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Please note this is an archived topic, so it is locked and unable to be replied to. You may, however, start a new topic and refer to this topic with a link: http://www.banjohangout.org/archive/73426
Beacon - Posted - 01/30/2007: 17:02:03
Hello Everyone! For the past month or so I have been thinking about grabbing myself a banjo and trying to learn how to play. However, I am a college student right now in Cleveland, Ohio, and I don't think I would be able to have easy access to a teacher. How difficult have you guys found it to learn banjo on your own? What books, cds, etc. do you recommend in order to get started? I have played the cello for the past 10 years, so I have a strong musical background, but I want to make sure I get off to the right start on the banjo.
I was thinking of getting the Rogue B-30 banjo. It's priced at $150 at Musician's Friend, and I think I would rather spend around that right now to make sure I want to continue pursuing banjo before investing several hundred. What do you guys think of that model, or do you have any other recommendations?
Thanks so much in advance for your help!
pmcnamara - Posted - 01/30/2007: 17:16:18
Rogue is most likely an asian made banjo..the pot is aluminum but it looks good enough to start on. I personally started with Earl Scruggs book and later took lessons...I bet if you look around you could find a teacher in your area. Having a teacher at the beginning stages is a huge deal. I too, had a musical background of about 10 years playing the Clarinet and Saxaphone, this certainly helped me learning to play the Banjo
I am mostly self taught, took lessons from Dennis Caplinger and he had to untrain me (a bit) of my 15+ years of bad habits. Wish I had a teacher in the beginning.
It is possible to teach yourself how to play, but an experienced teacher will make all the difference in the world.
Good luck...get going on it!
joebiker - Posted - 01/30/2007: 17:23:47
I also have no banjo teachers in my area so I tried the Earl Scruggs book and went with the Janet Davis You Can Teach Yourself Banjo as well as Murphy Henry's DVDs on beginner banjo to get you playing right away.
http://www.murphymethod.com/
Good luck and have fun with it
Somethings never change with time..there's nothing better than a lick...
Joebiker
Harry - Posted - 01/30/2007: 17:25:02
So you know what it takes to play cello, it takes as much to learn the banjo. I suppose you also now the difference between a cheap cello and a decent sounding one. If I would have to start again I probably would buy a Deering Goodtime. Not as cheap as a Rogue but you'll get more pleasure from it and if you decide to sell it it's more worth than a second hand Rogue. I learned to play banjo on my own but how I wished a had a teacher, it would have saved me a couple of years. Perhaps the Murphy Method is something for you, check it out.
And listen a lot of bluegrass banjo: Earl Scruggs, Sonny Osborne, JD Crowe, Alan Shelton, Doug Dillard, Don Reno, Alan Munde etc.
We tune because we care (Doc Watson)
Banjocoltrane - Posted - 01/30/2007: 20:20:18
I would recommend getting a deering goodtime and a murphy henry video
BanjoJohnny - Posted - 01/30/2007: 20:34:37
If you get a Deering Goodtime, you probably will want to keep it even when you upgrade. They are great banjos. Good for camping trips, to the beach, etc.
Johnny
If you get to thinkin' you're a person of some influence, try orderin' somebody else's dog around.
mountainwoman - Posted - 01/30/2007: 21:26:45
A Deering Goodtime I or Goodtime II are both very nice beginner banjos. You might be able to pick one up used in good condition the classified section of Banjohangout. The sound is better than the cheaper, non-American made banjos. I have a Goodtime II, and even though I also own a Deering Maple Blossom, I find that the Goodtime II is lighter, easier to lug around, and has a very good tone. If you shop around on the used classified section of Banjohangout and even on eBay, you will find that if you get a used intsturment it won't lose it's value as long as you keep it in good condition.
Tom Hanway - Posted - 01/30/2007: 21:39:48
Pete Seeger's How to Play the 5-string Banjo is a nice book to have in your library. I would experiment with some different banjos, whatever you can get your hands on, before deciding on one. Play the field. There's no panic.
Cheers,
Tom
http://www.tomhanway.com/
banjogud - Posted - 01/30/2007: 21:53:05
That Rogue banjo will most likely sound cheap and "tinny". Go for the Goodtime. Maybe you can find one used. You are fortunate in that there are many instructional materials available today for the banjo...back when I started , there was only Earl Scruggs book, and Pete Seegers book.
Both are still good, but video instruction makes things a lot more clear, and easy to learn....
If you have already learned to play another instrument, then you know what is involved (..ie practice)...nothing wrong with being "self-taught".
Joanchek - Posted - 01/31/2007: 00:24:24
Check the music department at your university... there may be a teacher closer than you think :) I started with a Deering Goodtime and still play it often. I started with (and still use and refer to) Janet Davis's "You Can Teach Yourself Banjo." Check the uni library--never know what you might find, book and CD/DVD-wise. There are also lots and lots of internet resources available, including this site and several teaching sites with video instruction available. Some are free, some require a small investment to access lessons.
A few banjo-centric items for your consideration--Check out new designs written by Mike Gregory: www.cafepress.com/eggheadtrivia
jamesl - Posted - 01/31/2007: 00:55:42
Just remember Beacon once you pick up a banjo you'll never be able to put it down,as for lessons theres a heap on here and another good site is www.musicmoose.org a lot of video lessons on here to get you started.I've been learnin the banjo for about 8 months without a teacher,just with dvds books etc and i'm doin ok not that havin a good teacher would'nt be better but you can learn without one,just my opinion.
"forget wat ya mum said keep pickin at it "jim"
jim_bob_lewis@hotmail.com
1four5 - Posted - 01/31/2007: 06:28:02
The first banjo I ever played was a Rogue B30 that a friend brought to a jam. I ended up borrowoing it and playing it every day for 2 weeks. He offered to sell it to me. I ended up buying a Gold Tone CC100R instead and I am glad I did. Not to go into any long explination, but in retrospect, from the way I picked it up and play every day and jam with my friends and play out and stuff, the Rogue wouldn't have lasted me but a few months before I would have needed something else. The CC100R is still my favorite and most played and abused banjo...even though I have nicer more expensive ones now, I still haven't found anything I would trade the CC for.
Dean
Logger - Posted - 01/31/2007: 06:50:41
I would have to second Jody's slection...the Deering Goodtime and Murphy Method.
It ain't no disgrace to be poor, but it's just so darned unhandy.
Rollingwolf - Posted - 01/31/2007: 08:40:56
I'd echo the Deering Goodtime. I'm recommend murphy method and Janet Davis "You Can Tech Yourself Banjo." I felt that Janet's book gave me a better sense of the principles and fundimentals, not just songs. Though I learn songs from Murphy method faster.
Go for it! You won't look back.
Check out Crooked Still. They're a band with cello and banjo and they're awesome.
Erbus - Posted - 01/31/2007: 09:08:32
I have a musical backround as well. I purchased a "how to" DVD and never looked back. I never taken up an instrument and been so hooked on playing it, love the banjo.
I might have considered a teacher but where I live that possibility is less than zero, so I'm on my own.
Just wondering from some of the other posts, what "BAD HABITS" did some of you have to un-learn when you did go to a teacher?? I've probably got my fair share, but I'm having fun.
Terry from the "Creek", just on the edge of the middle of nowhere.
goghiti - Posted - 01/31/2007: 09:20:22
I have used the Earl Scruggs book, a Fred Sokolow book/CD and a couple of books/CD's by Ross Nickerson (a BanjoHangout member). I thought the Scruggs book was good for a lot of basic things but had trouble learning songs from the tab section because the only source to hear them was Flatt and Scruggs CDs. Nickerson plays all the examples slowly and then up to speed and has rather simple arrangements but you can accomplish the songs. I haven't used Murphy Henry material but saw her at the midwest banjo camp and thought she had some good ideas.
My entry level banjo was a Fender f55 and I really liked it and still have it but also have a Deering Sierra now that I really like.
patientpicker - Posted - 01/31/2007: 10:48:03
I have a Goodtime CC-100R. Love the way it feels. Got it for $237 on Ebay...well worth the cost. I like the feel of the fretboard more than the Goodtime, BUT that's just a personal choice. The Goodtime is certainly a good banjo too, as others have said.
2 resources to get you started:
Fred Sokolow- Complete Banjo Instruction Method (has DVD too.) only about 13 bucks at Amazon. com
Murphy Henry DVD- Volumes I and II
You will be off to the races with those resources.
"There is no such thing as failure, only failure to try"
Tyler8 - Posted - 01/31/2007: 18:37:50
Patric,
I live less than 10 miles from you. I sent you a private email with my contact info -- you can stop over anytime.
Tyler
Jukka - Posted - 01/31/2007: 19:55:55
I just want to say that picking up a abnjo is one of the best things i ever did and i strongly urge you to do the same, don't question it to much, just follow the music, if you want to, then by all means go for it, if i can do it, so can you. teaching yourself is A OK as long as you have the passion. good luck
banjofanatico - Posted - 01/31/2007: 20:00:51
If you do get the Rogue banjo I would definitly put a new set of strings on it, as the ones that come with it aren't very good, feeling like piano wire. Also, the action is rather high on this banjo. I tried to lower it by adjusting the truss rod and the adjuster bolt under the drum head, but I couldn't get it lowered. It does have a good pricet.
David
Beacon - Posted - 01/31/2007: 21:24:42
Thank you everyone for your responses, they have been very helpful! I was looking at an Austin AU670 I could get for a decent price. Anyone have any feelings on that brand or that specific type of banjo?
Edited by - Beacon on 01/31/2007 21:29:02
Cbanjo - Posted - 01/31/2007: 21:36:03
I would recommend against the Deering, the Rogue is made by Saga, and they arent too bad, not great but the quality is such that it wont fall to peices (and the pot is aluminum), the Deering might a bit better, but i think they are too much money, save the money if you decide you like it you will be upgrading anyways right?
pickingfive - Posted - 01/31/2007: 22:10:26
I tried and failed to learn the three finger style of picking by using tablature and books. However, the Murphy Henry instructional tapes have been and are being really great for teaching me how to pick the five.
Get the best quality banjo you can. I understand your wanting to limit spending should you not continue with the instrument, but less expensive banjos tend to be harder to play than the more expensive ones. If you do get an inexpensive one, see if you can get a luthier who will modify it so that the action (the height of the strings above the fret board) is like it should be on a good quality instrument (about 7/64" above the 12th fret.)
pickingfive
pikinmomof6 - Posted - 01/31/2007: 22:38:21
YOu can get Washburn b6 from Music 123 it is a banjo a few screws need tightened and the set up is easy. It does not come with case so you would have to get a case.
Family & Friends with a dash of music and n old fashioned moon. Karen
BJ Saalfeld - Posted - 02/02/2007: 07:26:53
I know the Deering Goodtime is a good banjo BUT I prefer the Goldtone Cripple Creek 100 R. The openback model
is 315.00 the resonator model is 351.00. I have had mine fore 2 1/2 years and have been pleased more than I can
say with this banjo! It's lightweight, plays well and has good tone. I bought mine at First Quality and it came set
up well and has only had new strings and a different brdige to fit my tastes put on it. You can't lose with this banjo
and you will keep it even if you upgrade. You can get to First Quality in the Links section. They are great to deal with
and you can't lose with either of them. Hope that helps. I realize it's more than what you were planning to spend
but you won't be sorry.
BJ
Love to play the banjo!
tombro - Posted - 02/02/2007: 07:58:36
quote:
Originally posted by Banjocoltrane
I would recommend getting a deering goodtime and a murphy henry video
AD3AD3AD3 - Posted - 02/02/2007: 08:40:40
Get the newer edition of the Earl Scruggs book (has a useful cd in it.) Then start at the beginning and internalize it step by step - the idea is to NOT skip the parts that seem too easy. I'd also recommend the Ross Nickerson Banjo Encyclopedia. Every author will have at least a slightly different perspective and some will be easier for you to grasp.
It is best to emphasize the right hand rolls since you'll need them for everything in Scruggs style picking.
Look for the best banjo you can afford in your price bracket - look for something that sounds tolerable, stays pretty much in tune, and has frets that don't tear up your fingertips. Used is fine. Even a casual look at the posts on the hangout will show you that, if you enjoy banjo, you'll soon be moving up to a better instrument.
As the Nike commercial says : "Just Do It.".
Ad3
Mr. Disco - Posted - 02/02/2007: 10:05:31
Mr. Beacon --
I'm on the same track and just a year ahead of you. I dropped $150 on a banjo at Perry's Music, found copies of the Earl Scruggs book and the Janet Davis You Can Teach Yourself Banjo, and then applied all my good habits from 10 years of sax and clarinet playing. I don't play the wind instruments any more -- got tired of hearing myself. But after a year's worth of teaching myself alone in my basement with those two books and stuff I pick up off this site, I actually have a couple people that ask me to play for them.
Yeah, you can do it on a $150 banjo that no one else has any regard for. -- And yeah, I'm sure that if you like hearing the banjo enough, you'll find yourself hooked on your progress in no time. -- Wish I'd started 20 years ago when I was in college.
Shalom.
-- Mr. Disco
Mr. Disco - Posted - 02/02/2007: 10:06:02
Mr. Beacon --
I'm on the same track and just a year ahead of you. I dropped $150 on a banjo at Perry's Music, found copies of the Earl Scruggs book and the Janet Davis You Can Teach Yourself Banjo, and then applied all my good habits from 10 years of sax and clarinet playing. I don't play the wind instruments any more -- got tired of hearing myself. But after a year's worth of teaching myself alone in my basement with those two books and stuff I pick up off this site, I actually have a couple people that ask me to play for them.
Yeah, you can do it on a $150 banjo that no one else has any regard for. -- And yeah, I'm sure that if you like hearing the banjo enough, you'll find yourself hooked on your progress in no time. -- Wish I'd started 20 years ago when I was in college.
Shalom.
-- Mr. Disco
bango - Posted - 02/02/2007: 16:30:43
As to books... I started with Janet Davis's "Banjo Handbook." I got some others later, but none better.
rollin36 - Posted - 02/02/2007: 17:16:50
I played rock guitar in bar bands for years but i never had much of an interest in it as far as sitting at home and seeing how good i could get..I'd learn the songs we gigged with and that was it...Done that for 15 yrs. When someone asked me to play something for them on my guitar alone i hardly knew what to play...kinda like playing the drums. I have always loved the banjo sound and my grandfather was a master on the tenor. Last month I went out and got me an ODE-D (very nice)and 2 murrphy dvd's...I can't put this thing down..I eat ,drink and sleep BANJO..Murphy method is the way to go!!
ON THE DAY BEFORE THE FIRST GOD CREATED ODE BANJOS
Kevin and his banjo - Posted - 02/03/2007: 08:29:23
Like you, I am just starting. I have this to share. In my opinion, it don't matter what banjo you buy if you don't mind buying another one later. If your economy minded then look for the best entry level banjo you can find (some examples already posted) and keep it for later when you want a banjo to take on camp outs & things. If your buying practices are more quality minded then buy the cheapest thing that has all the basics (5 geared tuners, standard head size, narrow neck at the nut, at least 1 action rod, 22 frets) and play it till it cant be played anymore. Then, when your a better player, buy yourself a high quality instrument.
Kevin
Mestena - Posted - 02/04/2007: 16:39:19
Howdy Beacon,
If you can play the cello, you will probably pick up the banjo real quick. I am a reformed cellist, myself (hehe), and I've found that going from a cello to a banjo makes for a quantum leap in banjo playing, just because playing an instrument with frets is much easier after playing one without for years.
Also, if you know how to read tablature, you'll be set. Get the Tabledit viewer here: http://www.tabledit.com/tefview/index.shtml and get some Tabs in the .tef format from the tab section of this site. It's a great program for learning new stuff.
God sleeps in the rock, dreams in the plants, stirs in the animal, and awakens in man...
JIMBO53 - Posted - 02/05/2007: 17:28:00
The five string banjo-"Easy to pick up, hard to put down". That is what a salesman told me 30 years ago, and dang, if he wasn't right.
" HEY COMRADE, I'M LOVIN' FOGGY MOUNTAIN BREAKDOWN ! "
" Hi, my name is Jimbo, and I'm a Banjo-holic " ....." Hi, Jimbo "
banjoboy79 - Posted - 02/05/2007: 21:42:32
Well I'm brand new to this forum and website, as well as new to the banjo. I currently have an Epiphone MB-200 on order for a starter. I figure its a start and if I keep with the banjo, I'll upgrade shortly after.
Is this banjo a reasonable choice? It is only $250 but don't have the money to spend $400 or $500 off the bat. Unfortunately, I have to take care of other priorities.
I have the Scruggs book with CD as well as Pete Wernick Introduction to Bluegrass Banjo DVD. I'll have to buy a few more from the suggestions above.