Don Borchelt - Posted - 02/19/2022:  09:40:58

Yesterday marked the anniversary of the passing of my dear friend and picking partner Ed Britt. Years back Ed was a frequent contributor to the Hangout on all things regarding banjo history and design, a virtual encyclopedia of the five string. He considered David L. Day to be the greatest banjo maker who ever lived, and now he has joined him. I posted this video to honor his memory.

- Don Borchelt

 

Edited by - Don Borchelt on 02/19/2022 16:51:52

DHutchens - Posted - 02/19/2022:  10:20:57

Ed was a great guy, we spent many an hour talking banjos...

35planar - Posted - 02/19/2022:  10:34:17

Thanks for posting Don...

R.I.P. Ed Britt

mrphysics55 - Posted - 02/19/2022:  10:43:42

Sounds like he was the best kind of man.
Thanks for giving me a warm smile here in BHAM.

davidppp - Posted - 02/19/2022:  10:44:36

My wife came home, after a trip back East, excited to share a CD she bought from a couple of old-timers she was surprised to stumble across, who were just sitting outdoors, playing away. (Much of Don's video was shot right there.) "Oh, that's Ed Britt!" I exclaimed. "They don't come more knowledgeable about hardware or graceful in playing than Ed."

Indeed. Thanks, Don, for the reminder.

Emiel - Posted - 02/19/2022:  11:07:23

Ed Britt was a highly treasured contributor to the Banjo Hangout with a vast knowledge, especially about Bacon and Day. A great banjo player, too. Thank you for the video.

timacn - Posted - 02/19/2022:  11:33:47

Ed Britt provided me with a great deal of very helpful information on Ode long neck banjos. A nice guy and a wonderful (and kind) resource for all of us.

banjoy - Posted - 02/19/2022:  11:55:34

Don -- thank you for creating this thread in honor of Ed.

Bob Buckingham - Posted - 02/19/2022:  14:21:10

Sweet tribute. Ed was helpful when I was looking into some old Bacon banjos. RIP Ed.

restreet - Posted - 02/19/2022:  17:50:04

A wonderful remembrance for a great guy.

Bill H - Posted - 02/20/2022:  02:20:46

Beautiful video Don. It makes me feel happy-sad.

frailin - Posted - 02/20/2022:  04:41:36

Remarkable man in so many ways. Grateful to have known him.

chip arnold - Posted - 02/20/2022:  07:25:53

Thanks for a wonderful tribute, Don.
Ed guided me to my beloved OME Juggernaut back in '05.
His guidance in Linda's restoration of her B&D Infernal resonator was what gave her the confidence and skill to go on to build an F Style mandolin, repair other banjos and restore fiddles.
Ed was truly one of the good guys.

Kimerer - Posted - 02/20/2022:  07:27:59

Ed was the first real banjo player I ever met at my first Banjo Camp North in 2002. He was signing people in at the entry table. I was just starting out. What a great introduction to the banjo.

I ran into him a few more times at the BCN over the years. Nice guy. Terrific player.

banjo5280 - Posted - 02/20/2022:  15:55:00

Don, thank you for the delightful and gentle remembrance of Ed Britt. As others note, he can be an inspiration to all of us who strive for such graceful and delicate playing.

I did not have the good fortune to know Ed Britt, but he must also be appreciated for his part in the design of the Ome Grand Artist and Artist-series instruments. I've loved those inlay designs since I first saw them more than 20 years ago, and I owe Ed deeply for being able to enjoy one today. Thank you, and rest in peace, Ed.

Paul R - Posted - 02/22/2022:  09:01:19

What a fine remembrance of a good man. We had a short correspondence here and he struck me as friendly and gentlemanly. Condolences to you on your missing such a good friend. Thanks for posting.

Jack Baker - Posted - 02/22/2022:  16:48:40

Hi Don,

Just got back from Florida and haven't read this part of BHO for a long time. Sorry about the loss of your good friend Ed Britt. You and Ed sound fused together and wonderful together...Jack

 

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Originally posted by Don Borchelt

Yesterday marked the anniversary of the passing of my dear friend and picking partner Ed Britt. Years back Ed was a frequent contributor to the Hangout on all things regarding banjo history and design, a virtual encyclopedia of the five string. He considered David L. Day to be the greatest banjo maker who ever lived, and now he has joined him. I posted this video to honor his memory.

- Don Borchelt

 

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Edited by - Jack Baker on 02/22/2022 16:49:25

JanetB - Posted - 02/23/2022:  19:28:50

It was always a joy to see and hear you two dueting and earning some coffee money at your favorite square.  The CD shows Ed looking happily attentive as you two duet.

Edited by - JanetB on 02/23/2022 19:29:13