Help: Help with beginning Banjo

Subject: RE: Help: Help with beginning Banjo
From: GUEST,Cedar
Date: 02 Oct 01 - 07:58 AM

thank you

Animaterra, We are in Hillsborough, just above the Monadnocks. I will be asking in Concord today about a teacher - I'll let you know if we find one out that way.

My husband has never played a stringed insrument, so I guess he will have a fresh slate as far as string placement goes.

Cedar

Subject: RE: Help: Help with beginning Banjo
From: Steve Latimer
Date: 02 Oct 01 - 07:38 AM

Hey Cedar,

I can't help you with finding an instrument, but I would also suggest used. A lot of guitar players have bought banjos and found that the placement of the fifth string drives them crazy and they give it up.

I can suggest a wonderful method for learning to play. Check out:

www.murphymethod.com

My Uncle, a fine player, told me about this years ago when I was thinking of taking up the banjo and I found it a great way to learn. At the time it was a series of audio tapes, but they have progressed to video, which are even better. I was thinking of starting a separate thread on it. Check it out.

Subject: RE: Help: Help with beginning Banjo
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 02 Oct 01 - 06:46 AM

Hey, Cedar, where in NH are you? Here in the Monadnock region I haven't yet found a banjo teacher, but I've just started looking.

Subject: RE: Help: Help with beginning Banjo
From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull
Date: 01 Oct 01 - 10:51 PM

Cedar-About a week ago I posted a link to a really good banjo website, to find it just trace my posts (click on my name) or enter banjo in the filter box and set the date for 2 weeks, hope that helps.john

Subject: RE: Help: Help with beginning Banjo
From: GUEST,Cedar
Date: 01 Oct 01 - 10:30 PM

I am sorry - I had forgotten to add that we are looking for a bluegrass sound. He is wanting to use the banjo as part of his comedy magic children's performances. He wants a cheerful sound, and an instrument that he can pick up and use at a second's notice. I think I talked him out of the accordian :), and we think the banjo will work very well for him.

Thanks again, Cedar

Subject: RE: Help: Help with beginning Banjo
From: GUEST
Date: 01 Oct 01 - 10:28 PM

Listen to as many recordings of as many styles of playing as you possibly can. Type "Homespun Tapes" into a search engine and find an instruction video or book that teaches the style (there are several) you've chosen to play. Try "old time banjo" or Bluegrass banjo" in a search. This will bring more resources than you'll care to see. A lot of time can be wasted in going down the wrong road so listen to a lot of music before you buy a banjo and before you spend time learning. Let us know how it turns out.

Chip A.

Subject: RE: Help: Help with beginning Banjo
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 01 Oct 01 - 10:03 PM

Cedar, I presume it's a 5 string your looking for. I for one play 4 string tenor... an idea of area of musical interest would probably help people point you in the best directions.

Re new or used, my last banjo was new but generally speaking, I prefer going used - you can get a better instrument for the same money that way but you may need help in seeking a good one.

Jon

Subject: Help with beginning Banjo
From: GUEST,Cedar
Date: 01 Oct 01 - 09:56 PM

I was hoping for some advice from experienced banjo players; my husband is thinking about learning to play a banjo, and we don't know where to go from here. Should we buy him a banjo new, or used? Our budget is not large. We also would like to know if getting lessons, or finding a good do-it-yourself program would be better. What are the best beginner resources? And, finally, are there any people here in NH who teach banjo?

Well, I think that is enough questions for one post. Thank you all for your replies, and advice. Cedar