I will be using the lower tuning mainly because the age of the Stewart, and the fact it has no truss rod, will make it easier on the instrument. Also, playing blues along the lines of Yank Rachel, and Rich Delgrosso, it probably will fit better anyway.

As for viola, I think there are probably more out there than you might think. There are even a bunch of people playing trad music(s) on cello.

In a banjo fiddle duo I would rather play with a viola or cello as it gives the music more space. Both instruments aren't fighting over the same basic register.

Jed, the videos sound pretty good. There are some similarities to how I play 3 finger. I hate playing with picks. I find them a pain, both literally and figuratively. I like the feel and sound of the flesh on steel. It gives the banjo a more organic sound as opposed to mechanical sound.

BHSC