JoePasko - Posted - 12/10/2014:  03:22:53

I came up with the idea, and 'quarterbacked' the build, so to speak, but want to acknowledge the skilled professionals who helped to bring my cool project to fruition.

I salvaged the rim from a 120-year old S.S.Stewart 'American Princess'.  Took it to Ken Sabin, an antique metal restoration expert, in Hillsdale, NY.  He brought the German silver wrap almost back to its original 1890's condition.  I then outfitted it with a new head, and all new hardware, from Rickard Banjos, in Ontario.

Finally, I sent the whole rig down to Kevin Siebold, in North Carolina, who built and installed the 3-string, 17 & 1/2"- scale neck.

The UPS truck brought it back to me in Upstate NY this past Monday, and I've been happily plunking away ever since !

I have seen guitar-banjos, and mando-banjos, and ukulele-banjos ... but never a balalaika-banjo.  Wondering if mine is the first ???

Joe Pasko

Albany, NY

Edited by - JoePasko on 12/10/2014 04:53:26

	Not yer mama's Volga Boatman	Banjolaika

JoePasko - Posted - 12/10/2014:  03:42:03

check out Ken Sabin's excellent work :

facebook.com/pages/Sabins-Chro...178758925

and also the cool and unusual creations of Kevin Seibold :

krappyguitars.com/exotic.html

YWGbanjo - Posted - 12/10/2014:  03:52:02

Cool!  Balalaika music is awesome.  Will we get to year your banjolaika play?

mike gregory - Posted - 12/10/2014:  06:39:23

Cool!
Doc Watson meets Doc Zhivago!!

Jonnycake White - Posted - 12/10/2014:  08:36:55

Looks great, and I second the request for a sound file.

mike gregory - Posted - 12/10/2014:  09:21:19

I third

JoePasko - Posted - 01/10/2015:  06:22:06

I have several instruments on which I've been asked for audio/video clips.  I am not a soloist really ...more of an accompanist / jammer.   I guess I am going to get some pickers together and get my son to shoot video while we play.  PS - check the rear view of the 5 ply neck.  Kevin did some good-looking work.

Edited by - JoePasko on 01/10/2015 06:23:36

banjolaika

BrianBanjos - Posted - 01/10/2015:  07:37:28

Joe. We are practically neighbors. Have you been to Musica in Hudson. Lots of world instruments including various banjo like instruments from Japan, China, and Vietnam for sale. In the past he has had belaliaks for sale. This in addition to guitars banjos ukes fiddles etc. It is a magical store. I sent you a pm via the hangout.

JoePasko - Posted - 01/10/2015:  08:00:10

Well ex-neighbors, actually .. I need to update my profile.  After 13 years in Schodack, and then 5 years in Niverville, I moved back across the river to Albany in 2014, to live with my gf.  I love Southern Rensselaer County and Columbia Co., I miss that neck of the woods and hope I can move back some day.  Used to go to Winterhawk / Greyfox down there at the original location in Ancramdale.  I am familiar w/ Musica, of course  ... that's where I got my balalaika !  He gave me $100 + a Soviet-era balalaika, in exchange for an old electric guitar I wanted to get rid of.  That was 2 years ago .. and that balalaika was what gave me the idea to create a "banjolaika".  Three strings is prefect for me.

I play in a band in Albany area, we're called "Three Quarter North" ... check us out sometime.  I see that you are BHO friends with Bob Altshuler ... he's our banjo player.  I play washboard, bones, spoons and other "hillbilly percussion", in this band.

Edited by - JoePasko on 01/10/2015 08:03:51

BrianBanjos - Posted - 01/10/2015:  08:07:34

I know Bob well. I am in Big Creek although we dont have a lot going on now. Small world.

rudy - Posted - 01/10/2015:  08:15:47

quote:

---

Originally posted by JoePasko

Well ex-neighbors, actually .. I need to update my profile.  After 13 years in Schodack, and then 5 years in Niverville, I moved back across the river to Albany in 2014, to live with my gf.  I love Southern Rensselaer County and Columbia Co., I miss that neck of the woods and hope I can move back some day.  Used to go to Winterhawk / Greyfox down there at the original location in Ancramdale.  I am familiar w/ Musica, of course  ... that's where I got my balalaika !  He gave me $100 + a Soviet-era balalaika, in exchange for an old electric guitar I wanted to get rid of.  That was 2 years ago .. and that balalaika was what gave me the idea to create a "banjolaika".  Three strings is prefect for me.

I play in a band in Albany area, we're called "Three Quarter North" ... check us out sometime.  I see that you are BHO friends with Bob Altshuler ... he's our banjo player.  I play washboard, bones, spoons and other "hillbilly percussion", in this band.

---

Here you go ,then!

bluestemstrings.com/pageGuitar...ring.html

JoePasko - Posted - 01/10/2015:  08:15:56

Big Creek ?  I am very good friends with Kevin and Robin .. haven't you've played at their restaurant  ?  I've played there quite a bit, sitting in with Captain Squeeze or Frank J.