banjohopeful - Posted - 08/29/2013:  18:07:09

Thanks for the input everybody.....im gonna try to get the Chief if everything works out ok....ill let you know....James

From Greylock to Bean Blossom - Posted - 08/29/2013:  19:39:56

you will be a fortunate man if you have a Chief. good luck!
ken

TheChief - Posted - 08/31/2013:  11:17:40

For those of you who don't know, the best finger pick ever, in my opinion, was the National made from the 30's thru the 50's. Played better, and sounded better...there really was a difference. You may ask any professional player and I would bet the answer would be the same 99% of the time. Today, if one can find a set they would be quite expensive. They were the real deal.

So, my point is, Dean Hoffmeyer has made some that are identical in looks, feel, and sound. So I had him make some especially for me. Get this; "The Chief Pick by Hoffmeyer."

I'm going to include a set of them as part of the standard package, with every new Chief banjo, along with the Dogwood Designs leather strap, Elliott capo, Cedar Creek Case, new design Tone Ring, and electronic tuner.

If you want to purchase a set of these picks, they are $25 plus postage, probably another dollar.

Guarantee  you will love them.

apherigo - Posted - 08/31/2013:  12:12:11

Sonny, bring some to NashCamp.  After my oval 8's "disappeared", I got a Hoffemyer set.  I've been using them for almost a year.  They're pretty damn close to the old Nationals, IMO, and I'd like another set or two.

Really enjoying the Guitjo!!  And Debbie appreciates the softer sound.  See ya at NashCamp!

Aaron

mahogchief01 - Posted - 08/31/2013:  14:15:54

I have several sets of the old National picks left and Sonny is right....they are the best. I'm going to get some of these new ones and see just how well they match up. Can't wait!

Mick

Greg Earnest - Posted - 08/31/2013:  16:20:39

I think that's a great addition to the Chief package, Sonny.  I got a pair of Hoffmeyer picks back in January and haven't used anything else since.

ge

momo - Posted - 09/01/2013:  08:54:53

Sonny, The Tone Ring in the "Rocky Top" Model now comes standard with all new Chiefs ? What makes it different from the standard 20 hole Blaylock ring and could you send a picture of the "new" Ring for us curious pickers to check out.

Thanks

Chris

TheChief - Posted - 09/01/2013:  22:25:56

What makes it different....It's appearance is not like anything else, not that it's ugly, it just different. And after the response I got initially from Kristin Benson (who had the first one in a Maple Chief) and after hearing it played on the Opry by her (with the Grascals) and I honestly thought it was her old three.

Then I heard Aaron McDaris play it on the Opry with Rhonda Vincent, and once again I thought it was my old RB3 that Aaron bought, and I heard Bill Emerson's recording on which he used the Rocky Top Chief. Bill liked it so much that he bought one to install in a Maple Chief and he tells me the results are positive.... and Joe Mullins CD where he used a Rocky Top....and Bill Evans recording with his Rocky Top and it also passed the test...All of these professional players can't be wrong. I became convinced that I was hearing what I have been wanting to hear for 14 years.(The first Chief was 1998)  I'm not trying to tell you that there is something wrong with the Huber, or standard Blaylock tone rings, or any other tone ring, I'm merely telling you that now I hear the sound that I have been looking for. If I didn't believe this I would not use this tone ring exclusively in every Chief.

The original idea came from the Vega Kenny Ingram is playing, and recording with the Larry Stephenson band.  It's far from the same, but that's where the idea was born. It might not be good for anyone else but it is how I want my banjos to sound. Sharp, clear, and crisp, with the depth of days gone by.

.

TheChief - Posted - 09/10/2013:  06:03:41

Hey, the banjo camp is quickly approaching and we still have a few spaces available.

Contact Cindy as soon as possible:October 25,26,27.

cynthiasinclair@comcast.net

~

s

Edited by - TheChief on 09/10/2013 06:06:25

Scaggs7 - Posted - 09/10/2013:  21:21:08

Sonny, how can I get some Hoffmeyer picks?

Quagmire - Posted - 09/11/2013:  07:37:24

quote:

---

Originally posted by TheChief

So, my point is, Dean Hoffmeyer has made some that are identical in looks, feel, and sound. So I had him make some especially for me. Get this; "The Chief Pick by Hoffmeyer."

If you want to purchase a set of these picks, they are $25 plus postage, probably another dollar.

Guarantee  you will love them.

~

s

Sonny Osborne Banjo Co.

PO Box 647

Hendersonville, TN. 37077

chiefbanjo@comcast.net

WWW.sonnyosborne.com

In God We Trust

 

---

Hi, Sonny--

Do you know if the "Chief Picks" are any different from Dean's regular picks?

Happy trails,

Randy

Jeff Markham - Posted - 09/11/2013:  11:50:05

Sonny, of the recordings that have been made with the Rocky Top, which do you feel best represents the tone of the banjo in the way that you have envisioned?

TheChief - Posted - 09/11/2013:  11:53:25

The picks Dean is making for me has "Osborne Chief" engraved on them, whether they are of the same material I would say most definitely. Why change perfection. I intend to include a set of these picks (with my logo) with every new banjo sold, plus if a person wants to order a set they may do so at the address below.

$25 plus 1$ postage!

~

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 09/11/2013 12:03:37

TheChief - Posted - 09/11/2013:  12:30:03

Jeff..the new Joe Mullins cd, Bill Emerson latest cd, I don't have titles...sorry. I've heard those two, good to my ear.

I have heard some of the Bill Evans cd, and Aaron McDarris tells me the new Rhonda Vincent cd with Rocky Top sounds pretty good. Jeff I am please with the sharp "dry" sound it produces. How does one describe a banjo sound?

Been awhile since I talked with you..I trust you are well.

~

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 09/11/2013 12:34:03

ess4439 - Posted - 09/11/2013:  20:33:46

Re Hoffmeyer picks.

I've had a set now for about a month and I agree. You won't be disappointed. I've never had a set of the old Nationals but you say these are pretty much identical. They feel very comfortable on my fingers and produce exceptional tone. 

Norm

fgodbey - Posted - 09/11/2013:  21:03:39

I've been using a set of Dean Hoffmeyer's picks since last November and I'm more than satisfied.  I'd been using the same set of old Nationals since I don't remember when, and Nationals before those, as well.  Hoffmeyer picks measure up in every way.  There's more information at this site:

hoffmeyerpicks.com/About_Hoffm...icks.html

Dean is also an expert on National picks... old, new & in between.  Check out some of his research at this site:

deanhoffmeyer.com/nationalpick...meset.htm

--Frank

Jeff Markham - Posted - 09/12/2013:  10:10:31

quote:

---

Originally posted by TheChief

 

Jeff..the new Joe Mullins cd, Bill Emerson latest cd, I don't have titles...sorry. I've heard those two, good to my ear.

I have heard some of the Bill Evans cd, and Aaron McDarris tells me the new Rhonda Vincent cd with Rocky Top sounds pretty good. Jeff I am please with the sharp "dry" sound it produces. How does one describe a banjo sound?

Been awhile since I talked with you..I trust you are well.

~

s

Sonny Osborne Banjo Co.

PO Box 647

Hendersonville, TN. 37077

615-824-0096

chiefbanjo@comcast.net

sonnyosborne.com

IN GOD WE TRUST~

---

It's good to talk with you again, my friend.

Bill Evans was kind enough to let me pick on his Rocky Top a little.  I just moved out here to California, about an hour north of him, so maybe I can talk him into letting me spend some time with it.

I'll call you soon.  It's been too long.

TheChief - Posted - 09/12/2013:  12:19:20

Bill is one of the "good" people.

I thought you were entrenched where you were. People and time moves on, huh?

~

s

Sonny Osborne Banjo Co.

PO Box 647

Hendersonville, TN. 37077

615-824-0096

chiefbanjo@comcast.net

sonnyosborne.com

IN GOD WE TRUST

banjohopeful - Posted - 09/18/2013:  19:21:29

Hey yall, i was able to get the Chief and man its a cannon ! I love the tone and the volume. Sonny i will send you a pic And info for Chief 129, I think I saw where you like to keep up with their whereabouts when you can.

James

laceyth9 - Posted - 09/18/2013:  19:44:23

Sonny,

Have you thought about endorsing Blue Chip thumb picks? JD has and I've played his variation of the thumb pick since Feb of 2009. The same pick. Smooth as glass and no pick noise. Anyway, I bought a set of the Hoffmeyer picks to go with my Blue Chip thumb pick and I think a Sonny Osborne Blue Chip pick would complement the Hoffmeyers very nicely in your banjo package.

My two cents...

Tim L.

TheChief - Posted - 09/19/2013:  07:02:42

James...man I'm glad you like the Chief. They are definitely the real deal, If I must say so myself.

Tim...When he first developed this thumb pick, Matt brought a few picks to me and after spending some time with them, they didn't feel comfortable and I just can't (won't) endorse something that I would not use myself. Although the pick makes all kinds of sense, and that material just will not wear, I was so accustomed to the big multicolored plastic pick, and especially after Gene Wooten told me how to keep them from scratching, I couldn't see the advantage...for me.  I wonder if JD uses that pick himself. Heck, the way he plays, he could use his fingers and it would sound good.

Incidentally, Matt's company built the latest version of the "ugly" D tuners for me. They do "top of the line" work. Flawless!

A few days ago a guy ordered a Maple Chief with the Tomahawk peg head and old Granada style Hearts and Flowers inlay in the fingerboard.(1st and 15th frets empty) That is the first one of those.

~

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 09/19/2013 07:12:02

Scaggs7 - Posted - 09/21/2013:  20:26:08

Sonny, I. believe your correct on the Hoffmeyer picks, they give a little extra zing than other brands and you don't have to listen hard to hear it

TheChief - Posted - 09/22/2013:  07:07:04

They remind me so much of the old National pick...looks, feel, and tone.

~

s

Sonny Osborne Banjo Co.

PO Box 647

Hendersonville, TN. 37077

615-824-0096

chiefbanjo@comcast.net

sonnyosborne.com

IN GOD WE TRUST

mawdeane4 - Posted - 09/23/2013:  22:17:50

Miss seeing you playing at the bluegrass festivals. We attended the Osborne brothers homecoming in Hyden in 2000. Enjoyed it but it was so hot in the daytime we went in the building there to cool off sometimes. I remember you used to play the guitjo or bantar, don't remember which it was but sounded good. Also, in Michigan at a festival you had a big bass player that when you would sing Windy City would blow in your ear. We laughed a lot about that. Sure miss your music. Hope to hear you sing any way sometime.

TheChief - Posted - 09/26/2013:  11:48:12

Those of you who have asked about the picks:
Send $27 to me at

PO Box 647.
Hendersonville, TN. 37077
Be sure to include your address.

~
s
Sonny Osborne Banjo Co.
PO Box 647
Hendersonville, TN. 37077
615-824-0096
chiefbanjo@comcast.net
sonnyosborne.com
IN GOD WE TRUST

MisChief - Posted - 09/26/2013:  11:51:22

new CHIEF picks

CHIEF picks

 

BlondeChief - Posted - 10/04/2013:  07:17:01

Sonny, I hope you're bringing the picks to camp!
Can't wait for October 25,
Cindy

BlondeChief - Posted - 10/04/2013:  19:17:42

Hey Sonny and all,
I found this post by Bill Evans, and thought I would share it on this thread since so many NashCampers and friends of Sonny are here.
We are going to have a FANTASTIC camp, right at the most beautiful time for color in Tennessee, and we hope you all can join us.
Cindy

From Bill Evans:

Hi friends,

It’s almost time for the 13th Annual NashCamp Banjo Camp and I wanted to share news with you about this year’s camp. Dates for this year’s camp are Friday to Sunday, October 25 to 27 at Camp Marymount, located just west of Nashville, Tennessee. We’ve got a great lineup of teachers this year: Bill Keith, Bill Emerson, Alan Munde, Ned Luberecki, Bill Evans (that’s me), banjo builder Frank Neat and, of course, Sonny Osborne.

Visit nashcamp.com and click on “Banjo Camp” to learn more about our event. I think we’ve got one of the best, if not THE best, bluegrass banjo camps going. We’re small (limiting our students to around 60 folks) and we have an unmatched lineup of internationally known players who play a wide variety of bluegrass styles but also *really* know how to teach. In addition, we have absolutely the best food of any camp, anywhere, in the entire world. I guarantee this! Our meals are provided by the Mad Platter, a very popular Nashville restaurant, and it's simply great.

At the NashCamp Banjo Camp, we emphasize having fun, meeting new people and playing more banjo than you ever thought possible. We welcome all levels but encourage folks to have one or more years of playing experience. If you know your roll patterns, some chords and can play a handful of songs – consider yourself in! Don’t worry if you can’t play up to speed – you’ll hang with those who are just like you; and if you’re a banjo wizard, you’ll meet other wizards with awesome banjo powers too. Small group classes are grouped according to specific topics (such as working up solos, backup, melodic and single-string styles, bluegrass harmony singing and much more) and classes are geared to various ability levels (usually with three or four simultaneous classes based around beginner, low intermediate, high intermediate and “advanced” levels). I’ve taught at hundreds of camps over the last twenty years and I take the best of everything that I’ve experienced elsewhere and put what I’ve learned into making the NashCamp Banjo Camp the absolute best in the world. We keep trying to make it better each year, based on student input.

We have plenty of visiting time as well as time to relax. There’s time to talk to the teachers in an unhurried way and time to practice what you’ve just learned. We have Friday night jams for all levels (even a beginners slow jam) where you get the chance to pick with some of Nashville’s finest musicians (in the past we’ve had Roland White, Missy Raines, Mike Armistead, and many others). On Saturday night, there’s an after dinner concert featuring our teachers.

Many folks talk themselves out of an experience like this because they think they’re not ready for a camp or they’re not good enough, or they think that everyone must be better than they are, etc. etc. You’ll find a very accepting community at our event – we’re all there to learn and to have fun. You’ll make friends for life and go away with enough new banjo ideas to keep you busy through the winter. And if you gain a few pounds from the incredible cuisine, well, don’t blame us!

Visit the webpage for more or email me at bill@billevansbanjo.com if you’d like more information.

And did I mention that Sonny Osborne is at this camp? Spending the weekend with The Chief is something that every serious bluegrass player should do – he’ll set you on the right path after just one conversation with him. I guarantee this too!

We hope to see you in Tennessee in October!

Yours truly,

Bill Evans

billevansbanjo.com

bill@billevansbanjo.com

jfb - Posted - 10/18/2013:  18:10:03

I happened to catch a show of the "Looking Back"  series on RFD tv tonight with Sonny and Bob doing Ky, and just wanted to tell The Chief how much their music is appreciated and enjoyed..

TheChief - Posted - 10/19/2013:  07:31:36

Thank you. It really means a lot to hear compliments, at this age.
Bobby and I had a pretty good run and I'm thankful that we had great people working with us who bought into the sound we wanted our music to have. Dale Sledd, Terry Eldredge, Ronnie Reno, Terry Smith, David Crow, Gene Wooten, Darryl Mosely, Tim Graves, Jimmy D. Brock (the hippie) and Blaine Sprouse, obviously are but a few. These guys were so instrumental in creating the sound. The recorded sound also included Grady Martin, Leon Rhodes, Ray Edenton, Hal Rugg, Hargis (Pig) Robins, Buddy Emmons...some of the greatest musicians ever. I shouldn't forget Owen Bradley, The Wilburn Brothers, Steve Chandler, and Ben Surrat. Most of all Raymond Huffmaster who, in my mind at least, saved me from an early departure. Bar none, the best driver who ever sat in the driver's seat of "The Refrigerator." Robby Osborne, (Bobby's son) played Guitar, Electric bass, and sang with us for a while...but his greatest contribution had to be the drums. An innovation which cost us some Bluegrass fans, but gained us a solid country fan base which lasted until my retirement.
Much credit should go to Boudleaux and Felice Bryant and Paul Craft. Song writers who contributed heavily to our career. And Jim and Trisher Smith, great friends.
Thank all of you.

S

pickNgrin - Posted - 10/19/2013:  07:38:13

Unfortunately I never got to see you pick live, but I have watched the Banjo Medley from a concert in Sweden over and over and over. What an inspiration! Remember that show Fantasy Island? My fantasy is to pick like that for 5 minutes.  

-Matt

TheChief - Posted - 10/19/2013:  12:20:48

Lordy, I forgot Benny Birchfield...Without whose understanding it might not have worked. He was one of, if not THE best at vocal parts.Very easy to sing with. AND...Paul Brewster as good as the above. And superb rhythm guitar player. Surely I will have forgotten more but it was unintentional.



S

billygeeman - Posted - 10/22/2013:  17:48:24

Didn't Dana Cupp work with you and Bobby for almost 10 years? I saw many of your shows where he played guitar. I thought he was a good player. He certainly wasn't the banjo player you were.

Jeff Markham - Posted - 10/22/2013:  17:58:04

"...he’ll set you on the right path after just one conversation with him. I guarantee this too!"

I totally agree. Sonny, with just a few words, can transform your banjo playing and your musicianship....if you will listen and heed his words.

stringman711 - Posted - 10/22/2013:  17:59:23

Mr. Billy. Yes, i worked with Sonny and Bobby for many years. Thank you for the nice words. I did my best to be the best guitar player I was able to be. And Yes. There is NO banjo player like Sonny Osborne. I cherish those days. I have never been treated any better.

From Greylock to Bean Blossom - Posted - 10/22/2013:  18:17:53

Sonny,

Here is a dumb question from a bad hack. When you did Banjo Medley you have the capo at fret 2.  Why did you do this instead of playing without a capo?

Thanks for your time.

Ken

TheChief - Posted - 10/23/2013:  09:40:12

Dana Cupp worked with us for a lot of years...true. Played banjo some, guitar most, drove the bus, checked into and out of motels,rented cars, secured airline tickets, could read a map, and anything I asked of him. Funny story..we broke down at the bottom of Black Mtn. in North Carolina. I was sleeping and Dana came to my room on the bus, and explained our situation. And, he belonged to AAA and they had someone on the way. I said that they would probably send a ...... bread truck and a guy who didn't know anything. Within minutes the guy showed up and Dana asked me to look out the window to see who and what they had sent. It was a bread truck for sure. I was up and dressed by then so I wandered out to send him on his way. He opened the "bread truck" and to our surprise it was spotless, and very well organized...and, A well equipped Garage. He had us on our way in less than 45 minutes. Dana was there when I retired. To me he was irreplaceable.

S

Edited by - TheChief on 10/23/2013 09:42:57

TheChief - Posted - 10/23/2013:  09:55:57

The reason I played that medley in A was because;

I was playing a Sonflower Stelling at the time, and I had major problems tuning that particular banjo. I was in A and in tune, so I just decided I would leave well enough alone so I played it in A. (Capo 2nd fret).

No one could ever determine the cause for the problem. I finally gave the banjo back because of that. I have heard at least three people say that they have that banjo. Honestly, I don't know what happened to it nor where it wound up.

Now, this is in no way a put down of Geoff's banjo's. The Stelling has superior workmanship, from top to bottom. That banjo and me just did not get along very well but it surely sounded pretty good on that tune..

s

laceyth9 - Posted - 10/23/2013:  10:27:43

I can still recall Dana playing Sonny's version of "America the Beautiful" on the banjo with Bobby's band in Wilmington OH. Had the whole place standing in reverence. It might not have been exactly like Sonny would have done it, but it sure was purty.

Tim L.

stringman711 - Posted - 10/25/2013:  16:49:46

Thank you, Sonny and Tim for the kind words.

TheChief - Posted - 10/28/2013:  11:43:47

I've just returned from Banjo camp and I want to thank all of you who attended. It was awesome. It was our 13th year to do this and it continues to be a really good thing. Unbelievable...I watched Bill Emerson teach a class of pickers to play Sweet Dixie from beginning to end in 45 minutes.

Those Hoffmeyer picks proved to be great. Bill Evans compared them to old Nationals and they were very close, Old being a 10, these were a 9.5. Finally, we're making progress. Bill Blaylock's tone rings, Dean Hoffmeyer's picks, Frank Neat's genius assembly and set up and ability to repair what we tear up!!!! 

Ned Lubrecki, Alan Mundy, Bill Emerson, Cindy, Bill Evans, Bill Keith, all did great and the food...by Marsha..was phenomenal as usual.

It was a fun time.

s

Edited by - TheChief on 10/28/2013 11:59:03

stringman711 - Posted - 10/28/2013:  20:17:44

Happy Birthday Sonny!

recokin - Posted - 10/28/2013:  21:21:24

Happy great birthday, Cheif!!!

Koji

From Greylock to Bean Blossom - Posted - 10/29/2013:  04:56:50

Happy Birthday Sonny!

ken

banjoman69 - Posted - 10/29/2013:  07:11:43

Happy Birthday Sonny!!! Great camp as per your post above. Good to see everyone- hopefully make it to the next one as well.

Ebanjo - Posted - 10/29/2013:  08:04:02

Happy Birthday Sonny.
Eric Ellis

Banjothon - Posted - 10/29/2013:  08:29:37

Happy Birthday Sonny, and thanks for being my good friend for over 60 years.

whywild - Posted - 10/29/2013:  08:58:05

Sonny - Happy Birthday!!  Thanks again for another great camp this weekend.  Enjoy the day.

Doug

BanjoTom47 - Posted - 10/29/2013:  09:00:21

Hope it's a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY today for you, Sonny, one of the greatest of my banjo heroes!  

I'm proud to be part of the Tribe . . .