I missed this the first time around. Was just playing one for a show this past weekend in Tucson. As stated before these were intended to be tuned an octave higher than the standard banjo in the banjo orchestras. Said banjo would as likely be tuned in open "G" or "C". As these were intended to be played with gut strings, steel strings might be risky. There are several nylon string types for banjo and cheap enough to be cut down to the piccolo. There is good instruction to be found by the inventor, Samuel Swain Stewart in his S.S. Stewart's Banjo and Guitar Journal. These were published in the 1880s and 1890s and are found online and in library collections. I played one along with a banjeaurine for a five part banjo version of the Spanish Fandango in my latest CD, Ladies' Choice. These tiny banjos are fun.

Rex

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