Mrs pj just informed me that her mom played banjo and might still have one. I’m not about to hop on a plane to Boise if she offers it to me. But she is thinking about coming here in a month or so to help her sister move. Hmmmmmm.
Originally posted by CHAS: [url=https://portland.craigslist.org/wsc/msg/d/beaverton-deering-goodtime-banjo/7291432970.html]
Hmmmm... looks nice, but Portland is a bit of a trek (for now).
Thanks, tho.
BTW, my brother plays in the Portland Mandolin Orchestra.
You are welcome. I like the sounds of mandolin orchestras. That might be fun. I think the one in Denver has faded away.
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18 March 2021, 07:17 PM
Steve Miller
quote:
Originally posted by CHAS: I like the sounds of mandolin orchestras. That might be fun.
I would too! I didn't know they were a thing.
I've always liked Emmylou Harris doing "If you were a Bluebird" with mandolins in the background. Those are mandolins, right? I also like the sound of the piano she used.
OTOH, I'd listen to her read the phone directory, so there is that.
-------------------------------- Life is short. Play with your dog.
18 March 2021, 07:48 PM
Steve Miller
Here's another YouTube video you might like. I have never heard of Ashley Campbell but there are a couple of things I noticed in the video:
1. She's playing a 5 string banjo but never uses the fifth string. In fact, I've only seen hot pickers use it. I don't know if the tuning on the other four strings is the same as a four string banjo or not.
2. Her style is one that looks fairly simple - simple enough that I may try it.
3. The banjo sounds terrific - more mellow than I am used to hearing. I can't make out the brand. Is this perhaps a closed-back banjo?
4. About the guitars. The guy on the right is playing without a capo, and it looks like he's playing in C. C is an easy key to play in - easy access to things like minors, only one bar chord, - but it's too high for a lot of people.
The big guy on the left is using a trick I learned at a bluegrass festival two years ago. I was trying to keep up in all sorts of different keys, but a lot of them have associated chords I never use and I'd get lost. I was instructed to use a capo and play everything like it was in the key of G - "God's own key".
The lead guy insisted using the capo was only to get the high, clear sound, (and indeed if the song is being played in C this is probably true for this song) but I was later told that capos are routinely used to make a song easier to play in keys that are tough on a guitar.
-------------------------------- Life is short. Play with your dog.
18 March 2021, 08:36 PM
CHAS
1. Four string banjos are tuned in fifths, i.e. CGDA or GDAE. Of the many five string tunings, G is the most popular- gDGBD. The g being the fifth string. 2. Hope you try it. I think that is called three finger style, but not sure. 3. She seems to be playing gently. There is a resonator closing the back. The circle of it is larger than that of the top, which makes that resonator easier to spot.
Maybe I should learn to play more gently. I usually play open back with socks or a hand towel in the back to mute it a bit. Still learning clawhammer style.
-------------------------------- Several people have eaten my cooking and survived.
19 March 2021, 02:36 AM
QuirtEvans
quote:
Originally posted by pianojuggler: Good ideas and things to chew on. The Wikipedia article did discuss the various styles of picking and strumming but they only make sense if you know what the terms mean (of course, there are more links to follow).
I guess the other really basic question is: four or five strings?
I understand there is a banjolele, that is, the love child of a banjo and a uke. Might be a good place to start.
Oh, I should say that I do own a balalaika, but I never really learned to play it. I've also wanted a dulcimer, but never made the leap.
Does anyone know if there are still banjos with nylon or gut strings? The thing that kept me off the balalaika was the steel strings. They were murder on my dainty, delicate digits.
“Who taught you to play the balalaika?”
“Nobody taught her!”
“Ah, then it’s a gift.”
One of the best closing lines in a movie ever.
19 March 2021, 11:09 AM
pianojuggler
After five hours, any ending would have been welcome.
-------------------------------- Money seems to buy the most happiness when you give it away.
Why does everything have to be so complicated, all in the name of convenience. -ShiroKuro
A lifetime of experience will change a person. If it doesn't, then you're already dead inside. -MarkJ
19 March 2021, 05:11 PM
CHAS
quote:
Originally posted by big al: I'm sorry, but this thread brought this song to mind: Austin Lounge Lizards
Big Al
Thank you, Big Al
Banjo Players in Heaven When my time on this earth is over, if I should fly To that sweet home of angels up above To all my earthly pleasures, I will bid good-bye But I'll miss that gospel bluegrass that I love
So gather round and raise your blessed voices And enjoy that gospel bluegrass, while you live It's hard to find a banjo player up in heaven There's some things even Jesus won't forgive
There's glorious swells, harps and bells awaiting In heaven I'll hear Gabriel's trumpet blow But I'm reassured to know that Satan Has lots of work for banjo players down below
So gather round and raise your pleasant voices And play that gospel bluegrass, while you live It's hard to find a banjo player up in heaven There's some things even Jesus won't forgive There's some things even Jesus won't forgive
-------------------------------- Several people have eaten my cooking and survived.