New banjo ! :)

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Fiddlin Al Students and Alumni

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A place for former and current students of Fiddlin Al to post videos of their progress, share comments and ask questions.

51 Members, Created 2/18/2013 -

Administrators: MiG-19 (owner)

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From G on 10/10/2013 5:42:51 PM

I'm at the one-year anniversary of my lessons with Al, and I'm LOVING it. I'm 53, and since I was around 20, I've fantasized about being able to play Scruggs style. Could never get any real traction with self-teaching, books, etc. I was a 30-yr beginner.

I meet Al (via Skype) just once a month, and with my schedule etc, I find that suits me pretty good. I am extremely pleased with the progress I've been making.

But I really wanted to post here that I finally got myself a "real" banjo. Before now, I had vowed I would not spend any money on a decent banjo until I proved to myself I had the determination to finally learn to play "right".

So ... I picked up an immaculate, used Gold Star GF-300 for what I felt was a price too good to turn down - from a hangout member. I am pleased as punch with it! (Missing it now - I dropped it off yesterday to get spikes installed) What a difference from my old "bottlecap" Hondo !! (which has, though, served me well for many years, in my limited playing). I also have a Saga kit banjo which probably will sound acceptable if I tinker enough with it.

But I just had to share this. What a feeling, to finally hear real music coming from a real instrument. Thanks to Al, and also to my hangout seller friend.

I will definitely post a clip in the next couple of weeks or so.

Thanks for listening to me gush! Keep on pickin'.

G (Rob) in Newfoundland, Canada

5 Comments
	Kirk Jacobs says: 10/10/2013 5:54:10 PM Congrats on the anniversary and the new banjo. Al is a great teacher. I look forward to hearing your new banjo sing.
	Lewis842002 says: 10/11/2013 7:09:46 AM Congrats! nothing like a new banjo.
	fiddlin_Al says: 10/14/2013 7:53:54 PM nothing (almost) brings about the warm glow of happiness like a new banjo! Use it well and in good health, Rob!
	G says: 10/14/2013 8:13:10 PM Ha ha ... Al, you caught me with this comment JUST as I was packing up the banjo after a very brief practice session at nearly 1 in the morning. You are right - nothing like it indeed ... thanks for the well-wishes. Appropriate timing, on the holiday Monday of our Canadian Thanksgiving! Right now I'm thankful for all things banjo :)
	MiG-19 says: 10/21/2013 6:59:17 PM Can't wait for pictures and a clip!
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