My "Other" Hobby...

[glemon]

I could probably make one, I could never play one, never had that dexterity and, speed and fine control with my fingers. My dad played all sorts of musical instruments, and said the banjo was one of the more challenging. Never got past the G chord on the guitar and Mary Had a Little Lamb on the piano myself, but appreciate those that can, nice work on the banjo, looks great.

 

[Mickey Richaud]

I could probably make one, I could never play one, never had that dexterity and, speed and fine control with my fingers. My dad played all sorts of musical instruments, and said the banjo was one of the more challenging. Never got past the G chord on the guitar and Mary Had a Little Lamb on the piano myself, but appreciate those that can, nice work on the banjo, looks great.

Thanks - although all I did was sand, stain/finish, and assemble it. I don't have the woodworking skills to build one from scratch.

As for dexterity, etc., my "skills", such as they are, have only come from dogged persistence in practicing. (And even now, I really should practice more than I do.) My only regret is that I didn't start playing - and sticking with it - when I was a kid!

 

[Darwin]

I just bought myself a Gretsch guitar. I've been a 2 strum pattern, 3 chord "player" for 50 years. Gonna make a real try at getting better with my new toy. For the money it cost me I better be spending a lot of time with it. Nice looking banjo.

 

[Mickey Richaud]

I just bought myself a Gretsch guitar. I've been a 2 strum pattern, 3 chord "player" for 50 years. Gonna make a real try at getting better with my new toy. For the money it cost me I better be spending a lot of time with it. Nice looking banjo.

Your experience sounds a LOT like mine! Once I finally get over my jealousy of folks (especially kids) who just seem to have the gift for picking these things up and flying with them, and once I actually work at it, I do get better.

But again, I wish I'd done this as seriously years ago...

 

[weewillie]

wanted to play bluegrass about 25 years ago so bought a banjo, practiced on and off for 5 or 6 years (incuding 6 mths of paid tutoring) was relegated to the basement when practicing including having the body stuffed with a towel to quieten it down and still can't play it. Gave it to my son who was playing it within an hour(must have been the guitar lessons he got when a kid). When I worked at Boeing/McDonnell Douglas I built one from scratch but used a modified neck from a guitar, still can't play it so it sits in the closet. A couple of years ago I thought a harmonica would be easy to play, I have about 8 all in different keys (still can't do that either probably don't practice enough).

BTW Mickey nice Banjo and good for you for sticking with it

 

[Guest]

But again, I wish I'd done this as seriously years ago...

You couldn't or else you would'a. Things either work or they don't; you made a choice not to just like most of us did and chose to do something else. You aren't serious until you get serious then what happens will but not before.

Do finger stretches and hand exercises in the car and while watching tv.

Just because you aren't doesn't mean you can't but you gotta when you're not to get where you can't go.

 

[Mickey Richaud]

Thanks, Willie. This time I'm determined. Kinda like when I practiced karate. Took me forever, compared to some of the other students, but I finally made black belt.

You aren't serious until you get serious then what happens will but not before...

Just because you aren't doesn't mean you can't but you gotta when you're not to get where you can't go.

Billy - that sounds like the quote from a while back:
"I know that you believe you understand what you think I said, but I'm not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant."

 

[judow]

I don't know how it sounds but I do know how it looks - beautiful!

 

[Mickey Richaud]

I don't know how it sounds but I do know how it looks - beautiful!

Thanks! The sound is really full. The tone ring is nickel plated brass, which really rings. Made for bluegrass, but I play clawhammer style, so it's a bit ~brighter~ than clawhammer or old time sound. But it suits me, and if I ever decide to switch to bluegrass, I have the resonator to add to it, which will increase volume and brightness.

 

[Trevor Triumph]

I know a few banjo players. They spend half the time tuning it and the half of their time playing out of tune. Bob Shane of the Kingston Trio says perfect pitch is throwing a banjo down a well and not hitting any of the accordions. Kidding aside, the banjo is a neat sound. The Deering Banjo Company in San Diego makes a six string banjo so us limited guitar players can get a banjo sound.

 

[Basil]

And to all you naysayers:

View attachment 37160

Ummm, uh…okay.

 

[Mickey Richaud]

I know a few banjo players. They spend half the time tuning it and the half of their time playing out of tune. Bob Shane of the Kingston Trio says perfect pitch is throwing a banjo down a well and not hitting any of the accordions. Kidding aside, the banjo is a neat sound. The Deering Banjo Company in San Diego makes a six string banjo so us limited guitar players can get a banjo sound.

The banjo I've been using to learn clawhammer is a Deering Goodtime - very nice entry level banjo. I had no intention of getting another one, but what a gift this was!

And as for different "banjos", check out this one for dulcimer players. Couple of folks in the Monday night jam group play them; Mike, on the left, makes them here in Townsend:

 

[Basil]

How long did it take to build? Very nice.

 

[Mickey Richaud]

How long did it take to build? Very nice.

Thanks. The assembly is pretty quick and easy. Longest part was sanding, staining, and finishing the neck and rim. It has one application of stain and three coats of satin polyurethane.