erwindink - Posted - 05/18/2012:  12:07:05

I'm a beginning cello player (almost intermediate). I recently bought a cello banjo, the Goldtone CEB-4.  It's strung the same as a cello so I've been learning a few of my cello songs on the banjo using a pick. It's fun but I'm also thinking I'd like to do a little more. I'm just not sure where to start. I have to make a couple decisions:

Should I keep the CGDA string configuration or go with an open tuning? I find chords on these strings to be somewhat challenging and I wonder if an open tuning might make chords easier to learn. On the other hand, I already know scales and fingering on CGDA so maybe I should try a style that doesn't require a lot of chord work.

Supposing I decide to learn some traditional banjo method and tunes, should I go with plectrum or tenor banjo styles?

I see a lot of self-learning resources, many of which look really good. A couple of the more interesting systems are pretty expensive so I'm hesitant to start spending money before I know more about what direction I should be taking.

Lessons aren't really an option -- at least not right away. I'm taking weekly cello lessons and can't afford to add to that.

Long term, I'd like to be able to sit in with friends who play a variety of styles (old-time, folk, rock) as well as play some non-traditional tunes on my own (covers of artists like Patti Smith, Neil Young, The Mountain Goats, John Denver, Nine Inch Nails (I have pretty diverse tastes)).

I guess I'm just looking for some general advice and guidance in getting started with my cello banjo. I'm posting here instead of the Cello Banjo forum because there's not much happening there. My first three posts are getting lonely.

scooter46 - Posted - 05/18/2012:  14:31:42

Why don't you contact Paul Roberts here on the hangout,I know he plays cello and is also a goldtone rep, I'm sure he can give you some advise on starting out on the cello. I think Mary Z Cox also plays a cello. Good Luck. Larry

un5trung - Posted - 05/18/2012:  15:07:06

I play my 4-string cello banjo in the cgda tuning. My inspiration is the mandolin -- both my tenor and cello banjo "styles" are adapted from the eight-string. We have a cello banjo group on the BHO -- please join!

banjohangout.org/group/cellobanjopluckers

Edited by - un5trung on 05/18/2012 15:09:11

Jim Yates - Posted - 05/18/2012:  15:29:23

 

Marcy Marxer is a wonderful cello banjo player and a Hangout member whom I've always found to be very helpful.

un5trung - Posted - 05/18/2012:  15:35:16

I love Marcy, as a guitarist or a banjo player. She inspired Gold Tome to make the 4-string cello, which bears her name. I had no idea she was a hangout member --

Jim Yates - Posted - 05/19/2012:  05:56:07

I noticed your exchange with Marcy on Facebook Robert.  Congratulations you lucky dog.

un5trung - Posted - 05/19/2012:  06:36:32

quote:

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Originally posted by Jim Yates

I noticed your exchange with Marcy on Facebook Robert.  Congratulations you lucky dog.

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I thought it was pretty funny to see that message the same day I wrote you about her!  Funny thing about Facebook is that if I hadn't logged on when I did I'd not have seen the message I replied to -- and have the opportunity I do.  Am pretty excited about it.

Mirek Patek - Posted - 05/19/2012:  11:13:42

quote:

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Originally posted by erwindink

I'm posting here instead of the Cello Banjo forum because there's not much happening there. My first three posts are getting lonely.

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Where is Cello Banjo forum?

Jim Yates - Posted - 05/19/2012:  11:52:16

Mirek,

   I think erwindink probably meant the Cello Banjo Group - banjohangout.org/group/cellobanjopluckers

mikeyes - Posted - 05/20/2012:  13:13:37

The cello banjo is still being defined, but Marcy is the best example of how it can be used. If you ever get a chance to see her and Cathy Fink in concert, I urge you to go as you can't find better music.

Marcy uses the cello banjo for all sorts of music and has singlehandedly brought back an instrument that was forgotten in the past 75 years. You can do whatever you want with it and the CEB-4 is a particularly versatile instrument. I tune mine in cello CGDA or double GDEA with the same strings that come with the instrument. That 14 inch head just pumps out energy and low hertz with very little loss of timbre and no loss of volume no matter how you tune it. I've seen it tuned to GDAE with metal strings (the neck is reinforced with a truss rod) and in guitar tuning.

There is a CEB-5 version but it has more limitations than the CEB-4.

Note, it is not just a bass tenor banjo. It has far more sustain than a tenor banjo and it needs a different technique to play, especially at speed. Choice of picks and strings are crucial and it takes practice to get it right. Keep on working with your CEB-4, you'll love it. Once you get used to the instrument vibrating your whole chest you have a hard time putting it down.

Mike Keyes