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frianm posted a forum topic 'Old and rehoused zither banjo pot' 14 days
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The years have passed since I turned 70 and am approaching 75 next year. I hope I am not getting curmudgeonly. I am still active on the mission field and over the last years have visited Peru often and Chile once this year. I have expanded my playing to include ukulele. This has been a delight as I can pack a ukulele in my carryon bag and enjoy making music while in foreign lands. They are also so much cheaper than banjos! Locally there are a good number of people who get together for ukulele jam sessions. I love playing anonymously in these groups and enjoying the fellowship. My banjo playing is limited to church and sometimes sitting in with a local string band whose music is traditional country dance music.
My banjo of choice is now a conversion that I put together - a 1924 Gibson tenor Jr. rim with a lovely style 1 neck by Wyatt Fawley. I attached a flush fit resonator (aftermarket for a Goodtime) that is a tad wide but works well. This featherlite instrument is mellow and easy to play. I have just purchased a 1920s Gretsch tenor which needed rescuing and I may use it as a simple chording A scale instrument to accompany worship at our community church.
My most recent trade was for a guitar - a beat up Gibson B15 from either 1966 or 1969 - we shall see where that goes.
Meanwhile I lurk on the HO site as well as the Ukulele Underground. Life is good - Happy New Year.
Ian+
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missionmeanderings.wordpress.c
om/
Playing Since: 1968
frianm has made 6 recent additions to Banjo Hangout
Occupation: retired missionary clergy
Gender: Male
Age: 80
My Instruments:
Gibson Tenor Jr. 1924 Conversion w/ Wyatt Fawley neck
Terry Mead c scale strung w/ baritone ukulele strings.
Now also playing ukulele and some guitar.
Favorite Bands/Musicians:
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
Old and in the way
Tony Trischka
Highway
Classified Rating: (+70)
Rate this Member
Profile Info:
Visible to: Public
Created 3/9/2007
Last Visit 6/9/2025
Trained to be a lawyer in Scotland, worked as an accountant in London, Heard Billy Graham in 1967. Seminary in 1971, ordained 1975 came to US on a one way ticket in 1978. pastored in W. Mass, New Orleans, Nashville and Wisconsin. Retired to VT in Jan 09. Served the last four years in Lima, Peru as a missionary. We were settled back in Vermont but was called back into missionary service on a part time basis. I am still working in Lima, Peru through online video conferencing and regular visits. Maybe this will draw to a close after I pass 80 later this year.