Good Banjo site

Subject: Good Banjo site
From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull
Date: 23 Sep 01 - 02:09 AM

Here is a good banjo site. www.banjohangout.org

Subject: RE: Good Banjo site
From: Geoff the Duck
Date: 23 Sep 01 - 08:13 AM

It certainly has a lot of stuff in it. There is tablature for a big selection of tunes, mostly Scruggs style arrangements, but there are also some frailing pieces.
The site is well laid out. Have a look and give us an opinion! Here is a live link BLUE CLICKY!
Quack!
GtD.

Subject: RE: Good Banjo site
From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull
Date: 01 Oct 01 - 10:56 PM

Thanks for making the clicky Geoff, I looked at this site because I want to learn an instrument.I figured that because some banjos only have 4 strings, they would be easier to play.Is this the case?

Subject: RE: Good Banjo site
From: GUEST,Russ
Date: 02 Oct 01 - 09:09 AM

John,

With all due respect, you've got it backwards. Listen to different kinds of banjo music until you hear the sound you want to duplicate and then get the type of banjo that is used to produce that sound.

Some banjo players use four string banjos and some use five. The styles of music are quite different.

Dwight Diller will be in Gainsborough in November if old time banjo is what you are interested in. See http://www.dwightdiller.com/pers/DDitin.html

If you want a four stringed instrument that is easy to play, try the Appalachian/lap dulcimer.

Subject: RE: Good Banjo site
From: Steve Latimer
Date: 02 Oct 01 - 10:00 AM

Wow, what a comprehensive site. Thanks for the link.

Subject: RE: Good Banjo site
From: Geoff the Duck
Date: 02 Oct 01 - 05:18 PM

John - The advice Russ gives is one of the most important pieces you are likely to get. If you want to play an instument, but are not interested in the music or style that it suits, you are unlikely to persevere with learning it.
Decide what type of music you would like to play, then ask about what instrument would be best for playing it on!
If you want good advice about banjoes and musical styles have a chat with myself (5-string banjo) and Bill Sables (Tenor banjo AND 5-string in different styles to the ones I use). We can certainly tell you a lot about banjoes and other instruments between the two of us.
See you at the Jug!
Geoff!

Subject: RE: Good Banjo site
From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull
Date: 02 Oct 01 - 08:29 PM

Thanks Guest Russ and Geoff, I know somebody will think I am stupid for asking this but I dont care, What is a Alapachian flap dulcimer?
Geoff- I know very little about music, but I like folk music like you and Bill play.It is difficult for me to get to the Jug during term time because I am working, but I will try to go there next week.I was talking to Bill a few weeks ago and he offerd to go with me when I buy an instrument, I think I might take his offer up, to make sure I get the right one.I am working full time now so I have got the money, but I just have to decide what to buy. I am still trying to get to LLanstock so I might see you there.Thanks.john

Subject: RE: Good Banjo site
From: GUEST,Russ
Date: 03 Oct 01 - 08:42 AM

John,
The banjo players you know are your best resource.
The Appalachian flap dulcimer is a close relative of the Appalachian lap dulcimer. I cannot find any websites devoted to flap dulcimers but you can check the following for lap dulcimers.
http://www.clark.net/pub/dtmoore/dulcimer/index.html

Subject: RE: Good Banjo site
From: Steve Latimer
Date: 03 Oct 01 - 09:57 AM

John in Hull,

I've posted this link elsewhere. If you want to learn Bluegrass style banjo it's a wonderful method. I believe that they have tenor (4 string) instruction too.

Click here

Subject: RE: Good Banjo site
From: Charcloth
Date: 03 Oct 01 - 04:09 PM

Murphy Henry does a great job in teaching. I still prefer her cassette tapes for learning. As a whole I don't like videos I can listen to a cassette in the car or take it with me when traveling - you can't do that as well with a video, but to each his own. But for learning bluegrass banjo I found Jack Hatfield's Bluegrass banjo method (with the cassette) to be more helpful. He uses tab but he highlights the notes in the melody so you have a better understanding where it all fits into place. But I must admit I Frail the banjo mostly. I find frailing easier to understand & I was able to apply it from the beginning. I will still tinker around with the bluegrass style but it isn't what I use when I perform or jam.
Good luck, Charcloth

Subject: RE: Good Banjo site
From: Steve Latimer
Date: 03 Oct 01 - 04:27 PM

Charcloth,

I started with the Audio cassettes and I recall playing them in the car. Now that you mention it it was helpful. I also found a cassette player easier to stop and rewind than a VCR.

Having said that, I find the fact that you can actually see her fingers work on the fretboard to be very beneficial. I'm working on improving some bad habits that I developed when I was learning strictly from audio.

Subject: RE: Good Banjo site
From: Charcloth
Date: 03 Oct 01 - 04:34 PM

Steve I agree that a video is helpful for the reason's you mentioned, but for myself I just prefer the audio's besides I didn't have to fight with my kids over time with the TV. I myself don't like the telisvision anyway (yeah I know I am an old contrary type- can't help it) besides for the same amount of funds I feel the audio is the better deal. But everyone learns differently
Charcloth

Subject: RE: Good Banjo site
From: GUEST,xd
Date: 18 Feb 05 - 06:54 PM

What a lovely site.