I might buy a banjo!

Paul_C · July 2014

because it might be fun!

nothing too expensive, I like the idea of turning up to an acoustic open mic. with something different.

no idea what to buy though, and I've only had four or five banjos to fix in the last 10 years so no regular experience of them

Lewy · July 2014

Highly recommend banjosdirect.co.uk

Two essential types of banjo, corresponding to two essential ways of playing:

Closed-back/resonator - usually played "Scruggs-style" - thumb and finger picks, banjo rolls, bluegrass style

Open back - usually played clawhammer aka frailing style. Old time appalachian style.

You can play either style on either type of instrument but it won't sound quite righ imo.

Paul_C · July 2014

it'll be strumming rather than picking, I'm sure

something like this :

Paul_C · July 2014

though I'm also considering trying the washboard too

ICBM · July 2014

I find banjos impossible to play properly. I'm not totally sure why, and it's not the unfamiliar stringing/tuning - although having a machinehead halfway up the neck is just stupid! - because I even tried a 6-string "guitarist's cheating banjo" and it was just as bad. Must be something to do with the feel of it. Even more surprisingly, I play guitar with fingers only and do some occasional "banjo style" things on it, so I would have expected it to be easy. Wrong…

What's the difference between a mandolin and a banjo?

A banjo burns longer.

Lewy · July 2014

Ahhh....I assumed you meant 5-string banjo....for that trad jazzy strum style you're looking at 4 string tenor banjo. You can always tune it in "Chicago" tuning where the intervals are the same as the top four strings on a guitar and not need to learn anything new

I used to have a nice short-scale tenor banjo made by Grafton...inexpensive and lots of fun.

Whats the difference between a banjo and a vaccuum cleaner?

It's easier to detach the dirtbag from a vacuum cleaner.

hubobulous · July 2014

You know, there are only a few types of music that are positively guaranteed to bring a smile to my face. Yes, I adore Satriani, Gary Moore, Adrian Legg, Electronica and classical to name an eclectic few, but they stir a range of emotions that rarely make me really grin.

But Scott Joplin ragtime and banjo are the ones for me.

I would LOVE to learn banjo rolls. I'd literally play them all the time. Everywhere. Cos I could.

I think your idea of buying one is excellent and you may well have inspired me to get off my plectrum fuelled arse and do it.

benvall · July 2014

I've got a cheap tanglewood 5 string banjo. It's great fun. I found the basic rolls pretty easy to pick up and I don't play any other finger style playing. Travis picking I find really hard.

I'd get a basic book with a cd and play along, I can't remember the one I had but it had a few fun songs in. They usually all have an easy version of foggy mountain breakdown.

Oh, great for playing in G, it's a pain having to retune and capo different frets for different keys.

axisus · July 2014

I fancy one as well. I'd also love a washboard! How cool are they!

Phil_aka_Pip · July 2014

banjo = nasty plicky sound with no tone or sustain

/troll

bluechargeboy · July 2014

In Frailer's guitar shop in Runcorn there is a sign in the toilet that says "Please wash your hands" to which somebody has added "after playing the banjos".

imalone · July 2014

Will be doing some baking this evening, does anyone have a good recipe for banjo rolls?

ICBM · July 2014

imalone said:

Will be doing some baking this evening, does anyone have a good recipe for banjo rolls?

You'll need a large meat cleaver and chopping board, and a barbecue grille.

And some rolls to cook on the barbecue once the banjo is burning nicely.

Van_Hayden · July 2014

Deering banjos are made properly in the US and start from about £300.

Eagle music is worth looking at, they sell the most banjos in the uk, and more Deering banjos than anywhere else in the world!

Paul_C · July 2014

banjo plan on hold as I've ordered an EHX Organ Machine instead

fretmeister · July 2014

http://woodtalkonline.com/uploads/monthly_06_2014/post-3084-0-16964000-1404121024.jpg

beed84 · July 2014

A quick joke about banjos.

Basically, a guy ran back to his car 'cos he left his banjo on the back seat in full view of potential thieves. By the time he got to his automobile, the back window was smashed in big time, glass everywhere. "Oh no, not the banjo, please," he uttered in anguish. As he approached the scene and peered through the gaping hole of his car, to his bewilderment not only was his banjo lying on the seat unscathed, there was another one too.

Clarky · July 2014

I got a 5-string banjo.. it's so much fun…

I never seem to find quite enough time to play it these days...

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I might buy a banjo!

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