Pine Cone - Posted - 09/16/2014:  17:41:41

quote:

---

Originally posted by Nels

From start to finish....WOW...thanks for sharing the ride!! Has it been a year??

---

I first contacted Dan about building me last October, so technically it has only been 11 months, but it took me a few weeks before that to talk myself into being ready to order one and another week to decide what I thought I wanted him to build me.

Dan Knowles - Posted - 09/16/2014:  18:38:16

Tyler,

I wondered who was gonna see that I should have known you'd be the one to find it!

Ellen, David Rubicon, Dave, Terry and Nels,

Thanks so very much for your kind words! I'm glad y'all have been with us through this trip! As Scott already said, I'm heading out to the river (tomorrow morning) but when I get back next week I'll try to make both an audio and video recording of Shine.

Scott,

Thank you for your oh so kind words. Knowing that you are pleased is the most important thing for me. BTW it was great talking with you tonight!

Dan Knowles - Posted - 09/16/2014:  18:58:55

TUESDAY EVENING

I had a very interestring thing happen today. While hunting around on the internet for audio and video recordings of my work, I found this...

Y'all remember the PBS Creative Instincts folks that came down to Paris to film us? Yes it was a year ago last Febuary. We were doing our annual program for the R. E. Lee Academy for the Arts concert. We did a very extensive interview and I did some neck carving while they were there.  I always wondered when it would come out and maybe you have too.

Well in my internet searching, I FOUND IT! 

So I've posted it in my video files here on the grand ole' BHO 

This is the link:   banjohangout.org/myhangout/vid...rID=44416

And just as reminders here are some photos from that day:

Tomorrow from the Mississippi river!

Paul Meredith - Posted - 09/16/2014:  19:31:50

Great video Dan, very informative & entertaining!

bornold - Posted - 09/16/2014:  20:06:22

I really enjoyed the video! Please post when you play an event in Memphis or North MS, would love to come and watch.

Also curious if you make long-neck banjos

Dan Knowles - Posted - 09/17/2014:  04:23:49

Paul,

Thanks! I was quite tickled when I saw it!

Canaan,

Thanks! I'll be playing just north of Memphis on the Mississippi river on the Queen of the Mississippi Saturday evening. The trip is from Memphis to St. Louis. Come on an join us!

Yes I can build long necks. I can and do build any type of banjo. 

TheLastWord - Posted - 09/17/2014:  16:54:38

Dan, that was great and thanks for posting. I can see why this thread is so popular, it's full of fun and really cool stuff.

BNJOMAKR - Posted - 09/17/2014:  17:40:42

Loved the video, Dan!

Dan Knowles - Posted - 09/19/2014:  19:45:48

Richard & Marvin,

Thank you so much. 

Dan Knowles - Posted - 09/19/2014:  21:23:44

FRIDAY

When I was a boy one of the sayings that my dad taught us was, "Excuses are the nails in the coffin of success!" 

So I guess you'll know now why I won't tell you about.......................................................

Which is the reason I haven't posted the past few days.

Instead I'll just tell y'all 'bout the wonderful couple of days I've had aboard the Queen of the Mississippi.

Wednesday Debra and I traveled to Memphis where we picked up my 'stand in"  bassist Ben Welch for a hop down highway 61 to Vicksburg, Mississippi to board the Queen. 

I got to tell you about Ben. Not only is he a great bass player and a very quick learn (which was fortunate), but he is also just a fine feller to travel with. Such intelligent good company. You know that that is so important when you are spending long hours with someone.

Just after arriving on the Queen on Wednesday we met a couple of great guests Janet & Jim Maxwell. At the time we didn't realize how we had just walked into pure gold. 

Jim asked me, "Are you the banjo player? You play clawhammer don't you?"

"Yes" was my answer.

"Been to Clifftop?" 

"Nope, but I'd like to go sometime was my answer." Then I said, "We'll have to do some pickin' during the trip." Little did I know what a treat this would be for me. During the first show I'd look out and there was Jim smiling and lookin' as happy as any human being should be allowed to be. (It is those kind of looks that make my job worthwhile)

So Thursday we had breakfast together and agreed to meet to do some pickin' in the 4th.deck mid boat lounge. Turns out this boy is a real old time banjo player! We started playing at 9:30 and the sessison only broke up at lunch. Here we are Jim (back t the camera), me and Ben.

So I asked jim if he'd like to join us during the evening show. Not only did he do a great job, but the guests loved him.

Friday morning we went walking up to the Memphis Mud Island park to explore the scale model of the Mississippi River system...

More Soon!

DEmery - Posted - 09/20/2014:  01:09:34

Never know when a banjo player will be discovered on the Mississippi. David E.

Dan Knowles - Posted - 09/20/2014:  12:36:50

David,

So true! 

Have you noticed, we passed 175,000 reads yesterday. You have been a big part of that too. Thank you.

DEmery - Posted - 09/20/2014:  13:40:53

Yea Dan...I noticed the other day it was about to clip 175K. The thread has been up 21 months and averages 8,333 views a month. As things go....you could reach 200K by the end of 2014. I have enjoyed it and know based on these numbers others have and do too. I appreciate the hours keeping us posted with the "goings on" up there in Paris. David E. 

Kaelri - Posted - 09/20/2014:  16:08:04

My family and I sure enjoy stopping by here each day. Everyone wants to know, "What sort of adventure is Dan having today?" Thanks for doing this, Dan.

Dan Knowles - Posted - 09/20/2014:  20:57:56

David & Ellen,

Thanks for looking and enjoying this post. That is so special to me!

Dan Knowles - Posted - 09/20/2014:  21:18:57

SATURDAY

Turn around day on the Queen

Today the folks from the first tour departed and a new group arrived. It is always difficult seeing a bunch of folks who I have grown to care about head on down the road. I guess the compensation is the knowing that the new group will fill the same space in my heart before the trip is finished. There are several old friends on this trip. Folks that we have met in earlier voyages and this is so nice.

My son Sam arrived around 10 this morning in Memphis to play bass on this leg of the trip. We are traveling from Memphis and will arrive in Paducah, Kentucky on Monday morning. It's the first trip for Sam in about five months. It's great to have his solid bass powering me through the show. 

Have I told you that not only does he play great bass but he is becoming a fine banjo picker in his own right. Here he found the slave style banjo that I left in the 4th. mid-boat lounge.

What a nice crowed this bunch is. Tonight we had a great show with them! Loads of fun!

MOre REAl SOON!

guitarman8491 - Posted - 09/21/2014:  01:52:42

Dan, congratulations on your ever growing readership. I have enjoyed the journey you have taken us of your life as a Dad, luthier, musician and teacher. Thank you for all of the effort that it takes to put these postings together...Doug

Dan Knowles - Posted - 09/21/2014:  07:20:18

Doug,

Thank you and you are so welcome!

Everybody,

It's off to teach the Queen banjo class in a few minutes. The days ride beginnith. I'll try to make a post later tonight.

Dave1climber - Posted - 09/21/2014:  07:25:50

The adventure continues.     Thanks for taking us along for the ride.  

Dan Knowles - Posted - 09/21/2014:  10:29:22

BACK FROM THE BANJO CLASS

I just returned to my room from teaching (along with Sam) this trip's banjo class. This was a great bunch of smart and quick learners. I couldn't ask for better! Sam held down the bass note and I kept the folks counting..."1 & 2 & 1 & 2 &...."

Now it's off to lunch. What a life!!!

More quite soon!!!

Dan Knowles - Posted - 09/21/2014:  10:30:43

Dave,

You are so welcome! Thank you for coming along for the ride!

Carl Arcand - Posted - 09/21/2014:  17:19:33

Dan, 

Every time I see those picture on the queen  with all the people holding a banjo I feel happy inside. 

Seeing the joy on there faces makes me believe in human kindness and hope. You make those people happy and you look happy too.

You are doing something I wish I had the energy to accomplish and I am sure many of us thinks the same.

I admire your work and your positive energy. 

Carl

Dan Knowles - Posted - 09/22/2014:  07:23:27

Carl,

Thank you so much. I feel so fortunate to be able to do and have the life that I have. Sometimes I have to pinch myself just to find out if it's real or not.

BTW...We just arrived in Paducah, Kentucky where we will spend the day. The members of my band CHILL TONIC will be boarding for an evening show (I'm really looking forward to this!) and then tomorrow it will be back home in Tennessee!

Dave1climber - Posted - 09/22/2014:  07:45:42

Dan

One of these days I am going to be at one of the performances of CHILL TONIC.  I know you will do a great show.  

jimbobmaxwell - Posted - 09/22/2014:  16:14:11

quote:I finally found this, Dan!  Thank you so much for the experience of a lifetime aboard the Queen of the Mississippi!  As I told the crowd on board, you are right at the top of the heap of the best claw-hammer banjo players that I've ever heard, including the Clifftop, WV festival each summer where some of the finest old-time musicians gather.  You are an expert musician, a great entertainer, and a fine person.  I'm mighty glad to know you!

---

Originally posted by Dan Knowles

FRIDAY

When I was a boy one of the sayings that my dad taught us was, "Excuses are the nails in the coffin of success!" 

So I guess you'll know now why I won't tell you about.......................................................

Which is the reason I haven't posted the past few days.

Instead I'll just tell y'all 'bout the wonderful couple of days I've had aboard the Queen of the Mississippi.

Wednesday Debra and I traveled to Memphis where we picked up my 'stand in"  bassist Ben Welch for a hop down highway 61 to Vicksburg, Mississippi to board the Queen. 

I got to tell you about Ben. Not only is he a great bass player and a very quick learn (which was fortunate), but he is also just a fine feller to travel with. Such intelligent good company. You know that that is so important when you are spending long hours with someone.

Just after arriving on the Queen on Wednesday we met a couple of great guests Janet & Jim Maxwell. At the time we didn't realize how we had just walked into pure gold. 

Jim asked me, "Are you the banjo player? You play clawhammer don't you?"

"Yes" was my answer.

"Been to Clifftop?" 

"Nope, but I'd like to go sometime was my answer." Then I said, "We'll have to do some pickin' during the trip." Little did I know what a treat this would be for me. During the first show I'd look out and there was Jim smiling and lookin' as happy as any human being should be allowed to be. (It is those kind of looks that make my job worthwhile)

So Thursday we had breakfast together and agreed to meet to do some pickin' in the 4th.deck mid boat lounge. Turns out this boy is a real old time banjo player! We started playing at 9:30 and the sessison only broke up at lunch. Here we are Jim (back t the camera), me and Ben.

So I asked jim if he'd like to join us during the evening show. Not only did he do a great job, but the guests loved him.

Friday morning we went walking up to the Memphis Mud Island park to explore the scale model of the Mississippi River system...

More Soon!

---

Dan Knowles - Posted - 09/23/2014:  07:37:29

Dave,

I wish I could have caught last nights concert with CHILL TONIC for posterior! The fellers knocked the ball so far out of the ballpark that they are searchin' for it still! On a side note we hope to travel up to Central Michigan sometime, hopefully soon!

Jim,

Thank you so much for joining Ben and I for the Queen concert. It was so much fun pickin' and singin' and sharin' with you!

Dan Knowles - Posted - 09/23/2014:  08:45:58

PADUCAH IS DE PLACE TA B!

As I'm sure you already know, Sam & I spent yesterday in Paducah, Kentucky. We arrived around 8:30 after having passed through Lock 52 (at Brookport, IL).

So after breakfast went to wondering around around town. I went to the local music store to pick up a set of strings for Josh's mandolin. He by the way has a new and very fantastic CD just out. It's called the Wheelhouse Rousters, a collection of songs from riverboat roustabouts first collected in the 1930's by Mary Wheeler.

It is one of those deceptively simple sounding works which is wonderfully played and so multi facited that I'm going to find myself returning to it again and again! Here is a link to their facebook epage: facebook.com/thewheelhouserousters and a link to a live video of WHERE WAZ YOU LAST NIGHT? youtube.com/watch?v=E-fIt4tBBp4

Here they is...Josh Coffey, Eddie Coffey & Nathan Lynn.

OK, now back to wonderin'...

After the music store we stopped in at JERRY'S MISTER PENGUIN TUXEDO shop where we had a delightful time trying out the most beautiful white tux.

What a hoot! Jerry is one of those delightful salespeople who can get you to laugh and enjoy your shopping experience so much that you literally want to remove the money from your pocket and keep giving it to him! The monkey suit was just what the doctor ordered too!

Here is something cool that I found as I was drifting around the Paducah Lower Town Arts District...

Cool, isn't it. To bad it's not a banjo player.

After a wonderful Queen of the Mississippi dinner we went up to the Magnolia lounge to get ready for the show...

Here for the first time in a white tux! Oh man, does the boy think that he's dashing!

Several guests wanted a CHILL TONIC 'photo op' just before the show... so we gave it to 'um! Left to right it's Danny Conger, Mark Holladay, Josh Coffey, me &  (my son) Sam Knowles....

CHILL TONIC onstage and 'boogyin'!'

Josh tearing it up!

SEE YA SOON!

Edited by - Dan Knowles on 09/23/2014 08:48:18

Noah Cline - Posted - 09/23/2014:  13:51:31

That bass player statue reminds me of a banjo player statue (made similar like the bass) in Romney.

Kaelri - Posted - 09/23/2014:  14:42:47

quote:

---

Originally posted by Dan Knowles

............. On a side note we hope to travel up to Central Michigan sometime, hopefully soon!..........

 

 

---

Will this trip to central Michigan be for a music type show?  That'd be cool! My family and I would definitely try and make that show......(unless we are already on stage ourselves somewhere which happens often when we want to go see a concert.  ) But please keep us informed! 

guitarman8491 - Posted - 09/23/2014:  17:33:04

Great photos and the base sculpture is awesome!

Pine Cone - Posted - 09/23/2014:  17:41:37

Styling there Dan the Man!  I think you need a splash of color up there - maybe a cravat around the neck or just a gaudy wide tie! 

DEmery - Posted - 09/23/2014:  17:55:31

Dan I think this may be your signature look. Sort of makes me want a bucket of fried chicken and listen to one of your CDs. David E.

 

Dan Knowles - Posted - 09/23/2014:  21:09:31

Doug,

Thanks!

Scott,

I agree. I was going to wear my red bow tie. Unfortunatly it takes me way to long in tieing one and I ran out of time before the show.

David,

Thanks! I only hope it was a bucket of Gus's (Memphis best) fried chicken!

Dan Knowles - Posted - 09/23/2014:  21:10:34

Doug,

Thanks!

Scott,

I agree. I was going to wear my red bow tie. Unfortunately it takes me way to long in tying one and I ran out of time before the show.

David,

Thanks! I only hope it was a bucket of Gus's (Memphis best) fried chicken!

Kirk Jacobs - Posted - 09/24/2014:  11:34:33

quote:

---

Originally posted by Dan Knowles

Scott,

I agree. I was going to wear my red bow tie. Unfortunately it takes me way to long in tying one and I ran out of time before the show.

---

I'm able to clip mine on in seconds  

Dan Knowles - Posted - 09/24/2014:  17:48:58

Kirk,

Smart man you are!

Dan Knowles - Posted - 09/24/2014:  18:52:35

WEDNESDAY

It's funny but even a couple days after being out I'm still recovering somewhat from this last trip... too much excitement I guess. 

I had a nice treat today. This afternoon Big O (Chuck Oninski of Racine, WI) from here on the banjo hangout along with his wife and mother-in-law dropped in to the ole' luthiers shop for a nice visit. Being the fool I can be at times, I didn't shoot any photos. I sure had a nice visit and I hope that they did too. Chuck, y'all come on back anytime!

Luthing...

Here's one I thought y'all might like to see... a little jig that I made up the other day to sand fit a mandolin bridge to the mando top. This thing holds the bridge tight in the correct angle and placement...

If you will remember that before I left out for this last trip I received a box of parts from my pal Bill Rickard. Amongst the parts was this Oettinger style tailpiece. It is one of the new ones Bill is making. This is an amazing piece of machining and design. It's a bit different than the originals which I have handled. The parts of this one  are machined rather than cast which makes for a nice almost Steam Punk look.

I wanted to try this tailpiece out so I pulled off the Kershner that I'd had on for a while and mounted this one. It was pretty quick and easy as it quickly clamps onto the two adjacent j-hooks. If you'll notice the hex bolts...they adjust the down pressure of the 'fingers'.

Adjusting the first string....

Up...

Down...

I had a big time giving the Pharaoh a test drive with the new tailpiece. Although the variety of tones and volumes (depending on the adjustment) was quite impressive, It was the stability of this Jewell that made me really sit up and pay attention! Because the stings are isolated on different fingers, the usual tuning issues from changing tunings seamed to almost disappear. I was able to change from one tuning to another with almost no change in the strings not being tuned. Yes! Yes!

I'll be excited to find out how this new Rickard tailpiece behaves in the real world trenches of stage use. If it is at all like the tuners and all the other parts Bill manufactures it will be another wonderful addition to the banjo world! 

I stripped Shine's neck off today to start the detail finishing. First crack out, leveling the frets...

Off came the nut (for finishing) and then they got their tops marked. Once the ink is all gone (because of planing) they will be level. The following process is repeated at least three times... 

Using this perfectly flat diamond hone, the fret tops are trued...

The filings are brushed away and the we do it all again...

Spaces between the frets are taped off to protect the fingerboard during fret crowing, sanding and polishing...

SEE YOU TOMORROW!

Paul R - Posted - 09/24/2014:  21:28:28

Dan, that white jacket is a great length! You and Mr. M. Twain would make a good pair. Colonel Sanders, late resident of Mississauga, Ontario, and his fried chicken, optional. Is Gus's that good?

Bill's tailpiece looks like a winner. String changes look easy, too. Bonus: Allen wrenches are natural for a cyclist. It's win-win!

DEmery - Posted - 09/25/2014:  03:41:58

Dan...what level of difficulty would it be to fit tuners like those on Shine on St. Augustine? Once tuners of this type are drilled and fitted - can it be done? Maybe we can talk when you get a minute. David E.

Dan Knowles - Posted - 09/25/2014:  05:46:54

Paul,

Thanks. I actually bought that suit thinking about Mr. Clements and not the Colonel.  My son Samuel was named for him. That is interesting, I didn't know the Colonel lived in your beautiful province. 

For my taste buds Gus's is the best fried chicken I've ever had, period.

David,

I don't  know if these tuners will fit on St. Augustine  because of tuner size difference. I'll check the specs on both today to see if this upgrade is possible.

Edited by - Dan Knowles on 09/25/2014 05:47:49

jbalch - Posted - 09/25/2014:  06:42:31

Dan _ I love that new Rickard tailpiece.  Be sure to let us know how it performs.

I am a big fan of the original Oettinger tailpiece on my Bacon tenor banjo.  Our friend, Jim McLellan, recommends setting them up with the most down pressure on the bass strings and least on the trebles (see photo). I do like the way that set-up sounds on my B&D.

Will be curious how you choose to adjust yours after experimentation.

BTW - I'm currently using a German-made "bearclaw" tailpiece on my Williams bluegrass banjo.  I like the sound of it.  but that version is not as well-made as the old Oettinger - or this new one from Bill.

 

Dan Knowles - Posted - 09/25/2014:  07:07:00

John,

I just finished this mornings practice session and yes I used the Pharaoh with the Rickard tailpiece. Now that the strings have settled and the new has backed off a bit I am noticing a bit of tonal difference.

The banjo seams to have retained all of the sustain that it had with the Kirshner or a no -knot This I didn't expect. And Oddly enough the notes seam clearer and more precise. So far I am very pleased with the change. 

I will be playing with adjusting the tailpiece as we go along. So far I tried exactly the opposite from Jim's approach and lowered the trebles... I was not real pleased with the effect. Today I think I'll bring home a hex key and see what some of the other changes do.

Looking at your Beaeclaw there are a couple of things that I like much better on the Rickard.

1. The sting path is much smoother. There are no harsh curves for the string to bind in. This should improve tuning stability.

2. like all of Bill's tailpieces there are these beautiful knobs to hang the string from. This is a very easy to load and secure string mount. The bearclaw was designed for ball end not loop end strings.

Edited by - Dan Knowles on 09/25/2014 07:11:03

Pine Cone - Posted - 09/25/2014:  07:38:05

I would be interested in finding out how Bill's new tailpiece might sound on Shine.  I have been curious about those tailpieces since Bill mentioned he was going to build them.

Edited by - Pine Cone on 09/25/2014 07:39:30

Dan Knowles - Posted - 09/25/2014:  19:09:06

Scott,

The Rickard Oettinger tailpiece would certainly give shine a whole other group of tonal possibilities. Unfortunately Bill is currently only making these for 11" x 24 bracket Mastertone spacing. I will carry the Pharaoh to toe shop tomorrow and do some measurements to check if one of these tailpieces could be reasonably modified to fit Shine. I'll try to report on it tomorrow.

David,

After measuring the Schertler & Golden age tuners I think it could be accomplished. It would require modifying the Schertler tuner base & knobs to fit St. Augustine. If you have a moment tomorrow call me and we'll talk further about it.

Edited by - Dan Knowles on 09/25/2014 19:09:35

DEmery - Posted - 09/26/2014:  04:13:00

Dan I will call today at some point. Thanks. David

Dan Knowles - Posted - 09/28/2014:  19:07:15

ACCIDENT

Here is proof that even the most careful worker can do something risky and have an accident. Friday while finishing a turning on my small lathe I slipped and poked my pointer finger (slightly) into the turning chuck. I lost the end of a finger nail and cut my finger some. Tonight I'm typing with my middle & ring fingers. No first finger hunt and peck. I post this photo to remind my fellow luthier's exercise caution and never completely trust these hungry electrical monsters... It could ruin your day like it did mine!

rubicon - Posted - 09/28/2014:  19:28:53

My god Dan ! I hope your ok

Pine Cone - Posted - 09/28/2014:  22:21:59

I hope you heal quickly.  I have had my share of woodworking accidents and near accidents.  

Scary!

tylerandal - Posted - 09/28/2014:  22:37:36

Oh no!!!