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Rob MacKillop - Posted - 07/09/2010: 05:43:33
Hi there. I'm new to the Bluegrass section of BHO, but I've been on the other sections fairly often. Started bluegrass style just a few days ago using Janet Davis's book. The thing is, I play on gut strings on a banjo from 1900. One day I might buy a proper bluegrass banjo, but in the meantime it will have to be on what I have.
That said, I like the sound of gut strings. They bring out the melancholic side (there is one!) of bluegrass - melangrass! Here's a video I just made of Cumberland Gap and Wildwood Flower.
Comments welcome, pro or contra. Anyone else play BG on gut strings?
Texasbanjo - Posted - 07/09/2010: 05:55:25
The main problem with gut strings is: if you get in a jam, you won't be able to be heard. Other than that, if you like the sound, go for it.
Rob MacKillop - Posted - 07/09/2010: 06:01:22
If I get to jamming, I'll probably get the appropriate banjo. I had one of my guitar students accompany me yesterday - no problem there, but a full band is out. I'm just exploring the style. Who knows where it will take me? Enjoying it.
Moore.music - Posted - 07/09/2010: 07:36:45
Hi There
I think you play with wonderful musicality and expression Bluegrass or not it is a pleasure to hear tunes that are often just rattled off played so beutifully .
Good stuff there
Nigel
bhniko - Posted - 07/09/2010: 07:46:49
Have seen a few of your videos...not sure if they were from Utube or Classic Banjo. Have enjoyed your playing and was struck by the mellow sound. I started playing banjo about 9 months ago and thought my banjo was a bit sharp and looked for a way to soften the sound including the rag and sponge in the resonator routine. As I have no intentions of jamming in a band (starting the banjo at 77 and being musically challenged) I like the melancholic sound. Since most banjo sessions seem to have a microphone it seems that would be sufficient to amplify the sound. Interested if you tried the metal strings on your banjo and if it has a resonator. I can't tell from the video. I assume the easiest way is to buy another banjo to eliminate the hassle of changing strings but as I know it is not always in the budget. Last...what brand of gut strings do you play as I would like to take the time to compare the sound on my banjo. And again I enjoy your playing.
rupickin5 - Posted - 07/09/2010: 07:52:04
Rob, that was lovely. Enjoyed your picking, sound and take on these classics...keep it up.
Brian
Ira Gitlin - Posted - 07/09/2010: 07:53:29
That does sound pretty.
Rob MacKillop - Posted - 07/09/2010: 07:57:29
Thanks, gentlemen. Appreciated. I know I am not doing the traditional thing here, and might upset some. But bluegrass is new to me, and I'm sure it will become a greater part of my life in due course. As I said, just experimenting.
bhniko - glad you asked which strings I use - The Rob MacKillop Range of Gut Strings from cliffordessex.net
I do not have a resonator and have not tried metal strings as my banjo was not built for them.
bhniko - Posted - 07/09/2010: 08:05:17
Being a newbie and not knowlegeable about banjo building...can you explain how a banjo is built differently for gut strings. Thought I would just change strings on my Deering...now I am not sure if that would work.
bhniko - Posted - 07/09/2010: 08:15:31
Rob, also I am probably using the same Janet Davis book...after playing my version of Cumberland Gap and Wildflower and listening to yours...I might just pick up my banjo...put on your video sound...make believe I am playing...close my eyes...and be astounded at my progression and ability to create such sweet sound.
Rob MacKillop - Posted - 07/09/2010: 09:06:39
LOL. Karaoke bluegrass...
A banjo built for steel strings will easily accommodate gut or nylon, but a banjo built for gut strings will not have the strength in the neck for the extra tension of steel strings, especially banjos built in the 19th century. Some of them can do it, but as there is usually only one way to find out...But gut strings on a Deering - no problem other than trying to tie them on to the tailpiece. That can drive you crazy depending on your style of tailpiece.
trapdoor2 - Posted - 07/09/2010: 16:48:59
Lovely, Rob! Careful with that BG stuff, it can be addictive... 
Rob MacKillop - Posted - 07/09/2010: 23:24:11
Everything about the banjo seems addictive...
Bongshang - Posted - 07/10/2010: 00:52:48
That's an lovely sound you're getting Rob. I remember visiting Rab Mairs years ago. He had a nice 5 string set up with gut strings for playing classical pieces. Sounded excellent.
Slick Salmon - Posted - 07/10/2010: 06:45:49
I agree with every positive thing that's been said. I love this approach to the banjo. I've always thought that playing fast just sucks the life out of a tune. Your measured approach has more touch, tone and soul.
vmarkant - Posted - 07/10/2010: 07:40:26
Beautiful sound, and looks like a fabulous classical guitar technique. Did you start out on classical guitar which also uses nylon or gut strings?
bhniko - Posted - 07/10/2010: 07:58:50
Have to agree with Slick Salmon that playing fast and just notes doesn't cut it. Watched your videos again...replayed them again and enjoy watching you reacting to every note with intensity or maybe a better way of describing it...just a love of what your are playing.
Rob MacKillop - Posted - 07/10/2010: 08:57:34
I played the lute for years and guitar too, all styles. Never really settled on anything, mainly because I love all kinds of music and enjoy learning more than polishing that last 10 per cent. I've never been a fast player, preferring to squeeze the juice out of every note. But I love hearing fast players, and the bluegrass banjo excells in that area.
BTW, the banjo I'm playing couldn't be less bluegrass - it's an English banjo by a guy called Parslow, from 1900, strung in gut. But a good tune is a good tune, and will sound good on almost anything.
