The Chief - Posted - 04/14/2017:  18:10:22

Corey answered your question Jeff. Aaron did some awfully good playing on that CD. I'll have Aaron send one to you. Better send your address in case I don't have it. You'll like what you hear. He's a good player.

I never thought about doing Cup Of Loneliness. I'll need to think on that...The Grascals come to mind immediately strictly because George was Terry Eldredge's favorite singer. Good song on GOOD FRIDAY for sure. I seem to remember that song from 1956, but I will stand corrected if someone has a better date.

s

rbfour5 - Posted - 04/14/2017:  18:24:27

Album: Country Church Time, recorded Cup of Loneliness in 1957. But the album was started in 1956; dang you got a keen memory Mr. Sonny Osborne!

The Chief - Posted - 04/17/2017:  09:39:29

Jeff...00 which is the first Chief banjo, came to me as a finished product June 16, 1998. It's been played a lot and by several different players. Sound? It's not too far behind the real deal, but definitely behind. Playability? I would put it the top three banjos I've played. Frank did such a great job building the neck that I would be safe in saying, my opinion of course, it would be hard finding one that plays better. Thinking back, the RB3 Rocky Top banjo Aaron has, came to me when it was 22 years old and this banjo..00.. is about to be 19 and comparing the two, Chief 00 is pretty far ahead of the RB3. BUT...I will add, the RB3 had not been played and didn't come into it's own until 1962...but when it did, IT DID in a big way.  Whether this banjo will ever be that will only be determined by time.

We will see.

S

The Chief - Posted - 04/22/2017:  16:33:01

For your information, the Ugly D tuners has been  streamlined and made less ugly..still ugly mind you... but not as. I just got them from the machinist and if any of you want to order or consider, email, or here mail me. chiefbanjo@comcast.net .. I will post a picture of a peg head with it installed. They look a little better.

I'll repeat that...chiefbanjo@comcast.net

s

Edited by - The Chief on 04/22/2017 16:38:08

From Greylock to Bean Blossom - Posted - 04/22/2017:  17:15:44

Sonny,

You probably have heard this but in the event that you have not, JD just got a litter mate to your Granada with the purchase of 9584-1.

banjohangout.org/topic/329657/1

You and Earl and JD out of the same bunch. Pretty fantastic. Gibson had a great week that week!

Ken

The Chief - Posted - 04/23/2017:  11:18:30

Ken...I knew he did that. Funny, in the early 70's he could have had my Granada for a whole lot less, but he didn't.

I have played them all, and Earl's banjo played really hard, the strings were very high, and Snuffy Smith had set it up for him. Earl would have been better off to have done that himself. I had several picking parties at my house and Earl was present at each, along with  a bunch more. Charlie, Kristin, John Hartford, Eldredge, Smith, Rob, Del, Mike Bub, Ronnie McCoury, Geneo. Lotta fun.

When I played 9584-1 'twas several years ago, shortly after Dave got it and I thought it needed to be played regularly, and often.

Certainly are the finest Gibson came up with..in my opinion, of course.

s 

Jim1 - Posted - 04/23/2017:  14:01:56

Sonny I was at Snuffys a few times and I thought he had a Granada, did he?   He was a unique feller but I always liked him.   

The Chief - Posted - 04/24/2017:  08:51:02

Here are the redesigned Ugly Tuners.....still ugly, but not as.

Tuner alone and installed on (Chief banjo)

Edited by - The Chief on 04/24/2017 08:56:30

The Chief - Posted - 04/24/2017:  09:16:05

I knew Snuffy.... for a very long time.

I couldn't believe when Earl told me who had done the set up on his banjo. Don Reno once told me how well Earl could set a banjo up...Charlie Cushman was there and we both looked confused....

Snuffy always told me he had a Granada, but I never saw it.

s

Jim1 - Posted - 04/24/2017:  09:25:01

Thanks Sonny.   You're right he said he had one in that big safe he had but I never saw it.   Course I was a nobody and I surely wouldn't have asked him to take it out.

josephb - Posted - 04/28/2017:  16:38:25

Sonny

loving the new alison krauss album "windy city", Her voice is amazing as usual.

 I didnt realize you and Bobby had an amazing recording of the title song as well

youtu.be/6oW8zLEEU8g

The album also contains the song "It's goodbye and so long to you" also recorded by you, Bobby and Mac Wiseman

youtu.be/RJqv4G9e970

amazing job on both

The Chief - Posted - 04/30/2017:  10:56:51

Bobby and Pete Goble wrote that song. I haven't heard Allison's recording yet but knowing her it's good. She reminds me of Linda Ronstadt in that everything she sings is better than good.

Goodbye and so Long is a Rose Maddox song from the 50's I think, although I might be wrong on that time. I really liked the album we did with Mac Wiseman on CMH. We also did one in the 60's with Mac...I believe it might have been on the Dot label. Tommy Jackson played fiddle on that one.      

s

chuckv97 - Posted - 04/30/2017:  12:13:18

I think that 1966 Dot album is this one, although it doesn't mention Osborne Brothers on the cover

Edited by - chuckv97 on 04/30/2017 12:19:11

lazyarcher - Posted - 05/01/2017:  06:41:07

quote:

---

Originally posted by josephb

 

Sonny

loving the new alison krauss album "windy city", Her voice is amazing as usual.

 I didnt realize you and Bobby had an amazing recording of the title song as well

youtu.be/6oW8zLEEU8g

The album also contains the song "It's goodbye and so long to you" also recorded by you, Bobby and Mac Wiseman

youtu.be/RJqv4G9e970

 

amazing job on both

 

 

---

I have to say that Sonny's backup on Windy City is a workshop in itself ...perhaps some of the BEST backup banjo you could hear.

Robby Boone - Posted - 05/01/2017:  15:46:21

quote:

---

Originally posted by Jim1

 

Thanks Sonny.   You're right he said he had one in that big safe he had but I never saw it.   Course I was a nobody and I surely wouldn't have asked him to take it out.

 

 

 

---

Snuffy did have a Granada that he called "Ole Yeller". It's out of the 9556 (-32 I think) batch and I suppose was originally a 40 hole but somewhere along the way it was cut and had a flathead ring installed, don't know if Snuffy cut it or if it was that way when he got it. According to the experts it's an original pre-war nickel ring that has been gold plated. I do know that there is stain on TOP of the rim, but I will refrain from saying more about that as to not start another Granada debate. The banjo is now in Arkansas.......it's a hoss banjo. If you had asked him, he would not have minded to show you the banjo at all.....he was proud of it and surely would have shared his joy with you.

Robby

Jim1 - Posted - 05/01/2017:  16:59:18

Thanks for the info Robby.   I was just enjoying listening to his stories and looking around the shop.    He told some hilarious JD stories.    I love to hear those guys pick but sometimes I just love to hear the stories that they tell about as good.    

The Chief - Posted - 05/13/2017:  08:37:22

I bought a 1967 Sonny O model Vega,​... about a week ago. Not because I want to play it, as you know I don't play now, and haven't since rotator cuff surgery in 2003, but I just thought I should have one...beings it is my model...! (Makes no sense)

Russ Carson (banjo player for Ricky Skaggs) bought an Ugly Tuner and he brought his Mint RB1 over and while I installed it I asked him to play the Vega for me. He did, and I was amazed at how good it sounded. Clean, clear, good sustain. He had hit a few licks on his RB1 (also mint condition and all original five string) and they sounded pretty close. Incidentally, Russ is a very good player. Listen to Skaggs band on the Opry, or in person when they appear near you. Guarantee you will come away with your head buzzing. They are GOOD. Paul Brewster sings with Ricky...I repeat, they are good.

s

The Chief - Posted - 05/13/2017:  14:37:05

Oh, I didn't mean to imply that my Vega sounded as good as his RB1. It didn't, but their sounds were similar...that's all.

s

The Chief - Posted - 05/13/2017:  14:57:38

Had lunch with JD, Kenny, Larry Stephenson, Skaggs, Eddie Stubbs, Russ, Ronnie Reno, Steve Chandler, Benny Birchfield, ...forgive me if I left anyone out which I'm sure I did.

JD and I discussed his recent acquisition of Granada number 9584-1 and how ironic that he had #1, Me #2, and Earl #3, of the same batch.  Of course I immediately accused him of spending the fortune strictly because I had one. Strangely enough, he didn't deny it!!!!!!!

s

gibson49classic - Posted - 05/13/2017:  16:02:03

Glad to hear you own one again. I love mine! Kenny has helped me dial in the string gauges that I needed to use on the one I have.

 

Timeless1952 - Posted - 05/16/2017:  09:24:21

That was a GREAT lunch we had. Good company and the food was an upgrade also. I know everyone there had a great time!!!

K

John Beyl - Posted - 05/16/2017:  10:06:02

quote:

---

Originally posted by The Chief

 

Had lunch with JD, Kenny, Larry Stephenson, Skaggs, Eddie Stubbs, Russ, Ronnie Reno, Steve Chandler, Benny Birchfield, ...forgive me if I left anyone out which I'm sure I did.

JD and I discussed his recent acquisition of Granada number 9584-1 and how ironic that he had #1, Me #2, and Earl #3, of the same batch.  Of course I immediately accused him of spending the fortune strictly because I had one. Strangely enough, he didn't deny it!!!!!!!

s

---

Oh to have been a fly on the wall at that restaurant!  Heck, just like the old days when I was a kid and the extended family came over for dinner, I'd have even sat at the kids table just to be near all that bluegrass talent.

John

The Chief - Posted - 05/22/2017:  09:59:16

Kenneth, I believe that was one of, or perhaps the best one we've had. Your presence made it rather complete. There were some pretty good stories told that day...some of them even believable!!!

 And, the food was definitely a great improvement, wouldn't you say? Makes me want to do it again, soon...how bout them apples.

s

chuckv97 - Posted - 05/22/2017:  10:03:50

Youse pro banjo guys should write a book about your 60 years of adventures.

Edited by - chuckv97 on 05/22/2017 10:05:52

Timeless1952 - Posted - 05/22/2017:  11:18:11

It was a good move I know that!!   Thanks for coming up with the new place & also the kind words.   We'll sure do it again!

K

The Chief - Posted - 05/22/2017:  18:34:38

Have you thought more about doing some things over?

s

Timeless1952 - Posted - 05/22/2017:  18:59:12

We'll talk about that.

K

The Chief - Posted - 05/23/2017:  09:27:27

DEAL

Mooooo - Posted - 05/28/2017:  16:29:13

Hi Sonny, I was just wondering if you were playing your 6-string when you recorded "Listening to the Rain"? Happy Memorial Day tomorrow. 

Mike

The Chief - Posted - 05/30/2017:  06:45:47

Mike..I got the six string neck on Sunday, Dale Sledd and I installed it on the Vega SO model, and I recorded Listening To The Rain Tuesday I believe. That was the first song (and session) on which it was used. It served me well for several years.

Memorial day is such a sad time for millions. We should be so proud that some folks would put down their precious God given life. And at the same time people who grew up and live here are trying to destroy it, makes less than no sense.

S

rbfour5 - Posted - 05/30/2017:  08:22:10

You are correct Sonny, so many sacrificed so much and many gave it all like my brother Darrell- for the freedom we are blessed with. Unfortunately there are those who just don't quite understand that we all eat apples from trees we didn't plant. To all those who have served and are serving this Great country- thank you. Memorial Day is observed every day in our household. God Bless USA

Mooooo - Posted - 05/30/2017:  09:31:24

I agree Sonny, The great sacrifice of those who gave their lives for our country will never be forgotten. So great to live in a country that has so much and has given so much to each of us. 

Your performance of Listening to the Rain from Carlton Haney´s 1971 Labor Day Weekend Bluegrass Music Festival At Camp Springs, NC has really been inspiring watching you guys playing in the rain for the few people who stuck around who had umbrellas or panchos. Looks like you were playing a 5-string, probably in Drop C. Anyway, that is such a great song, I am trying to get it down smoothly on my 5-string.

From Greylock to Bean Blossom - Posted - 05/30/2017:  14:28:56

Valhalla Gardens Bloomington Indiana. They just built this new memorial with monuments to all the branches of service, to the United States and its Pledge and to the POWS. Each person that served has a flag placed on their resting place. A few years ago, then Governor Pence gave a wonderful talk here. The fields look beautiful and humbling with all the flags flying.

ken

The Chief - Posted - 06/03/2017:  16:52:16

 

The Chief - Posted - 06/03/2017:  16:57:57

That picture is our lunch crew.

How many can you name?

s

rbfour5 - Posted - 06/03/2017:  17:17:41

L to R:

Larry Stephenson; ?; Ricky Skaggs; JD Crowe; Sonny; Eddie Stubbs; Kenny Ingram; Russ Carson; Ronnie Reno: ?

Well, I tried my best..................... Awesome picture, what a crew!!

Edited by - rbfour5 on 06/03/2017 17:17:54

From Greylock to Bean Blossom - Posted - 06/03/2017:  18:23:47

Sonny,

I bet there are some great war stories that come out of that group.

Have fun!

ken

chuckv97 - Posted - 06/03/2017:  21:39:27

Hi Sonny. Who are the gents with the Jets hat and the Stubbs shirt? ( I got the others.)

Edited by - chuckv97 on 06/03/2017 21:40:03

The Chief - Posted - 06/04/2017:  08:12:06

From the left around the table.

Larry Stephenson, Steve Chandler, Ricky Skaggs, JD Crowe, Me, Eddie Stubbs, Kenny Ingram, Russ Carson, Ronnie Reno, Benny Birchfield. Great crew if I must say so myself...and stories (truth and lies) did abound for certain. We do this occasionally and everyone has a good time. Usually lasts 2-4 hours. How bout them onions?

s                           

rbfour5 - Posted - 06/04/2017:  08:14:18

Sounds like good onions to me.............

From Greylock to Bean Blossom - Posted - 06/05/2017:  17:18:25

Sonny,

Don't know if you have seen this. This is what the "right stuff" is and what the Greatest Generation is. Just after Memorial Day I think it is fitting and interesting. About an American WWII Spitfire pilot.

youtube.com/embed/ie3SrjLlcUY

Ken

Edited by - From Greylock to Bean Blossom on 06/05/2017 17:18:43

rbfour5 - Posted - 06/10/2017:  14:03:49

Bobby and the Rocky Top Express- back home again in Indiana.. tearing it up Sonny   Bobby's sounding great Sonny. That banjo sure sounds familiar,  close my eyes and I can hear you. Glad we made it over today. 

The Chief - Posted - 06/12/2017:  09:16:27

Bobby loves to sing. They'll probably have to carry him off the stage. I probably shouldn't say that but he loves it that much. 

I'm glad you saw him Dean, and enjoyed what he did. I still maintain my belief that he was the best ever at what he did and I was privileged to see him do it for 50 years. I mean, like...holy McWow... . 

s

gibson49classic - Posted - 06/12/2017:  09:38:48

I just listened your version of Kentucky Waltz. Bobby sang it in F! I don't know anyone that could ever even come close. UNREAL

rbfour5 - Posted - 06/12/2017:  21:26:57

Sonny- My wife went with me to Bean Blossom on Saturday when she learned that Bobby was going to be there. Our first bluegrass festival together was just a few weeks after our wedding (July 1984), in Berea, KY (The McLain Family Festival). It was the first time the two of us got to see you and Bobby in person, and The Osborne Brothers became her favorite bluegrass band. We got to meet you both when you came off stage, you and Bobby autographed a banjo head for me. Suzanne never forgot that day and how kind you both were. And to this day her favorite song is "Georgia Pineywoods". 

Let Bobby know, that he made our day, singing and playing his heart out. And we hope to see him again soon.

BTW- When I attempt to play "Siempre" or "Surefire", Suzanne will let me know when I need to go back and listen to your recording to get it right! (Of course, it's all in love!) "If you play an Osborne Brothers song, it has to sound like Sonny".

Brett - Posted - 06/13/2017:  06:08:05

It's amazing how Bobby has held his voice.  I cannot think of anyone within his age bracket that has ever maintained their pitch like that.  Neither male nor female. 

The Chief - Posted - 06/19/2017:  10:29:43

Dean, don't let it bother you. If I listened to mine, I should have quit 50 years ago.   My advice would be to just say; "yes Ma'am" and keep pickin'........

s

rbfour5 - Posted - 06/19/2017:  10:43:55

Ha ha, it doesn't bother me Sonny- Suzanne is my biggest (and only fan!). She ribs me because she knows that there are certain songs that I think should be exactly the way or at least close to the way you may have recorded it. She has a great ear for tone too. We were at Bean Blossom again this past Saturday and the banjos that sounded the best were pre war flat heads (Sammy Shelor's 75 for example) Suzanne knows the tone that I and many others like me enjoy. And BTW- From Rocky Top to Muddy Bottom is still her favorite album. 😎

The Chief - Posted - 06/19/2017:  15:47:31

Dean, I knew you were joking...as was I.

Rocky Top To Muddy Bottom huh? Send me a mailing address to: chiefbanjo@ comcast.net or here at the hangout. Raymond Huffmaster said KRISTIN BENSON played as good as he had ever heard and he knows what he's talking about. Sammy is too good..man, what a tone. 

I just don't go much anymore, but I would love to see Bean blossom again. Really a pleasant place to hear Bluegrass music.

I know what you mean about getting it right...I struggled for a lot of years making sure I had it right only to fall short at times..when I was sure it was right. T'ain't easy!!!!

s

Edited by - The Chief on 06/19/2017 15:51:55