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OK I got a banjo, NOW what do I do?
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Subject: OK I got a banjo, NOW what do I do? From: Naemanson Date: 13 Mar 02 - 06:56 PM The secret is out, Charley knows about and is helping me buy a banjo. And I have a loaner banjo to use until I decide that's what I want to play. But how do you play the damned thing? What are the best books and videos for a newcomer at the banjo biz? How do you tune it? At least it has 5 strings and by lucky coincidence I have 5 fingers on each hand. Beyond that I am at a loss. |
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Subject: RE: OK I got a banjo, NOW what do I do? From: Jeri Date: 13 Mar 02 - 07:05 PM Pete Seeger's "How To Play the 5-String Banjo" is a good start. Lessons helped me a lot, because I could SEE what playing looked like. |
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Subject: RE: OK I got a banjo, NOW what do I do? From: Amos Date: 13 Mar 02 - 07:29 PM Ship it out here!! I('ll play it!! A |
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Subject: RE: OK I got a banjo, NOW what do I do? From: Naemanson Date: 13 Mar 02 - 10:18 PM Gee Amos, how will that help me to learn... oh, I get it. Poor, poor, pitiful me. Professional banjo players (oxymoron alert!) are all picking on me (pun alert!). Thanks Jeri, Rick sent me a personal message saying about the same thing about Pete Seeger's book. I guess I'll have to go buy one. |
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Subject: RE: OK I got a banjo, NOW what do I do? From: 53 Date: 13 Mar 02 - 10:58 PM Earl Scruggs has a few videos out now and I think that they would be a wise investment. |
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Subject: RE: OK I got a banjo, NOW what do I do? From: catspaw49 Date: 13 Mar 02 - 11:29 PM "OK I got a banjo, NOW what do I do?" Prepare yourself to be the butt end of 97,519 jokes and have the good taste not to play it on public (only 97,518 to go now). Spaw |
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Subject: RE: OK I got a banjo, NOW what do I do? From: DonMeixner Date: 13 Mar 02 - 11:33 PM Hi Naemanson, I will also concur about the Pete Seegar book. But I would also recomend the Mel Bay Book on Frailing if that is the style you like. Don |
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Subject: RE: OK I got a banjo, NOW what do I do? From: Jon Freeman Date: 13 Mar 02 - 11:37 PM Nameanson, There are different styles of banjo playing (and different types of banjo - 4 string tenor for me)... I'd suggest you set yourself a direction, e.g. bluegrass, oldtimey, etc and then see if people here can help you from there. Jon |
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Subject: RE: OK I got a banjo, NOW what do I do? From: GUEST,johnfrom Ulll Date: 13 Mar 02 - 11:40 PM Banjo People =Bill Sables, Jon Freeman & Mr Duck |
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Subject: RE: OK I got a banjo, NOW what do I do? From: Jon Freeman Date: 13 Mar 02 - 11:44 PM Ay John, together with a bezilllion others... Jon |
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Subject: RE: OK I got a banjo, NOW what do I do? From: GUEST Date: 13 Mar 02 - 11:48 PM But hoe many is a bezillion?? |
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Subject: RE: OK I got a banjo, NOW what do I do? From: Charcloth Date: 13 Mar 02 - 11:59 PM For bluegrass get Jack Hatfield's book & CD of "Bluegrass banjo Method". Pete Seeger's book is good for that style & for frailing try Eric Muller & Barbara Koehler's "Frailing the Five-String banjo" Good luck Charcloth |
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Subject: RE: OK I got a banjo, NOW what do I do? From: Don Firth Date: 14 Mar 02 - 02:54 AM I heard an economist on NPR the other day say that a sure sign that we are heading into a recession is that there is a noticeable decrease in the purchase of men's underwear. He also said that there is a noticeable increase in the purchase of banjos. ??? !!! (I''m not kidding! He actually said that!) Don Firth |
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Subject: RE: OK I got a banjo, NOW what do I do? From: greg stephens Date: 14 Mar 02 - 03:02 AM first, get the Pete Seeger book. Second, decide where you stand on the BIG question: is the plural of banjo banjos or banjoes?Third, sit on the porch and play Cripple Creek all day. You're up and away. And never mind the jokes: I play banjo and melodeon, I've heard them all and it hasn't killed me yet. |
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Subject: RE: OK I got a banjo, NOW what do I do? From: Jock Morris Date: 14 Mar 02 - 04:25 AM Oh hell, I hate myself for doing this, but I can't believe nobody has said it already in this thread: put it down on the road and drive over it several times:-) Find someone who plays banjo already and get them to give you a few pointers; then it's down to practice, practice and more practice. Scott |
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Subject: RE: OK I got a banjo, NOW what do I do? From: Nigel Parsons Date: 14 Mar 02 - 04:44 AM "Now what do I do? " Depends where you live, if it's in S Wales then move, otherwise just start playin' |
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Subject: RE: OK I got a banjo, NOW what do I do? From: Banjer Date: 14 Mar 02 - 05:48 AM Ah yes, Naemanson, you will indeed hear many jokes about banjo players. I myself collected a whole book of them so far and I know there are probably still enough out there to fill another volume! As for advice, I can only say to enjoy whatever you decide to do with the banjo. First you must decide which method you wish to play as your primary. Frailing is mine. Once you get comfortable with that method you may want to work in some upstroke and finger picking effects. I think the combination is neat. I would venture to say that no two banjo players play in exactly the same way, and if you develop your own style then more power to you. I once had a teacher of music try to berate me for playing a mix of styles and I promptly told her that before Earl Scruggs' method became accepted and widespread it too would have been considered incorrect. Most importantly, YOU have to enjoy what you play using whatever method YOU decide on and thge rest will fall into place! Q. Which burns longer, a banjo or a bohran? A. Who cares? |
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Subject: RE: OK I got a banjo, NOW what do I do? From: GUEST,MC Fat Date: 14 Mar 02 - 06:50 AM First smear the banjo with KY or lubricating jelly, remove trousers and point arse in the air, then gently (or otherwise) slide the banjo up your...... |
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Subject: RE: OK I got a banjo, NOW what do I do? From: Sarah the flute Date: 14 Mar 02 - 06:52 AM BURN IT!!!! .... and play the flute instead! .... or a bombarde to be REALLY unsociable! |
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Subject: RE: OK I got a banjo, NOW what do I do? From: catspaw49 Date: 14 Mar 02 - 07:10 AM 97,511 to go Brett! Spaw |
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Subject: RE: OK I got a banjo, NOW what do I do? From: Dani Date: 14 Mar 02 - 07:48 AM Naemanson, please PM me your address and I will send you Pete's book, and the accompanying (no pun intended) video and some other wonderful books I've collected along the way, including our own Bob Clayton's. I have learned that I CAN'T learn that way, and it would give me great pleasure to share them. I've learned that I need an actual person to show me stuff, and then to just practice it. Dani |
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Subject: RE: OK I got a banjo, NOW what do I do? From: GUEST,Redhorse at work Date: 14 Mar 02 - 08:40 AM Pete Seeger's book is great: it started me off on banjo. Its weakness is that it covers a lot of styles with not much depth, so its best use is to help you find what style you want to pursue,and give you an understanding of how the characteristic sounds are made. When you know what you want to do I'd get a book specialising in that style, and get the right hand technique sorted for one style before trying another. |
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Subject: RE: OK I got a banjo, NOW what do I do? From: Charley Noble Date: 14 Mar 02 - 08:56 AM Naemanson - Looks like you're getting plenty of good advice here. I've always found, though, that the absence of presence of a secure practice area was essential for successful learning. You don't have a chicken house out back, but once you successfully evict one of your tenants practice space could become available. However, I cannot in good conscience recommend that you expedidite this process with your banjo; "self-help" or "constructive" eviction is still a serious violation of Maine's housing laws. I also wouldn't recommend practicing while we're all driving up to Houlton this weekend, not unless you have a deep and abiding interest in learning to play "I Didn't Hear Nobody Pray." I also have an old copy of Seeger's book to lend out which I found useful when I began learning; still, I never finished the process and I still can't get the damn thing to stay in tune. The real truth is I found the banjo easier to play than the guitar, having less strings to chord and it didn't hurt my tender fingers so much. Good luck! |
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Subject: RE: OK I got a banjo, NOW what do I do? From: InOBU Date: 14 Mar 02 - 08:56 AM Now, buy a fiddle and a mandolin, and a guitar, practice hard for a couple of years and call me... Larry |
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Subject: RE: OK I got a banjo, NOW what do I do? From: GUEST,Russ Date: 14 Mar 02 - 09:23 AM There are almost as many different styles of banjo playing as there are banjo players. If you are musically extraordinary (like Mike Seeger) you can learn to play many banjo styles. If you are musically ordinary (like me) it would be best to focus on one.
So.... Books are one way to begin, but my own experience taught me that it is best to have another human being show you how to do it. You can read a description and look at a picture, but you might not get it until a human being moves your finger a fraction of an inch and says, "Do it this way."
Check out A week spent at Augusta or Swannanoa would be the absolute best way to start a life of banjo obsession. |
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Subject: RE: OK I got a banjo, NOW what do I do? From: Dani Date: 14 Mar 02 - 09:44 AM Amen, Russ. Dani |
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Subject: RE: OK I got a banjo, NOW what do I do? From: Midchuck Date: 14 Mar 02 - 09:53 AM This is no fun. Too easy. The challenge is to think of something new or different, but every good suggestion as to what to do with a banjo has already been made. Peter. |
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Subject: RE: OK I got a banjo, NOW what do I do? From: InOBU Date: 14 Mar 02 - 10:20 AM Well, you can also write on the banjo head... in my high school yearbook photo, I am seen playing my old fretless (feckless) five string and on the banjo head it says, "Fighting for peace is like F--king for Virginity", being a young roudy, I didn't put in the dashes... Cheers Larry |
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Subject: RE: OK I got a banjo, NOW what do I do? From: Naemanson Date: 14 Mar 02 - 11:53 AM Great info, my friends. Thanks. I'll PM my address Dani but I'd like to pay you for the book and tape. Aren't you in the UK? Will your tape play in a USA machine? Can anyone answer this? Charlie, my tenant hasn't paid a dime's worth of rent so why should I worry about whether or not she wants to hear me trying to play the banjo? I can do anything I want in my own part of my house as long as it is ordinary behavior and playing the banjo is... oh, I see your point. |
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Subject: RE: OK I got a banjo, NOW what do I do? From: Naemanson Date: 14 Mar 02 - 12:01 PM By the way, Don Firth, I think I heard that comment on the increased number of banjo sales. I love the idea that there are money focused people who might throw it all away to play banjo. Guest Russ and Dani, I looked at those sites. The workshops that focus on my areas of interest include the date of my wedding. I guess I'd better call my fiancee and delay things a while... Oh, and for Larry, I already have a (borrowed) fiddle and two (borrowed) mountain dulcimers. Does that get me any brownie points? Actually the fiddle belongs to a woman who was reactivated into the Navy from the reserves. Obviously I am looking for the perfect instrument to fit me and my music. Guitar isn't bad but I play a very simple style and cannot seem to progress beyond that. I have also tried whistle, harmonica, kalimba, and digeriedo. I can only play the bones with any sort of proficiency. But the search goes on. |
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Subject: RE: OK I got a banjo, NOW what do I do? From: Leeder Date: 14 Mar 02 - 12:08 PM Listen to lots of banjo music and decide what style you want to play. Try to learn by ear as much as possible -- don't get locked into books. In the beginning don't worry too much about the subtleties (yes, there are subtleties in banjo styles -- this is not an oxymoron!). If you already like old time music, get hold of Mike Seeger's CD Southern Banjo Sounds, in which he plays 28 different instruments in 28 different styles (or perhaps sub-styles, within the old time style). If nothing else, you'll hear the different sounds the instrument is capable of and get some feel for the possibilities for your own sound. Don't let other people tell you "right" or "wrong" (although pay attention to "traditional" and "non-traditional"). If you listen to lots of traditional music, it'll come out in your playing. |
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Subject: RE: OK I got a banjo, NOW what do I do? From: Banjer Date: 14 Mar 02 - 07:12 PM Q. Why do banjo players hang a miniature banjo from their cars rear view mirrors? A. So they can park in handiacpped parking spots. Q. How can you tell if the stage is level? A. The banjo player is drooling from both sides of his mouth! Q. How many more to go 'Spaw? |
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Subject: RE: OK I got a banjo, NOW what do I do? From: Les from Hull Date: 14 Mar 02 - 07:26 PM Be careful if you leave it in your car - a friend of mine did this and some bastard broke in and left two more banjos! How are we doing, Spaw? |
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Subject: RE: OK I got a banjo, NOW what do I do? From: GUEST,Arnie Date: 14 Mar 02 - 07:49 PM Suggestions for a new banjo player: - At home - never put your banjo in the case (unless your dog is going to eat it). Always leave it out near a couch or a place you frequently hang out, and then you'll be tempted to play it often (even if your kids hate it). - Get a teacher to show you some things if there is one near you. Try a few styles or techniques to see what you can handle or like and stick with one for a while. Work on a new tune or song for a long time until you make progress on it. -Listen to a lot of music to help you decide what you want to play - you may be one of those people who can soak up banjo music by ear. -Find people to play with if you can manage it. -Go to a banjo event, get Banjo Newsletter - they have a website. -Go to a summer camp week. The old timey ones are all listed in the last edition of The Old Time Herald - and there are a lot of really good players teaching banjo this summer. -Some of my old time banjo CD suggestions are on The Woods Music and Dance website archive. Good luck and practice and above all have fun! |
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Subject: RE: OK I got a banjo, NOW what do I do? From: Charcloth Date: 14 Mar 02 - 07:50 PM What's the difference between a banjo jam & a train wreck? ANS. There are usualy survivors with a train wreck |
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Subject: RE: OK I got a banjo, NOW what do I do? From: reggie miles Date: 14 Mar 02 - 08:25 PM A banjo and an accordion in the middle of the road, which do you run over first? The accordion,..... business before pleasure. btw, I was recently gifted a beautiful early 30's Vegaphone Professional plectrum. I know, I know, you'll all send me sympathy cards and emails. What I'd like to know is, is there any texts etc. that y'all can recommend for my particular dilemma? |
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Subject: RE: OK I got a banjo, NOW what do I do? From: reggie miles Date: 14 Mar 02 - 08:40 PM Amazing! I've managed to once again stump the Cat! |
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Subject: RE: OK I got a banjo, NOW what do I do? From: Jon Freeman Date: 14 Mar 02 - 08:50 PM What the dilemma over what to do with the Vegaphone? Easy... put a tenor neck on it and give it to me. If that is asking too much, I'll consider taking it as it stands :-) Seriously, I'm not sure if we have any plectrum players here (at least amongst regular posters). alt.banjo maybe a place to try if nothing crops up here. Jon |
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Subject: RE: OK I got a banjo, NOW what do I do? From: GUEST,Al Date: 14 Mar 02 - 09:03 PM Start tuning it. Don't stop till you're done. That ought to keep you busy for a while. Al |
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Subject: RE: OK I got a banjo, NOW what do I do? From: Mark Ross Date: 14 Mar 02 - 09:08 PM What's the difference between a banjo player & a chicken? When the chicken crossed the road he was going to a gig! Why did the banjo player cross the road? It was the chickens day off! And don't forget the definition of a gentleman. Somebody who know how to play the banjo but doesn't! Mark Ross |
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Subject: RE: OK I got a banjo, NOW what do I do? From: Rick Fielding Date: 14 Mar 02 - 10:19 PM Well Brett, I'm glad to see I ain't the only one who still thinks Pete's little book is the best to start on. Good luck. Cheers Rick |
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Subject: RE: OK I got a banjo, NOW what do I do? From: Jon Freeman Date: 14 Mar 02 - 10:29 PM Thinking of 5 string books, Janet Davis is a name that has cropped up on alt.banjo a few times and seems to have got a few good reports but I can't remember (probably my memory) seeing the name cropping up here. Any opinions? Jon |
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Subject: RE: OK I got a banjo, NOW what do I do? From: 53 Date: 14 Mar 02 - 11:13 PM Spaw, don't you have a couple Banjoes? |
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Subject: RE: OK I got a banjo, NOW what do I do? From: Butch Date: 14 Mar 02 - 11:17 PM Go to the Maryland Banjo Academy (April) or Banjo Camp North (May). At either of these events you can hear the banjo played in various styles, sit in on classes in the styles you like, and be mentored by more experienced players who can help you. You can also brouse oodles of tapes, intruction books, videos and such to help keep you moving long after the event. I have been to several of these events and they always help me, give them a try. |
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Subject: RE: OK I got a banjo, NOW what do I do? From: Coyote Breath Date: 15 Mar 02 - 12:16 AM Ah Naemanson! I hope that the Pete Seeger book has improved with age (Pete has) but I was confused by it's description of how to execute the proper stroke (so to speak) and the breaking down into segments confused me further. I was sitting way in the back of the Unicorn Cafe during a "session" lo these many years ago, frumpling along with the durn thing when Bill Ross (also known as William Rossiter) walked by. He paused, listened for a second or two to my pathetic thumpery and said: "Naw, it's bump titty." From that moment on it has, indeed, been 'bump titty'. So use the Seeger book but remember Bill Ross's astute aside and banjolery shall be yours unto the end of your days. (That only works for frailing, I have absolutely no idea what would work for flugratz.) CB |
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Subject: RE: OK I got a banjo, NOW what do I do? From: Steve Latimer Date: 16 Mar 02 - 12:23 AM If you are interested in Bluregrass, try www.murphymthod.com Welcome to the fraternity.
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Subject: RE: OK I got a banjo, NOW what do I do? From: Steve Latimer Date: 16 Mar 02 - 01:27 AM Wow, I just looked at my posting. I meant Bluegrass, and www.murphymethod.com. Ah, the benefits of a Private School education.
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Subject: RE: OK I got a banjo, NOW what do I do? From: Coyote Breath Date: 16 Mar 02 - 01:54 AM Oh, I don't know blur(e)grass is really pretty descriptive of the way some groups seem to "attack" the music. *BG* Banjo Camp North (sounds like a "stalag" to me) Legions of banjoists fall in just before dawn and perform basic banjo drills. Then they march (double time) to the mess hall for biscuits and gravy and spend the rest of the morning playing "My Grandfather's Clock". CB |
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Subject: RE: OK I got a banjo, NOW what do I do? From: Marion Date: 16 Mar 02 - 02:17 PM Larry said: "Now, buy a fiddle and a mandolin, and a guitar, practice hard for a couple of years and call me..." Larry, it's my secret goal in life to become a Sorcha Dorcha little monkey, but is it really necessary to be a quadruple instrumentalist to get in? Or would fiddle, guitar, and cello be enough? Marion |
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Subject: RE: OK I got a banjo, NOW what do I do? From: reggie miles Date: 16 Mar 02 - 04:19 PM Just one more bit of advice Naemanson and that is to buck up bucko. I myself have managed to recover from a similar malady. (This next part is a real tear jerker so git yer hankies out.) Through many years of sacrifice, hard work, counseling and therapy I was eventually cured of the stigmatism of playing handtools in public. Yes, I said handtools! (sniff, sniff!) If they can help me, they most certainly can help someone in your situation. Have you tried the twelve step program offered by B. A. (Banjos Anonymous)? If that doesn't work try the two step. |
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Subject: RE: OK I got a banjo, NOW what do I do? From: X Date: 16 Mar 02 - 04:52 PM Go to www.banjohangout.org |
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Subject: RE: OK I got a banjo, NOW what do I do? From: Little Hawk Date: 16 Mar 02 - 04:59 PM NOW, what do you do...? Well, let's see. Learn to dodge thrown fruit. Chuck it in the trash and get a real musical instrument. Use it as a scarecrow, a coatstand, a weapon, a cat repellant. How are we doing, Spaw? - LH |
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Subject: RE: OK I got a banjo, NOW what do I do? From: Banjer Date: 16 Mar 02 - 07:53 PM It ain't the thrown fruit ya need to worry about, it's when they don't take it outta the can first that's bothersome! |
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Subject: RE: OK I got a banjo, NOW what do I do? From: Little Hawk Date: 16 Mar 02 - 08:03 PM True... - LH |
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Subject: RE: OK I got a banjo, NOW what do I do? From: Ebbie Date: 16 Mar 02 - 09:12 PM Buy a shiny new canoe and load it on your SUV. Pack your new banjo carefully into the back where it won't get crushed. Then drive up to a mountain lake, where there is a log cabin you have rented. Unload the canoe and slide it into the water. Unpack your banjo. Enjoy. It works right well as an oar. Ebbie |
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Subject: RE: OK I got a banjo, NOW what do I do? From: GUEST,Al Date: 17 Mar 02 - 02:42 AM Form a banjo band called "The Skin Heads". |
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Subject: RE: OK I got a banjo, NOW what do I do? From: C-flat Date: 17 Mar 02 - 03:09 AM A banjo player is just finishing his set at a St.Patrick's day celebration night when the pub landlord invites him to play again at next year's event. "Great" say's the banjo player "..but can I leave my gear set up?" |
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Subject: RE: OK I got a banjo, NOW what do I do? From: Hrothgar Date: 17 Mar 02 - 04:18 AM Well, I could throw in a few more jokes, but it's like shooting fish in a barrel. Serious suggestion: Learn to play it softly unless volume really is required. The really good banjo players do this, and earn respect and admiration. It's the overbearing banjo player that has caused all the jokes - same as with accordeon players. |
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Subject: RE: OK I got a banjo, NOW what do I do? From: Rick Fielding Date: 17 Mar 02 - 12:28 PM C-Flat...that's wonderful! And miracle of miracles....I haven't heard it before! Cheers Rick |
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Subject: RE: OK I got a banjo, NOW what do I do? From: Banjer Date: 17 Mar 02 - 01:36 PM That's probably because Rick (Van Winkle) Fielding slept through the time it was posted on another thread! Hey, 'Spaw, what's the count now? |
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Subject: RE: OK I got a banjo, NOW what do I do? From: Naemanson Date: 17 Mar 02 - 06:37 PM Well guys, I'm still reading and enjoying. I knew it would come to jokes in the end. But I can take it. I knew that showing the faintest interest in bajos would expose me to all manner of wisecracks and trouble. I guees that is why banjo players have such thick skins. I'm off to put new strings on the banjo and then tune it up and start learning. Charlie loaned me his Pete Seeger book to use until Dani's arrives. I will keep you informed. |
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Subject: RE: OK I got a banjo, NOW what do I do? From: lardingo Date: 17 Mar 02 - 06:48 PM Go to some local music parties. Watch, listen, and ask. You might try some of the larger bluegrass festivals, as some have banjo workshops. What is the definition of perfect pitch? When you throw a banjo in the dumpster and it lands directly on the accordion. |
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Subject: RE: OK I got a banjo, NOW what do I do? From: Naemanson Date: 17 Mar 02 - 10:35 PM Hmm, broke the first string so now I need another. But I discovered the secret weapon for loop end strings, DUCT TAPE! |
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Subject: RE: OK I got a banjo, NOW what do I do? From: GUEST,Bob Olegoat Date: 17 Mar 02 - 11:01 PM get an instrument stand. I leaned my banjo against the wall and it fell-- busted off the end the cranks on it and sent the bridge to a far country. Glue's still holding, but she's not a beauty no more. |
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Subject: RE: OK I got a banjo, NOW what do I do? From: GUEST,Al Date: 18 Mar 02 - 12:21 AM Some banjos sound best with gut or nylon strings. Especially the older instruments with a light body rim. But only do this for clawhammer/frailing, not for bluegrass. Finger picks would eat up the strings. |
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Subject: RE: OK I got a banjo, NOW what do I do? From: Charley Noble Date: 18 Mar 02 - 08:08 AM I understand that judicious use of superglue can help keep banjos in tune. Since someone down at the Press Room spewed beer all over my banjo head, I've been having trouble keeping my old banjo in tune, and it might be worth a try. |
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Subject: RE: OK I got a banjo, NOW what do I do? From: Naemanson Date: 18 Mar 02 - 10:08 AM Charlie, did they spew beer or spill beer. There is a bit of a difference. One is slightly more disgusting than the other. I am a big believer in instrument stands. Unfortunately I also do not have much room for the three guitars, two dulcimers, and now a banjo. |
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