First post

Hi everyone, I'm new here and thought I'd say hello. Really glad I found this site, loads of useful stuff. 

Been playing guitar for 36 years now and have finally decided to give the banjo a serious try.  I was first inspired by seeing dave hum busking with the huckleberries in southampton high street in about 2001. I was smitten with his playing instantly and couldn't walk away! I bought their first album on cassette tape right there. My wife and I went to see them a week later at talking heads and my interest in the banjo just grew, thanks to dave. 

Knowing what an impression they had made on me, my lovely wife booked the huckleberries to play at my surprise 40th birthday party the next year. Can't tell you how chuffed I was with that, what a fantastic night! 

On the back of that I went and bought myself a cheap secondhand fender fb54. I had a bit of a go with it but couldn't dedicate the time needed due to band/guitar commitments. 

Fast forward to 2 months ago and finding myself not in a band and feeling like taking a break from the guitar for a while, I decided to pick up the banjo again to see how I got on. I listened to my 3 huckleberries albums for ideas and inspiration which really got the bug started again. I wonder if the huckleberries are I still playing, I thought to myself, be great to see them again. It was then that I found out the very sad news that dave had past away. What an awful shame, couldn't believe it. I'd met the man 3 times and he'd left a massive impression on me. His is a terrible loss to the music world, a lovely bloke and a fantastic banjo player. I feel even more determined to learn to play the banjo properly now and have been practicing every day since. I am absolutely loving it and never want to put it down. The fb54 seems, ok, but I think I will be upgrading pretty soon to a more quality instrument. Having worked my way up to a les Paul guitar, I know the difference and appreciation you get from a good quality instrument. Any ideas or recommends from anyone out there? Got to be a 5 string resonator. From what I've seen, I like the look of Washburn, gretsh and Barnes and Mullins, am I on the right track? Any help or opinions much appreciated.

anyway, must go now, the banjo is calling!

i look forward to hearing from anyone.

all the best,

bazza