OT Banjo

[naprestsleep]

Anyone play the banjo or have info on local places to gather info/shop. I am thinking of taking up the banjo, I got minimal guitar/bass experience from my youth. I am thinking of buying a cheap/used banjo and going the teach myself route to start. Seems to be a lot of info online.

 

[dgodwin]

FWIW, I learned more in one weekend at the Greyfox music festival, than I ever learned teaching my self. I purchased my banjo (Deering Goodtime) at the String Shoppe in Buffalo. I remember they had really unusual hours though. They must have something at House of Guitars.

My only advice (which I need to follow) is find people to play with.

 

[Willistein]

Try Stutzmans on Ridge Rd. They have a few I think. I like the fact that they are family owned and have very good after sale service.

 

[naprestsleep]

Yeah I was going to go to house of guitars and some others. I'd love to play with people when ready.

 

[der_wille_zur_macht]

I'm in the same spot. I've been casually looking online and in local stores for a year or two. My problem is being a lefty. If you see any left handed banjos in your quest, lemme know!

dgodwin, how do you like the Goodtime? What style do you play on it?

 

[naprestsleep]

Lefty huh... Turn it up side down? Seem to remember that working for a a famous guitar player. I will keep a third eye out for ya while I look.

 

[der_wille_zur_macht]

The problem is, a 5-string banjo doesn't really "work" upside down thanks to the 5th string not being full scale. There's a shop way over near Lake George called Adirondack Guitar that carries all sorts of Lefty instruments - that's been the only place I've ever seen a left handed banjo in person. If/when I pull the trigger I'll probably buy from them.

For the record I do play guitar "Hendrix style."

 

[naprestsleep]

Ahhh yes the 5th string didnt think about that. May have to stop in Adirondack Guitar when we are in Lake George in June.

 

[windyridge]

There is a free bluegrass festival at hatch Lake near Cortland every year. People get together and casually jam all over the grounds between acts. My husband never had the courage to bring his banjo or guitar but it's a great place to gather info.

 

[der_wille_zur_macht]

Any idea on the schedule of that event? Or a name so I can google it?

 

[naprestsleep]

Any idea on the schedule of that event? Or a name so I can google it?

Second that I just tired looking for it all I found was one at Lake Tahoe.

 

[dgodwin]

Not sure if this is what Windyridge was referring to:
http://blogs.wcny.org/youre-invited-to-the-bluegrass-ramble-picnic/

I like the goodtime banjo. It plays well, and is pretty light (it's open back) but may not be loud enough for some.

I am by no means an expert, it just sounds like I've owned a banjo longer than most. I play a 3 finger style, and would recommend Pete Wernick's book for those looking for one in that style.

If you haven't checked out the banjo hangout, there are a lot of resources on there that would probably be helpful. www.banjohangout.org

 

[windyridge]

Dgodwin, that is the one, you are correct.

 

[Gravesj1s]

Cant add anything other than suggesting Youtube video's as a source to learn from.Ive never played the banjo but still have my six strings in use.The concepts similar enough though and Id think theres got to be some video's on reading tableture whitch is an extremely straight forwrd way to read/write .You can also find picking techniques,scales and tons of songs.

-Steve

 

[naprestsleep]

Yeah I have been surfing youtube and the interwebs in my free time. A lot of info to gather, and hopefully not make me sound like an idiot when I go shopping/looking.