I also saw Abigail Washburn back in May (and very good she was too). She used one of these beasts on a couple of songs. I don't think I'd seen one previously so was intrigued.

However for me the jury is still out on the cello banjo. I wasn't sure if the lower register works especially well on a banjo type instrument.

My views are mellowing a bit after seeing a vimeo of Tim O'Brien wielding one with Sam Bush on the fiddle. Pay no attention to the picture (where they're both holding mandolins)...just click 'play' !

Soldier's Joy

If I'm not mistaken they're playing in the key of D. Can someone help work out what tuning Tim might be using? It's making my brain hurt...