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 Playing Advice: Clawhammer and Old-Time Styles
 ARCHIVED TOPIC: going full time old time


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/78534

japus - Posted - 03/26/2007:  10:15:37


4 years ago I got a goodtime, one year later picked up deerings john hartford 22 fret and I love it. still do..I started with 3 finger, however clawhammer was pulling me..I picked up the clawhammer stroke almost overnight and couldnt seem to get away from it nor did I want to.
Been to lots of bluegrass festivals, however my favorite is the old time at Elkins WV....I recently sent for a book and CD on Wayne Erbsen's (clawhammer for ignoramus) from nativeground.com, and cannot get away from it, nor do I want to..I play it in my car, the cd player in my shop, and my computer...It has introduced me to some other tunings such as double c and g modal., with other tunings also.... I am putting my pics in mothballs..., going to give up my hartford..when I find a suitable replacement, I want an open back and when I remove the resonator the flange digs into my leg when I am sitting...I cant play 2 banjos at the same time so why have 2...I strongly recommend this book and CD for anyone who is starting out in clawhammer...the cd slowly plays melody only first, and slowly with the rest of it..Probably the most exciting book and CD I have yet, and I do have lots....

Forever a beginner
Best wishes....Indiana Pa.

Feo - Posted - 03/26/2007:  15:16:32


Ive never played one .... but I thought that the Deering Hartford can be converted over to open back ? I thought the sharp flange-part could be exchanged for a smoother tube that won't dig into you ? Id check with Deering about that posibilty before giving that nice banjo up ...

Isaac Enloe - Posted - 03/26/2007:  15:55:00


Welcome to the dark side...

"There's more to think of than y'all's thought of, ain't it?"
-Paul Sutphin

chip arnold - Posted - 03/26/2007:  16:19:39


Why would you want to take the resonator off? The Hartford is a good banjo for clawhammer playing. Maybe raise the action a little......or not.

Play with a plan
Chip

vrteach - Posted - 03/26/2007:  16:37:16


I agree with Chip. The Hartford is a great banjo, and it sounds great with the resonator on. You might want to try a taller bridge. I find that I have a hard time playing on an instrument that is well set up for bluegrass, mostly because I'm used to digging in a bit with my thumb.

Oh, and I played a Hartford that had the removable resonator. It is an option, but I don't know if an instrument can be retrofitted. Deering should be able to tell you.


Erich
-------
http://vrteach.freepgs.com/banjo/


Edited by - vrteach on 03/26/2007 16:52:51

BAZ - Posted - 03/26/2007:  17:35:06


I've had Erbsen's book for a few months and have just about made it through. I love it. The songs in it are fun and easy to play. I'm starting to add my own hammers/pulloffs to dress up some of the songs to add my own thing. Best of all, he has two companion books for fiddlers. My 11 year old son has made it through the first book and is mid way through the second. Of course he picks up this stuff ten times faster than dear old dad but Erbsen's books have the same songs in them, so my son and I are beginning to learn some to play together. Now it's going to get really fun! From my own experience, I highly recommend Erbsen's books.

bw - Posted - 03/26/2007:  18:19:26


Japus....Your story is a lot like my story....I was content ( and ignorant enough) to think that 3-finger style was "THE WAY." Then, one day I met and heard a guy named Zepp who was playing in front of his shop....C'ya later, Bela and, Earl and Tony, etc......Clawhammer is so much more conducive to sittin' on your carport on a nice Spring evening!...p.s....I like your little froghammer player on your post!....Brian in NC

RCCOOK - Posted - 03/26/2007:  18:35:10


Hello:
I have clawhammered a Gibson R250 for the last 30 years. The old fellows in the hills played what they had some resonator and some without. Some of them I saw were home made. One Easter in Harlan, Ky. there was a flea market with a wonderful homemade skin headed banjo, I didn't buy it, I guess I should have. The resonator won't bother one bit unless you are after the old plunkey sound and if so you can mute it down by placing plasuic shopping bags in the resonator......Rod

Even the blind squirrel finds an occasional nut, I found a banjo!!!


Edited by - RCCOOK on 03/26/2007 20:06:40

snakeherd - Posted - 03/26/2007:  18:40:08


Bill Rickard sells a replacement one piece flange for converting to open-back. You could keep that Hartford.

Scott

maryzcox - Posted - 03/26/2007:  19:17:16


Hello,
Have to agree that the John Hartford will sound and look just fine clawhammered with the resonator on. Bet it has a pretty resonator too.
Hey--I even clawhammer on my Gabriella--with the resonator on.
Look at all that beautiful grain on the rosewood and the maple and pearl vine raised inlay on the back. It would be silly to take it off when it looks so fine on. I have taken it off just to see what it sounds like and it sounded the same whether it had the resonator on or off.

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. :)

BigRedWarEagle - Posted - 03/26/2007:  19:39:38


without the resonator you can play without having to worry about taking off a belt. An openback is much lighter, too. Sell that resonator banjo and get yourself a full-time frailer

John "formerly of the Huber clan now of the Ome clan" Edwards

I did love that Huber, though! What a great instrument. I decided just to go with the Ome so I could play and not worry as much about the axe.



2007 Ome Juniper openback

chip arnold - Posted - 03/26/2007:  20:00:45


Weigh your resonator! It will come in at a half pound more or less. Not too heavy for most folks. The thing that makes most resonated banjos heavy is the flange and espescially the tone ring. One of my rings weighs four pounds! The idea that a "full time frailer" is always or ever was always or should be an openback is just wrong! Some of the best clawhammerers out there are using resonated, tone ring banjos and the same has always been true. Experiment and see what YOU like about different sounds and looks. Find your own preferences and go with them. You don't have to make choices based on anyone's idea of what you're "s'posed to use". Whichever camp you end up in, you'll have plenty of good company.
Feeling a little antagonistic tonight!

edited spelling....changed god to good!

Play with a plan
Chip


Edited by - chip arnold on 03/26/2007 20:08:45

BigRedWarEagle - Posted - 03/26/2007:  20:12:57


My way is the only right way. Make sure you follow me.

2007 Ome Juniper openback

chip arnold - Posted - 03/26/2007:  20:23:12


Don't listen to him. I'm much older than he is and it's high time I was right about something. Anything. C'mon, humor me.
By the way John, how are you liking the OME? Best ol' banjos out there! I have a '76 Juggernaught and it's my constant companion. (With res!)

Play with a plan
Chip

BigRedWarEagle - Posted - 03/26/2007:  20:34:51


quote:
Originally posted by chip arnold

Don't listen to him. I'm much older than he is and it's high time I was right about something. Anything. C'mon, humor me.
By the way John, how are you liking the OME? Best ol' banjos out there! I have a '76 Juggernaught and it's my constant companion. (With res!)

Play with a plan
Chip



I'm young and don't have any idea when I'm wrong. I will just say my side loudly and often and see if I can wear you down. Sell your banjo and be cool like the rest of us.

In all seriousness, I love my new Ome. I still have some regret that I sold that Huber, but this banjo is not as bulky (heavy was a silly thing for me to say...I'm 29, 6'1" and 210lbs...heavy doesn't bother me). I say keep that Hartford if you like it.

You like that Ome of yours? The very first professional level banjo I ever played was a bluegrass Ome...I just love the workmanship.

Happy pickin, friend.

2007 Ome Juniper openback

japus - Posted - 03/26/2007:  21:19:39


My Hartford does not have the pop off resonator..I did check with deering a while back about converting it to a pop off and the cost was high enough as to not be attractive to me...It has a wonderful tone with the granadillo tone ring...it only wieghs about 8 lbs ...I may find it much to difficult to part with it, if in fact that time ever does come...As far as an OME juniper, I played one before I purchased the hartford and it was without a doubt a fantastic banjo, however I have learned much more that I knew at that time..
Strange thing I just remeber a fellow playing old time last year wanted to try it, after he played a while he handed it back to me and said "son thats a keeper"...I believe I am going to change my mind about the hartford, however it is all old time for me now,Thanks to everyone for your support and advice, it has been well received

Forever a beginner
Best wishes....Indiana Pa.

roneil76 - Posted - 03/26/2007:  22:29:28


Nice


Lovin' Life !

Nectar Handcrafted Instruments (NHI)
"Somethin' to pick on"
Visit my web site @
www.nhi-3treefarms.com

rendesvous1840 - Posted - 03/26/2007:  23:24:20


Try a few simple things first, before you sell. Every day someone on BHO says 'I wish I hadn't sold....'
First, stuff the resonator with a cloth, foam rubber, or, I have a possum hide in mine. A dish towell is about thr right size. Try folding it and different locations. Second, try nylon or Nylgut strings. Elderly Instruments carries them, probably other places as well. Third, keep in mind that Ola Belle Reed and Grandpa Jones played CH with resonator banjo's. Open back's may have been more common at one time in old time music, but that doesn't mean it's the only way. Ya gotta do what puts a smile on YOUR face, so we can see it.
Paul

rendesvous1840

"As I see it, every newborn should be issued a banjo." .....Linus

Tarn - Posted - 03/30/2007:  11:27:00


About 5 years ago I got interested in playin the banjo. I've been a long time guitar player but have always wanted to play the banjo. I didn't really know to much about them and someone suggested I look at Gold Tone. I found the White Layde and bought it, with resonator. Had no idea if I wanted to play 3 finger or frail so I bought it with a resonator. After digging into Janet Davis "You can teach yourself banjo" and Ken Perlman's "Clawhammer Banjo" I decided that I really prefer to frail. The WL sounded good with the resonator but far from "plunky". I was approached by someone at BH back then about if I wanted to sell my resonator. I made the decision to frail only and sold the resonator. Since I have had the neck scooped by GT, a skin head installed and though it's more to the sound I want, I'm looking at Nylgut strings next. My WL is an awesome banjo and frailing an openback that is scooped shows me everytime that I made the right choice to stick with frailing.

Rob

topsideup1 - Posted - 03/30/2007:  16:01:40


Hey Japus,there is no such thing as too many banjos. I have my first banjo, an old Mayfair that I bought about 30 years ago. I have also acquired several others over the years that are much more expensive, but I find the myself going back to the Mayfair more often that not. Just a comfort thing I guess.Take care ole buddy. I'll have to stop in one of these days to jam.

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