Pete Seeger's Banjo Stolen (August 2000)

Subject: Pete Seeger's Banjo Stolen
From: plankity
Date: 16 Aug 00 - 09:54 AM

This was just forwarded to me from a reliable source:

Just saw this on the FolkBiz digest. All wisecracks about f*olkies aside, it sure seems like a lot of hard-working musicians have been robbed of their instruments lately:

This is to alert everyone that Pete Seeger's banjo was stolen a few days ago from a location in the mid Hudson Valley area of New York State, approximately 90 miles north of NYC, so all of you in the northeast should keep a special eye out for it. Itsthe one he built in 1945 with the long neck, and the words "This machine surrounds hate and force it to surrender" inscribed around the head. He's offering a $1000 reward for its safe return, and anyone with information as to its whereabouts should call [phone], which is the office # for Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, an environmental group he helped form. So lets keep a keen eye out for it at clubs, auctions, and used instrument shops, and lets all hope its returned soon!

I didn't notice anything on it about the theft, but here's a link to the HRSC site: http://www.clearwater.org/

Subject: Pete Seeger's Banjo Stolen
From: plankity
Date: 16 Aug 00 - 09:58 AM

This was just forwarded to me from a reliable source:

Just saw this on the FolkBiz digest. All wisecracks about f*olkies aside, it sure seems like a lot of hard-working musicians have been robbed of their instruments lately:

This is to alert everyone that Pete Seeger's banjo was stolen a few days ago from a location in the mid Hudson Valley area of New York State, approximately 90 miles north of NYC, so all of you in the northeast should keep a special eye out for it. It's the one he built in 1945 with the long neck, and the words "This machine surrounds hate and force it to surrender" inscribed around the head. He's offering a $1000 reward for its safe return, and anyone with information as to its whereabouts should call [phone], which is the office # for Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, an environmental group he helped form. So lets keep a keen eye out for it at clubs, auctions, and used instrument shops, and let's all hope its returned soon! I didn't notice anything on it about the theft, but here's a link to the HRSC site: http://www.clearwater.org/

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's Banjo Stolen
From: catspaw49
Date: 16 Aug 00 - 10:19 AM

We had a previous thread running on this, but thanks for the additional info. Mugwumps also had some info that it was in a "green cloth case" and stolen from his car in Poughkeepsie, NY.

A thousand is a nice thought, but the worth of that banjo is way beyond that and its value is inestimable.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's Banjo Stolen
From: SINSULL
Date: 16 Aug 00 - 10:51 AM

Spaw,
He was quoted as saying it was worth $1000. Modesty? Old age? Or fear of an outrageous ransom demand? I hope I find it. I intend to beat the thief over the head with it until he screams for mercy. Then make him sing "Kumbaya" until he pukes.
I haven't been this angry in a while.

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's Banjo Stolen
From: GUEST,Sailor Dan at work
Date: 16 Aug 00 - 11:05 AM

Sinsull

Please dont get do emotional, come on down to fla and sit here on the dock and help me tie these nooses I would like to use on the thief.

Sailor DAn

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's Banjo Stolen
From: catspaw49
Date: 16 Aug 00 - 11:07 AM

Do you wonder if the thief knew BEFOREHAND what he was taking? Or did he just see a "pawnable" item? And if he didn't know before, does he now? And what has he done with it to resell it?

I agree Sins.....

Spaw

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's Banjo Stolen
From: kendall
Date: 16 Aug 00 - 11:23 AM

I cant think of a greater pleasure than to nail his scrotum to a stump, then push him over backwards. As a climax, I would hand the banjo over to Pete and refuse the reward. That honor would be worth more than a grand. I had the honor of playing that banjo when he showed me how to frail.

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's Banjo Stolen
From: GUEST,Sheila
Date: 16 Aug 00 - 12:57 PM

Kendall, what is "frail?"

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's Banjo Stolen
From: kendall
Date: 16 Aug 00 - 01:00 PM

clawhammer, drop thumb, probably has more names that I dont know. Frailing is its proper name, but, it is better known as "Claw hammer"

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's Banjo Stolen
From: CamiSu
Date: 16 Aug 00 - 01:07 PM

He didn't say it was worth $1000, That's just how much the reward is, I'm sure the banjo is truly priceless... and to tell the truth I'd probably just sign the reward over to the Clearwater. I only hope when the thief realises he can't get rid of it he doesn't destroy it, but sends it back somehow.

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's Banjo Stolen
From: GUEST,Sheila
Date: 16 Aug 00 - 01:20 PM

Kendall: frail, clawhammer, whatever. I'm still in the dark, but I'm sure you do it magnificently. When they get this thief, I'd love to take a picture of you doing what you said you'd do. Do most musicians put identifying slogans, decorations, etc. on their instruments for security reasons?

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's Banjo Stolen
From: SINSULL
Date: 16 Aug 00 - 02:59 PM

Pete Seeger Seeks Missing Banjo The Associated Press Aug 14 2000 3:09PM ET

BEACON, N.Y. (AP) - Pete Seeger, known for his song ``Where Have All the Flowers Gone,'' is wondering where the banjo he played when he recorded it has gone.

Seeger, 81, has offered a $1,000 reward for the missing 55-year-old banjo. The folk singer traveled to Ulster County with it last week and is not sure how or when it disappeared from his car.

``I can't imagine why someone would steal it,'' said Seeger, a New York State resident.

Seeger said the banjo, which he made out of lignum vitae wood from Central America, is worth about $1,000.

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's Banjo Stolen
From: Songster Bob
Date: 16 Aug 00 - 03:20 PM

Frailing, clawhammer, knocking, rapping, and who knows what else are all folk names for the oldest banjo style. It's done by striking (not plucking) the strings with the nail of one or more fingers (one is most common), followed by the thumb plucking the fifth string on the "rebound" as the striking motion ends. The most common banjo rhythmic pattern eliminates the thumb-note on the second count, so that you get a "long, short-short" sound (described as "bum-titty" in mnemonic fashion). The striking (finger) note can be either one string or several, allowing for melody and chord playing. In that basic bum-titty pattern above, the "tit" syllable is quite often a chord strum, while the "bum" is the main melody note.

I don't know if Pete got that mnemonic from an old joke or not, but here's the joke:

A group of friends used to play charades on a regular basis, and eventually got to using props and even others as actors in doing their charades. One evening, a player introduced his charade this way:

"This is a musical title."

Then several young ladies entered the room, removed their dressing gowns and stood, naked, in a line. The first cupped her breast in her hand, the next turned her back and cupped her derrierre. The third held a breast, the fourth her butt, the fifth her breast, and then three butts in a row.

"Okay," he said, "Guess!"

Well, time expired before the other team could even have a clue, so they clamored for the answer.

"William Tell Overature!" said the guy, triumphantly. "See? Titty-bum, titty-bum, titty-bum-bum-bum!"

That must be where Pete got the phrase.

Bob Clayton

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's Banjo Stolen
From: Dave Swan
Date: 16 Aug 00 - 03:37 PM

I'm with you Kendall. Let's use a framing hammer. You know, checkered face for a pleasing textured effect. E.S.

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's Banjo Stolen
From: SINSULL
Date: 16 Aug 00 - 03:42 PM

OUCH!!! Guys. Make nice. By the way Kendall, have you washed those hands since handling Pete's banjo? I'd have been tempted not to.

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's Banjo Stolen
From: kendall
Date: 16 Aug 00 - 03:45 PM

There are many frailers around, all are better than me, but thanks for the vote of confidence! You would have to hear it to know for sure. Some of them are, Pete Seeger, Howie Bursen, Kathy Barton, Granpa Jones, Sara Grey, and probably dozens more.

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's Banjo Stolen
From: kendall
Date: 16 Aug 00 - 03:56 PM

Pete Seeger is an angel on earth. One of my few heros.

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's Banjo Stolen
From: Barbara
Date: 17 Aug 00 - 12:28 AM

Thing is, with a neck of lignum vitae, that banjo ain't gonna be very pawnable or even copy-able (if the thief is doing like they do with masterpieces, hiding it for a while and selling copies). Good luck finding anyone who won't recognize it even without the words. Bet it turns up in a public place soon.
Blessings,
Barbara

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's Banjo Stolen
From: Aussie Mal
Date: 17 Aug 00 - 02:56 AM

If it's made of Lignum Vitae, that's a wood thats renowned for being hard as iron and used to be used in bearings for the propellors on the huge ocean liners many years ago.

Means it would be useful for beating people over the head (in a totally non-violent way, of course).

Seriously, I hope Pete gets his banjo back real soon - I've had two guitars stolen in my life, one of which was an Ovation 12 string I had brought back from the dead and I really sympathise on the loss of an old friend.

Mal

Subject: Pete Seeger's Banjo Stolen
From: Frankham
Date: 17 Aug 00 - 11:56 PM

> >Perhaps some of you would be kind enough to mention this on the air: > > >Lost, Stolen, or Strayed: > On Tues, Aug. 8, a one-of-a kind 5 string banjo in a green cloth case >was removed from the back of folksinger Pete Seeger's vehicle either as he >stopped briefly in Poughkeepsie, NY or in the small town of Rosendale where >he was attending a political rally. This banjo was built by Seeger as a >prototype which was later produced and sold by the Vega company. It has the >following words written around the head of the instrument: "This Machine >Surrounds Hatred and Forces it to Surrender". Any information leading to the >return of this banjo would be deeply appreciated, to say the least! A cash >reward is also being offered. Please check your local pawnshops, check >e-bay, and in general keep your ears to the ground for any clues. Owner and >fans heartsick! Thanks in advance for your help. Anyone with information >can call either the Rosendale Police at 845 658 9000 or Clearwater 845 454 >7673. > > >You might also consider passing this note on to any musical friends you >have, music stores, pawnshops. This instrument is a piece of American >musical history. While the songs can never be taken, it would still be >nice to return this instrument to it's rightful owner.

mg

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's Banjo Stolen
From: Frankham
Date: 17 Aug 00 - 11:58 PM

>X-Mailer: AOL 5.1 for Windows sub 34 > >Perhaps some of you would be kind enough to mention this on the air: > > >Lost, Stolen, or Strayed: > On Tues, Aug. 8, a one-of-a kind 5 string banjo in a green cloth case >was removed from the back of folksinger Pete Seeger's vehicle either as he >stopped briefly in Poughkeepsie, NY or in the small town of Rosendale where >he was attending a political rally. This banjo was built by Seeger as a >prototype which was later produced and sold by the Vega company. It has the >following words written around the head of the instrument: "This Machine >Surrounds Hatred and Forces it to Surrender". Any information leading to the >return of this banjo would be deeply appreciated, to say the least! A cash >reward is also being offered. Please check your local pawnshops, check >e-bay, and in general keep your ears to the ground for any clues. Owner and >fans heartsick! Thanks in advance for your help. Anyone with information >can call either the Rosendale Police at 845 658 9000 or Clearwater 845 454 >7673. > > >You might also consider passing this note on to any musical friends you >have, music stores, pawnshops. This instrument is a piece of American >musical history. While the songs can never be taken, it would still be >nice to return this instrument to it's rightful owner.

mg

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's Banjo Stolen
From: GUEST, Banjo Johnny
Date: 18 Aug 00 - 01:49 AM

You guys with all the vicious, violent punishments ... You KNOW Peter Seeger himself would never go for that kind of an attitude. Haven't you ever heard any of his songs? Pete Seeger is the very voice of non-violence. Don't mean to be preachy, but you are so far away from the spirit of Seeger's music, and his whole life. Sorry but I can't let anyone think Pete is like that. == Banjo Johnny in OKC

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's Banjo Stolen
From: SINSULL
Date: 18 Aug 00 - 09:15 AM

We are venting BJ. I can't even hurt bugs - collect them whenever there is a shriek of disgust in my office and set them free outdoors. I was robbed a few years ago and lost a lot of expensive jewelry. The most precious item was a collection family wedding rings going back several generations. They had no monitary value. The plan was to melt them down into rings for the grandchildren.It angers and saddens me to think that they have been turned into cheap crap and sold to uncaring buyers. I feel the same about Seeger's banjo. It is not where it belongs and that creates discord in my world.

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's Banjo Stolen
From: L R Mole
Date: 18 Aug 00 - 01:13 PM

Discord is right. Many of us are following along, disciple-fashion, and may have very hostile impulses right now (justifiably so, by our lights). Sadly, we can't heal ears, or cosmic vandalism on this scale.

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's Banjo Stolen
From: katlaughing
Date: 18 Aug 00 - 01:22 PM

Just think of the terrible loss of karmic brownie points the stealing wanker is going to suffer! S/he/it will get theirs...it all comes round, ten fold!

Subject: RE: Help: Pete Seeger's Banjo Stolen
From: tar_heel
Date: 18 Aug 00 - 06:50 PM

well,i have been accused of alot of things here this week,but i didnt take it!!!lol!!!!

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's Banjo Stolen
From: GUEST, Banjo Johnny
Date: 18 Aug 00 - 09:09 PM

I'm glad you have relented. That "Kumbaya" thing was horrible. == Johnny

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's Banjo Stolen
From: sophocleese
Date: 18 Aug 00 - 10:34 PM

I don't know, maybe whoever stole it simply saw it as an unguarded instrument and needed a few bucks to put food on the table or cover the rent for a while.

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's Banjo Stolen
From: catspaw49
Date: 18 Aug 00 - 10:51 PM

Well you're not alone Soph. I suggested that possibility way back up the thread and a couple of others mentioned it too. .....And it still bothers me from the standpoint of wondering that if the thief now knows what he has, how does that affect the chances of having it ever returned? All kinds of ways to look at that.

I don't think there's been any word since the original report and reward offer.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's Banjo Stolen
From: Oversoul
Date: 18 Aug 00 - 11:32 PM

I've got a Washburn B-9 Pete can have. All I ask it that he play "Darlin' Corey" for me in my kitchen. That would be a fair trade!

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's Banjo Stolen
From: GUEST, Banjo Johnny
Date: 19 Aug 00 - 02:39 AM

Oh, boo-hoo! The thief just needed to put bread on the table ... you're breaking my heart. Also maybe he just needed a fix. Let him return the banjo and I'll buy him a whole fridge full o' food. == Johnny in OKC

Subject: RE: Pete Seeger's Banjo Stolen
From: SINSULL
Date: 20 Aug 00 - 12:26 AM

Kumbaya my lord
Kumbaya
Kumbaya my lord
Kumbaya...
Someone's stealin' lord
Kumbaya
Someone's stealin' lord
Kumbaya

Works for me.