Loafers Glory - Posted - 07/18/2013:  06:50:48

Mornin'....

You all should get the Kentucky Calling Me album...listen to Wynn and Sonny split the banjo break on it...I defy you to tell which is which......was amazing to hear the two of 'em.....but....I'll not think Wynn is or was the best....Listen to the banjo medley on you-tube.....unbeatable....geees I hate to say that...can see his head swelling now......Loafer

From Greylock to Bean Blossom - Posted - 07/18/2013:  08:28:51

quote:

---

Originally posted by Loafers Glory

 

Mornin'....

You all should get the Kentucky Calling Me album...listen to Wynn and Sonny split the banjo break on it...I defy you to tell which is which......was amazing to hear the two of 'em.....but....I'll not think Wynn is or was the best....Listen to the banjo medley on you-tube.....unbeatable....geees I hate to say that...can see his head swelling now......Loafer

---

The banjo medley is the best banjo playing I ever heard. Period.

youtube.com/watch?v=kXCd_DC7FCQ

Sonny talks about it on pages 40 & 51 of this thread.

ken

The Pope - Posted - 07/18/2013:  10:29:32

Live link: youtube.com/watch?v=kXCd_DC7FCQ

banjophil - Posted - 07/19/2013:  12:55:34

I think about 10 or so years ago CMH records Re-released some of Wynn 's Five String Magic and some Don Reno tunes on a CD titled "The Banjos that destroyed the universe" It's some awesome banjo picking. Wynn sounds great , even tunes up to g# like Earl on some of the Scruggs tunes.

Phil

momo - Posted - 07/19/2013:  14:52:47

That Medley was played on this Banjo.

momo - Posted - 07/19/2013:  15:03:35

as long as we are posting clips of the Chief. this can't be beat .I've  never heard Emerson, Crowe Scruggs..etc ever step out  like that on a break..Awesome!

youtube.com/watch?v=usQPqUjq1ng

Goldstarman - Posted - 07/19/2013:  18:01:11

Damn I agree, thats giving it the once over, thats why he is  ones of the greats!

Goldstarman - Posted - 07/19/2013:  18:01:20

Damn I agree, thats giving it the once over, thats why he is  ones of the greats!

Goldstarman - Posted - 07/19/2013:  18:01:35

Damn I agree, thats giving it the once over, thats why he is  ones of the greats!

Goldstarman - Posted - 07/19/2013:  18:03:04

Damn I agree, thats giving it the once over, thats why he is  ones of the greats!

banjoman56 - Posted - 07/19/2013:  18:35:21

quote:I have that CD and it's amazing!

---

Originally posted by banjophil

 

I think about 10 or so years ago CMH records Re-released some of Wynn 's Five String Magic and some Don Reno tunes on a CD titled "The Banjos that destroyed the universe" It's some awesome banjo picking. Wynn sounds great , even tunes up to g# like Earl on some of the Scruggs tunes.



Phil

---

From Greylock to Bean Blossom - Posted - 07/19/2013:  19:27:43

Just heard Wynn playing with Bobby on the Friday nite Opry. First song they played twin banjos on John Henry and the next song was Rocky Top where Wynn ripped the tar out of it.

Sonny, Bobby said you used to frequently feature twin banjos on the Opry. Could someone else in the band play with you or did you have to have a special guest? I was wondering how much you enjoyed twin banjos and what you felt were the keys to it or special thoughts you had to give it.

Are you going to be at the festival in Hyden August 2 & 3?

Ken

TheChief - Posted - 07/20/2013:  17:56:10

Three things;

1. I will NOT be at the Hyden festival. I don't appear in public much.



2 I just found out that Wynn used my Granada banjo for the entire "Five String Magic" album. I knew he used it but I had forgotten what he used it on. Good sounding five!



3. Bill Keith will be at our Camp all 3 days. This is Good.



~

s

Edited by - TheChief on 07/20/2013 17:58:36

El Dobro - Posted - 07/21/2013:  07:34:17

Wynn also played banjo on the Bobby & His Mandolin album.

TheChief - Posted - 07/21/2013:  22:20:42

Loafer...you should know by now that I have no ego therefore my head doesn't swell.
You also know that I realize your remarks are from the heart...and how very much I
appreciate them.
Thank you!
~
s

Wrightjl4 - Posted - 07/22/2013:  10:18:20

Sorry to interrupt but i have a question for mr Osborne. My church group wants to cut a cd but we can only do public domain songs so i want to write one. My question is what is your approach to writing music because i can never write any good material. Your advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

Wrightjl4 - Posted - 07/22/2013:  10:18:29

Sorry to interrupt but i have a question for mr Osborne. My church group wants to cut a cd but we can only do public domain songs so i want to write one. My question is what is your approach to writing music because i can never write any good material. Your advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

Wrightjl4 - Posted - 07/22/2013:  15:51:39

Sorry to interrupt but i have a question for mr Osborne. My church group wants to cut a cd but we can only do public domain songs so i want to write one. My question is what is your approach to writing music because i can never write any good material. Your advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

TheChief - Posted - 07/22/2013:  16:07:27

I can't give you advice on songwriting. I'm not a writer. Maybe someone out there will be able and willing to help you. Sorry.
~
s

Wrightjl4 - Posted - 07/22/2013:  16:25:04

That's okay thanks anyway maybe i just need more experience. You see I've only been playing two years. Would you check out my videos on here and give me constructive criticism on my playing. I could use a professionals opinion

jimh269b - Posted - 07/22/2013:  16:25:52

well I made a lot of tunes but I cant tab them because I cant read tabs or right tabs other folks do,i think sonny and I are in the same boat

Wrightjl4 - Posted - 07/22/2013:  16:44:12

That's okay thanks anyway maybe i just need more experience. You see I've only been playing two years. Would you check out my videos on here and give me constructive criticism on my playing. I could use a professionals opinion

Wrightjl4 - Posted - 07/22/2013:  18:39:02

Well how did you ever come up with the music. If I could just think it up i could put it on tablature

Loafers Glory - Posted - 07/23/2013:  04:05:48

Mr Awzbone....

My remarks...."Unbeatable" I assume you mean,rings true as your banjo did,and anyone that matters knows this,...never heard a recording of you that needed a thing...never too fast,always on it and always "Sonny"....If I was an aspiring banjo player,Lord help me for saying that,I would be studying "Sonny Stuff" like it was Marilyn Monroe butt naked...would even buy a banjo from you....most folks don't know how and why The Brothers were such a power in our music for so long....didn't take me long to figure it out....you done good....Now......as far as the head swelling....that's another matter....we'll discuss that at some point......Loafer

chief3 - Posted - 07/23/2013:  05:24:26

Chief

 

Wrightjl4 - Posted - 07/23/2013:  06:20:07

I agree with loafer ( even the marylin monroe part). I believe it was Sonny's banjo playing that brought the osborne brothers magic around. I listen to the osborne brothers mainly to pick up on what he is doing because i am an aspiring banjo player. People don't know why they're such a power house because they're not listening to the dynamics of everyone's back up especially the banjo.

TheChief - Posted - 07/23/2013:  08:43:28

I have no comment.

Wrightjl4 - Posted - 07/23/2013:  09:10:18

Ok well thank you for your time then Mr. Osborne

TheChief - Posted - 07/25/2013:  08:54:00

Mr.Jacob Wright (Blacksburg,VA).



I was referring to Loafer's comments. (Loafer being a 40 year Friend)

If you took offense to that, well, I'm really sorry.

I don't brag, have NO ego, and I obviously don't accept compliments very well I'm afraid.

Other than Thank You, what more would you want me to say?

I just did what I heard in my head.

Goodness!



s

Edited by - TheChief on 07/25/2013 09:00:47

Wrightjl4 - Posted - 07/25/2013:  17:22:46

Thank you, I didnt take offense, I just figured youre busy. You are an awesome player and I hope to be as good as you someday. I really do appreciate you taking time to respond to me, I appreciate everyone who helps us newbies!
I plan to enter the rookie contest in Aug, I will be playing the Banjo medley that you played live onstage (been practicin with you on youtube.) If you get a chance to watch it and vote that would be awesome. Thanks again!

Jacob

PS If I play what I hear in my head I would have to title it "mamas naggin again blues" Lol!

TheChief - Posted - 07/25/2013:  22:17:21

I'm never that busy.

The secret to it all Jacob is PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE.

And then practice some more. You never can have enough.

~

s

Edited by - TheChief on 07/25/2013 22:20:20

Wrightjl4 - Posted - 07/26/2013:  05:15:40

I will take your advice! Thanks again.

Jacob

PS headed to nashville next Mon to see Grand Ol Opre. One day I hope to play there. : )

TheChief - Posted - 08/06/2013:  09:08:30

Jacob;I have listened to your rendition of my Swedish medley from the late 80's.

My belief is, and has always been, that if you are going to try to duplicate something

then do it exactly as the original. Every note.No more, no less!



I stress the fact that this is MY belief, and mine only.





My point is this; you are very close but not exact.

I won't go into it further, I leave that to you to listen, hear and correct.

If this really doesn't matter to you then I will tell you that your rendition is excellent. For your age

you are quite accomplished and I would advise you to keep at it. Remember; PRACTICE until

you feel you just can't do any more...put the banjo down for a few minutes, go to the bathroom, etc.

and go back to work! {;-)>

If you're going play the banjo, it is your job..your work. Treat it as such.

S

Ebanjo - Posted - 08/07/2013:  13:06:04

Chief, You are absolutely right on practice.
Eric Ellis

TheChief - Posted - 08/10/2013:  09:55:56

Chet Atkins famous line, told to me:

"IF YOU DON'T KNOW THE BANJO DURING THE WEEK, IT WON'T KNOW YOU ON THE WEEK-END!"

s

chief3 - Posted - 08/20/2013:  05:14:11

Hello Sonny. I had a nice talk with Joe Mullins at Gettysburg this weekend about the Rocky Top he was playing. I though it sounded great but also different than a Chief, maybe a bit "dryer" and he said that it had a different Blaylock ring. Would you care to provide some details about the new ring in the Rocky Top and what was the thinking behind using a different tone ring? Thanks.

Edited by - chief3 on 08/20/2013 05:14:46

 

TheChief - Posted - 08/25/2013:  09:37:09

Three:

Aaron McDaris suggested that I build a Rocky Top model, one that he could take on the road at times when he didn't want to take the old banjo but which would resemble the original. Which he now owns now and has recorded with it. I anxiously await to hear how it sounds. I've heard him play it with Rhonda live, but records tell the story.

Kenny Ingram plays the Vega banjo with which I recorded Roll Muddy River and other songs during that time. (1966-69) I have heard Kenny play it live with The Larry Stephenson Band and It sounded pretty good, better than I remembered. So I thought if we could design a similar tone ring, although improved we might have something a little different. I took a Vega to Bill Blaylock and asked if he could duplicate that tone ring. He gave me a quick NO but told me to let him see if he could come up with something. In a short time he sent me a tone ring, I put in a Chief..Gold Maple. Kristin heard it and took it with her and really liked what she heard. She bought that banjo, and has it now.

I told Bill the results and asked him to build 10 for me. In the meantime I asked Frank Neat to duplicate my original RB3 as close as he could get to the original. Mahogany, Nickel hardware, Flying Eagle inlay, Double cut peghead.. Etc. And I took a New Tone Ring to him for the Rocky Top banjo. They really sounded different, very much like the original. Bill Emerson heard it and wanted one, Bill Evans, Jeremy Averill, and Rick Stern wanted one. Then Joe Mullins wanted one. Bill Emerson bought another tone Ring which he installed in his Maple Chief. Several have recorded with it and it sounds pretty good.I have since ordered tone rings twice since the original.

I'm pleased with the results. Thanks to Kristin Scott-Benson for being the Guinea pig.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it. 

s

:

TheChief - Posted - 08/26/2013:  09:51:54

I meant that to read;......"the original, which he now owns."  "He has recorded with the new Rocky Top....."

So, typing wasn't offered when and where I went to school!    

s

5steve - Posted - 08/26/2013:  14:34:42

Just wanted to say hi to you Mr Osborne always have enjoed you and your brothers music. It's nice to see all the videos on you tube of the concerts .  Have a good day.   Steve

5steve - Posted - 08/26/2013:  14:35:48

should read enjoyed. and I took typing

banjohopeful - Posted - 08/27/2013:  17:48:10

Hey everbody....I am currently looking at an Osborne Chief (preowned). I would like to know if there is anything that is specific to the Osborne Chief that I should be looking for. It is a 2006 maple model. I beleve everything is legit and the gentleman seems to be legit also, but in this day and time it's sad to say but you must do your homework. One thing I am wondering is if the tone ring is numbered to match the banjo and if so is the number visable without removing the ring? Any input will be much appreciated.

BobbyE - Posted - 08/28/2013:  03:36:34

In most cases the matched numbers are found on the rim and resonator.  Don't think in general that rings were numbered.  I doubt anyone would buy and Chief and change the ring though if that is your concern.  Mr. Osborne didn't go with this ring in his banjo for nothing.

Bobby

banjohopeful - Posted - 08/28/2013:  08:23:42

Thanks Bobby.... I appreciate it..... Yeah to change the ring would notable much sense..... But man I have seen some folks do some crazy things.... But my gut feeling is that this fellow is good to go. I tend to be overly cautious sometimes. Thanks brother !!

BobbyE - Posted - 08/28/2013:  11:48:34

Nothing wrong with caution and the Chiefs are good banjos as far as I know.  The one's that I have heard were great and Mr. Neat is an excellent builder so if you can get it do.

Bobby

mahogchief01 - Posted - 08/28/2013:  17:39:31

Hey banjo,

I don't believe the rings are numbered to the banjo. However, Sonny is the one that can answer that question. I truly believe that the Chief banjos are the most consistent sounding banjo out there. Especially if you are looking for that traditional old sound. I have had the privilege of knowing Sonny for a very long time now, and I can tell you that if there was anyone better at building his banjos that what Frank is, then that is who would be building them. I hope to someday have another Chief banjo. I have the first mahogany chief that he ever had made and still love it. I would put it right up there to just about any prewar banjo out there. It's a powerhouse, so don't be afraid of buying a used chief. On the other hand, you might want to contact Sonny first and tell him which one you are looking at buying and he can tell you exactly who bought it and which tone ring it has in it.

Mickey Flatt

banjohopeful - Posted - 08/28/2013:  18:23:13

Thanks mahog chief..... I found the banjo on the Osborne site and it has a Blayloc ring......im hopeing everything goes good and I am able to get the Chief. Can you tell any difference with the neck being slightly narrower? That cool to have the first mahogeny Chief ,!

Edited by - banjohopeful on 08/28/2013 18:26:54

mahogchief01 - Posted - 08/28/2013:  18:25:31

I love the neck on mine. Not sure how it compares to the one you are looking at, but I would think they are all the same. Ask Sonny, he can tell you.

Mickey

Jeff Markham - Posted - 08/29/2013:  07:42:21

I don't think that there's such a thing as a bad Chief. Such a mythical creature would not pass Sonny's inspection and be delivered to a customer. If the banjo in question has the original tone ring, then the worst case would be that the setup has been altered beyond recognition. FWIW, if I were buying a used Chief, I'd send it to Charlie Cushman for a tune-up. Then play the heck out of it.

The necks are a dream to play. You just forget that it's there and, IMO, that's a good thing. I did find that my first Chief changed how I did pull-offs...for the better.

The Pope - Posted - 08/29/2013:  10:44:29

Chris Cioffi will make it a monster!