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UK 5

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For 5 String Banjo Players based in the British Isles.

523 Members, Created 1/27/2011 -

Administrators: alfiedog (owner) , HSmith

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From gareth h on 4/24/2014 3:23:32 PM

Just a quick hello to all in the group and bit of self-introduction. I,ve been playing clawhammer now for almost 2 years and becoming steadily more obsessed. It,s been a pretty lonely journey so far because I live and work in Aberystwyth and while there,s a great Irish session scene (black lion thursday nights), I've not yet bumped into any old timey musicians.

My inspiration and perspective so far has developed through YouTube - Patrick Costello, Cathy Moore, zepp, dan levinson, and more recently colin bazsali,s on,line support for his banjo program at Madison college.

I joined banjohangout and this group last week because I want to take things a bit further. Buy a better banjo, improve on the subtlety of my playing, extend my repertoire etc. all very self serving.

So any suggestions or comments on breaking into the uk clawhammer fraternity would be very much appreciated.

I,m planning on a fairly hefty road trip soon passing through various banjo shops to try out every open back I can lay my hands on. Any suggestions for stopping points along route gratefully received.

Gareth

8 Comments
	alfiedog says: 4/24/2014 3:36:59 PM Hi Gareth, and welcome to UK 5 :-) There are a couple of Festival's held in North Wale's annually. Coastline, and Conwy, so that's a good starter for you :-)
	flatfootjohnny says: 4/24/2014 4:24:08 PM Hi Gareth, good to meet you. If you are heading to London (i guess you will be seeing Andys Banjos in Faversham) you're more than welcome to visit my little workshop where i make early and oldtime banjos. flatfootjohnny.com Regarding festivals in Wales, Fire in the Mountain is a goodun i know a few oldtime players who go to that.
	Debs says: 4/24/2014 11:01:53 PM Welcome Gareth! If your road trip takes you to West Yorkshire, be sure to drop in to Eagle Music in Huddersfield - friendly, knowledgeable folks, a great range of banjos to try, and they make a good cup of tea!!
	Banjules says: 4/25/2014 2:49:09 AM Hi Gareth, welcome onboard. whilst only a newbie myself playing since october last year and mainly bluegrass and classical so not going to be much help in that score I can highly recommend Andy Banjo's if you are thinking of coming down this far in your road trip. Be warned though they do really insist on prior arrangements but don't let that put you off in thinking they are a bit offish. This is not the case, the reason for the prior notice is to make sure you get somebody who has the time to listen to you and to help you in your choices. they do make a good cup of tea and are very helpful. I was there last week and went down with a particular in strument in mind and came away with a completely different view and much food for thought. Eagle music , more up your way have been very helpful over the phone as so has Banjo Direct who are over in Norfolk or Suffolk I believe. Then right down on the south coast is Malcolm of Brighton. Really nice guy, also likes a bit of notice but builds nice Jo's which may suit your playing style very well. Good luck anyway and keep us all posted as to your progress.
	Lyndon Smith says: 4/25/2014 5:36:21 AM Hi Gareth, I live in Kidderminster (about 100 miles from you) and I have four open back banjos. You're more than welcome to pop in and try any or all of them if you're passing by. Just send me a message beforehand. My favourite is a Bowlin 1865 replica fretless that's really nice. Only a beginner myself, I know how hard it is to find other old time banjo players...
	gareth h says: 4/30/2014 11:49:10 PM Thanks everyone for the welcome and wise words of advice. I ventured north yesterday to Runcorn and Huddersfield to try out some different open backs and ultimately picked up a deering old tyme wonder. It,s got a great warm sound and a nice solid feel, a lot more refined than my goodtime, and has the scoop. So I,m looking forward to many happy years with it. :)
	Debs says: 5/5/2014 1:01:56 PM Congratulations on the new banjo Gareth! Looking forward to some pictures and/or sound files!
	gareth h says: 5/29/2014 11:15:26 AM Hi all, Is anyone around at the fire in the mountain festival this weekend? I guess if you are then you've got better things to do than check the internet, but just in case anyone is, and is up for a jam old time or any other style then let us know. Best, Gareth
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