Paul Roberts - Posted - 10/16/2024:  18:50:32

5-String Cello Banjo

Tuning: bBEAB

Style: down-picking, using Fred Kelly Freedom Pick

Recorded with AKG 414B-ULS mics

Recorded flat (no eq or effects)

Banjo Bolsters inside full circumference of rim

Strings are silver-wound nylon



This is my first jaunt into dBEAB tuning, which I find very enjoyable. It's pretty low, even for cello banjo, except for the 5th string, which is higher. I hope you enjoy...

 

tdennis - Posted - 10/16/2024:  19:07:48

I wish there were more banjo like this.

I'd like to know the back story behind  this composition. 

Edited by - tdennis on 10/16/2024 19:11:42

Pix5String - Posted - 10/17/2024:  04:49:18

Very interesting Paul.
Thanks.
Willie

Paul Roberts - Posted - 10/17/2024:  07:10:32

quote:

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Originally posted by tdennis

I wish there were more banjo like this.

I'd like to know the back story behind  this composition. 

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Hey, I appreciate your comment! As regards to the back story, I would hardly know how to narrow it down. Let me know if you have a specific area of interest you'd like me to address. Thanks.

Paul Roberts - Posted - 10/17/2024:  07:11:24

quote:

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Originally posted by Pix5String

Very interesting Paul.

Thanks.

Willie

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Thanks for listening, Willie. Hope you're doing well.

mike gregory - Posted - 10/17/2024:  07:53:37

"You woke me at THREE in the [OBSCENITY DELETED] MORNING to tell me that some Banjo Picker wrote a song about you??"

-W. t. Pooh-

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . 

"Cut the cat some slack, Bear! It's a NICE song!"

-M. Gregory-

Paul Roberts - Posted - 10/17/2024:  08:09:11

quote:

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Originally posted by mike gregory

"You woke me at THREE in the [OBSCENITY DELETED] MORNING to tell me that some Banjo Picker wrote a song about you??"

-W. t. Pooh-

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . 

"Cut the cat some slack, Bear! It's a NICE song!"

-M. Gregory-

---

Mike, never tiring of listening to my parents reading Winnie-the-Pooh to me, when I was growing up, I have to admit I got a bit emotional reading your response. You always bring forth a good, light-hearted perspective to our world. Thanks.

mike gregory - Posted - 10/17/2024:  09:19:46

^^^

Thank you for thanking me!

I remember the first time I heard a cello banjo.

Philadelphia, PA, at a Classical Banjo convention.

 Love at first hear!  





Got back to Milwaukee, made a cello banjo for myself.

Sold it, eventually, but if I really want another, the basement is FULL of tools.

 

Paul Roberts - Posted - 10/17/2024:  09:37:00

quote:

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Originally posted by mike gregory

^^^

Thank you for thanking me!

I remember the first time I heard a cello banjo.

Philadelphia, PA, at a Classical Banjo convention.

 Love at first hear!  





Got back to Milwaukee, made a cello banjo for myself.

Sold it, eventually, but if I really want another, the basement is FULL of tools.

 

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Mike. Those mellow, low sounds have such a pleasing effect. Do make another cello banjo!

Thank-you-for-thanking-me-for-thanking-you...

Keep on spreading your goodwill. 

*Thanks*

Paul

banjopaolo - Posted - 10/17/2024:  10:47:23

Great deep sound! Love it :-)

Paul Roberts - Posted - 10/17/2024:  10:54:49

quote:

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Originally posted by banjopaolo

Great deep sound! Love it :-)

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Thanks for the lovely comment! Best regards from Colorado.

PS: Would I be called Paolo in Italy? 

banjopaolo - Posted - 10/17/2024:  11:47:01

quote:

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Originally posted by Paul Roberts

quote:

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Originally posted by banjopaolo

Great deep sound! Love it :-)

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Thanks for the lovely comment! Best regards from Colorado.

PS: Would I be called Paolo in Italy? 

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Of course Paolo is the italian for Paul, but the english name is more close to the original latin word Paulus that means ‘little’.... :-)

Edited by - banjopaolo on 10/17/2024 11:48:02

Laurence Diehl - Posted - 10/17/2024:  13:51:49

Great tones, Paul! That muscular low register combined with the almost playful high end is slightly evocative of a grand piano. And if that is recorded flat you have some wonderful natural reverb happening in that room. Keep bearing the flame!

Paul Roberts - Posted - 10/17/2024:  14:32:23

quote:

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Originally posted by Laurence Diehl

Great tones, Paul! That muscular low register combined with the almost playful high end is slightly evocative of a grand piano. And if that is recorded flat you have some wonderful natural reverb happening in that room. Keep bearing the flame!

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Thanks so much for your comment, Laurence. I'm using close mic technique in a not particularly reverberant room. The 14-inch rim tends to carry a huge amount of reverberation, which is hard to contain through the usual methods without detracting from the tone.

I attribute enormous credit to Ric and Deb Hollander for inventing the Banjo Bolster, which has truly  saved my cello banjo life. Using Banjo Bolsters, two in this case, manages the out-of-control reverb although, as you heard, there's still plenty of reverb left; plus the bolsters significantly beautify the overall sound. For me, the Banjo Bolster makes all the difference, allowing me to fully embrace my music. 

Frailblazer - Posted - 10/18/2024:  05:27:41

Very cool Paul! So much natural reverb and resonance, even with two Banjo Bolsters installed! Wow! You’ve got the tone dialed in perfectly!