Frailblazer - Posted - 12/02/2014:  08:52:12

Here's an original tune that I'm still working on but I think you'll get the idea.  I'm playing the Tranjo in open G tuning.

Thanks for watching!

Ric

Edited by - Frailblazer on 12/07/2014 18:43:25

VIDEO: Tranjo Noodling (click to view)

Paul Roberts - Posted - 12/02/2014:  09:03:12

Wow, gorgeous sound and really nice playing!

Is that the acoustic sound of the instrument? There's so much projection, it almost sounds amplified.

rickhayes - Posted - 12/02/2014:  09:07:20

Would that everybody could noodle that well.  Doesn't sound like it needs much more work.  Agree with Paul about the sound.

Frailblazer - Posted - 12/02/2014:  09:08:58

Thanks Paul. That's pretty much how it sounds. I recorded this with my iPhone, so not amplified. I just added a touch of EQ and reverb afterwards.  The instrument is not particularly loud but has a pleasing warm tone and is a joy to play.

Ric

bhniko - Posted - 12/02/2014:  09:13:50

Both ears enjoyed your noodle.

Out of curiosity did you build the banjo?

Laurence Diehl - Posted - 12/02/2014:  09:16:17

Fantastic! I had no idea that a tranjo could be so much fun! Do I have to succumb to tranjo envy now? Great playing as always, Ric.

Frailblazer - Posted - 12/02/2014:  09:29:37

Thank you all! 

bhniko - I purchased this from Sam Farris.  Check out tranjo.com

Laurence - It really is a fun instrument to play.  I take it to work with me just about every day.  It's great to get some time over lunch to play and it's quiet enough that I don't disturb anyone when my office door is closed.

With regard to setup: I replaced the white frosted head that it came with for a black Remo drum head.  The bridge is an "American Made Roasted Maple" (5/8", standard spacing).  You can find those here: firstqualitymusic.com/store/pa...uplicate/  I also have a pretty big piece of foam wedged in the back to sweeten the sound.  The action is really nice, as is the intonation.

Ric

tokarev_99 - Posted - 12/02/2014:  09:32:13

it sounds really good

congrats

in particular... I think you choose a tune that perfectly match the timbre of the instrument...

 

edpottenger - Posted - 12/02/2014:  09:50:58

Great...now I have Tranjo envy😎

Chris Blake - Posted - 12/02/2014:  11:22:30

Fantastic. This is no noodle, sir. This is better than most finished work.

Raulin de los Bosques - Posted - 12/02/2014:  12:31:47

I wish my most elaborated tunes could sound half as good as your noodling! Loved the tune! I think that's some stuff you could record and publish.
Also, that tranjo thingy sounds really interesting. I could do with one to use while my family are sleeping - or can't stand my "most elaborated playing" any longer...

Frailblazer - Posted - 12/03/2014:  07:42:23

Thank you all very much for your kind words.

If I can find the time I'll record some bluegrass using the Tranjo so you can get a sense of how that sounds on this instrument.

Ric

banjo bill-e - Posted - 12/03/2014:  17:20:26

Ric, is it possible to frail that Tranjo? I really need a quiet option for my tiny apartment that still sounds like a banjo. Enjoy everything that you post.
Bill

tinkersdam - Posted - 12/03/2014:  17:25:17

Ric,

Beautiful piece!      Well done!    Thanks for posting.

Denise

Edited by - tinkersdam on 12/03/2014 17:26:14

Frailblazer - Posted - 12/03/2014:  17:33:31

quote:

---

Originally posted by banjo bill-e

Ric, is it possible to frail that Tranjo? I really need a quiet option for my tiny apartment that still sounds like a banjo. Enjoy everything that you post.

Bill

---

Bill,

For sure!  And, there's lots of clearance to frail up near the neck.

Ric

Frailblazer - Posted - 12/03/2014:  17:34:22

quote:

---

Originally posted by tinkersdam

Ric,

Beautiful piece!      Well done!    Thanks for posting.

 

Denise

---

Thanks Denise. 

stevel - Posted - 12/03/2014:  17:41:35

The missing headstock almost seems like a magic trick... 

Well played Ric. 

Steve 

Banjowen - Posted - 12/04/2014:  01:51:02

Most enjoyable and very well played, shows what can be done on a Tranjo....

vlawson - Posted - 12/04/2014:  02:38:36

that was great! it makes me feel very relaxed. It sounds similar to a Link or two from charlie brown. I love it.do you have any tabs on that?

Marc Nerenberg - Posted - 12/04/2014:  03:15:42

I saw this the day it was posted and thought it was wonderful - but before posting a reply to the thread, I went to do a little research on the Tranjo via Google. Needless to say, i got lost in my research, virtually exploring all the different models of Tranjo, and reminding myself that I really have enough banjos, and I don't actually need to buy one.

I just now realized that I forgot to come back to this thread and remark on how wonderful this piece and its performance are!

Frailblazer - Posted - 12/04/2014:  05:30:20

Thanks again everyone. :-)

I haven't tabbed this one out yet, sorry.

Ric

sdfarris - Posted - 12/04/2014:  07:07:17

Ric - thanks for posting that video! Sometimes I get so caught up in the production side of the Tranjo business I forget to sit down and enjoy playing one.

Sam Farris

jack_beuthin - Posted - 12/04/2014:  18:53:55

Bravo!  Beautiful "noodling."  And I am blown away by the tonal quality of the Tranjo as well. 

Frailblazer - Posted - 12/05/2014:  05:35:49

Sam - You're quite welcome!

Jack - Thank you very much!

Ric

Marc Nerenberg - Posted - 12/08/2014:  14:51:00

I remember a while back you were talking about a CD you were recording.

If that CD (or equivalent download) exists, I haven't heard about it, and I'd love to know how and where I can get it.

If it doesn't yet exist, the question arises: What the heck are you doing, noodling? You have no time to noodle. You have to finish your CD and get it into our hot little hands!

Your fans await!

Patrick P. - Posted - 12/09/2014:  02:44:55

Well played !

Maybe the Tranjo will be my next banjo