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deso - Posted - 02/10/2007: 11:26:51
Cathy, I was just discussing the topic of iTunes vs CD's with my wife the other night, wondering if my iTunes purchases are really benefiting the artist. I really like being able to download music because it is immediate and because the local music store in my town is small and not likely to have what I want (they'll get it though). I am usually disappointed when something is not available through iTunes. But the real question is, "What's best for the artist?" And, if CD's are best, what distribution route? Is it better to purchase direct from the musician when possible or does it make any difference? As far as cost goes, I like the lower prices of downloads but honestly it's not a factor. What I'd like if paying more on iTunes are liner notes and the option to download full quality sound files, etc.
I know this probably sounds naive, but why can't a record lable or independent setup their own download site? Especially independents. It could be something like an artist cooperative to help with operational costs.
Deke
arnie - Posted - 02/10/2007: 11:40:23
Alan Jabbour and Ken Perlman did a good job on Southern Summits. Lots of good Henry Reed tunes there too -some of my favorites including "Blilly In The Lowland" - beautiful! Ken is also the only banjo clawhammerer I know of to tackle Canadian P.E.I. fiddle tunes (on another cd of his)
My highlight of last year's Midwest banjo camp was playing "Ducks On The Pond" with Alan Jabbour in concert (we had never played together before)
Arnie Naiman
http://www.merriweather.ca/Records.aspx?ID=2
Clawhammer Clint - Posted - 02/10/2007: 13:09:12
The discussion on copying CDs aside, this is an absolutely great thread for a newbie like myself. It will likely cost me alot of money. 
Thanks to those who contributed.
C.C.
stanger - Posted - 02/11/2007: 00:59:28
A personal favorite of mine is 'The Twisted Laurel' by the Red Clay Ramblers. I don't know if it has been released as a CD, though.
regards,
Stanger
Emiel - Posted - 02/11/2007: 06:08:42
I don't think this has been mentioned:
Clarence Ashley And Doc Watson: The Original Folkways Recordings, 1960-1962 [2-CD Set]
And don't forget the McGee Brothers. The old Folkways LP's can be ordered as custom CD from Smithsonian Folkways.
Has anybody mentioned Uncle Dave Macon? Art Rosenbaum?
And of course Mike Seeger: Southern Banjo Sounds (most important).
Emiel
http://www.nowhereradio.com/emiel
http://www.bluerounders.com
Copo - Posted - 02/11/2007: 07:25:05
Bill Whelan is a top player in Ireland and his recordings with the rough deal stringband are well worth a listen
BanjoBillyBoy - Posted - 02/12/2007: 10:15:43
Paul Brown (he did an album with Mike Seeger, and he jsut put out a new one ..Red Clay County)
Ron Mullenex (Gandydancer and Cross Ties)
Tim BIng (The Bing Brothers)
The Rockenhams (CD same title)
Kyle Creed ( The Camp Creek Boys, June Apple, there is a cassete I used to have, if I can find it I will pass on the title, super banjo playing on it.)
These all have some great banjo playing.
Bill Boyer,
Curmudgeon, O.F., D.O.M.
bagunhe - Posted - 02/14/2007: 18:58:31
Lee Hammons Complete Banjo Hammons Legacy YPC-H-001.1
Maggie Hammons Parker Complete Banjo Hammons Legacy YPC-H-002
I first heard Lee's "Walking in the Parlor" on Rounder Lp. It's still my most favarite banjo tune after 25 years. And Maggie, a picture of her with holding banjo was on the cover of my first banjo instruction book (FRAILING THE FIVE STRING BANJO by Eric Muller & Barbara Koehler ) but I never heard her banjo till I got this CD last summer. Just listen to her "Crossing the Rocky Mountain", it's so beatifull.
Bosco
konnichiwa, arigato, sayonara
Page: 1 2
Jim Treganza - Posted - 02/12/2007: 14:17:23
I'm brand new at this and want to take a few lessons. I've been unable to find anybody who gives clawhammer lessons less than 45 miles away from Stockton, CA. I work for a local theatre and we were even unable to find a picker to play with the orchestra in a recent show! For money! Does anybody know somebody who plays old-time banjo in this neck of the woods? I really don't want to drive to Berkeley or Sacramento. Thanks.
Clawdan - Posted - 01/08/2007: 14:06:12
Hi Folks,
Bob Carlin and I are planning a workshop weekend in Austin in late March this year. Wanted to start by giving you a heads up and see who is interested. I'll be glad to keep you up to date of details as they develop.
Play nice,
Dan "Ain't no bum-diddy" Levenson
Old Time Music and Dance
www.ClawhammerBanjo.us
Author of Clawhammer Banjo From Scratch, A guide for the claw-less - a MelBay Publication
and Old Time Festival Tunes for Clawhammer Banjo (MelBay 20313) - 117 tunes tabbed for clawhammer banjo with standard notation and suggested chords.
Tune list at http://www.folknet.org/dan/FestTunesBJBook.htm
ukjonathan - Posted - 02/13/2007: 13:42:16
hi I thought the striking of the strings with the claw hand would be the hardest bit, but no I'm wrong! I can hit the strings in various configurations but can I hell get the bum ditty bit. It just sounds like ting, ting ting. I strike my 1st bottom string then strum down following on by thumb off the drone string. But still no bum ditty. Anyone help? I guess this is the hard bit?
Frode B - Posted - 02/13/2007: 18:09:53
What would you call this fingering technique? http://youtube.com/watch?v=Ct0PbWwY5g8
It's me, and I have been fooling around with the banjo for a couple of years without any guiding. I'm a guitar/pedal steel player so I guess I am mixing it all up on the banjo.
The banjo is a Bart Reiter special ( thanks mr.Balch!)
Frode
Oslo, Norway
Rimstick - Posted - 02/11/2007: 23:52:42
Gang -
Looking for some advice here. I got the "bum tiddy" going pretty good but it still doesn't consistantly sound like music. One of the problems I've identified is that my strum is making music, whereas when I listen closely to recordings, I think the strings should sound more "dead", as if I was muting them by "chiming" at the 7th fret. More of a wash board rasp than musical notes. Hope you can follow that.
I've moved my elbow closer to the rim, which raised my hand position. This in turn put a very flat attack angle on the strings for the lower fingers and helped some.
I fully realize there are some times you need the strum to "chord" as part of the song, but I'm talking about the ability to generally produce a "beat" that gets your toes tapping and sets the beat of the song.
Any ideas?
Regards,
Rimstick
Uncle Dave Macon makes me laugh !!
Ron Ortegel - Posted - 02/01/2007: 11:52:07
How well does the brass plate to the fifth fret position work on a fretless? Anyone have experience with this?
MarkJohnson - Posted - 02/12/2007: 07:29:17
I have always felt that the tune, Cold Frosty Morning" was a moody piece of music to say the least and best played in a minor key. We recorded it in the key of "A Model" or "Mountain Minor/Sawmill Tuning".
I just figured out how to post this tune to my Hangout Homepage for anyone who is in the process of learning this piece. It is another perspective on a great old tune.
MJ
Madgenius - Posted - 02/14/2007: 12:17:59
Hi
Can anybody recomend a good place to find a whole bunch of easy to play 2 and 3 chords songs suitable for clawhammer and mandolin (both beginner)
Thanks in Advance
Danny
"Music is a joy to me, sometimes living in it is the only safe place to be" Brian May
Stev187 - Posted - 02/07/2007: 08:06:22
quote:
Originally posted by ZEPP
For those who are unfamiliar with Arnie's and Chris's work, they are required listening for all my students! Absolutely great stuff!
On another thread, Zepp mentioned "required listening" for his CH banjo studnets. What recordings do folks think should be on that list?
I'll start by adding just one: Cathy Fink's
Banjo Haiku. There are many others, but I am stark raving mad about this record.
Let's build a "required listening" list on this thread... What would you add to the list?
Steve
Flint, MI
-----------------------------------
Current Old-Time Ohrwurm: "New Money,"Doc Roberts
jojo25 - Posted - 02/08/2007: 14:17:08
with thanks to Tobias for the link
what is the name of the tune played in this clip?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Utgc...ated&search=
and where can I buy a good recording of it?...a tab?...standard notation
I think this is going to become my next obsession
Banjonically yours
Joe
jojo25 - Posted - 02/08/2007: 15:59:32
Brad,
Thanks for the response, but it doesn't sound anything like the Cherokee Shuffle I know
so I'm still a-looking and a-seeking!
Banjonically yours
Joe
bassman - Posted - 02/08/2007: 16:11:20
Hey Joe, I think that's "Cherokee Trail," an original by John Herrmann. The only recording I have seen of it is on the cd Down From the Mountain, by Tim O'Brien, Dirk Powell and John Herrmann and it says in the notes that John wrote it.
Chris
http://www.nowhereradio.com/ptasnik/discography
banjo_brad - Posted - 02/08/2007: 16:15:57
Sorry - I kinda jumped to the conclusion because of the name of the video, and it does sound vaguely like CS from what I know of the tune.
I should know better than to jump first!
Banjo Brad
"Banjos and Fiddles and Guitars, Oh My!" (me)
http://ezfolk.com/audio/bands/5
www.PricklyPearMusic.net
jojo25 - Posted - 02/08/2007: 16:59:07
thanks Bassman!
I assume this tune is in the movie, right?
I'll get it from Netflix and not send it back till I learn that thang!
Banjonically yours
Joe
jojo25 - Posted - 02/08/2007: 17:11:09
you meant
Songs from the Mountain
from the movie
Cold Mountain
but it was enough for me to find it...much thanks!
all them mountains make a feller cornfused!
Banjonically yours
Joe
bassman - Posted - 02/08/2007: 17:19:23
Oops, my bad, Joe. You're right, Songs from the Mountain. It's not really from the movie Cold Mountain, though. It was a sort of concept album that was put out well before the movie was made, playing tunes and songs that were mentioned in or inspired by the book, Cold Mountain. Fantastic album, though, if you ask me.
Chris
http://www.nowhereradio.com/ptasnik/discography
bagunhe - Posted - 02/14/2007: 20:31:02
John Herrmann said that Joe Thrift ( who is the fiddler of the clip) recorded the tune but I don't konw which one. Is it Tim O'brein playing the gutitar on the clip?
Bosco
konnichiwa, arigato, sayonara
jojo25 - Posted - 02/15/2007: 09:16:26
Bosco,
interesting to know that Joe Thrift also recorded this...and Hermann composed it, right?
Banjonically yours
Joe
Jim Treganza - Posted - 02/12/2007: 14:17:23
I'm brand new at this and want to take a few lessons. I've been unable to find anybody who gives clawhammer lessons less than 45 miles away from Stockton, CA. I work for a local theatre and we were even unable to find a picker to play with the orchestra in a recent show! For money! Does anybody know somebody who plays old-time banjo in this neck of the woods? I really don't want to drive to Berkeley or Sacramento. Thanks.
Clawdan - Posted - 01/08/2007: 14:06:12
Hi Folks,
Bob Carlin and I are planning a workshop weekend in Austin in late March this year. Wanted to start by giving you a heads up and see who is interested. I'll be glad to keep you up to date of details as they develop.
Play nice,
Dan "Ain't no bum-diddy" Levenson
Old Time Music and Dance
www.ClawhammerBanjo.us
Author of Clawhammer Banjo From Scratch, A guide for the claw-less - a MelBay Publication
and Old Time Festival Tunes for Clawhammer Banjo (MelBay 20313) - 117 tunes tabbed for clawhammer banjo with standard notation and suggested chords.
Tune list at http://www.folknet.org/dan/FestTunesBJBook.htm
ukjonathan - Posted - 02/13/2007: 13:42:16
hi I thought the striking of the strings with the claw hand would be the hardest bit, but no I'm wrong! I can hit the strings in various configurations but can I hell get the bum ditty bit. It just sounds like ting, ting ting. I strike my 1st bottom string then strum down following on by thumb off the drone string. But still no bum ditty. Anyone help? I guess this is the hard bit?
Frode B - Posted - 02/13/2007: 18:09:53
What would you call this fingering technique? http://youtube.com/watch?v=Ct0PbWwY5g8
It's me, and I have been fooling around with the banjo for a couple of years without any guiding. I'm a guitar/pedal steel player so I guess I am mixing it all up on the banjo.
The banjo is a Bart Reiter special ( thanks mr.Balch!)
Frode
Oslo, Norway
Rimstick - Posted - 02/11/2007: 23:52:42
Gang -
Looking for some advice here. I got the "bum tiddy" going pretty good but it still doesn't consistantly sound like music. One of the problems I've identified is that my strum is making music, whereas when I listen closely to recordings, I think the strings should sound more "dead", as if I was muting them by "chiming" at the 7th fret. More of a wash board rasp than musical notes. Hope you can follow that.
I've moved my elbow closer to the rim, which raised my hand position. This in turn put a very flat attack angle on the strings for the lower fingers and helped some.
I fully realize there are some times you need the strum to "chord" as part of the song, but I'm talking about the ability to generally produce a "beat" that gets your toes tapping and sets the beat of the song.
Any ideas?
Regards,
Rimstick
Uncle Dave Macon makes me laugh !!
Ron Ortegel - Posted - 02/01/2007: 11:52:07
How well does the brass plate to the fifth fret position work on a fretless? Anyone have experience with this?
MarkJohnson - Posted - 02/12/2007: 07:29:17
I have always felt that the tune, Cold Frosty Morning" was a moody piece of music to say the least and best played in a minor key. We recorded it in the key of "A Model" or "Mountain Minor/Sawmill Tuning".
I just figured out how to post this tune to my Hangout Homepage for anyone who is in the process of learning this piece. It is another perspective on a great old tune. MJ
Madgenius - Posted - 02/14/2007: 12:17:59
Hi
Can anybody recomend a good place to find a whole bunch of easy to play 2 and 3 chords songs suitable for clawhammer and mandolin (both beginner)
Thanks in Advance
Danny
"Music is a joy to me, sometimes living in it is the only safe place to be" Brian May
Stev187 - Posted - 02/07/2007: 08:06:22
quote:
Originally posted by ZEPP
For those who are unfamiliar with Arnie's and Chris's work, they are required listening for all my students! Absolutely great stuff!
On another thread, Zepp mentioned "required listening" for his CH banjo studnets. What recordings do folks think should be on that list?
I'll start by adding just one: Cathy Fink's
Banjo Haiku. There are many others, but I am stark raving mad about this record.
Let's build a "required listening" list on this thread... What would you add to the list?
Steve
Flint, MI
-----------------------------------
Current Old-Time Ohrwurm: "New Money,"Doc Roberts
jojo25 - Posted - 02/08/2007: 14:17:08
with thanks to Tobias for the link
what is the name of the tune played in this clip?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Utgc...ated&search=
and where can I buy a good recording of it?...a tab?...standard notation
I think this is going to become my next obsession
Banjonically yours
Joe
Faelan - Posted - 02/14/2007: 16:07:30
I hurt my claw finger! I am also a firearms enthusiast, so I've also hurt my trigger finger, it's very dear to me, thankfully it's nothing major- just throbbing right now and can't play!
What to do in the mean time?
banjomikey - Posted - 02/14/2007: 16:09:51
I here YA! I sliced my index finger tip open with a brand new razor blade last week! Had to take it easy for awhile. Just hang in there bud. Don't push it though, you don't wanna make it worse and put yourself out even longer!
Mike
You can pick your nose and you can pick your banjo, but you can't roll banjos into little balls and flick 'em! (_)==='~
haiku - Posted - 02/14/2007: 16:12:25
Well, maybe you can give your ring finger a try? No reason it won't work!
Hope you first and middle fingers will be ok soon!
-----
What will ya have?!
I'll have a pint!
I'll have a pint with you, Sir!
Faelan - Posted - 02/14/2007: 16:24:16
Luckily it's just a blood blister from being pinched really hard near the middle knuckle so it wont come in contact with the string, my entire finger just hurts right now.
oldwoodchuckb - Posted - 02/14/2007: 18:31:31
Learn to use the middle finger too - it comes in handy to have both or even to use the ring finger. Right after an injury the hand might hurt too much to enjoy at all but once you are over the initial throbbing start working on the other finger.
The Whiskey Before Breakfast variations and a few tunes in "F" tuning are now available on the web at:
http://home.thegrid.net/~fjbrad/id20.html
J-Walk - Posted - 02/14/2007: 19:17:20
You've only been playing a week, man! I'd call that a minor setback rather than a disaster.
My humble recommendation is to use the down time to do some serious listening to the types of music you want to play. Listening is a key factor in learning to play. Just play your favorite tunes over and over and over. That will really help when you recover from the disaster minor setback and try to play them.
BRASMAN - Posted - 02/15/2007: 03:50:39
quote:
Originally posted by Faelan
I hurt my claw finger! I am also a firearms enthusiast, so I've also hurt my trigger finger, it's very dear to me, thankfully it's nothing major- just throbbing right now and can't play!
What to do in the mean time?
Bummer. As a felllow beginner and firearms enthusiast (the evil black rifle kind) I feel your pain LOL.
Like every body said try to use the other finger. I actualy have found it to be my prefered finger to use.
Eph 5:19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
ukjonathan - Posted - 02/15/2007: 07:50:13
Hi Faelan sorry to hear about your finger don't know if you remember giving me encourament a week or so ago but it really helped me. Anyway hope your back playing again soon after all I may need some more encouragement
Faelan - Posted - 02/15/2007: 11:40:38
quote:
Originally posted by BRASMAN
Bummer. As a felllow beginner and firearms enthusiast (the evil black rifle kind) I feel your pain LOL.
Yay for EBRs!
The throbbing went away, finger is now only sore in the wounded area. Gonna try playing again here in a bit.
Jim Treganza - Posted - 02/12/2007: 14:17:23
I'm brand new at this and want to take a few lessons. I've been unable to find anybody who gives clawhammer lessons less than 45 miles away from Stockton, CA. I work for a local theatre and we were even unable to find a picker to play with the orchestra in a recent show! For money! Does anybody know somebody who plays old-time banjo in this neck of the woods? I really don't want to drive to Berkeley or Sacramento. Thanks.
Clawdan - Posted - 01/08/2007: 14:06:12
Hi Folks,
Bob Carlin and I are planning a workshop weekend in Austin in late March this year. Wanted to start by giving you a heads up and see who is interested. I'll be glad to keep you up to date of details as they develop.
Play nice,
Dan "Ain't no bum-diddy" Levenson
Old Time Music and Dance
www.ClawhammerBanjo.us
Author of Clawhammer Banjo From Scratch, A guide for the claw-less - a MelBay Publication
and Old Time Festival Tunes for Clawhammer Banjo (MelBay 20313) - 117 tunes tabbed for clawhammer banjo with standard notation and suggested chords.
Tune list at http://www.folknet.org/dan/FestTunesBJBook.htm
ukjonathan - Posted - 02/13/2007: 13:42:16
hi I thought the striking of the strings with the claw hand would be the hardest bit, but no I'm wrong! I can hit the strings in various configurations but can I hell get the bum ditty bit. It just sounds like ting, ting ting. I strike my 1st bottom string then strum down following on by thumb off the drone string. But still no bum ditty. Anyone help? I guess this is the hard bit?
Frode B - Posted - 02/13/2007: 18:09:53
What would you call this fingering technique? http://youtube.com/watch?v=Ct0PbWwY5g8
It's me, and I have been fooling around with the banjo for a couple of years without any guiding. I'm a guitar/pedal steel player so I guess I am mixing it all up on the banjo.
The banjo is a Bart Reiter special ( thanks mr.Balch!)
Frode
Oslo, Norway
Rimstick - Posted - 02/11/2007: 23:52:42
Gang -
Looking for some advice here. I got the "bum tiddy" going pretty good but it still doesn't consistantly sound like music. One of the problems I've identified is that my strum is making music, whereas when I listen closely to recordings, I think the strings should sound more "dead", as if I was muting them by "chiming" at the 7th fret. More of a wash board rasp than musical notes. Hope you can follow that.
I've moved my elbow closer to the rim, which raised my hand position. This in turn put a very flat attack angle on the strings for the lower fingers and helped some.
I fully realize there are some times you need the strum to "chord" as part of the song, but I'm talking about the ability to generally produce a "beat" that gets your toes tapping and sets the beat of the song.
Any ideas?
Regards,
Rimstick
Uncle Dave Macon makes me laugh !!
Ron Ortegel - Posted - 02/01/2007: 11:52:07
How well does the brass plate to the fifth fret position work on a fretless? Anyone have experience with this?
MarkJohnson - Posted - 02/12/2007: 07:29:17
I have always felt that the tune, Cold Frosty Morning" was a moody piece of music to say the least and best played in a minor key. We recorded it in the key of "A Model" or "Mountain Minor/Sawmill Tuning".
I just figured out how to post this tune to my Hangout Homepage for anyone who is in the process of learning this piece. It is another perspective on a great old tune. MJ
Madgenius - Posted - 02/14/2007: 12:17:59
Hi
Can anybody recomend a good place to find a whole bunch of easy to play 2 and 3 chords songs suitable for clawhammer and mandolin (both beginner)
Thanks in Advance
Danny
"Music is a joy to me, sometimes living in it is the only safe place to be" Brian May
Stev187 - Posted - 02/07/2007: 08:06:22
quote:
Originally posted by ZEPP
For those who are unfamiliar with Arnie's and Chris's work, they are required listening for all my students! Absolutely great stuff!
On another thread, Zepp mentioned "required listening" for his CH banjo studnets. What recordings do folks think should be on that list?
I'll start by adding just one: Cathy Fink's
Banjo Haiku. There are many others, but I am stark raving mad about this record.
Let's build a "required listening" list on this thread... What would you add to the list?
Steve
Flint, MI
-----------------------------------
Current Old-Time Ohrwurm: "New Money,"Doc Roberts
jojo25 - Posted - 02/08/2007: 14:17:08
with thanks to Tobias for the link
what is the name of the tune played in this clip?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Utgc...ated&search=
and where can I buy a good recording of it?...a tab?...standard notation
I think this is going to become my next obsession
Banjonically yours
Joe
Faelan - Posted - 02/14/2007: 16:07:30
I hurt my claw finger! I am also a firearms enthusiast, so I've also hurt my trigger finger, it's very dear to me, thankfully it's nothing major- just throbbing right now and can't play!
What to do in the mean time?
chip arnold - Posted - 12/26/2006: 23:06:10
Do you go to festivals?
Which ones?
Do you go to teaching camps?
Which ones?
Play with a plan
Chip
trapdoor2 - Posted - 12/26/2006: 23:52:09
I get over to the Nashville OT group's "Breakin' Up Christmas" every year. Gonna be the first of March in 2007.
The only festival I regularly attend is the Athens Fiddler's Convention (Athens, AL) in October.
I went to Nashcamp in 2005 and Smokey Mountain Banjo Academy as well. I think I have more fun at the teaching camps than at the festivals.
"If banjos needed tone rings, S.S. Stewart would have built 'em that way."
===Marc
Richard - Posted - 12/27/2006: 05:32:46
Any that i can get to !
mainly folk festivals over here with bluegrass / old-time ( to a lesser extent) components.
Richard
"There is nothing whatsoever that does not become easier with acquaintance" - Santideva
see my band UPDATED and IMPROVED SITE ! http://www.geocities.com/bottleneck...atitude.html
bvh - Posted - 12/27/2006: 07:42:47
Speaking of the Breaking Up Christmas Festival(I believe it's Winter instead of Christmas), does anybody know, why Dave Cannon(sp) is no longer assosiated, with this festival?
BVH
trapdoor2 - Posted - 12/27/2006: 09:43:13
Sorry..."Breaking Up Winter", I must have had too much Xmas spirit(s).
I'm not a member of NOTSBA and although I've seen Dave at many events, I don't really know him. I'll ask around.
"If banjos needed tone rings, S.S. Stewart would have built 'em that way."
===Marc
Craig - Posted - 12/27/2006: 09:51:50
Where are you from and how far might you travel?
I'm a snow bird. I go to the Florida Old Time Music Championships. Up north I go to the Mayville (NY) Bluegrass festival (and play clawhammer in the jams) because I live there. I plan to go to Clifftops in WV next year. The WV folk festival is also reportedly very good.
Craig
Craig
www.thepleasantfamily.com
"We're not family and we're not always pleasant"
jojo2525 - Posted - 12/27/2006: 10:03:16
The Willow Creek Folk Festival near Stockton, Illinois...started in late 60s and I've been to almost all of them...wonderful small fest
Clifftop...been the last 3 years...a long haul for me from Wisconsin...but lots of folks go even farther...last year I camped near a fellow who flew his own plane from the west coast
Banjonically yours
Joe McNally
GSCarson - Posted - 12/27/2006: 10:45:37
My son plays bluegrass banjo so I try to plan something we can do as a father/son thing each years that works for both of us. We used to go to the Maryland Banjo Academy, we've gone to Steve Kaufman's camp, and we've gone to Banjo Camp North for the past couple years which has worked out really well for our clawhammer/bluegrass interests.
Also hit the Gettysburg festival for a day once in a while cause it's close, and we have gone to Clifftop for the past couple years which I really enjoy and he is learning to tolerate..
G. Carson.
ScottK - Posted - 12/27/2006: 12:51:11
Since I live in Portland, Oregon, I go to the Portland Old-Time Music Gathering (http://www.bubbaguitar.com/festival/index.html). It's always a lot of fun with a couple square dances and lots of jamming. The 2007 edition is coming up in a couple of weeks, January 10-14.
Last year I went to the Golden Old Time Music Festival (http://www.goldenoldtimemusic.com/) in Yreka, California, and enjoyed it a lot. It's kind of small and very friendly. Lots of jamming in the campground at night. They've already got Dirk Powell, Riley Baugus, and Foghorn Stringband lined up for this year so I plan to go again.
Last year I went to Weiser (http://www.fiddlecontest.com/) for the first time, but I didn't go to the fiddle contest. I just camped and jammed in Stickerville (http://www.stickerville.org/). There was plenty of good music in the campground. I had hoped to go to the Centralia Campout (http://www.centraliacampout.com/), but had conflicts and couldn't make it. I hope to hit both Weiser and Centralia this year.
For the last three years I've attended American Banjo Camp (http://www.langston.com/ABC/) up near Port Townsend, Washington. I enjoyed it a lot all three years. I got a lot of inspiration and motivation learning directly from Ken Perlman, Mike Seeger, Mac Benford, Michael Miles, Brad Leftwich, Paul Brown, Howie Bursen, and Laura Boosinger. I can't absorb that much in a weekend, but the inspiration fuels my practice for months after the camp. The faculty concerts and hosted jams are also a lot of fun. I'll probably try to go again this year.
The last couple of years I also attended the spring Banjo Workshop hosted by Bob Carlin at Dusty Strings in Seattle. Last year's workshop featured Bob with Dan Levenson and Molly Tannenbaum. This year's featured Bob with Laura Boosinger and Candy Goldman. Both were very good. Not so much jamming at this workshop, though, since folk aren't staying on-site.
Scott
Muddy Roads - Posted - 12/28/2006: 17:40:06
I feel like there are almost none on the east coast. i live in NYC. there was a festival in brooklyn over the summer with jams and instructional sessions too. Big old time jam in the middle with lots of circles out and around the lawn. I think it's annual and usually around august.
That Portland, OR jam is a blast, made it last year.
MR
www.musicaccord.net/muddyroads
mom of 10 - Posted - 12/29/2006: 11:11:43
I go to the best (of course) Walnut Valley Bluegrass Festival in Winfield, KS.
Believe me, it's not just bluegrass!
The shows are wonderful, the street jams are awesome, the camps are great. Just too much to mention.
I have a son who plays bodhran, so we often hang out with the celtic players (yea Carp Camp!) but there's lots of old time, too.
Come if you can. Sep. 12-16, 2007. Of course, I'll be there for the full 10 days of prefestival/festival. www.wvfest.com
Melanie
If y'got time to breathe, y'got time for music.
Briscoe Darling, 1963
Kole - Posted - 12/31/2006: 10:51:01
Always the Florida Old-Time Music Championships. My guitar player lives on Clay Hill Rd. We could walk there in 3 minutes. April 2007 Brooksville, Fla. Please try to attend.
Flesher Tarantella
Cedar Mountain Banjos
Wilt Rott - Posted - 01/04/2007: 11:42:59
CLIFFTOP!!!
"A banjo can get you through times with no money, but money can't get you through times with no banjo" - John Hartford
freddfish - Posted - 01/14/2007: 20:59:19
Anybody know of ANYTHING within a 3 hour drive of Baltimore? Besides the Getttysburg Fest, that is...going to that this year if I can.
The Fish
Fred from Baltimore
Rover openback 5-string
RIP Mississippi John Hurt, Dock Boggs, Uncle Dave Macon
"These Boys is not white! Hell, they ain't even Old-Timey!!"
-Homer Stokes, in Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?
black flag - Posted - 01/14/2007: 22:02:49
I'm thinking of going to the Charlie Poole Festival in Eden , NC, June 8-9. It's a long way from California, but I have free airline tickets and need to be in DC the next weekend anyway.
Chris
R.D. Lunceford - Posted - 01/15/2007: 06:24:14
My fave is the *Bowlin Owner's Outdoor Rendezvous and Off-Road Dirt-Bike Rally* (free admission with an empty beer bottle) held in the Aleutian Islands every New Year's Eve.
R.D. Lunceford- "Missourian in Exile"
*************************
Model 1865 Bowlin Fretless Banjo
Edited by - R.D. Lunceford on 01/15/2007 06:27:05
patches - Posted - 01/15/2007: 10:43:29
When is the Gettysburg event?
Keep on the sunny side!
Don
freddfish - Posted - 01/16/2007: 19:09:20
quote:
Originally posted by patches
When is the Gettysburg event?
Keep on the sunny side!
Don
http://gettysburgbluegrass.com/Don't know if there is any CH going on though...
Fred from Baltimore
Rover openback 5-string
RIP Mississippi John Hurt, Dock Boggs, Uncle Dave Macon
"These Boys is not white! Hell, they ain't even Old-Timey!!"
-Homer Stokes, in Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?
jbalch - Posted - 01/16/2007: 22:55:16
quote:
Originally posted by R.D. Lunceford
My fave is the *Bowlin Owner's Outdoor Rendezvous and Off-Road Dirt-Bike Rally* (free admission with an empty beer bottle) held in the Aleutian Islands every New Year's Eve.
R.D. Lunceford- "Missourian in Exile"
*************************
Model 1865 Bowlin Fretless Banjo
Yeah...but that is a pretty elite group RD. I rode my 10-speed down there last New Years ... with a Bart Reiter banjo and a whole case of empty beer bottles...but alas...I couldn't get in. They said something about no frets (or smooth tires) allowed.
Don't forget: Uncle Dave Macon Days in Murfresboro, TN. ..home of the official National Old-Time Banjo Championship. Our festival is always the weekend after the 4th of July.
http://www.johnbalchmusic.com/http://www.myspace.com/johnbalch
Edited by - jbalch on 01/16/2007 22:58:19
rinemb - Posted - 01/20/2007: 18:00:10
Melanie, you are a real trooper. I will go to Walnut Valley this year-if I am not out on a job. Being its only 40 miles away, and I haven't been in years. Wish iit had more old time. And its getting soooo crowded! I do plan to go to Clifftop for the first time. Chip, I am sure I will be relying on you to give me all the pretrip and where to go suggestions-down the road. From there I hope to finally make the "pilgrimage" up to "Rine's Ridge' in the WV Panhandle, where all of my kinfolkhomesteaded and pioneered since 1780. I wonder if any of em play, or provide some good old shine...Brad
May not the incidence of success, nor the pretense of retirement-Lessen the want of enlightenment.
Stev187 - Posted - 01/21/2007: 11:30:40
Back in the day (which is my code for 10 years ago when I was playing banjo regularly), I almost went to Clifftop several years running. Something always came up--job, school, personal life.
I'd love to go this year, but I want to ask a question or two of Clifftop regulars.
1. Would I get more playing in if I came down with my string bass? I think I learn as much about banjo playing bass with a good banjo player than I do with a banjo in my hand. My goal would be to play with some really hot banjo and fiddle players.
2. Do folks like to play with a bass fiddle at that festival? (I'd say I'm pretty darn good).
3. Anybody got a string band they enter in the contest that would need a bass player for the festival? I'd love to hook up with some folks who wanted hot bottom end up on stage.
Steve
Flint, MI
-----------------------------------
"I wish I'd bought me a half pint and stayed in the wagon yard."
oldtimer - Posted - 01/21/2007: 16:58:05
I don't get to festivals much anymore, but some of the most enjoyable festivals have been those held by the Minnesota Old-time and Bluegrass Association. They have a moderate sized festival around August 1 that is about evenly divided between bluegrass and old-time (really GOOD old-time), with a bunch of good workshops, friendly knowledgable jams, dances and stage performers. They have a smaller gathering in June that is old-time. Both festivals are very pleasant.
All the old-time "stars" have raved about how wonderful these two festivals are. Google their website for information.
Best regards,
Glenn Godsey
1998 Riley Baugus
1923 Whyte Laydie
Prust 13" fretless tackhead
Early Ramsey fretless
1878 Henry C. Dobson
"Time passes unhindered"
GSCarson - Posted - 01/21/2007: 18:00:20
rinemb & Stev187,
Chip and others can shed more light on this but I'd say if you like old time fiddle and banjo tunes, you'll probably enjoy Clifftop. Although the festival starts mid week, some folks start coming the previous weekend, and the early jamming is a lot of fun, there are plenty of folks there. As far as the bass goes, if you enjoy playing it, I'd bring it along, you should find plenty of opportunities to play it, and hopefully to get into a contest band if you meet the right people. I was in a couple jam sessions last year where we did not have a bass and one showed up in mid song, and it just energized the session even more. I am working on an out of state project and drive about 8 hours each week coming and going, and I still listen to some of the jam session recordings I made during the last couple years there because they bring back some good memories.
G. Carson
chip arnold - Posted - 01/21/2007: 18:29:30
Hi Glenn, I met your friend Micah this weekend at Buckingham's. A really nice kid and a heck of a picker. He showed off your engraving work on the banjo he made. Beautiful.
Clifftop. Y'all come. I'd bring the bass but bring whatever else you play too. One bass to a jam but many times there are more than one of everything else.
Hey Brad, Get there early if you can. It fills up pretty quick and level spots go fast. We always make a ten day fester out of it and never want to leave. We camp up on the hill by the water tower. Clifftop is a VERY crowded affair. Bring rain gear, boots and a coat. It got down to 38 the year before last but usually it's pretty hot.
Play with a plan
Chip
GSCarson - Posted - 01/21/2007: 21:55:41
Chip,
Off topic but... Micah is a good guy, he's getting married in March to a girl we introduced him too... I ended up as best man somehow, I will look like an old geezer standing up there with those kids. Had fun with him building that banjo, there is a photo of us on my home page the day we finished assembling his. See you at Clifftop if not earlier, there is rumor of a southern picking trip coming together up here to help ward off cabin fever. Now, back to the festivals.
Glenn
mom of 10 - Posted - 01/23/2007: 21:25:52
Where and when is clifftop? Is it really on a cliff?
Melanie
If y'got time to breathe, y'got time for music.
Briscoe Darling, 1963
BrendanD - Posted - 01/24/2007: 03:39:32
quote:
Originally posted by mom of 10
Where and when is clifftop? Is it really on a cliff?
Melanie
Well... it's not readily visible at the festival site, but somehow our Clifftop "Brigadoon" band seems to have found one to fall off of anyway:
I couldn't say quite where that is, really...
But I can say that Clifftop is the absolute highlight of my year, musically and socially. My wife Maxine and I fly out from California every year for it, and we usually stay for about 10 days, total. We're always completely fried at the end of it, but there is nowhere else that we can see, hear, and play with so many of our favorite musicians and friends from far and wide. Our band I mentioned above is a perfect example: our fiddler is from Massachusetts, our bass player is from Alabama, our guitar player is from Pennsylvania, and our tenor guitar player just moved from North Carolina to Pennsylvania. (You see why we only get together once a year.)
Sleep? Bah! I'll sleep when I'm dead!
Brendan
"Many thing un-understandable a chicken-hearted seems slim usually."
- from a Japanese shopping bag (printed in English)
mcallise - Posted - 01/26/2007: 23:07:26
I go to Clifftop and Mount Airy - Mt. Airy is not as huge or as picturesque as Clifftop, and there's more of a mix of bluegrass and old time, but it's in a great location and I always have lots of fun and get no sleep.
BTW: If you've never been to a festival - plan on not sleeping. There is NO quiet time ever, and there will be drunks hollering and whooping up and down around your tent from midnight till dawn; you will unfailingly choose a tent site next to the worst offenders. I'm 3 for 3.
If you are over 40, my advice is stay offsite or bring earplugs.
Uncle Mac - Jug Music Rules!
chip arnold - Posted - 01/27/2007: 10:05:43
"If you are over 40, my advice is stay offsite or bring earplugs."
No, no, no! Don't listen to this nonsense! The whooping and hollering almost always dies down before dawn. Why I remember nights when it was quiet enough to hear a freight train by 4:30 am. Besides, you should be out picking at that time of day (night).
Stay offsite? Never. I'm 60.
Play with a plan
Chip
ScottK - Posted - 01/27/2007: 13:52:25
Hey Brendan,
I picked up your "On the Edge" CD at the Portland Old Time Music Gathering a couple weeks back. Great album! I'm really enjoying it a lot! I'm looking forward to learning a few of the tunes I wasn't previously familiar with as soon as I catch up a little on the learning backlog from the weekly jam session I'm currently attending.
BTW, anybody ever hear of the "White Trash Mystics"? Mike Seeger showed up at the Portland Old Time Music Gathering (as an attendee, not as a featured performer) and was wearing a White Trash Mystics T-shirt at one of the square dances. I was curious about it, but didn't get a chance to ask him about it. Didn't find much when I did a web search later. Seems to have been a band a while back. Just curious...
Scott
BrendanD - Posted - 01/30/2007: 04:51:47
quote:
Originally posted by ScottK
Hey Brendan,
I picked up your "On the Edge" CD at the Portland Old Time Music Gathering a couple weeks back. Great album! I'm really enjoying it a lot! I'm looking forward to learning a few of the tunes I wasn't previously familiar with as soon as I catch up a little on the learning backlog from the weekly jam session I'm currently attending.
Thanks for the compliments, Scott; I'm glad you like it so much! "On The Edge" (all traditional tunes) and its companion CD, "Clifftop Notes Vol. 1" (all original Mark Simos tunes with additional musicians, Vol. 2 coming out later this year) are the first recordings I've played on. I'd be curious to hear if you have any favorites on the CD (I do!), either the tracks themselves or as new tunes to learn.
quote:
BTW, anybody ever hear of the "White Trash Mystics"? Mike Seeger showed up at the Portland Old Time Music Gathering (as an attendee, not as a featured performer) and was wearing a White Trash Mystics T-shirt at one of the square dances. I was curious about it, but didn't get a chance to ask him about it. Didn't find much when I did a web search later. Seems to have been a band a while back. Just curious...
Yeah, I saw Mike wearing that T-shirt in Portland, too. The White Trash Mystics were around (out east) in, I think, the early '90s (and probably earlier and later, too); they were featured as a swing band at a lot of dance camps and weekends in that era. The only musician in the band who comes to mind just now is Tom Mitchell, who's a terrific and versatile guitar player. I think there were several permutations of that band over the years, but I can't remember who else was in it. All great musicians, though!
Brendan
"Many thing un-understandable a chicken-hearted seems slim usually."
- from a Japanese shopping bag (printed in English)
Frosty Morn - Posted - 01/30/2007: 12:04:47
The Appalachian String Band Festival "Clifftop" is my favorite. I'm happy to make the 17 drive from New England. If you need to sleep while there, and require silence to do so, bring earplugs. Old time tunes can be heard 24 hours a day. It's an extraordinary experience in a delightful setting.
Regarding "teaching camps", I don't travel far for something like that. Fortunate enough to have the Old Time Music Camp North and Banjo Camp North in Massachusetts. Of the two, I prefer the OTMCN. More fiddlers per banjo player.
Deering - Posted - 02/14/2007: 15:48:13
How does Clifftop compare to Uncle Dave Macon Days in Murfreesboro, TN, held in July? Is it the same atmosphere, or does Murfreesboro have more stage performances, or which is best for parking lot jamming? Murfreesboro is a shorter trip for us Georiga folks.
chip arnold - Posted - 02/14/2007: 17:03:43
Hi Lyle,
Never been to Dave Macon Days although I'd like to.
Clifftop is not about stage performances at all. Except that starting Thursday the competitions go non stop thru Sat. night. But it's NOT like you're gonna sit there and be entertained with sets by famous bands. One tune in the preliminaries and two in the finals then off you go and here comes the next competitor. There are Master's Workshops which are always good. There are dances with good bands and callers.
There is no "parking lot". Several thousand people are camping and they're all musicians. So the jamming happens at the campsites. Also some jamming on the porch of the lodge and at some of the vendor's booths......Jake Krack keeps a jam all day and night at his dad's fiddle booth. There are dozens and dozens of jams going at all hours of the day and night. Some very open and some very closed. It is the most intense musical experience you'll ever have. Total immersion. Straight ahead Old Time with the same as no Bluegrass at all. It takes us 8 1/2 hours pulling a little (very little!) camper to get there from Blairsville, Ga. Come up by the water tower and find me and Tish and we'll pick.
See you at Bear on the Square?
Play with a plan
Chip
Deering - Posted - 02/14/2007: 19:19:55
Thanks for the info, Chip, it sounds like the best one could hope for. Will try to figure that one in, and will certainly see you in April. I thought about mosying up to east Nashville to the Breaking Up Christmas get-together, what do you know about that one, it is around the 4th of March.?
chip arnold - Posted - 02/14/2007: 19:27:38
Glen, Betty Vornbrock's birthday weekend is the same time so we've never been to Breaking up Winter. I do know folks who go and they love it. Lo Gordon will be going and he'll be vending there. Wife Mary will be coming to Betty's. Just hunt him down and you'll be in the middle of things. http://www.nashvilleoldtime.org/BUW...ngthere9.htm
Play with a plan
Chip
Deering - Posted - 02/14/2007: 23:19:28
OK, thanks. I will probably go to that one, and you remember i told you a few months ago, I went over to Lo's place and had my first lesson. He is a great guy and I enjoyed meeting him.
maryzcox - Posted - 02/15/2007: 07:48:37
Hello,
We went to Uncle Dave Macon Days last year and it was fun. It was held in a little restored village within the town. Very clean and neat and shady areas too.
We didn't camp because it wasn't really set up for camping--only a few shady sites that were already taken and no electric water hookup.
We were fortunate to stay at a bed and breakfast within walking distance.
Besides all the contests, they had a guest performer, a parade, and really nice arts and crafts booths, food vendors too.
There was alot of jamming going on under the trees in back of the contest stage and folks seemed pretty friendly. 
Best wishes,
Mary Z. Cox
www.maryzcox.com
If you suspect you need a new banjo--you do. Trust your musical instincts. If a banjo calls to you to buy it, don't fight destiny. It was meant to be. :)
Limax - Posted - 02/15/2007: 10:34:13
There aren't too many camps to speak of on the west coast (unless you count the gathering in Washington), so I don't get really any opportunities to attend, especially since I live around SF. The main opportunities open to me are when someone comes through and offers a weekend workshop, which always happens on a weekend where I have a scheduling conflict.
A salted slug gathers no moss.
INFP47 - Posted - 02/15/2007: 15:34:01
As someone else said, there are not a lot of old-time festivals here in the Northeast (just a lot of snow at the moment). I generally go to the GreyFox Bluegrass Festival in Ancramdale, NY in July. Grey Fox generally has some good old time music. Recently Uncle Earl has been there. I also go to the Old Songs Festival in Altamont in June. It's a folk festival with some old-time. This weekend I'm going to Dance Flurry in Saratoga Springs, NY, mainly a dance festival, including contras, but also old-time banjo workshops and concerts.
I'm going to Banjo Camp North this year and would enjoy hearing from anyone who is also going or who has tips on how to get the most out of banjo camp.
Tim
Jim Treganza - Posted - 02/12/2007: 14:17:23
I'm brand new at this and want to take a few lessons. I've been unable to find anybody who gives clawhammer lessons less than 45 miles away from Stockton, CA. I work for a local theatre and we were even unable to find a picker to play with the orchestra in a recent show! For money! Does anybody know somebody who plays old-time banjo in this neck of the woods? I really don't want to drive to Berkeley or Sacramento. Thanks.
Clawdan - Posted - 01/08/2007: 14:06:12
Hi Folks,
Bob Carlin and I are planning a workshop weekend in Austin in late March this year. Wanted to start by giving you a heads up and see who is interested. I'll be glad to keep you up to date of details as they develop.
Play nice,
Dan "Ain't no bum-diddy" Levenson
Old Time Music and Dance
www.ClawhammerBanjo.us
Author of Clawhammer Banjo From Scratch, A guide for the claw-less - a MelBay Publication
and Old Time Festival Tunes for Clawhammer Banjo (MelBay 20313) - 117 tunes tabbed for clawhammer banjo with standard notation and suggested chords.
Tune list at http://www.folknet.org/dan/FestTunesBJBook.htm
ukjonathan - Posted - 02/13/2007: 13:42:16
hi I thought the striking of the strings with the claw hand would be the hardest bit, but no I'm wrong! I can hit the strings in various configurations but can I hell get the bum ditty bit. It just sounds like ting, ting ting. I strike my 1st bottom string then strum down following on by thumb off the drone string. But still no bum ditty. Anyone help? I guess this is the hard bit?
Frode B - Posted - 02/13/2007: 18:09:53
What would you call this fingering technique? http://youtube.com/watch?v=Ct0PbWwY5g8
It's me, and I have been fooling around with the banjo for a couple of years without any guiding. I'm a guitar/pedal steel player so I guess I am mixing it all up on the banjo.
The banjo is a Bart Reiter special ( thanks mr.Balch!)
Frode
Oslo, Norway
Rimstick - Posted - 02/11/2007: 23:52:42
Gang -
Looking for some advice here. I got the "bum tiddy" going pretty good but it still doesn't consistantly sound like music. One of the problems I've identified is that my strum is making music, whereas when I listen closely to recordings, I think the strings should sound more "dead", as if I was muting them by "chiming" at the 7th fret. More of a wash board rasp than musical notes. Hope you can follow that.
I've moved my elbow closer to the rim, which raised my hand position. This in turn put a very flat attack angle on the strings for the lower fingers and helped some.
I fully realize there are some times you need the strum to "chord" as part of the song, but I'm talking about the ability to generally produce a "beat" that gets your toes tapping and sets the beat of the song.
Any ideas?
Regards,
Rimstick
Uncle Dave Macon makes me laugh !!
Ron Ortegel - Posted - 02/01/2007: 11:52:07
How well does the brass plate to the fifth fret position work on a fretless? Anyone have experience with this?
MarkJohnson - Posted - 02/12/2007: 07:29:17
I have always felt that the tune, Cold Frosty Morning" was a moody piece of music to say the least and best played in a minor key. We recorded it in the key of "A Model" or "Mountain Minor/Sawmill Tuning".
I just figured out how to post this tune to my Hangout Homepage for anyone who is in the process of learning this piece. It is another perspective on a great old tune. MJ
Madgenius - Posted - 02/14/2007: 12:17:59
Hi
Can anybody recomend a good place to find a whole bunch of easy to play 2 and 3 chords songs suitable for clawhammer and mandolin (both beginner)
Thanks in Advance
Danny
"Music is a joy to me, sometimes living in it is the only safe place to be" Brian May
Stev187 - Posted - 02/07/2007: 08:06:22
quote:
Originally posted by ZEPP
For those who are unfamiliar with Arnie's and Chris's work, they are required listening for all my students! Absolutely great stuff!
On another thread, Zepp mentioned "required listening" for his CH banjo studnets. What recordings do folks think should be on that list?
I'll start by adding just one: Cathy Fink's
Banjo Haiku. There are many others, but I am stark raving mad about this record.
Let's build a "required listening" list on this thread... What would you add to the list?
Steve
Flint, MI
-----------------------------------
Current Old-Time Ohrwurm: "New Money,"Doc Roberts
jojo25 - Posted - 02/08/2007: 14:17:08
with thanks to Tobias for the link
what is the name of the tune played in this clip?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Utgc...ated&search=
and where can I buy a good recording of it?...a tab?...standard notation
I think this is going to become my next obsession
Banjonically yours
Joe
Faelan - Posted - 02/14/2007: 16:07:30
I hurt my claw finger! I am also a firearms enthusiast, so I've also hurt my trigger finger, it's very dear to me, thankfully it's nothing major- just throbbing right now and can't play!
What to do in the mean time?
chip arnold - Posted - 12/26/2006: 23:06:10
Do you go to festivals?
Which ones?
Do you go to teaching camps?
Which ones?
Play with a plan
Chip
tdignon - Posted - 02/11/2007: 16:36:54
I'm anxious to find an instructor to help me patch over some of the rougher habits I've acquired through book-banjo-learnin'. Have been having a lot of trouble finding people through a search engine, thought you guys might know best. I'm open even to New York City though I'm hoping to find a teacher as local as possible (preferably New Paltz, Woodstock, Poughkeepsie, Kingston area.)
Thanks so much,
Terry
tdignon - Posted - 02/12/2007: 12:38:23
Hope you guys don't mind, bumping this just once to see if there is anyone out there that could help me with this. If bumping isn't allowed or is frowned upon please let me know-- I won't do it again!
*cups hands over mouth* IS THERE A BANJOOOO TEACHER IN THE VALLLEEEYYYYY?
:) :( :) :(
jojo25 - Posted - 02/12/2007: 15:07:53
Terry,
I can't help you with a teach in your area, but you might want to consider attending a banjo camp in order to get some of those rough edges smoothed out. Other things to do that might help...
- play with others...esp. those who are more advanced than you, if possible...but find some folks to jam with
- attend performances of OT players...and pick up by osmosis or by asking them questions or begging for a short lesson afterwards...if you have the hutzpah to do that!
- listen to the good ones...there are some good recent threads here at
BHO that will key you in to whom to listen to
- don't give up...persistance is a very powerful tool
Banjonically yours
Joe
jojo25 - Posted - 02/12/2007: 15:10:42
one more thing...plan to go to a least one good OT festival this year...Clifftop or ??
Banjonically yours
Joe
tdignon - Posted - 02/12/2007: 18:37:01
Thanks Joe, I've only been playing for a few months now and being that I'm an isolationist, and also that its winter, I haven't been outside meeting other players as much as I'd like. Would you recommend a specific festival? My girlfriend and I are traveling cross country this summer and would like to hit a few.
There seems to be so many though, unable to decide which are the best!
tdignon - Posted - 02/13/2007: 11:24:00
Thanks, that's the nearest banjo camp I've found. I also like the idea of having a beginners track... going to check it out in greater detail!
INFP47 - Posted - 02/13/2007: 21:50:40
If you can get to the Albany area, there are a lot of resources. Check out www.pickingandsinging.org. It's a great group of folk, old time and celtic musicians. Check with Ulster County Community College, Orange CCC or Dutchess CCC Continuing Education Dept. They may offer Clawhammer lessons. I'm an administrator with Adirondack Community College and we have frequently offered banjo lessons with a clawhammer emphasis. I also once took clawhammer lessons thru Central Piedmont Community College in N.C. from Wayne Erbsen.
It's been a while since I lived in New Paltz but there is probably a good acoustic music store in the area that could refer you to a teacher. Also check out the Rosendale Cafe, they sometimes have old-time performers. The Towne Crier cafe over in Dutchess County is one of the best folk music cafes in the Northeast. At either of these cafes you can probably hook up with other clawhammer types.
Philj200 - Posted - 02/14/2007: 08:10:50
The YMCA facility in Hugonut (near Port Jervis) has events that include folk music. There's a chance to link up with people there. Give them a call. Don't bother with their clunky website.
Philj200
tdignon - Posted - 02/14/2007: 12:24:35
INFP,
Thanks so much for the heads up. There aren't any acoustic music stores that I know of in town, but the idea to check out UCC was a great one. Going to give them a call today or tomorrow to see if they offer anything along those lines.
How long ago did you live in New Paltz?
Terry
INFP47 - Posted - 02/14/2007: 22:27:57
Terry,
I lived in New Paltz in the late 60's/early 70's when I was a student there. Recently, I've spent some time in New Paltz most years. I love the town. I later lived in Rosendale and I have since lived all over the MId-Hudson Valley. Now I'm up in Glens Falls. I bet Poughkeepsie has a good acousic music store. Check it out. They could probably recommend a teacher.
I started playing CH in the 70's and then stopped for 30 years. I started in again last fall and I'm still a beginner. I'm also planning on going to Banjo Camp North this year.
Tim
flatfoot - Posted - 02/15/2007: 01:00:08
.
Contact Happy Traum at Homespun tapes. He is in Woodstock and knows everything about musicians in that area.
.
Lewis! Do you hear a Banjo? Paddle Faster!
tdignon - Posted - 02/15/2007: 19:35:38
Contacted Happy Traum, he was very helpful
Thanks a bunch you guys
Jim Treganza - Posted - 02/12/2007: 14:17:23
I'm brand new at this and want to take a few lessons. I've been unable to find anybody who gives clawhammer lessons less than 45 miles away from Stockton, CA. I work for a local theatre and we were even unable to find a picker to play with the orchestra in a recent show! For money! Does anybody know somebody who plays old-time banjo in this neck of the woods? I really don't want to drive to Berkeley or Sacramento. Thanks.
Clawdan - Posted - 01/08/2007: 14:06:12
Hi Folks,
Bob Carlin and I are planning a workshop weekend in Austin in late March this year. Wanted to start by giving you a heads up and see who is interested. I'll be glad to keep you up to date of details as they develop.
Play nice,
Dan "Ain't no bum-diddy" Levenson
Old Time Music and Dance
www.ClawhammerBanjo.us
Author of Clawhammer Banjo From Scratch, A guide for the claw-less - a MelBay Publication
and Old Time Festival Tunes for Clawhammer Banjo (MelBay 20313) - 117 tunes tabbed for clawhammer banjo with standard notation and suggested chords.
Tune list at http://www.folknet.org/dan/FestTunesBJBook.htm
ukjonathan - Posted - 02/13/2007: 13:42:16
hi I thought the striking of the strings with the claw hand would be the hardest bit, but no I'm wrong! I can hit the strings in various configurations but can I hell get the bum ditty bit. It just sounds like ting, ting ting. I strike my 1st bottom string then strum down following on by thumb off the drone string. But still no bum ditty. Anyone help? I guess this is the hard bit?
Frode B - Posted - 02/13/2007: 18:09:53
What would you call this fingering technique? http://youtube.com/watch?v=Ct0PbWwY5g8
It's me, and I have been fooling around with the banjo for a couple of years without any guiding. I'm a guitar/pedal steel player so I guess I am mixing it all up on the banjo.
The banjo is a Bart Reiter special ( thanks mr.Balch!)
Frode
Oslo, Norway
Rimstick - Posted - 02/11/2007: 23:52:42
Gang -
Looking for some advice here. I got the "bum tiddy" going pretty good but it still doesn't consistantly sound like music. One of the problems I've identified is that my strum is making music, whereas when I listen closely to recordings, I think the strings should sound more "dead", as if I was muting them by "chiming" at the 7th fret. More of a wash board rasp than musical notes. Hope you can follow that.
I've moved my elbow closer to the rim, which raised my hand position. This in turn put a very flat attack angle on the strings for the lower fingers and helped some.
I fully realize there are some times you need the strum to "chord" as part of the song, but I'm talking about the ability to generally produce a "beat" that gets your toes tapping and sets the beat of the song.
Any ideas?
Regards,
Rimstick
Uncle Dave Macon makes me laugh !!
Ron Ortegel - Posted - 02/01/2007: 11:52:07
How well does the brass plate to the fifth fret position work on a fretless? Anyone have experience with this?
MarkJohnson - Posted - 02/12/2007: 07:29:17
I have always felt that the tune, Cold Frosty Morning" was a moody piece of music to say the least and best played in a minor key. We recorded it in the key of "A Model" or "Mountain Minor/Sawmill Tuning".
I just figured out how to post this tune to my Hangout Homepage for anyone who is in the process of learning this piece. It is another perspective on a great old tune. MJ
Madgenius - Posted - 02/14/2007: 12:17:59
Hi
Can anybody recomend a good place to find a whole bunch of easy to play 2 and 3 chords songs suitable for clawhammer and mandolin (both beginner)
Thanks in Advance
Danny
"Music is a joy to me, sometimes living in it is the only safe place to be" Brian May
Stev187 - Posted - 02/07/2007: 08:06:22
quote:
Originally posted by ZEPP
For those who are unfamiliar with Arnie's and Chris's work, they are required listening for all my students! Absolutely great stuff!
On another thread, Zepp mentioned "required listening" for his CH banjo studnets. What recordings do folks think should be on that list?
I'll start by adding just one: Cathy Fink's
Banjo Haiku. There are many others, but I am stark raving mad about this record.
Let's build a "required listening" list on this thread... What would you add to the list?
Steve
Flint, MI
-----------------------------------
Current Old-Time Ohrwurm: "New Money,"Doc Roberts
jojo25 - Posted - 02/08/2007: 14:17:08
with thanks to Tobias for the link
what is the name of the tune played in this clip?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Utgc...ated&search=
and where can I buy a good recording of it?...a tab?...standard notation
I think this is going to become my next obsession
Banjonically yours
Joe
Faelan - Posted - 02/14/2007: 16:07:30
I hurt my claw finger! I am also a firearms enthusiast, so I've also hurt my trigger finger, it's very dear to me, thankfully it's nothing major- just throbbing right now and can't play!
What to do in the mean time?
chip arnold - Posted - 12/26/2006: 23:06:10
Do you go to festivals?
Which ones?
Do you go to teaching camps?
Which ones?
Play with a plan
Chip
tdignon - Posted - 02/11/2007: 16:36:54
I'm anxious to find an instructor to help me patch over some of the rougher habits I've acquired through book-banjo-learnin'. Have been having a lot of trouble finding people through a search engine, thought you guys might know best. I'm open even to New York City though I'm hoping to find a teacher as local as possible (preferably New Paltz, Woodstock, Poughkeepsie, Kingston area.)
Thanks so much,
Terry
N8116B - Posted - 05/18/2006: 13:39:11
Do any of you stuff a rag or anything in the pot behind the head to mute the sound? I have a heard a few players who sometime have things in the pot and was wondering how common this is.
---------------------------
Scott
---------------------------
Instruments:
1. Bart Reiter Galax
2. Deering Goodtime Special (looking for a new home)
grich - Posted - 05/18/2006: 13:43:03
What's next bras !
Greg Rich
N8116B - Posted - 05/18/2006: 13:44:39
quote:
Originally posted by grich
What's next bras !
Greg Rich
Guess we know where you mind is at... I was thinking Stove Top when I wrote the subject
---------------------------
Scott
---------------------------
Instruments:
1. Bart Reiter Galax
2. Deering Goodtime Special (looking for a new home)
grich - Posted - 05/18/2006: 13:59:01
I kinda figured you were thinking about stove top, I took a chance on the second thing that came to mind......... I lied !
Greg Rich
uncledelphi - Posted - 05/18/2006: 16:04:08
I'm right with you, Craig! Socks are for feet, not banjos. I love my banjos loud, brassy, and with lots of sustain, just like they were intended to be!
-----------------------------------------------------
Single musical male seeks single musical female. Must have high tolerance for Celtic and Olde Tyme music.
Bill Rogers - Posted - 05/18/2006: 21:08:24
I use a towel when playing late at night in hotel rooms. Othrewise--ixnay.
Bill
cottoneyedjoe - Posted - 05/18/2006: 22:24:44
Scott,
I used to put a towel in the back of my Goodtime. Then I got the Reiter Galax. That banjo was meant to ring! The sustain and tone I get from that banjo keep me from putting anything in it. I don't want to kill that beautiful tone.
I see you have one as well. Don't do it!!!!!
N8116B - Posted - 05/18/2006: 22:57:00
quote:
Originally posted by cottoneyedjoe
Scott,
I used to put a towel in the back of my Goodtime. Then I got the Reiter Galax. That banjo was meant to ring! The sustain and tone I get from that banjo keep me from putting anything in it. I don't want to kill that beautiful tone.
I see you have one as well. Don't do it!!!!!
I know I love the sound of the Galax seems to go on forever!!
---------------------------
Scott
---------------------------
Instruments:
1. Bart Reiter Galax
2. Deering Goodtime Special (looking for a new home)
Dr.Ken - Posted - 05/22/2006: 03:35:23
I enjoy experimenting to get different sounds. I've got a "tone enhancer" mute which I can set down on the strings, and I've tried different things in the resonator -- although usually to make it quieter since I live in an apartment building.
nbanta - Posted - 05/23/2006: 00:30:08
I have long been of the opinion that if the banjo sounded better with a sock stuck in the pot, the maker would have built it that way. I love the full sound of my Tubaphone as it was meant to be played--"au naturel".
Lately, however, I have realized that, to get into the rhythmic groove, I really need to be able to let loose and give the string a pretty good whack on the "bum" (um...Ok, I'll let this pass my internal censor--after all I am addressing serious-minded clawhammerers, right?).
When I'm playing without stuffing the pot, with a small group of musicians who play on the quiet side, I tend to hold back so that the banjo doesn't overpower the other instruments, with a usually negative effect on my rhythm. So in this situation, lately I have been stuffing the pot.
When I play alone or with a large group of rowdies, I take out the sock and just let the banjo sound as it was meant to.
Ned
--Colorado
capt banjo - Posted - 05/30/2006: 08:19:07
When I bought my banjo , the dealer gave me something to stick inside the head. He called it a " SilverBacked Gorilla Bugger". It is a blue gummy substance that will fall off several times until it dries out a little bit; it then will stick inside for ever. It allows the banjo to ring but tones down the loudness ever so slightly. I will have to go back to him this week to find out the name of the stuff . I will then get back on this thread and tell you the name.
piperdoc - Posted - 05/31/2006: 11:03:01
i'm with bill rogers. i hate the stuffed sound but i do it to make my practice easier on my family.
interestingly, and i would love to hear if anyone else notices this: i actually feel the damping in the strings as i hit them. feels horrible.
meir
Nide44 - Posted - 05/31/2006: 11:34:04
I move the stuffed washcloth around in my openback,
dependant on who's home and in which rooms.
Directly under the bridge for the least volume (for late a nite), down at the tailpiece if
someone's in the next room & slid up to the neck if they're in the kitchen.
But I love it when I'm alone and can take it out, entirely.
Can't seem to tune it properly unless I can hear it un-dampened.
Bob B
Granpa, dat song's nide,
play it agin'
Roy Smith - Posted - 06/09/2006: 08:24:12
I've always modulated tone and volume by right hand position (over the scoop vs over the head) and by how heavily I strike the strings, and I've never stuffed my banjos.
But... At Mt. Airy last weekend I played a bano made by William Fielding (http://www.vermontfurnituremakers.c...erbanjo.html) that had a 1.5" square of packing foam between the head and dowel stick at the neck side of the pot. It sounded just gorgeous and plenty loud enough. I'm going to test some foam pieces in my Ramsey woody this weekend.
Roy
lukie2p - Posted - 06/14/2006: 04:49:05
I have foam in my banjos.
I've used shirts, hand towels... I even tried plastic bags when Molly Tenenbaum showed me she was trying them out.
I figure the banjo is fine on its own, but I like experimenting to come up with a sound that suits my (changing) needs. It's like a factory car. Put wider tires on it to help it corner better. No different than changing the head to get a different sound, only easier.
Nide44 - Posted - 06/14/2006: 10:41:00
usonian,
I find that as you move the cloth closer to the bridge, and right under it-
you get decreasing volume as well as decreasing sustain.
Try sliding it down near the tailpiece, for an interesting 'middle' sound.
Bob B
Granpa, dat song's nide,
play it agin'
folkdog - Posted - 06/14/2006: 10:53:00
For those whose banjos have a no-knot tailpiece, an alternative to stuffing the head is threading or tying something around the strings between the bridge and tailpiece. This cuts down on some of the overtones and sustain, typically giving the sound a little more plunk, but doesn't actually dampen the head. I'm currently using a little piece of suede threaded through the strings just north of the tailpiece. This pushes the sound in the same general direction as stuffing the head does, but is much more subtle.
fmoss - Posted - 06/19/2006: 14:30:06
quote:
Originally posted by N8116B
Do any of you stuff a rag or anything in the pot behind the head to mute the sound? I have a heard a few players who sometime have things in the pot and was wondering how common this is.
Scott
I just returned a week ago from the Midwest Banjo Camp put on by Ken Perlman. (It was terrific, btw.) One of the instructors was Riley Baugus, an outrageously fine clawhammer player who backs up Tim OBrien, Dirk Powell, and the likes. He had a great sounding banjo (don't recall the maker), but while talking to him after a session, I noticed that he had a small piece of foam about the size of a small kitchen sponge wedged between the skin and tone ring right under the end of the fret board. It made his banjo sound like he was playing gut strings ----- but not quite as "plunky". His banjo did ring, but I think the foam cut the sustain and some overtones a bit so the instrument sounded wonderfully "ol timey" (I don''t know how else to describe it.) Needless to say, I'm huntin' some foam.
Fred
vrteach - Posted - 06/19/2006: 14:58:31
I didn't know that, but he sure got a deep and warm sound from that banjo. And that even though it has a slightly shorter neck and he had it tuned up to A/D.
Also, his sound partially comes from being a "play-over-the-neck-not-the-head" guy.
Erich
-------
http://www.freepgs.com/vrteach/banjo/index.php
folkdog - Posted - 06/19/2006: 14:59:44
quote:
Originally posted by fmoss
I noticed that he had a small piece of foam about the size of a small kitchen sponge wedged between the skin and tone ring right under the end of the fret board.
I assume you mean between the skin and
coordinator rod (or dowel stick), not the tone ring. Si?
Greg
Keith E - Posted - 06/19/2006: 15:08:27
I'm pretty sure Riley built that banjo he was playing.
fmoss - Posted - 06/21/2006: 11:03:52
Yes, between the skin and the rod -- right below the end of the fretboard. I 'm glad others who were there have chimed in and agreed that the sound of his banjo was super. I think "warm" is a good description.
By the way, I'm sitting here listening to a cd by two other instructors at the Midwest Banjo Camp, Arnie Naiman and Chris Coole, called "5 strings attached with no backing." It is an old cd ('97 or '98). I absolutely love it - a mix of old and new tunes and songs. It was one of a couple they brought with them. The tragedy was the U S Customs didn't allow them to bring their supply of cds to sell in from Canada. (So much for NAFTA!) Anyone have their other cd (I forget the name)?
I also picked up Mark Schatz's new cd there, "Steppin in the Boiler House." It is just as good if not better than his first cd "Brand New Old Time Way." Great stuff!!
JackJo - Posted - 06/29/2006: 22:01:53
Here's a Bart Reiter on eBay. The seller didn't even bother to remove the rag when he took the photos.
gottasmilealot - Posted - 02/05/2007: 20:03:20
Here's something that works for me that's simple, inexpensive, and adjustable while out playing. It's an artist's sponge available at art supply stores or flea markets cheap.
The spong can be place between the rod and the head, sliding it to change position and muting, or folding it in half for more pressure on the head; or,
Place it between the rods when not in use. They can be doubled if desired, or you can just stuff it in your pocket.
It's a lot less bulky than a towel or sock, although socks are handy for putting on your hand and wiping down your banjo when finished playing.
Here's the front... I keep it under the tailpiece because my head is a bit translucent, and I don't care to see it through the head. I moved it up a little so you could see it for the sake of the photo. Putting it in a kids sock makes it white and not noticeable if you have it up towards the neck.
Keith
Mountain Banjer Girl - Posted - 02/05/2007: 21:10:46
I do not recommend stuffing anything in the back of your banjo! It kills its natural sound....it's like stuffing a sock down its throat!
The only exception I can think of is already addressed here. If you are in a hotel room where you could easily disturb other people, then I think it is very considerate to tone down the volume of your banjo by placing a small towel in the back of it.
Pour it on.
bschorfhaar - Posted - 02/05/2007: 21:48:32
i bet my wife sometimes wishes i'd mute my banjer with some quick drying cement in the pot and a hefty toss into lake
sammammish out back.
u k sandra - Posted - 02/06/2007: 12:04:15
I knitted a scarf for my banjo. I had some cream wool left over from knitting a jumper. Its about three feet long and I roll it up and stuff it behind the head. It works a treat for when my husband`s watching telly.
s donnelly
banjozane - Posted - 02/07/2007: 23:42:33
Look, They Even Stuffed Em Back in the Old Days!
NOT!
Bluegrass Rocks, but Old-Time Rules!
banjozane - Posted - 02/15/2007: 17:19:16
Hey, Instead of Stuffing Your Pot, You could stuff your banjo WITH POT! Get a good mellow sound, and get good and mellowed out after you smoke one.
J/K
Bluegrass Rocks, but Old-Time Rules!
trapdoor2 - Posted - 02/15/2007: 19:20:55
If it has steel strings, I'm a stuffer. I've used sox, foam, washrags, you name it. My favorite is a red-rag (workshop rag) that's been washed about a hundred times. I had a small cube of foam between the dowel stick and head (right up next to the neck/pot joint) on my first Stewart...until the foam crumbled away. Now it wears a sock.
When I converted over to Nylon, Nylgut or gut, the stuffing just wasn't necessary. Also, I find that some of the sharp overtones can be mitigated by a skin head (or even fiberskyn).
Just depends on your ears; do what it takes to make 'em happy!
"If banjos needed tone rings, S.S. Stewart would have built 'em that way."
===Marc
banjopogo - Posted - 02/15/2007: 22:42:33
There are so many variables on this topic
that one shouldn't really generalize to all banjos.
My latest banjo I started out stuffing, recently moved
away from it, but at a gig someone in the audience
who had been a musician complained about it being
too ringy, so I stuffed a wadded up plastic bread bag in it.
Cheap, and easily available!
Drummers use various methods to deaden ringing drums,
and it can be a problem with banjos, depending on the style
of the player.
If a banjo players style is more percussive, that is, more drum-like,
it could be a problem.
But if a players style is more guitar-like, then the ringing could
be a virtue.
I think skin heads are less likely to need stuffing that
plastic or fiberskyn heads.
The skin is it's own mute!
Michael
mp3 page: http://ezfolk.com/audio/bands/1088/
hifi radio: http://ezfolk.com/audio/play.php?mode=radio&id=481
lofi radio: http://ezfolk.com/audio/play.php?mode=radio&id=522
"We have met the Enemy, and he is us!"- Walt Kelly's "Pogo"
wormpicker - Posted - 02/15/2007: 23:01:22
quote:
Originally posted by N8116B
quote:
Originally posted by cottoneyedjoe
Scott,
I used to put a towel in the back of my Goodtime. Then I got the Reiter Galax. That banjo was meant to ring! The sustain and tone I get from that banjo keep me from putting anything in it. I don't want to kill that beautiful tone.
I see you have one as well. Don't do it!!!!!
I know I love the sound of the Galax seems to go on forever!!
---------------------------
Scott
---------------------------
Instruments:
1. Bart Reiter Galax
2. Deering Goodtime Special (looking for a new home)
I'll be the third member of the Bart Reiter Galax Club to "chime" in.
I agree that I love that whyte laydie clang of my Galax, and I never thought I'd ever want to dampen it. But I got curious when this thread first appeared. I also took a little ribbing about my unstuffed head when I had a little picking party with two of our Hangout comrades who shall remain nameless <cough>
Banjo Brad, J-Walk<cough>. So I decided to give the sock a try. And you know what? It's not bad! I didn't really lose the ring, but the sock softened up its "edge" a bit. I'll confess now that the three recent recordings I posted on my homepage are w/sock.
Paul
Obsession is a great substitute for talent. -Steve Martin
chip arnold - Posted - 02/15/2007: 23:22:24
Paul, that's terrific picking! Very clean and nice.
Play with a plan
Chip
wormpicker - Posted - 02/15/2007: 23:32:43
Hey, thanks, Chip! I was mostly intending to point out the sound of the banjo here, not my beginner banging, but I'll take a nice compliment wherever I can get one.
Paul
Obsession is a great substitute for talent. -Steve Martin
mike hansen - Posted - 02/16/2007: 09:50:48
Is there a Reiter Galax Club...I guess I'm a member...
I read a post a while back about getting the temper-pedic mattress sample. It is a great stuffer...with my skin head and that thing stuffed right at the neck I get the sound I want...
by the way..because I had that teper-pedic sample sent to my parents house my mom found herself reading the literature...when I came home one day she explained that she actually decided to buy the mattress...and it's all because of banjohangout and the search for better stuffing....
www.myspace.com/kazoorecords
Bart Reiter "GALAX" Model
Jim Treganza - Posted - 02/12/2007: 14:17:23
I'm brand new at this and want to take a few lessons. I've been unable to find anybody who gives clawhammer lessons less than 45 miles away from Stockton, CA. I work for a local theatre and we were even unable to find a picker to play with the orchestra in a recent show! For money! Does anybody know somebody who plays old-time banjo in this neck of the woods? I really don't want to drive to Berkeley or Sacramento. Thanks.
Clawdan - Posted - 01/08/2007: 14:06:12
Hi Folks,
Bob Carlin and I are planning a workshop weekend in Austin in late March this year. Wanted to start by giving you a heads up and see who is interested. I'll be glad to keep you up to date of details as they develop.
Play nice,
Dan "Ain't no bum-diddy" Levenson
Old Time Music and Dance
www.ClawhammerBanjo.us
Author of Clawhammer Banjo From Scratch, A guide for the claw-less - a MelBay Publication
and Old Time Festival Tunes for Clawhammer Banjo (MelBay 20313) - 117 tunes tabbed for clawhammer banjo with standard notation and suggested chords.
Tune list at http://www.folknet.org/dan/FestTunesBJBook.htm
ukjonathan - Posted - 02/13/2007: 13:42:16
hi I thought the striking of the strings with the claw hand would be the hardest bit, but no I'm wrong! I can hit the strings in various configurations but can I hell get the bum ditty bit. It just sounds like ting, ting ting. I strike my 1st bottom string then strum down following on by thumb off the drone string. But still no bum ditty. Anyone help? I guess this is the hard bit?
Frode B - Posted - 02/13/2007: 18:09:53
What would you call this fingering technique? http://youtube.com/watch?v=Ct0PbWwY5g8
It's me, and I have been fooling around with the banjo for a couple of years without any guiding. I'm a guitar/pedal steel player so I guess I am mixing it all up on the banjo.
The banjo is a Bart Reiter special ( thanks mr.Balch!)
Frode
Oslo, Norway
Rimstick - Posted - 02/11/2007: 23:52:42
Gang -
Looking for some advice here. I got the "bum tiddy" going pretty good but it still doesn't consistantly sound like music. One of the problems I've identified is that my strum is making music, whereas when I listen closely to recordings, I think the strings should sound more "dead", as if I was muting them by "chiming" at the 7th fret. More of a wash board rasp than musical notes. Hope you can follow that.
I've moved my elbow closer to the rim, which raised my hand position. This in turn put a very flat attack angle on the strings for the lower fingers and helped some.
I fully realize there are some times you need the strum to "chord" as part of the song, but I'm talking about the ability to generally produce a "beat" that gets your toes tapping and sets the beat of the song.
Any ideas?
Regards,
Rimstick
Uncle Dave Macon makes me laugh !!
Ron Ortegel - Posted - 02/01/2007: 11:52:07
How well does the brass plate to the fifth fret position work on a fretless? Anyone have experience with this?
MarkJohnson - Posted - 02/12/2007: 07:29:17
I have always felt that the tune, Cold Frosty Morning" was a moody piece of music to say the least and best played in a minor key. We recorded it in the key of "A Model" or "Mountain Minor/Sawmill Tuning".
I just figured out how to post this tune to my Hangout Homepage for anyone who is in the process of learning this piece. It is another perspective on a great old tune. MJ
Madgenius - Posted - 02/14/2007: 12:17:59
Hi
Can anybody recomend a good place to find a whole bunch of easy to play 2 and 3 chords songs suitable for clawhammer and mandolin (both beginner)
Thanks in Advance
Danny
"Music is a joy to me, sometimes living in it is the only safe place to be" Brian May
Stev187 - Posted - 02/07/2007: 08:06:22
quote:
Originally posted by ZEPP
For those who are unfamiliar with Arnie's and Chris's work, they are required listening for all my students! Absolutely great stuff!
On another thread, Zepp mentioned "required listening" for his CH banjo studnets. What recordings do folks think should be on that list?
I'll start by adding just one: Cathy Fink's
Banjo Haiku. There are many others, but I am stark raving mad about this record.
Let's build a "required listening" list on this thread... What would you add to the list?
Steve
Flint, MI
-----------------------------------
Current Old-Time Ohrwurm: "New Money,"Doc Roberts
jojo25 - Posted - 02/08/2007: 14:17:08
with thanks to Tobias for the link
what is the name of the tune played in this clip?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Utgc...ated&search=
and where can I buy a good recording of it?...a tab?...standard notation
I think this is going to become my next obsession
Banjonically yours
Joe
Faelan - Posted - 02/14/2007: 16:07:30
I hurt my claw finger! I am also a firearms enthusiast, so I've also hurt my trigger finger, it's very dear to me, thankfully it's nothing major- just throbbing right now and can't play!
What to do in the mean time?
chip arnold - Posted - 12/26/2006: 23:06:10
Do you go to festivals?
Which ones?
Do you go to teaching camps?
Which ones?
Play with a plan
Chip
tdignon - Posted - 02/11/2007: 16:36:54
I'm anxious to find an instructor to help me patch over some of the rougher habits I've acquired through book-banjo-learnin'. Have been having a lot of trouble finding people through a search engine, thought you guys might know best. I'm open even to New York City though I'm hoping to find a teacher as local as possible (preferably New Paltz, Woodstock, Poughkeepsie, Kingston area.)
Thanks so much,
Terry
N8116B - Posted - 05/18/2006: 13:39:11
Do any of you stuff a rag or anything in the pot behind the head to mute the sound? I have a heard a few players who sometime have things in the pot and was wondering how common this is.
---------------------------
Scott
---------------------------
Instruments:
1. Bart Reiter Galax
2. Deering Goodtime Special (looking for a new home)
jojo25 - Posted - 02/14/2007: 17:33:52
Chip wrote (in the thread about festivals and specifically about Clifftop)
"There are dozens and dozens of jams going at all hours of the day and night. Some very open and some very closed."
How do you tell which are open, or find the ones that are open...and good? I go to Clifftop alone, all the way from Wisconsin, and I've had the most fun at Clifftop when I've stumbled upon one of those open jams...but I've also been stymied by finding that figurative "closed" sign flashing in neon
any suggestions?
Banjonically yours
Joe
chip arnold - Posted - 02/14/2007: 18:37:55
Well, this is a thing that has frustrated just about everyone at one time or another.
There are reasons why some jams are "very closed'. It's easy to feel snubbed but you shouldn't. OT festivals are mostly competition festivals and lots of folks are practicing for the contests. Some little groups are made up of pickers who only get to play together once or twice a year at festivals and just want to savor their time together alone. Lots of reasons.
There are some right ways and wrong ways of approaching a festival jam. And some strong clues as to whether you should approach it at all.
As you walk along, the first clue is likely to be the size of the jam. If it's spilling out of the camp chances are that it's pretty open. Open jams can get pretty big pretty quick. If you're interested, wait 'till the tune is over and just ask someone near you if you can join in.
If you're attracted to a smaller jam, look for pleasant eye contact. If you get a smile, or some other outwardly friendly gesture, wait for the end of the tune and ask.
If you're still not sure, something I've done is to lay my case down and just listen for awhile. Make eye contact and "look hopeful". If you don't get a nod, smile real big at everyone and move on. That same bunch might just ask if you'd like to join them the next time you walk by. Jams in "public" areas ... at Clifftop that could mean the porch of the lodge or that general area.....are likely to be open. When you do get in a jam, play softly at first and find a way to fit into the overall sound. Be friendly and compliment people...schmooze! Look for the same folks turning up in other jams. If you run into someone who was in a jam you wanted to join, talk to them and make a friend. Don't be bashful, tell them you enjoyed their playing and that you'd like to pick some with them. You'll probably get an invitation to their camp.
The biggest, most important rule and it's the one most folks have trouble with is...Don't take it personal when you're not asked in.
Play with a plan
Chip
Don Borchelt - Posted - 02/14/2007: 19:01:06
Chip wrote: "If you're attracted to a smaller jam, look for pleasant eye contact. If you get a smile, or some other outwardly friendly gesture, wait for the end of the tune and ask. If you're still not sure, something I've done is to lay my case down and just listen for awhile. Make eye contact and "look hopeful". If you don't get a nod, smile real big at everyone and move on."
Chip, that's exactly right. If your welcome to join in, you will get visual clues, and if you aren't sure whether they are welcoming you or not, it's because they probably aren't. We all have egos, and it is hard to swallow the idea that we aren't always invited, but sometimes that's just the way it is.
I always wanted to make the trip down to Clifftop, and I was thinking about doing it this year, but now I'm having second thoughts.
- Don Borchelt
"Well, I know there's a lotta big preachers that know a lot more than I do
But it could be that the good Lord likes a little pickin' too."
- Tom T. Hall, from The Year That Clayton Delaney Died
Edited by - Don Borchelt on 02/14/2007 19:03:19
chip arnold - Posted - 02/14/2007: 19:20:13
Why the second thoughts Don? C'mon down!
Play with a plan
Chip
Clawdan - Posted - 02/15/2007: 14:08:06
If they are sittin close in a very small inward facing circle and no-one else is around playing, it's probably closed. If a few on the outskirts, probably invitational (ie. eye contact or outright invitation) and if it is big as it can, probably open.
Play nice,
Dan "Ain't no bum-diddy" Levenson
Old Time Music and Dance
www.ClawhammerBanjo.us
Author of Clawhammer Banjo From Scratch, A guide for the claw-less - a MelBay Publication
and Old Time Festival Tunes for Clawhammer Banjo (MelBay 20313) - 117 tunes tabbed for clawhammer banjo with standard notation and suggested chords.
Tune list at http://www.folknet.org/dan/FestTunesBJBook.htm
MrSrubas - Posted - 02/15/2007: 14:17:01
quote:
I always wanted to make the trip down to Clifftop, and I was thinking about doing it this year, but now I'm having second thoughts.
Don, I think I have the Mrs. convinced. If you can't find anyone to play some tunes with, find me we'll play modal tunes all week <grin>
GSCarson - Posted - 02/15/2007: 14:28:32
Look me up too guys, my son and I will be there and we'll introduce you to some fine players from PA, SC, OH and KY we jam with. If you can, remember to ask at the Krack fiddle shop tent if you come, Jake Krack can tell you where we are camped.
Glenn Carson
chip arnold - Posted - 02/15/2007: 15:22:45
Tish & I camp up by the water tower on the right.Look for a little '67 Shasta.
Play with a plan
Chip
Clawdan - Posted - 02/15/2007: 17:01:13
Look for us on Vendor's Row Don. Big Airstream with white tarp out front. You should come down.
Play nice,
Dan "Ain't no bum-diddy" Levenson
Old Time Music and Dance
www.ClawhammerBanjo.us
Author of Clawhammer Banjo From Scratch, A guide for the claw-less - a MelBay Publication
and Old Time Festival Tunes for Clawhammer Banjo (MelBay 20313) - 117 tunes tabbed for clawhammer banjo with standard notation and suggested chords.
Tune list at http://www.folknet.org/dan/FestTunesBJBook.htm
jojo25 - Posted - 02/16/2007: 13:33:25
thanks for the responses gentelmen...so I'll consider myself invited to you'all's camps (right?)...if'n I can manage to get to Clifftop this year...small matter of my better half expecting a trip to Italy, which is gonna eat up most, if not all, of my vacation time!
Banjonically yours
Joe
chip arnold - Posted - 02/16/2007: 13:37:39
jojo25
Send her to Italy.....see you in camp!
Play with a plan
Chip
