I have a few questions about becoming a real banjo player (I like to say I am masquerading as banjo player at the moment, but I really do wanna learn the instrument). I am playing banjo (and guitar) in an Irish band. I just found a Vega open back, long neck banjo (made by Deering). It has a beautiful sound and a great neck. I love it! I know these questions are pretty rudimentary, but what do you expect from a guitar player? Questions:

* I had two of the brackets that hold the head in place were loose. I presume I need to find a tool to tighten these, how do I know how tight to keep them?

* How do you tie on a strap? Do you tie it to the brackets? Will this not put excess strain on that bracket and perhaps even cause it to bend?

* Can I get a good sound from a pick up? Or should I stay with a mic? I have already found that the instrument mics well (much better then guitar). Who makes mics and/or pick-ups for banjos?

* What tunings are folks using? I have stayed with a G tuning, and used the capo to play in other keys. I hear there is a C tuning. Is that commonly used? What can you tell me about changing tunings on stage? I have found it is not difficult to retune on stage because the banjo tones cut through stage noise pretty well.

* I am not using spikes or fifth string capo. I have been retuning the fifth string up or down as needed. I regularly go as high as A, and down to F. Down is no problem, but will I run into a problem (breaking strings) if I retune constantly? Should I consider a spike - or a fifth string capo?

* Do I need to buy special long neck strings? Or are standard strings long enough?


OK, now no flaming the guitar player for asking dumb questions! Thanks.