steveh_2o - Posted - 07/10/2023:  15:34:56

..is just around the bend!



I'm plotting my second trip. Going for the whole camp week this year. Taking mostly my home made instruments (to play not to sell).  Stop and say hello if any of you folks are wondering around, maybe stop and pick one with me.



This was my setup last year. I plan on a similar look other than hopefully I get there early enough to find a slightly more level spot. I've also replaced my blue canopy and tarp with one big white canopy.

Look for a fat lazy guy with a bass banjo.  I hope I don't get kicked out for having a resonator on it.

OldPappy - Posted - 07/11/2023:  17:58:18

Me and Matt Evans plan to be there. We will be camped down in the field near the entrance, hopefully up against the tree line. If he is still feeling okay, I will have Dwight Diller's old dog "Pug" and will have the banjo Dwight played in his earlier years. Both available for patting, or picking.



Nobody is going to kick you out for a resonator, especially on a banjo like that, hope to hear what that monster sounds like, so feel free to come sort us out and sit around and play a bit.

Edited by - OldPappy on 07/11/2023 17:59:40

Lone Walnut - Posted - 07/13/2023:  11:12:18

I plan on arriving by noon on Monday. Probably staying until they throw me out. I'll look you up Steve. I think I recall seeing you last year. Carrying that bass around, you'll be hard to miss.
Andy, I'm gonna stop and visit with you as well. I met ya briefly in 2019 at Clifftop while I was shooting the breeze with Dwight while he was playing a banjo behind a vendors stand. We shot the breeze for an hour or so. I'll fill you in on how that conversation went when I see you. Looking forward to seeing old friends, and meeting new ones.

OldPappy - Posted - 07/17/2023:  18:18:48

I remember you Kirk. We will probably be camped up near the tree line and next to the Hammons family who are good friends. I drive a charcoal grey F150 super cap and our camp will be a black popup awning with side tents.



We sort of look like two of these guys, just with a little more age on us. Call Matt Devil Anse, he'll get a kick out of it.

 

Edited by - OldPappy on 07/17/2023 18:19:48

Devil Anse, Diller and me.

 

steveh_2o - Posted - 07/17/2023:  18:34:27

quote:

---

Originally posted by Lone Walnut

I plan on arriving by noon on Monday. Probably staying until they throw me out. I'll look you up Steve. I think I recall seeing you last year. Carrying that bass around, you'll be hard to miss.

Andy, I'm gonna stop and visit with you as well. I met ya briefly in 2019 at Clifftop while I was shooting the breeze with Dwight while he was playing a banjo behind a vendors stand. We shot the breeze for an hour or so. I'll fill you in on how that conversation went when I see you. Looking forward to seeing old friends, and meeting new ones.

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I hope I see both of you.  Last year I camped down the hill sort of between the lower toilets and the Cajuns.  I plan to move up the hill a bit and hopefully catch more sleep this year.   I was carrying around a different washtub bass last year, but I suppose that's my trademark lol.

OldPappy - Posted - 07/17/2023:  21:05:06

Speaking of wash tub bass, have you ever listened to the "Roan Mountain Hilltoppers" ?



They took first place in every string band contest I ever saw them at. The left handed guitar player was something special, and the old gal on the washtub bass could give any stand up bass player a run for their money.

Roan Mountain Hilltoppers

OldPappy - Posted - 07/17/2023:  21:13:49

Boy Howdy!
I just listened to that old clip of them again, now boys that is real old time music!

steveh_2o - Posted - 07/18/2023:  05:36:15

quote:

---

Originally posted by OldPappy

Speaking of wash tub bass, have you ever listened to the "Roan Mountain Hilltoppers" ?



They took first place in every string band contest I ever saw them at. The left handed guitar player was something special, and the old gal on the washtub bass could give any stand up bass player a run for their money.

Roan Mountain Hilltoppers

 

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I have!  Just after Mr. Bill passed I saw them play at an event near me at Land Between the Lakes in Tennessee.   I was walking past with a home made tin can banjo and someone called me over to look.  I sat down and talked for a few minutes before I realized they were the main act.   Mrs. Janice can really get it with her tub!

OldPappy - Posted - 07/20/2023:  16:56:28

Getting ready to cook up a batch of pickled eggs, which are my favorite breakfast on camping trips, just open a jar and fork one out.

Yesterday morning Dwight's old dog Pug was asleep in the bedroom when I picked up a banjo and started playing in the living room. He came trotting into the room all excited. He seems to favor Lee Hammons version of Greasy String the most, and didn't care too much for "Fire Next Time".

steveh_2o - Posted - 07/25/2023:  15:26:05

I started loading the bottom layer of the car last night. Have my canopy in there with some camping gear. I'm getting anxious. May drive up Thursday and get in line.

OldPappy - Posted - 07/26/2023:  19:57:03

If you want to camp up on the hill, you need to get there early. I prefer camping down in the field at the entrance, it is usually less crowded, quieter, level ground and I can flirt with that cute gal that drives the shuttle.

Edited by - OldPappy on 07/26/2023 19:57:42

steveh_2o - Posted - 07/29/2023:  10:56:16

quote:

---

Originally posted by OldPappy

If you want to camp up on the hill, you need to get there early. I prefer camping down in the field at the entrance, it is usually less crowded, quieter, level ground and I can flirt with that cute gal that drives the shuttle.

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I walked down to the RV lot today and someone said you were up the hill.  My friend Donnie is camping in the marron van near the red gate down there.  I'm just past rhe basketball court 5-6 sites on the right.

OldPappy - Posted - 07/29/2023:  11:14:35

Must be an impostor since I won't be there until Wednesday afternoon.

OldPappy - Posted - 08/01/2023:  17:49:33

Sadly old Pug won't be making the trip. His cancer has progressed to the point where he is better off staying here in an air conditioned house with a good bed.

Matt Evans is supposed to be here at 6:00 AM tomorrow so we should get a good start and be setting up camp in the lower field by mid afternoon.

Bob Smackula is supposed to be bringing Dwight's old banjo which they have done some repairs on, so that will be available for anyone wanting to pick it.

Come down the hill and visit, there will be music, and good company.

steveh_2o - Posted - 08/01/2023:  18:52:57

quote:

---

Originally posted by OldPappy

Sadly old Pug won't be making the trip. His cancer has progressed to the point where he is better off staying here in an air conditioned house with a good bed.



Matt Evans is supposed to be here at 6:00 AM tomorrow so we should get a good start and be setting up camp in the lower field by mid afternoon.



Bob Smackula is supposed to be bringing Dwight's old banjo which they have done some repairs on, so that will be available for anyone wanting to pick it.



Come down the hill and visit, there will be music, and good company.

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I'll be sure and wonder that way.  If you get up the hill im just past the basketball courts on the right.  Just before the lower flush toilets and dishwashing station.

OldPappy - Posted - 08/01/2023:  21:27:50

Oh I will get up the hill for sure, but never noticed "Basketball Courts", I guess that is probably because my basketball days are long past.

steveh_2o - Posted - 08/02/2023:  04:29:14

quote:

---

Originally posted by OldPappy

Oh I will get up the hill for sure, but never noticed "Basketball Courts", I guess that is probably because my basketball days are long past.

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Well, I hear it called that, but all I see is a paved spot with some tall posts on either end.  Bunch of vehicles parked on it.  My feet are almost stuck to the ground myself these days.

b4idie - Posted - 08/02/2023:  04:56:14

Steve, I sent you a PM thru email several days ago asking where to start If one wanted to make an upright banjo-like washtub bass similar to the one in your first photo. Am assuming it may have flown under the radar. thanks

steveh_2o - Posted - 08/02/2023:  17:04:42

quote:

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Originally posted by b4idie

Steve, I sent you a PM thru email several days ago asking where to start If one wanted to make an upright banjo-like washtub bass similar to the one in your first photo. Am assuming it may have flown under the radar. thanks

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Sorry, I did see that, but I'm up here on the mountain and barely have any internet.  I'll sit down when I get home and see what I have.  Most things I document on my blog.  

b4idie - Posted - 08/03/2023:  03:33:01

Thanks.

steveh_2o - Posted - 08/03/2023:  04:49:25

quote:

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Originally posted by b4idie

Thanks.

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Sitting at Clifftop, rainy morning.  Internet is sort of working.  

I post build photos here, but I'm not great at documenting the process. There is a complete build video of a cigar box guitar down in there.  I should probably do a bass.  There are a bunch of good CBG videos online, but not many upright 4 string washtub bass builds.

When I built my first one, I loosely followed this guy's plans.  I don't have any drawings or details from mine.   

b4idie - Posted - 08/03/2023:  05:53:53

This will be great .......... something to go by

b4idie - Posted - 08/03/2023:  08:52:15

post build photos here, but I'm not great at documenting the process. There is a complete build video of a cigar box guitar down in there. I should probably do a bass. There are a bunch of good CBG videos online, but not many upright 4 string washtub bass builds.

When I built my first one, I loosely followed this guy's plans. I don't have any drawings or details from mine.

I looked at everything - really helpful

OldPappy - Posted - 08/06/2023:  17:49:06

Got home a couple of hours ago. I had a lot of fun, and it sure was good to see old friends and meet a few new ones. Really liked that cane banjo you brought down. I went by your camp hoping to see that bass, but you weren't home. Also enjoyed chatting with you Kirk.

steveh_2o - Posted - 08/06/2023:  18:11:58

quote:

---

Originally posted by OldPappy

Got home a couple of hours ago. I had a lot of fun, and it sure was good to see old friends and meet a few new ones. Really liked that cane banjo you brought down. I went by your camp hoping to see that bass, but you weren't home. Also enjoyed chatting with you Kirk.

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Good to meet both of you. Andy, sorry I missed you.  I was probably out wondering around somewhere.  I got home Around 5pm today.   After 10 nights out there I'm basking in the glow of my recliner, shower, and soon my bed.  Was a really good trip.  I'll post some pictures in the next few days.

steveh_2o - Posted - 08/08/2023:  09:37:43

Here is a 

Photo album

from my trip

Edited by - steveh_2o on 08/08/2023 09:41:47

b4idie - Posted - 08/08/2023:  10:33:54

Thanks Steve for the pictures .......... can really get a feel for the vibe there. Bet it was fun.