My first banjunk...

 Well, wandering around in a Mexican run flea market on Airline Drive in Houston I ran across "The Mexican Music Man" who had used instruments for sale in a 10 x 10 booth.  He had flutes, clarinets, violins, one guitar and a brand, spanking new "Abilene" 5-string standing upright wrapped in a plastic bag.  Upon examining it I found it to be apparently flawless, strung and everything. Price?  He was asking $125.00, but he took a C-note gladly.  On the way home I stopped at one of my local music stores, Parker's, on I-45 and bought a Gator banjo case which cost me another "Ben Franklin." I got home and tried to tune it up. Well, wouldn't you know it.  The high G string kept losing its tension so I simply tightened the Phillips head and it held. 2Cool.  So now I just need someone to teach me.  My cousin, Billy Bob and I did a hillbilly skit using it as a prop along with my guitar pantomining "Dueling Banjos".   We entertained the kids and adults at our Christadelphian Fall Festival but what really wanted to do was PLAY and SING for REAL!!  Which we did by my guitar playing sans banjo.

A week later I went back to my fave flea market and found yet ANOTHER banjo that was in worse shape but still a good beginner's banjo for starting out on.  An old Harmony 5-string. $80.00 WITH a travel gig bag in fair shape. I had to remove and reposition the nut as someone had attached it about 1/8" inch off center and strung the poor thing with GUITAR strings!!  Ouch!  My MexiMusiMan had graciously given me an old set of Gibson strings with the Abilene so I used them on the Harmony.  She's now in tune and singing much better.  I've learned a couple of rolls from the internet and am really excited to learn!!  

My heartiest commendations to all of you ol' timers who have been playing and performing to make the world a happier place by your plucking!!  

PLAY ON TIL KINGDOM COME!! (...which shouldn't be too long, now!)