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MarkJohnson - Posted - 08/28/2011: 19:07:49
Mr. Steve Martin owns and performs his clawhammer style banjo materiel on his new Deering "Clawgrass" model open back banjo, It has a full 22 fret /scale neck, The finest of woods and metals (Bell Bronze) the Deering 06' flathead Tone Ring, Highly figured and hand carved walnut neck , highly ornate and heavily engraved and gold plated and personalized to Steve's tastes by the artists at Deering.
The Banjo is not a resonated banjo. Steve uses a custom made (Prototype) Tony Perez Tone Guard that Tony made for me a few years back for me and that I gave to Steve. It "press fits" over the opening of the back of the banjo and mimics the feel of a resonator but is just an ornate wire frame attached to the banjo.
It is designed specifically for performing with a full band ensemble while standing up behind a microphone and facing an audience on stage.
The Tone Guard allows the banjo to be lifted off the body so more of the open back sound can project it's sound and tone and blend with the other instruments but project clearly when taking a lead or when playing solo.
Getting every drop of tone and volume control when playing open back banjo with a full band on stage is critical. The Tone Guard also allows the player to adjust his/her playing angle on the fret board while standing up and performing. More control. It allows The Deering Clawgrass banjo "that much more volume and tone when performing on stage.
The Clawgrass Model Banjo is a concert grade instrument that more than meets the requirements of the large rooms that Steve performs in with the Steep Canyon Rangers (I.E.Carnegie Hall)
Mr. Martin still plays his Gibson RB-180 open back banjo that he has had most of his career along with John Hartford's 1936 Gibson RB-18 Top Tension Banjo (The one he recorded "Gentle on my Mind" with) and several other vintage Gibson Flatheads.
All the best to you,
Mark Johnson/ Clawgrass.com
BanjoLink - Posted - 09/01/2011: 08:19:46
quote:
Originally posted by MarkJohnson
Mr. Steve Martin owns and performs his clawhammer style banjo materiel on his new Deering "Clawgrass" model open back banjo, It has a full 22 fret /scale neck, The finest of woods and metals (Bell Bronze) the Deering 06' flathead Tone Ring, Highly figured and hand carved walnut neck , highly ornate and heavily engraved and gold plated and personalized to Steve's tastes by the artists at Deering.
The Banjo is not a resonated banjo. Steve uses a custom made (Prototype) Tony Perez Tone Guard that Tony made for me a few years back for me and that I gave to Steve. It "press fits" over the opening of the back of the banjo and mimics the feel of a resonator but is just an ornate wire frame attached to the banjo.
It is designed specifically for performing with a full band ensemble while standing up behind a microphone and facing an audience on stage.
The Tone Guard allows the banjo to be lifted off the body so more of the open back sound can project it's sound and tone and blend with the other instruments but project clearly when taking a lead or when playing solo.
Getting every drop of tone and volume control when playing open back banjo with a full band on stage is critical. The Tone Guard also allows the player to adjust his/her playing angle on the fret board while standing up and performing. More control. It allows The Deering Clawgrass banjo "that much more volume and tone when performing on stage.
The Clawgrass Model Banjo is a concert grade instrument that more than meets the requirements of the large rooms that Steve performs in with the Steep Canyon Rangers (I.E.Carnegie Hall)
Mr. Martin still plays his Gibson RB-180 open back banjo that he has had most of his career along with John Hartford's 1936 Gibson RB-18 Top Tension Banjo (The one he recorded "Gentle on my Mind" with) and several other vintage Gibson Flatheads.
All the best to you,
Mark Johnson/ Clawgrass.com
Thank you Mark - that was very informative! I'll send it on to my friend that wanted the information. Iwas familiar with most of Steve's resonator banjos, but you don't hear as much about his others. I saw him last summer, but was so far away I couldn't tell what some of them were!
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