In 1989, at age 15 I got my first banjo. That same year I upgraded to my first "real" banjo.
It was a Hondo II, not a Gibson, but it had a wooden rim, tone ring, planetary tuners, 2 piece flange, and full size resonator.
I was sittin' in high cotton!
I was so proud of my banjo, and banjo-pick-necklace that I had to go down to Sears Portrait studio and get pictures taken.
The photographer was having fun, other people didn't know what to think or do.
Mind you, this was a stage in my development when I did NOT have the social awareness of when or where one shouldn't pick their banjo at full volume. lol
Banjo players are some peculiar folk, so I know I'm not completely alone here.
What's you cheesiest banjo picture (and accompanying story)?
That’s actually a good picture. Nothing cheesy about it.
Back in my performing days I had one of me holding my Vega and hanging onto the wood ladder nailed to the wall of a barn in New Hampshire -- looked like I was hopping on a boxcar. No need to inflict it on BHO.
I remember this day well in 1979. After spending the day with Bill and picking with him he couldn't resist whispeing get a haircut! Yeap, classic Monroe!
Edited by - Randy Escobedo on 09/08/2024 07:00:15
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Originally posted by Alvin ConderThat’s actually a good picture. Nothing cheesy about it.
Thanks Alvin.
It was indeed good photography.
I guess the thing that's cheesy or just plain silly (which I didn't mention in the original post), is that I was supposed to be having a regular portrait taken. I was a home-school kid, and this was supposed to be the equivalent of yearbook or class photo. But I took my banjo and tortured everyone within earshot. lol
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Originally posted by Randy EscobedoI remember this day well in 1979. After spending the day with Bill and picking with him he couldn't resist whispeing get a haircut! Yeap, classic Monroe!
That's a great photo, and story, Randy!
Gotta love the sage advice from that generation.
Sometimes I do wonder though,
If we'd all tucked our shirttails in, and kept our hair off the collar, would the world have gotten so crazy?
Maybe not...
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Originally posted by OldtwangerBirthday Banjo cake
Frank, That is about the coolest birthday cake I've ever seen!
Was the neck cake too?
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Originally posted by Tim JumperBack in my performing days I had one of me holding my Vega and hanging onto the wood ladder nailed to the wall of a barn in New Hampshire -- looked like I was hopping on a boxcar. No need to inflict it on BHO.
Tim, That's exactly what BHO needs!
I'd love to see it, if you happen to know where it is.
BTW Them barns are some slow moving boxcars, but you've still got to be careful when the do get goin'!
Thanks for saying that, Douglas, but such faux-hobo (fauxbo?) images that so well comported with the folkie aesthetics of the early 70s have today become excruciatingly cringe-worthy, so I will, in cowardice, spare myself the public humiliation!
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Originally posted by Bruce Berry Banjosquote:
Originally posted by OldtwangerBirthday Banjo cake
Frank, That is about the coolest birthday cake I've ever seen!
Was the neck cake too?
@Bruce Berry Banjos
Yes, it was all cake and 100% edible!
It was delicious!
I cannot imagine trying to do FE inlaid neck in icing!
A labor of love by my bandmates.
I thought that the avatar pic of me, strumming my banjo with a piece of farm fresh corn, titled "Playing by EAR!" would be cheesy enough.
But, here are a few more, if anybody wants to vote for their favorite.
Edited by - mike gregory on 09/09/2024 04:53:39
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Originally posted by Randy EscobedoI remember this day well in 1979. After spending the day with Bill and picking with him he couldn't resist whispering get a haircut! Yeap, classic Monroe!
Well, Mr. Monroe himself could have used a haircut.
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Originally posted by mike gregoryI thought that the avatar pic of me, strumming my banjo with a piece of farm fresh corn, titled "Playing by EAR!" would be cheesy enough.
But, here are a few more, if anybody wants to vote for their favorite.
Those are all great pictures, Mike!
I can't decide which one I like best!
Although, yeah, the corn is is earie for sure.
You like CORN?
You like BLUEGRASS BANJOS??
You like SCARY MOVIES???
Here's a horror movie based on a Bluegrass banjo song!
Photographer caught me by surprise (!) getting ready to play my banjo at 8th grade assembly.
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Originally posted by The Old TimerPhotographer caught me by surprise (!) getting ready to play my banjo at 8th grade assembly.
Dick, That is an awesome picture!
Aw-ful, you mean...
Lots of great pics here. I love that some of you were nearly born and raised with a banjo in your hands! Wish I wasn’t so late to the party…
