in surprise that Earl’s banjo sounded so bad.

“Well, about five minutes later, Earl came back into the room. He took his banjo out of its case, put it on his shoulder, and didn’t tune it or nothing… Then Earl started playing his banjo and you know.. (here Allen paused and kindly smiled)…it sounded just like the record!”

Allen Shelton, banjoist extraordinaire and bluegrass Zen-master, had just given me a gentle message—“It ain’t the banjo, son.”

Do you recall that incident?

- Dave

Edited by - Dave Magram on 05/21/2013 18:41:03

TheChief - Posted - 05/21/2013:  18:44:55

Louis Collie, Chief owner, was in Oklahoma City last week and sent many pictures of the American Banjo Museum. Quite amazing for those of us who hadn't seen it.
I wonder if it survived.
Good friend and number 1 mahogany Chief owner, Mickey and Tigger Flatt, who lives there escaped safely. He said it skipped directly over his house Sunday.
Such devastation, loss of property, and life. So sad. My heart and prayers go out to all involved.

~
s

TheChief - Posted - 05/22/2013:  09:20:44

I didn't spell his last name correctly. It should be COLEY.

s

captbanjo - Posted - 05/23/2013:  05:24:05

I'm with you for the most part Dave.  But I've played some of my student's banjos and I can tell you there is a difference in the banjo as well as the player.

Wayne

Possom - Posted - 05/26/2013:  18:37:21

Sonny I heard Joe Mullins picking one of the Rocky Tops down here in NC. Sounded great! Good work

mahogchief01 - Posted - 05/27/2013:  07:08:01

Yes Chief, the banjo museum survived fine.  The storms on Monday were south of it.  The museum is quite something.  I love going there.  Quite a collection of all kinds of banjo's.!!

Mick

Dave Magram - Posted - 05/27/2013:  10:40:59

quote:

---

Originally posted by captbanjo

 

I'm with you for the most part Dave.  But I've played some of my student's banjos and I can tell you there is a difference in the banjo as well as the player.

Wayne

---

Wayne, I completely agree with you.

I did not mean to imply anything about “The Chief” line of banjos (or any other high quality banjo) in my post of 5/21/2013.  A master banjo player like Earl or Sonny would sound good on a banjo made of baling wire and 2” by 4” lumber, but such a “banjo” would never sound as good as a super high quality banjo like The Chief.

Although it is titled “I Ordered The Osborne Chief “, this thread seemed to be about more than just The Chief banjos; it seems to be Sonny’s main interaction on the BHO.

Sonny, if I have misunderstood what this thread is about, I sincerely apologize.

**************************************************************

I know how much Sonny admired and respected Earl Scruggs’ playing.  Recently I happened to read some of Sonny’s much earlier posts on this thread, and Sonny mentioned how much he respected Allen Shelton’s playing.

Since Sonny was involved in the anecdote about Earl’s banjo that I heard from Allen, I just thought that Sonny might enjoy hearing how Allen later used the story in such a charming way—and perhaps even add further details.

-Dave

TheChief - Posted - 05/28/2013:  09:12:20

Dave, no offense was taken and if you had been referring to the Chief it wouldn't have mattered. Opinions are like Ford, Chevy, or Toyota. Everybody has (or had) one.
I respected Allan and Earl to the utmost. To me none were better, but that is strictly a matter of opinion.

The Rocky Top banjo Possom mentioned above is the nearest I have come to the tone I wanted to hear.
Bill Emerson, Bill Evans, Aaron McDarris, Joe Mullins, Rick Stern, and Jerry Averill are playing them and they all speak well of them.

I played Earl's Granada sporadically from 1954 to the late 90's. I couldn't get anything out of it and I was astonished at the sound he got from it, but he basically got the same sound out of other banjos too. I will say this, as time went on the tone deteriorated somewhat.
In my opinion, everyone is right and wrong at the same time. Tis not any one or two things that make the banjo tone. I can name 10 just off the top of my 75 year old head. The main one being the player.

Incidentally, this old thread is about...well, just about anything you want to talk about. Most of us know one another, are friends, and we might talk about Red Sox baseball, Kentucky basketball, or just anything, except profanity, sex, or politics. You're welcome to do the same.
~
s
Sonny Osborne Banjo Co.
PO Box 647
Hendersonville, TN. 37077
615-824-0096
chiefbanjo@comcast.net
sonnyosborne.com
IN GOD WE TRUST~

banjoman56 - Posted - 05/28/2013:  17:19:15

quote:

---

Originally posted by TheChief

 

Dave, no offense was taken and if you had been referring to the Chief it wouldn't have mattered. Opinions are like Ford, Chevy, or Toyota. Everybody has (or had) one.

I respected Allan and Earl to the utmost. To me none were better, but that is strictly a matter of opinion.



The Rocky Top banjo Possom mentioned above is the nearest I have come to the tone I wanted to hear.

Bill Emerson, Bill Evans, Aaron McDarris, Joe Mullins, Rick Stern, and Jerry Averill are playing them and they all speak well of them.



I played Earl's Granada sporadically from 1954 to the late 90's. I couldn't get anything out of it and I was astonished at the sound he got from it, but he basically got the same sound out of other banjos too. I will say this, as time went on the tone deteriorated somewhat.

In my opinion, everyone is right and wrong at the same time. Tis not any one or two things that make the banjo tone. I can name 10 just off the top of my 75 year old head. The main one being the player.



Incidentally, this old thread is about...well, just about anything you want to talk about. Most of us know one another, are friends, and we might talk about Red Sox baseball, Kentucky basketball, or just anything, except profanity, sex, or politics. You're welcome to do the same.

~

s

Sonny Osborne Banjo Co.

PO Box 647

Hendersonville, TN. 37077

615-824-0096

chiefbanjo@comcast.net

sonnyosborne.com

IN GOD WE TRUST~

---

Kentucky basketball is always a good topic Sonny! Especially this coming year with all the good recruits they have coming in. 

pick1936 - Posted - 05/30/2013:  10:49:08

Hi  Sonny,   I am  lucky  enough  to  have  almost  all  Your  recordings.  I  remember  seeing  You  in  late  1965,  You  were  pickin  at  club  in  South  Mo.  regretfully  that  was  in  My  drinking  days.  I  left  early   and  found  out  the  next  day  that  You  guys  went  down  to  Bill  Kelly's  Dads  cabin  and  played  music  all  night.  I  was  to  be  invited  to  go,  but  I  took  off  early  with  My  Girl  Joyce,  who  now  is  My  wife.  married  47  years  may  17.  Then  I saw  You  last  in  K.C.  Mo.   at  Saint  calligon  days  I  think  around  1998?   I   stood  in  line  and  got  two    pictures  of  You  and  Bobby   With  Your  names  on  them.  I  keep  them  in  My  bluegrass  book.   I  see  where  You  are  75  years  old,  I was  77  March  15.  and  I  can  not  pick  1/4  as  good  as  You  did,  BUT  I  keep  trying.  I  have   been  seeing  and  hearing  Your  banjo's  at  festivals  They  sound   great.  Maybe  someday?    You  are  still  an  inspiration  THANKS  MUCH..

Nechville.  In  Higginsville.

Lee  Kelso

Keep  on   going  Up  This  Hill  And  Down,  even  when

The  Up  Hill  gets  Rough.

Goldstarman - Posted - 06/16/2013:  15:55:15

Im lucky enough to be getting my first Chief banjo next week. Its a 2006 maple and I cant wait to take it for a spin

banjoman56 - Posted - 06/16/2013:  18:55:58

Congrats! New banjos sure are fun!

chief3 - Posted - 06/17/2013:  04:39:09

New Chief banjos are even more fun! :)

Edited by - chief3 on 06/17/2013 04:40:30

chief3 - Posted - 06/17/2013:  04:40:42

New Chief banjo are even more fun! :)

TheChief - Posted - 06/18/2013:  06:08:13

Mr. Goldstarman;

Congratulations, and thank you.

You should be pleased with the performance of the maple 2006 Chief. However, be aware that banjo players tend to alter their banjos, such as drastic set up changes, replace original tone ring, etc. etc. apparently just for the sake of change.

Make sure before you buy that it's all there...which as an experienced player, I'm sure you have done just that. I would appreciate the serial number if you would be so kind. I try to keep track of each banjo if I can. Let me know your opinion after you've had it for a month.



~

s

Edited by - TheChief on 06/18/2013 06:09:38

From Greylock to Bean Blossom - Posted - 06/18/2013:  08:18:05

This weekend at Bean Blossom I saw both Joe Mullins and Bill Emerson playing a Chief and they sounded great.
I also heard a very entertaining workshop with Raymond Huffmaster and Paul Williams telling stories about their careers and things musical. It was great. Sure wish you would come up to Bean Blossom and do one of those sometime Sonny. The people would love to see you there again.
Ken

TheChief - Posted - 06/18/2013:  10:39:09

Bill and Joe were playing their Rocky Top model Chief banjos with the newly designed tone ring and I have heard quite a lot of favorable comments.

I haven't appeared in public in so long I wouldn't know how to act. Raymond and Paul told enough stories to last a lifetime I suppose.

My banjo camp is the closest thing to a public appearance I come to and I rely on my partners, Bill Evans and Cindy Sinclair and a cast of great teachers to carry the load. Actually, all I do is...well...kinda nothing. How 'bout that?

Beanblossom is special though. That's one of the first places I appeared as one of Bill Monroe's Bluegrass Boys at age 14. My goodness, 61 years ago this summer. A long time and a lot of memories ago.

~

s

Edited by - TheChief on 06/18/2013 10:44:47

From Greylock to Bean Blossom - Posted - 06/18/2013:  16:03:49

quote:

---

Originally posted by TheChief

 

Bill and Joe were playing their Rocky Top model Chief banjos with the newly designed tone ring and I have heard quite a lot of favorable comments.

I haven't appeared in public in so long I wouldn't know how to act. Raymond and Paul told enough stories to last a lifetime I suppose.

My banjo camp is the closest thing to a public appearance I come to and I rely on my partners, Bill Evans and Cindy Sinclair and a cast of great teachers to carry the load. Actually, all I do is...well...kinda nothing. How 'bout that?

Beanblossom is special though. That's one of the first places I appeared as one of Bill Monroe's Bluegrass Boys at age 14. My goodness, 61 years ago this summer. A long time and a lot of memories ago.

~

s

---

I remember you putting your Kentucky hat on Bill on stage  while he was taking a break and you two playing around with each other. It looked like you had a real good time up there together.

ken

Goldstarman - Posted - 06/19/2013:  17:49:00

Will do Chief, Ive played it for a few min before leaving town today, i was blown away, so much so im already thinking of buying a mahogany one once we get moved. Il lsend you the serial number and let you know my impressions in a month

larry p - Posted - 06/20/2013:  23:25:31

I sure enjoyed the way you acted the last time I saw you in public dear Brother! The little dance we did and the laughs we shared at the Station Inn that night at the looks we got from some of the folks standing around the bar is one of my favorite memories in my book of wonderful memories with you...I wouldn't trade the world and all it's gold for all the pickin' parties we used to have, and the trips I made with y'all when I wasn't working myself - the night I sat up with you while you were driving and I had a tape of John Hartford singing 'Sweet Sunny South', and we played it over and over again, especially the part where he sang, 'and ole massa (master) lies buried nearby'....Sitting on the couch with Bobby talking about Howdy Forrester trying my dangdest to keep a straight face while you were dropping cracker crumbs in his lap, as he'd look down and brush the crumbs off his britches and look up at the ceiling trying to figure out where those crumbs were coming from...And the trips to the zoo with Earl and LeAnne...Earl standing at the fence engaged in a staring contest with a buffalo while we stood off a ways laughing our tails off (what I wouldn't give to see that picture you took of that scene)...the lunch dates we shared with Ms Judy and LeAnne...the time I hired a male dancer to show up and start stripping for Bobo and Smitty, who were sitting down at the pool trying to pick up girls somewhere down in Florida..(you got some good pics of that too!) I Love and miss you Sonny! If you're a mind to - ALL you've got to do is show up and be yourself...the countless people who Love you and are STILL influenced by your incredible artistry will take care of the rest...

You're doing some great things with those new banjos of yours...I heard Dana Cupp play one of them with Bobby and it was by FAR the finest banjo performance and tone I heard on the stage that day (and there were some pretty well known pickers playing old Mastertones there that day), and heard Ms Kristin play one that was most impressive as well...Anytime someone ask for my opinion about new banjos to be considered for purchase - 'The Chief' is one I always mention (if it's within their stated budget) and do so in all good conscious...

I Love you, appreciate you, and miss our visits - but it sure is good to get to keep up with you a bit by way of this MOST EXTRAORDINARY thread!

your Friend, Lawrence (You know that after Louise Scruggs heard you call me that, I was 'Lawrence' to her right up 'til two days before she made the grade)

TheChief - Posted - 06/22/2013:  08:05:47

Silly little quirk of mine. Everyone named "Larry" automatically becomes "Lawrence."

IE: Larry Stephenson; Larry Sparks; Larry Richardson; Larry Perkins, No disrespect intended.

Surely I'm not the only one who does that!

Thank you for the Chief banjo compliments. I feel we are close!

I'll accept, and thank you also for the personal compliments although I'm none too sure how deserving I am...but like The Cowboy, Gene Autry said when inducted into the country music hall of fame; "I don't deserve this, but I have arthritis and I don't deserve that either!"

~

Take care and be safe.

s

Sonny Osborne Banjo Co.

PO Box 647

Hendersonville, TN. 37077

615-824-0096

chiefbanjo@comcast.net

sonnyosborne.com

IN GOD WE TRUST~

Edited by - TheChief on 06/22/2013 08:20:12

larry p - Posted - 06/22/2013:  13:14:48

Disrespect!!! Oh no Sir - I wouldn't take ANYTHING for the nickname I got from you my Friend!

You know me well enough to know I'm not given to insincere flattery or 'brown nosin' - You, my Friend - are due every accolade, all the credit, and all the adoration you get, and much more. I've NEVER met a more musical, innovative, inspiring, influential, thoroughly entertaining banjo player/ musician, singer or arranger in all my days. Seems to me you studied and mastered the essentials from one of the very few banjoist that in my mind qualifies to be in your league (Earl Scruggs), and constantly interjected your own personality and the influences of other great innovators to keep your music always uniquely distinctive, most enjoyable, pleasantly surprising, and ever evolving..I've long admired your masterfully complimentary approach to accompanying the vocalist and the song - (an art that few banjo players I've heard seem to concentrate on - and fewer still come close to mastering IMO), and your production skills in the studio: far as I'm concerned - you're right up there with George Martin as a producer. Being in the studio with you, which I was Blessed to do on numerous occasions years ago, and watching you at work was like watching Michelangelo paint the 'Sistine Chapel'.

Regarding the 'Chief' banjos - you know better than anyone what's sonically required of an instrument to most effectively produce solos that are front and center, 'back-up' that's subtle yet very present, and what works to optimal effect in the studio...Had my personal circumstances not resulted in my retirement from trying to play - I would DEFINITELY have a 'Chief' banjo in my collection...If the financial circumstances change a bit - I'll buy one even though I don't play anymore, as I'm of the opinion that the 'Chief' banjos will prove to be a very sound investment and a prized heirloom to pass on to LeAnne and her children...Who knows? Out of the two of them (soon to be three!!) maybe one of them will take an interest in the banjo..It would be awesome to be able to hand off such a prized instrument, along with the complete collection of 'The Osborne Brothers' recordings - and tell that Grandbaby all about how my dear Friend - who also happens to be a bona-fide Legend - personally designed and commissioned his or her banjo...

Alright Friend - I've taken up more space on this thread than I'm deserving of, so I'll pause it for now...Just didn't want another day to go by without telling you, and anyone else whose listening - how much I Love and appreciate you and all you've done to enrich my life and the world of Music...Come see me if you're ever down Florida-way! We've got a private, two bedroom house for you that's just steps from the ocean ANYTIME you want to come to Daytona..

TheChief - Posted - 06/27/2013:  08:12:10

We have been waiting for a confirmation for a while now and finally got it.



BILL KEITH IS COMING TO OUR BANJO CAMP THIS OCTOBER.

Camp Dates are Oct. 25- 26- 27. I just heard the news minutes ago. Bill Evans will let us know which dates Bill Keith will be with us.



Keith is THE REAL DEAL and a great teacher. And, an old friend from the late 50's.



~



S

Edited by - TheChief on 06/27/2013 08:14:06

bevans - Posted - 06/27/2013:  09:28:16

Hi Chief and everyone,

Yes, Bill Keith is confirmed for this year's NashCamp Banjo Camp and he will be with us for all three days and for the Thursday night, October 24th concert at the Station Inn. We've got a great lineup of teachers confirmed for this year:

Bill Keith, Bill Emerson, Alan Munde, Ned Luberecki and yours truly - and of course banjo builder Frank Neat and - the Chief himself! And we've got the best food of any camp in the world - I guarantee this!!!

We hope to see you in the Nashville area October 25-27! There's more info at nashcamp.com.

All the best,

Bill Evans

bill@billevansbanjo.com

TheChief - Posted - 07/07/2013:  08:16:13

I need an email address for Wynn Osborne. Appreciate any help.

s

TheChief - Posted - 07/11/2013:  07:51:17

I have a good address for Wynn....thank you.



Wynn Osborne, my brother Bobby's son, was quite possibly the number 1 banjo player in the world, during the 80's and 90's. He was probably good after that but I lost contact and didn't hear him.



Nerves or execution were never an issue with him. I watched him do some things, when he was in his teens that I haven't seen very many who could have done. One performance that comes to mind was when he was about 13. Before a full house at the Ryman Auditorium, Grand Ole Opry,(When it was truly THE Grand Ole Opry)  on an RB100 Gibson banjo, played Foggy Mtn. Breakdown flawless. I mean flawless. That's hard to do..at that venue. I HAVEN'T SEEN ANYONE, INCLUDING EARL do that. That's hard to do. Something about that old house and it's tradition. I've watched the best fall apart on that stage. But not Wynn. I produced one album for him in 1980 for CMH records that is very good. Unbelievably good. He was 18 or 19 years old. (Flint Hill, Dear Old Dixie, and he also played The Pink Panther theme and Raindrops Falling on My Head.)



Anyway, I thought you should know that. (If you didn't already)



s

Edited by - TheChief on 07/11/2013 07:55:18

apherigo - Posted - 07/11/2013:  08:04:44

Got the whole Five String Magic on my phone...  great stuff!!!  Wish he would play out more often!

Aaron

From Greylock to Bean Blossom - Posted - 07/11/2013:  08:40:40

Sonny,
Can you tell us what part you had in Wynn's development as a banjo player and anything that stood out about him at a younger age?
Ken

Ebanjo - Posted - 07/11/2013:  10:48:18

Sonny, I'm with you on Wynn. He's one of the finest banjo players I've ever heard. Whatever happened to his brother Robby?
Eric Ellis

banjoman56 - Posted - 07/11/2013:  11:20:01

I have always thought that Wynn sounded more like Earl than anyone that I have heard.

Jeff Markham - Posted - 07/11/2013:  11:57:53

I occasionally bug CMH about re-releasing "Five String Magic!". Time to bug them again...

TheChief - Posted - 07/12/2013:  11:41:31

Robby lives in this area. He is an electronics genius, to put it rather bluntly.

Robb's Grandson played on the little league US championship last year. Lost to Japan

in the finals for world champion. Quite impressive.

My part in Wynn's becoming the great banjo player he was. Quite simply...Bobby asked me what Wynn needed to be told if he wanted to learn right. I told him to get "Foggy Mtn. Banjo" and learn Everything note for note. DO NOT leave out one note. And, practice until it's coming out of your ears. About a year after that is when we had him come play on the Opry. He did it. Flawlessly.So far as I know, no one showed Wynn anything. He learned it all by himself. Same as I did.



s

Edited by - TheChief on 07/12/2013 11:49:51

fgodbey - Posted - 07/12/2013:  12:04:10

Must have been in the late 1970s when I had the honor of playing a set with Wynn at a fund raiser for that "other" bluegrass museum... remember that, Sonny??  Anyhow, it was here in Lexington with Melvin Goins, Art Stamper, Wynn, me making mandolin noises, and I think maybe David Bowling on bass.  It was really fun, and there was no doubt in my mind that I was standing next to a couple of world-class musicians in Art & Wynn.

--Nostalgically, Frank

johnbodle - Posted - 07/12/2013:  13:17:44

Ok, I've lurked too long... Talking about Wynn sent me over the edge. I met him while picking with a friend named Mark Johnson ( Who, of course knows everybody!!).

 I noticed a fellow with what seemed like a Mark Leaf case  walk up to where We were all picking and my band mate said "You are about to get an education on banjo son"....... I've always been smart enough to know when school is in session, so I immediately slipped whatever current Flathead I had into case....

I noticed the concentric rings on maple first. Then the tone..... then the originality. This guy could play anyones style.

After noticing me watching, Mark said " You've got to meet Wynn". The light bulb went off.... I had the CMH album that Chief mentions.....I didn't have to ask "Wynn who". Most people wouldn't........... It meant a stylistic change right then and there for myself.

Of course He is the nicest/ humblest fellow You could ever meet on top of it.

Jeez, what a Granada it was.. wonder if He still plays much or even has that banjo

I Played guitar behind him and Mark while He figured out the best tuning to play Angelina Baker without using a single melodic lick. He didn't seem to like Melodic banjo and could play fiddle tunes using a system of choking and just plain old experience and talent- imagine that?

I stole that rendition lock, stock and barrel after Wynn did all the hard work. I ALWAYS give him credit and encourage others to look for that CMH record

Probably my favorite "younger player" and has influenced my playing immeasurably.

 Thanks for this opportunity

mahogchief01 - Posted - 07/12/2013:  14:04:18

Wynn is one of my all time favorite banjo players. Personally, I put him ahead of just about everyone except Earl and Sonny. I got to see him play Dear Old Dixie once, he's the only one that can play it just like Earl, and I mean EXACTLY like Earl. That was back about 1981 I believe. I don't know if he still can, but I wouldn't put it past him. He is also just a nice guy. I saw him play with The Osborne Brothers and Mac Wiseman. What a great show that was. I have a picture around here somewhere of that show. Wynn has a talent that very few has. He learned it from "listening" to it. Over, and over, and over! No offense to the player's these days, but most of the young guys have all of the video's to watch. Us older guys didn't have that. However, I did have the great opportunity to spend a lot of time with Sonny, and he taught me the right way to play and made me "think" about what I was going to do on a song.

Anyway, back to Wynn. I hear that he has performed some recently with his Dad. I would love to hear that. I bet he can still outpick about anyone out there.

Mickey Flatt

From Greylock to Bean Blossom - Posted - 07/12/2013:  16:54:06

Here is a picture of the Osborne clan at the June Bean Blossom this year. People must have thought I was nuts but I was in the 2nd row with binoculars focused on banjo players hands. I don't know what banjo Wynn had but it looked old. Some of the inlay pieces had fallen out and I think the pattern was hearts and flowers. I wish I had gotten a close up picture of it.

I always like listening to who I think has the best banjo sound. I guess it can be affected by the sound system but I thought the 2 best sounding banjos that I heard there this year were #1 Wynn and #2 Raymond Fairchild.

Ken

ps. sorry I don't know how to enlarge the picture on here.

Edited by - From Greylock to Bean Blossom on 07/12/2013 16:58:10

FatManMary - Posted - 07/12/2013:  19:42:55

I was blessed enough to see Wynn last year much to my surprise. I had driven 1,000 miles over night to see Bobby and Wynn just happened to be playing with Bobby that weekend. I made sure to get up hours before the gate opened to get a good spot. It worked. I got 3 sets in HD video from the front row, right in front of Wynn. He was one of the nicest guys ever. His banjo is just a parts banjo, he sold the Granada years ago. He played some incredible stuff, including a note for note Dear Old Dixie. Me and him went off and he taught me the kick off to Listening To The Rain and it started pouring rain. It was too cool. One of the greatest experiences of my life.

Goldstarman - Posted - 07/13/2013:  09:49:40

Just picked up my 2nd Chief, identical to the first one I have......DANG, its a monster to.....

jfb - Posted - 07/14/2013:  07:11:23

Here is a set of Bobby and sons, with Wynn on the banjo..very nice picking..

youtube.com/watch?v=rWEmetEI60A

Edited by - jfb on 07/14/2013 07:12:28

Mike Rowe - Posted - 07/14/2013:  07:58:23

I love it when the guitar player laughs in Rocky Top when Wynn bends that note.

chief3 - Posted - 07/14/2013:  14:12:08

Well, I don't know for sure, but I do believe I can hear Uncle Sonny in some of Wynn's backup style.

apherigo - Posted - 07/14/2013:  18:30:02

I think Sonny had a little more influence than just handing him the FMB Album.   What a great video whomever posted that... wow, thanks!!!  Gonna pack the camper for Bobby's next show with Wynn!!!

Aaron

Jeff Markham - Posted - 07/15/2013:  11:29:24

Man, Wynn *nails* Mama Blues! It's a crying shame that we don't have more recordings of Wynn on the banjo.

johnbodle - Posted - 07/16/2013:  08:08:50

I should mention that Wynn plays some really nice banjo on a Larry rice tune called "Take me back to the country". It is on the "Notions and Novelties" album. He does the kick-off and a break. He has such an amazing style and this tune is a fine example. You'll want to listen to it twice every time you play it!

TheChief - Posted - 07/16/2013:  16:00:14

I've been telling you guys for 35 years that he was, at one time, the best I ever heard play the banjo the way I like to hear it played. I say "at one time" strictly because I haven't heard him play in over 20 years.

He wanted, (for himself) a better, more stable living than music would give. I strongly applaud him for that...It's a hard business.

Although it (music business) has provided for me more than I could hope for, but luck plays a large roll and Bobby and I were quite lucky...to be at the right place at the right time...oh, so many times.

To sum it up...Wynn Stuart Osborne was the best banjo player I ever heard.

~

s

RatLer - Posted - 07/17/2013:  04:45:08

Just listened to "jfb's" YouTube link to Bobby and the boys....first time I've heard Wynn, he's great. And you can tell he's having fun doin' it...shoot, they're all having fun... That's what I like...!!!!

bhrb75 - Posted - 07/17/2013:  07:55:13

Sonny,

Better than Earl in '53???

I had to ask...

TheChief - Posted - 07/17/2013:  10:06:37

You ask a unanswerable question.

One must go to Earl because he was the first. The original. Another person can not be better than a guy who makes it up as he goes, simply because to do that one must be able to think the same which I'm told is quite impossible.I said "at one time" and explained it. I don't remember when Wynn did the album, "Five String Magic" but at that time he was the best I had heard. And I will stick with that statement. Get the album and tell me what you think. Compare it to anything else at the time and tell me what's better. I'm talking tone, choice of notes, right hand, etc. etc.

I'll be waiting your answer. WSO could seriously play the five.

~

s

johnbodle - Posted - 07/17/2013:  12:07:27

Chief, I have to say that I feel the same way.... Wynn plays it the  best- THE WAY I PERSONALLY LIKE TO HEAR IT. That does not in anyway shape or form take away from any of the other phenomenal banjo players that I enjoy SO much. There are a lot of those.

I'll bet everybody has the ONE that they want to play like

I would just say for myself  and only myself, if I picked one banjo player that I would want to imitate down to every lick, touch and tone... it would be Wynn. I've never heard anything like it before or since.....