mullie1 - Posted - 10/05/2010:  14:59:27

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If it weren't for my typos, I'm sure I could get much more juvenile.


[/quote]

LOL. Hey, I'm on your side on the issue (and still waiting for Stringbreaker to respond to your example!). I just pointed out that the train was going off the tracks with some of the recent posts - which is what trolls love to see in these types of threads.....

hillbilly 101 - Posted - 10/05/2010:  15:30:53

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ATTA BOY RON!!! ATTA BOY!! Go tell it on the mountain brother!

minstrelmike - Posted - 10/05/2010:  15:33:05

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I'm sure Ron's post settled everything.

hillbilly 101 - Posted - 10/05/2010:  15:53:20

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You know that feller outta be calling himself Stinkmaker since all he wants to do is stir up s#*t!!

Ron Stewart - Posted - 10/05/2010:  16:07:21

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Hey all and Bill, I want everyone to know, including Bill, I was not just jumping on the Earl bandwagon here. Earl Scruggs has probably influenced more of us banjo players more than any one player in exhistence, and I also want to add that he took what Snuffy and a bunch of others he had heard were doing and did his own thing with it, not unlike all players that I know of. We all have influences, and whether we might or might not play note for note the way our influences play, we still can hear where it came from. I play a lot of first generation fiddle styles, Arthur Smith, Jim Shumate, Benny Sims, Howdy Forrester, Benny Martin, Paul Warren, Kenny Baker, Scott Stoneman, Paul Warren, and the list goes on and on, but guess what, I try to make that fit even in progressive bluegrass. Some might call me a copy-cat, but I can't remember hearing that used to describe my playing. I love all of those fiddlers and what they did brings goosebumps everytime I hear it! Likewise on the banjo, I love Earl, my favorite, but I also love JD, Sonny, Alan Shelton, Paul Silvius, Mike Lilly, Alan Munde, Bill Keith, Rudy Lyle, Ralph Stanley(especially his two finger style!)and a bunch of players from near my home in rural southern Indiana who most of you wouldn't know. Does that make me a copycat? Never heard that either about my banjo playing! We are playing what we feel at the time and who we are playing with, the same as Earl did. My real complaint on this post is saying Earl isn't all that. It's not about whether you like or dislike his playing, I have no issue with that whatsoever, but to say he never did anything after 1950 reminds me of something I read in a book once from a very prominent banjo player from the Bluegrass Boys. That comment made me just as mad and I lost all respect for that banjo player as well, and told me a lot about his state of mind or lack thereof. (Some of you will know who I am speaking of!) As I said before, I never get on here and chime in unless it has to do with a question about my playing, Yates Ron Stewart model banjos, or something I do know something about, like JD's banjos. I welcome opinions and variety, as I said it's what makes the world go around and not get boring, ut to say the things you said, well that's beyond opinion and all out wrong in so many ways. That is why I posted. Thanks, and I truely would look forward to hearing you play Bill, you might have some licks I might want to steal!

Ron Stewart - Posted - 10/05/2010:  16:13:57

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Sorry for the typos, and I also forgot to mention Bill Keith, Scott Vestal and Bela in my post. I have worn their stuff out as well!!! When I first heard "Santa Claus" and "Sailor's Hornpipe" by Bill Keith, I thought it was the coolest thing I had ever heard! I also remember the first time I heard Scott and Bela and they both blew my mind and I love their playing! I have recorded with Scott several times and it's always a joy to pick with him!

Ebanjo - Posted - 10/05/2010:  17:00:13

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Ron, I had an aunt that used to say "I'm telling it like it is". Friend, you told it like it is. I'm with you all
the way on this. Hope you're doing well buddy.
Eric

stringbreaker - Posted - 10/05/2010:  17:07:28

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quote:

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Originally posted by jethrobodine

Against my better judgment also.

So stringbreaker NEVER plays the same lick twice? And plays his OWN material?

I think he can not play a note on the banjo. Otherwise he would post some sound files as so many have asked him to do.

I would like to know what made him have such a dislike for Mr. Scruggs.

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i didnt say anything about my playing or composing. im addressing earls. i dont need to play to have a discussion about a mans music.
yeah you have to have played football professionally to watch. or play every single instrument on the earth before you can have an opinion about any of them? havent ever built a banjo from ground up? how can you pick which one you like then?

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Edited by - stringbreaker on 10/05/2010 17:10:39

stringbreaker - Posted - 10/05/2010:  17:16:22

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quote:

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Originally posted by mullie1

Boy, the personal insults flying in this thread are about as juvenile as it gets.

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earl is dear to their heart

stringbreaker - Posted - 10/05/2010:  17:24:38

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quote:

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Originally posted by minstrelmike

I'm sure Ron's post settled everything.

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it settled nothing. why do you assume, because of his credentials.

how about a list of scruggs material from 1970's onward that are played by banjo community, that feature good songwriting? shouldnt be hard. thats 40 years btw

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Edited by - stringbreaker on 10/05/2010 17:26:44

mullie1 - Posted - 10/05/2010:  17:30:16

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quote:

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Originally posted by stringbreaker

quote:

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Originally posted by mullie1

Boy, the personal insults flying in this thread are about as juvenile as it gets.

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earl is dear to their heart

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I'll agree that many people, including me, are passionate about Earl Scruggs and his unequaled influence on the banjo and monumental influence on generations of players. If you play the banjo then you have in some way been positively impacted by the playing of Earl Scruggs - whether you know it or not. I started playing the banjo after listening to Flatt & Scruggs years ago. I have never heard better banjo playing. Earl got me interested in hearing other banjo players as well. JD, Shelton, Keith, Munde, Trischka, Bela, Baucom, Vestal, Kruger, Alison Brown, ........the list goes on. Best of em all is Earl Scruggs IMO and he is what sparked my love of the banjo. I disagree with pretty much everything you have been posting and was only earlier pointing out that the discussion was going "off the tracks" and getting in the mud with your "baiting".

Banjophobic - Posted - 10/05/2010:  17:32:13

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quote:

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Originally posted by Don Borchelt


I believe that Earl has sometimes cooperated in perpetuating the myth that he invented three-finger out of whole cloth. Listen below to an NPR interview he did a few years ago. He clearly leaves the impression that he invented three finger style, though he does not say so in precisely those words. I believe it is a carefully calibrated public relations performance, the equal of his musical prowess.

Excerpt from Earl's NPR Interview

Don't misunderstand me, I'm not attacking the man. But I'm not canonizing him either. That's why they call it the music business. It's a messy world we live in. All I know is, we are all human, even Earl.

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I listened to that clip. I think Earl was speaking on a 'time line'. When he first started playing as a kid, and until they actually had a radio and record player, he had only one source of influence, and that was the music being played around him. He was speaking, I believe, about those early days, when he was experimenting with his own approach to 3 finger style and the licks and phrases he had come up with. I dont recall him saying he invented 3 finger style, but that no one had played it"like him before", and hes absolutely correct in that statement. Yes, there were others who used 3 finger style and Earl has given credit many times, in many interviews and in his book, and other printed articles.
Anyone who knows Earl personally, knows hes very humble about his music and never claimed to invent 3 finger style. Hes proud, Im sure, of what he DID do, and his contribution to this music form- which was to create a 3 finger version of playing that no one else had done previously. He was the first to use it in 'the' original' bluegrass band. Why would earl attempt at this point in his career, to create a"carefully calibrated public relations performance"? Why would he need it now, 60 some odd years later, when he's the most famous player and his accomplishments are known the world over? If he was 20 again, and trying to make his mark in the genre, I could see that happening as a 'pubic relations performance'.
Seems to me he was just trying to answer questions as best he could. You choose to see it as a 'public relations performance the equal of his musical prowess". Looking at Earls track record of public conduct ,and talking to those who know him as a 'person', not just pubic figure/banjo player', I find this characterization to be incorrect.
Yes, Earls as human as anyone. But I find no logical reason to assume hes up to P.R stunts when he gives an interview. Heck, most players of his stature and age dont usually grant interviews and prefer to be left alone. Im giving him the benefit of the doubt on this clip deal.

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Edited by - Banjophobic on 10/05/2010 17:36:05

From Greylock to Bean Blossom - Posted - 10/05/2010:  17:35:36

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quote:

---

Originally posted by stringbreaker

quote:

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Originally posted by jethrobodine

Against my better judgment also.

So stringbreaker NEVER plays the same lick twice? And plays his OWN material?

I think he can not play a note on the banjo. Otherwise he would post some sound files as so many have asked him to do.

I would like to know what made him have such a dislike for Mr. Scruggs.

---

i didnt say anything about my playing or composing. im addressing earls. i dont need to play to have a discussion about a mans music.
yeah you have to have played football professionally to watch. or play every single instrument on the earth before you can have an opinion about any of them? havent ever built a banjo from ground up? how can you pick which one you like then?

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Stringbraker,
I don't think your posts have ever resulted in a discussion. Most that I have read result in arguments. The majority of your opinions and blogs are inflammatory in nature, derogatory and serve only to tear down. If you have found kindred souls in this hangout why don't you correspond with them privately out of respect for the ongoing discussions you consistently interrupt? Or you could start your own threads and voice and discuss your feelings.
While the hangout is open to all many opinions respect for others should cause you to limit and temper some of your statements.
Ken

Banjophobic - Posted - 10/05/2010:  17:40:54

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quote:

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Originally posted by stringbreaker

quote:

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Originally posted by mullie1

Boy, the personal insults flying in this thread are about as juvenile as it gets.

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earl is dear to their heart

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You betcha he is. Why dont you just leave this alone? This is a public website and everyone has the right to be a troll and baiting a*s if they want. But in the long run, what will it gain you, other than some sad giggles on your part?

Gymbal31 - Posted - 10/05/2010:  17:42:52

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quote:

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Originally posted by Gymbal31

Stringsucker, I'm still waiting for your reply. In your blog, you asked for an example of an Earl song with a melody. I gave you one, "American Made - World Played". Two weeks ago. you've posted here and on your blog several times since then, but you still haven't responded. This is another example of you picking and choosing what parts of posts you reply to and ignoring what you have no answer for.

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And I'm still waiting.

Ron Stewart - Posted - 10/05/2010:  18:06:22

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OK, here's what I get after trying to even be nice after the fact.

Ron Stewart - Posted - 10/05/2010:  18:06:41

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stringbreaker Says:
Tuesday, October 05, 2010 @7:04:20 PM

and ron, you need to quit reading my posts like you said you would.
stringbreaker Says:
Tuesday, October 05, 2010 @7:13:43 PM

i didnt say shucking the corn and flint hill was same. i said that many of his songs are made up of same pieces. its mediocre songwriting. which you tried to use the scale analogy to make excuses for.

scruggs didnt invent alternating thumb or any of those rolls so it doesnt matter. he didnt invent them or 3 finger picking. to give him credit is nonsense.
ron, i heard you a few months ago and all you played was a bunch of stuff ive heard a million times. i dont care about your credentials. credentials dont make you right.

Banjophobic - Posted - 10/05/2010:  18:12:39

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Ron

Well, there ya go. You see what were dealing with here. Its like trying to play chess with forrest Gump.

Ron Stewart - Posted - 10/05/2010:  18:32:27

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OK, obviously you are even more ignorant than I thought, and beleive me, I thought you were pretty ignorant to start with.

1) I didn't use the scale as an excuse, I used it as PROOF of what I was saying. I or anyone else needs to make no excuses for Earl Scruggs or his playing, and if you don't know that, you're an idiot!

2) All you care to do is stir up s*** until it stinks, and beleive me brother, yours is starting to stink real bad!

3) WHAT THE F$CK is your MF'ing point anyway? Is it that you hate Earl Scruggs for something he did to you? Or that probably you couldn't play a GD forward roll with groove if your life depended on it? I'll teach you how sometime if you ever want to learn, although I doubt you could lift my banjo case off the ground. If you want me to back this up, why don't you come to a session sometime, and we'll let you be my substitute for a minute, because that's about how long it will take before they send you out on your ass.

4) Do you need to be a mechanic before you tell someone their timing chain has slipped a tooth? Wouldn't hurt! Do you need to be a doctor to diagnose an illness? No you don't have to play to have an opinion, but you better damn well be God's gift to banjo to say the ignorant stuff you are saying!

5)I NEVER EVER bring up my credentials, and I have thousands of folks who will back me up, I don't beleive in touting myself, but you seem to have trouble with credentials, and that usually means you don't have a damn one, other than getting on here and bashing everyone! Must make you feel like a big man to do that, because I can tell by your posts that your picking doesn't and never will!

6) If I can't cut the gig, and all I do is repetitious, then why do I get to play on all these recordings? It ain't because I'm cheap! If you heard me do stuff you've heard a million times, it's because it's what fit the song! When you are a pro, and I AM a pro, you learn very early on to play what the SONG calls for, and not what makes your own chest swell. If you were an expert and a professional, as you claim, you would know this and I wouldn't have to tell you that!

Now, if you want to go into real particulars about Scruggs' tunes, and or his playing, write down your questions numbering them, and I'll answer every one of them! I really doubt you could get thru any of Earl's tunes and it resemble anything he ever played, and I just bet your timing is spot on, tone amazing, and note choice, well I can't wait to get a taste of that! How about this, if you're great enough, and from what you write, you surely are, please, please post any tune you want with you playing it, and I'll go down in my studio and cut it and put some s*** in it you never heard of immediately!

Warren Yates - Posted - 10/05/2010:  18:38:48

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I met Earl one time. I was invited to sit with him on his bus and it was a pure honor for me. I thanked him for what he had done. He was ready and willing to talk and I would have loved nothing more but I felt as if he had done so much for me already that I was not about to ask anything else of him. I have many friends that play banjo over the radio all day and I slow down my work to give them a listen but when Earl plays, I stop. I listen to every lick because it was done right! I can not produce tone, accuracy or anything as well as Earl. It is my opinion that we would likely not have bluegrass as we know it or this forum had he not gotten involved. It is the fact that I would not be building banjos for a living. If you are reading this Earl, from the bottom of my being, THANK YOU!
Warren Yates

Ron Stewart - Posted - 10/05/2010:  18:49:43

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How about a list of your songwriting skills, or ANY recordings of your innovations, that's 46 years, shouldn't be too hard!

From Greylock to Bean Blossom - Posted - 10/05/2010:  18:59:07

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quote:

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Originally posted by Banjophobic

Ron

Well, there ya go. You see what were dealing with here. Its like trying to play chess with forrest Gump.

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Great line John,. It brought a real good laugh. Finally something good came from threads with SB.
Ken

Majorbanjo - Posted - 10/05/2010:  19:01:20

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Ron, I've always loved your Fiddle and Banjo playing....but your stock has shot way up even further with me based your comments on this thread......Earl is and will always be the "man"....

jfb - Posted - 10/05/2010:  19:01:58

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Mr Earl is the man, and he always will be..end of story..

Ron Stewart - Posted - 10/05/2010:  19:04:49

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So, Stringruster, what's your opinion of J.D. Crowe's playing and/or songwriting???? Might as well cover ALL the Scruggs' players while we're here! And if you have the 'nads to give your opinion, I'll personally deliver him a copy of this post tomorrow.

pipefitter61 - Posted - 10/05/2010:  19:24:45

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WOW! Now, not only has this guy basically spat in the face of a legend (Earl.) He has insulted, and more or less disrespected a bona fide superpicker in the process (Ron.) I'm not sure if there is some personal reason for this affront, or if there might be some deep rooted self esteem issues here. I CAN say this: Even though I do NOT play "Earl" note for note, or even close to it, I have the utmost respect and admiration for the hundreds of thousands (possibly millions) of miles spent on the road, and countless hours never to be reclaimed honing his craft. Like it or not we all have in some way been touched and inspired to even attempt to imitate him. Ron is ANYTHING but repetitious, and can be included right amongst all the greats. Sonny O, Charlie Poole, Don Reno, Shelton, Tony Trishka, Pat cloud, Bill Keith, J.D., Ralph, and the list goes on, and on. Some of the things I have read here in this thread have been shocking to even me! LOL..... Not sure if we would even be reading this thread if it were'nt for Earl! Ponder this! 9584-3 for a couple hundred bucks because nobody wants a 5 string!!!!!

jethrobodine - Posted - 10/05/2010:  19:30:52

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Ron, if you trying to take some heat off Earl, don't throw JD under the bus.

Really though, thank you.

Oh, BTW, this stuff you stepped in will wash off your boots with a hose and some tall grass to drag your feet through. Or just leave your boots on the back porch a couple days in the sun and it will knock off pretty easy.

scott

DJ_KT - Posted - 10/05/2010:  19:35:22

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I don’t post stuff here; I like to read the stuff people are talking about. But I feel I need to say something here and let me tell you up front I am not a banjo picker nor do I play any stringed instruments, and there are many people on the hangout that will agree with the fact I can’t play. But I am a DJ and I have listened to many hours of music and I have chatted with and interviewed many of the first, second and third generation pickers, so I feel that what I am about to say is very revealing to the subject.

Many pickers have and will always use something from another pickers; it’s a common thing to happen. Some of the first generation used things that they heard from others, weather it was from jams, shows or recordings and some may have even perfected the style and “licks” that are used today. In all of the interviews and with all the chatting I have done with the pickers, I have not found a one of them that feel it is distasteful for today’s pickers to “copy” them in fact they feel honored to have today’s talent pay tribute to them in this way. It not only happens in banjos, but guitars, fiddles, mandolins, dobro’s, and basses as well, and yes I have been in the music business for more years than I care to count. I have heard things copied or barrowed in all genres of music, not just bluegrass music. Tell me what song doesn’t repeat itself over and over.

As far as with Earl Scruggs, well all I know is I hear and see a lot of rolls from other pickers and if Earl … did … or didn’t … invent it well then maybe he perfected it, and weather you … think … or don’t think … that Earl is all that … well maybe those thoughts are some that don’t need to be shared in a room like this.

And as far as whom I think is the best … well … that is one answer you will never get

jethrobodine - Posted - 10/05/2010:  19:46:57

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stringbreaker Says:
Sunday, September 19, 2010 @2:12:22 PM

i work a cnc press and darn proud of it


Does this have anything to do with all the discussion a while back about the cnc carved necks? lol

Ron Stewart - Posted - 10/05/2010:  19:50:45

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Maybe carving tone out with the CNC? I doubt it!

steve davis - Posted - 10/05/2010:  19:56:06

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If anything good can come out of SB's rants,it's being able to read Ron's and
everyone else's description of Earl's value to the music world and how much we
respect and admire him.

mastertone250 - Posted - 10/05/2010:  20:18:24

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Ron, You are awsome man!!!!! You were always a tone monster in my eyes but man your my HERO. If i ever get the plesure of pickin at the same festival as your at, would you do me the honor and let me buy you a rib dinner or somthing! You deserve it! I respect a man who isnt afraid to speak his mind and brother you do a damn good job

Banjophobic - Posted - 10/05/2010:  20:24:57

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quote:

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Originally posted by Ron Stewart

Forrest Gump is a GD'ed genius compared to this idiot! At least he was good at everything he did!

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Yeah, youre right about that. Maybe Sb could start running like Forrest did, but,not come back...haha

banjoez - Posted - 10/05/2010:  20:28:55

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I think I know what's going on here..........SB was sent back from the future to terminate all of us crappy non-melody playing, copycat pickers and the best way to start is to attack, discredit and revise the history of our great leader!!!

Heeel be baaaack!!!!

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Edited by - banjoez on 10/05/2010 20:38:34

RyanHerr - Posted - 10/05/2010:  20:29:33

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quote:

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Originally posted by Ron Stewart
I have a 4 year old son who can tell you who is the best Scruggs style banjo picker of all time.....he says Earl Scruggs!

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I have been driving my oldest daughter (3 years old) to preschool in the mornings and we've been listening to the Foggy Mountain Banjo album during our drive. I even quiz her by asking who is playing the banjo and she responds that it's Earl Scruggs.

Personally, I started playing the banjo because of Bela, and now John Hartford is my biggest inifluence, but neither of them would've picked up the banjo if it wasn't for Earl. The way he phrases the melody is just so perfect. I'm glad that our children are getting a good start by listening to Earl Scruggs!

Pick1949 - Posted - 10/05/2010:  20:45:29

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This is the best'en Ive seen in a while and it's a breath of fresh air!


Ha ha... these types are all out for self justice. They are very sickening in the way they try to defend their pre-puberty causes. I say bless Ron Stewat for being man enough to speak his mind against this fella. Sometimes a man just has to tell it like it is.. and Ron has done a very exceptional job of that (as well as his playing). This guy needs to seriously grow some b@LL$ or try to pick something that isnt already tabbed out for him by (Bela or So and so)!!!! Cause otherwise... he will never have the respect for the banjo that Earl (and legendary others) had for the banjo. Put yourself in Earl's shoes and do what he did.... you wont. Cause you aint got what it takes. Wait a mintue... I forgot that a complete dumb @$$ started this crap... which means that he will probaly have some juvenille-type lame excuse for his crap starting.

Sorry, just venting after re-reading this mess!

Banjophobic - Posted - 10/05/2010:  20:45:47

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You know folks, Ive decided to just ignore his posts altogether, no matter what he claims or rants about. Its really not worth the effort, Ive figured out whats going on here. Theres another well known troll whos caused trouble on this site before, and on another site. Ive looked at posts by SB and posts from the other person, who has recently created a new account here, to better troll the hangout. I believe these two are working together to cause trouble and wreck threads. I wont mention the other's identity as I dont operate that way. Maybe they can grow up someday and be productive members of this site.
I am tired of letting them get to me and post from emotion. I apologize to anyone who may be offended by my comments. I try to remain cool on the hangout, but hey, I have a weak spot for trolling idiots. Anyway. Im out for good and wont be responding to stringfaker any longer, on any thread. Hes not even here as far as im concerned. Time for me to get back to having fun here, learning, helping others learn and making friends. Thanks for the support in this thread and especially Ron, for his insights. You guys are the best.

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Edited by - Banjophobic on 10/05/2010 20:52:21

Pick1949 - Posted - 10/05/2010:  20:57:04

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quote:

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Originally posted by Banjophobic

You know folks, Ive decided to just ignore his posts altogether, no matter what he claims or rants about. Its really not worth the effort, Ive figured out whats going on here. Theres another well known troll whos caused trouble on this site before, and on another site. Ive looked at posts by SB and posts from the other person, who has recently created a new account here, to better troll the hangout. I believe these two are working together to cause trouble and wreck threads. I wont mention the other's identity as I dont operate that way. Maybe they can grow up someday and be productive members of this site.
I am tired of letting them get to me and post from emotion. I apologize to anyone who may be offended by my comments. I try to remain cool on the hangout, but hey, I have a weak spot for trolling idiots. Anyway. Im out for good and wont be responding to stringfaker any longer, on any thread. Hes not even here as far as im concerned. Time for me to get back to having fun here, learning, helping others learn and making friends. Thanks for the support in this thread and especially Ron, for his insights. You guys are the best.

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That's a big ol' 10-4.... over and out!

dmiller - Posted - 10/05/2010:  21:14:23

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Shucks John - - - You don't have apologize at all. Not never.

The KIDD - Posted - 10/05/2010:  22:31:42

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Yeah John no apology needed for sure. Yeah ,some raw emotion came out of alotta posters in this thread (beats apathy or indifference)BUT, Im lookin at the greater good it did in other ways as well. Like I was sayin in the past on the OTHER (goodrich) Earl thread that was brewin pretty good before this one. This NEEDED to come to a head and you provided the post to make it happen! Yeah man , nothings changed really... we'll go back to tradin licks/enjoyin eachothers pickin like always and remember the great friends and supporters we have here who really matter!!!!
KIDD

mrbook - Posted - 10/06/2010:  07:12:35

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On Sunday, I had about an hour drive home from a gig, and I found a Flatt & Scruggs CD in the car that I had put together from my record collection. I slipped it in, and as the first few notes of "Dear Old Dixie" came out of the speakers, there was no question about the tune should be played. I don't call many musical pieces perfect, but that one could be. Yeah, I've heard him play the same break in two or three songs, but it always fits perfectly. "Changing Times" wasn't a great F&S record, but I get a few laughs when I listen to it. I saw the Revue and didn't get excited (even with Vassar and Josh Graves), but it doesn't mean he's not a good player. There are a lot of good players today, but I still get more excited listening to Earl than anyone else.

I think I said this on the first or second page, but some kids have to go around saying their father doesn't know anything. Even getting older doesn't mean you mature.

kipperr - Posted - 10/06/2010:  07:22:50

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Try this:

Ron Stewart - Posted - 10/06/2010:  07:56:34

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Very well put, and I also think any musician that gets up and plays, has something to offer. I have learned from everyone, including students and I sure ain't too proud to say it! I am NOT God's gift to banjo, and never will be, BUT, I do know banjo pretty well, and I know where the inspiration mostly came from, and I am aware of where Earl's inspiration came from. I don't care if you like or dislike his particular playing, but to bash the man and his music,well that's a whole different story, and I along with many others agree on this point. The long and short is this, if Earl wasn't all that, then why do 99% of banjo players spend a lifetime trying to learn everything he did? Would seem pointless if it weren't true! JD once said "You have to get it, to be able to try to get it!"

Richard Dress - Posted - 10/06/2010:  08:34:28

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I think Earl is a musical genius and a world-class musician. The more I learn about BG banjo, the higher Earl climbs in my estimation.

I have been following this thread from the beginning and I have to say that I don't think anybody has really been able to squash this annoying poster. There's a lot of "yes he is/no he isn't" and 'you are wrong and I am right" but no real meat. Nothing to really refute his argument. Just eight pages of agonizing and moaning is what I see. Well meant and heartfelt, but nothing with a real solid punch.

So maybe there is something to learn here. This guy waltzes into a Scruggs forum and says Earl sucks because of a, b, and c. Eight pages later nobody has squelched him with a solid refutation, as far as I can see. I hate to say it but he has done pretty well as a nuisance. Getting mad or kicking him out just plays into his method, I think.

To say that Earl sucks is clearly insane. But so far he is getting away with it.

That's the way I see it, anyway.

The KIDD - Posted - 10/06/2010:  09:20:06

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Well, I SEE IT as having been VERY VERY valuable!!!!!!.. Heck, we knew there were gonna be total disagreements/emotional responses back and forth(GEEZUS ? Ya think?) that was a given and the goal was not to squash him. The only thing that can squash SB is SB.This is a TOTALLY diff thread than the one that actually got THIS one started. We prolly see it ALOT differently becuase WE were THERE!..Your lil 3-4 word post was only to agree with someone who IMO, (THE WAY I SEE IT), was slammin Earl in a lefthanded (read between the lines) kinda way. YEAH! "John B's"thread done ME a world of good!... 8 pages of angonizing /moaning with nothing accomplished is what YOU got outta this?...Very telling...(not surpising though)
Real easy to be a MON Morn quarterback.

From Greylock to Bean Blossom - Posted - 10/06/2010:  09:30:06

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Hello Kidd,
I take Richard's post differently than you did. My take was that SB upset everyone and that he was not squelched meant that he was not silenced. there is no doubt SB will return like tics in the spring to bother us again.
I agree with you that there were some great things out of this post -mainly Ron's well articulated and in depth response that could only come so well from some one who lives it and breaths it.
Richard, if I have misspoken for you, please correct me.
Ken

Richard Dress - Posted - 10/06/2010:  09:49:43

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You are right, Ken. An incoherent response to an honest appraisal is maybe a symptom of wider problem. It might explain why the thread has gone on so long.

It seems that actually reading a post and giving it some kind of logical analysis is a lost art. If I can't make a simple observation without causing people to froth, then stringbreaker has won the day hands down.

PS: No reason to make this personal. If you think I meant you as the one who froths, please don't take it personally--I am just trying to point out how SB is stirring the pot. I am not naming names.; I am trying to keep it a general discussion. But please stop flipping out; I love Earl too.

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Edited by - Richard Dress on 10/06/2010 11:10:30

The KIDD - Posted - 10/06/2010:  10:02:53

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OH NO...(lets see if I should be offended)...As I look at my music pages and see the high caliber of "PICKERS" who support my playin/ value me as a player/contributor, agree with my teaching/picking philosphys etc..THEN access this statement and from where it came...mmm?. I think NOT.....Keep it going Richy babe!!..Anything YOU post that will show we're 180 degrees apart in philosiphy, picking style, beginner advice, sense of fair play, ALL THE ABOVE.. is a COMPLIMENT to ME..
Slam AWAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Edited by - The KIDD on 10/06/2010 10:12:42

minstrelmike - Posted - 10/06/2010:  10:16:16

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quote:

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Originally posted by stringbreaker

quote:

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Originally posted by minstrelmike

I'm sure Ron's post settled everything.

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it settled nothing. why do you assume, because of his credentials.

how about a list of scruggs material from 1970's onward that are played by banjo community, that feature good songwriting? shouldnt be hard. thats 40 years btw

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I was teasing. I have no idea who Ron Stewart is. I was regurgitating the xkcd comic where the girl was trying to get the guy to come to bed but he was furiously typing saying, "In a minute. Someone on the internet is wrong."