Banjo Hangout Forum Feed

3 Neck blanks reduced 105.00 shipped to 48 states

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 24 May 2012 05:42:00 CST

Great deal ! Click the dollar sign above this post to view my ads - THANKS!

Neck angle for a bariitone uke banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 24 May 2012 05:11:55 CST

Neck angle seems a perennial question for people new to building. My last banjo, a pony, ended up with a really high bridge due to the neck angle -maybe I over cut- I was aiming for 3 degrees. I want to get it right this time! Do shorter scale banjos require a shallower neck angle?

Can any one advise me on a typical neck angle for a baritone uke banjo 19.1mm scale length . I'd like to keep the action fairly low and use a half inch or 5 eighths bridge. I've played about with some online triangle calculators which give me answers in the region of 1.5 to 2 degrees- would this be sensible.

Any advice welcomed.

Jim (Hawgfiddle65)

Used Deerings going cheap

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 24 May 2012 04:46:22 CST

I'm a Deering owner and lover. It's alarming to see how low the pre-owned Deerings are selling for. I imagine this is partly due to the availability (Deerings turn out a lot of banjos) but Geez, a Golden Era selling for $1,300! That's a $4 to $5 grand banjo new and a heck of an instrument. Those of us who love the brand certainly aren't buying them for the investment value (I suppose I'm more suited as a picker than a financial analyst anyhow). Any other opinions out there?

The Avengers!

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 24 May 2012 04:18:55 CST

If you like fun summertime "popcorn" movies, you might just love the Avengers! Do we ever get too old for a good superhero story?

FaceBook IPO Flop

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 24 May 2012 03:56:51 CST

Removing flaking secondary lacquer finish from PW neck. Is it possible?

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 24 May 2012 03:44:40 CST

Can anyone advise on this issue?

I have a pre war Gibson tenor neck that has, at some point in its life, been over sprayed with a clear lacquer coat.

This secondary coat of finish has started to flake off in a couple of areas near the heel, leaving the original finish looking quite reasonable underneath.

Where it is flaking, it is quite easy to scrape it back a bit further just using a fingernail. I haven’t tried to remove it where it isn’t flaking.

Is there any product that I could use to try and remove the entire later coat?

Any expert advice, opinion or recommendations would be greatly appreciated even if it were “leave it alone”.

Thanks in advance.

Alan

pegheads vs. Waverly or Gotoh

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 23 May 2012 23:46:23 CST

how would those that have used both, compare Pegheads tuners with Waverly or Gotoh?

I like the look of the Pegheads, but I want tuners that work good.

I don't care much for 5-stars.

I with probably go with Gotoh with black buttons, if Pegheads are not the answer.

I like the idea of the Waverly planetary 5th tuner as well...

Input?

My Bob Gibson Tribute Vega Long Neck

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 23 May 2012 23:30:15 CST

Thanks to Dan Pennington for making a dream come true!

Read the full story and description of the "process" in the Long Neck group...http://www.banjohangout.org/group/longneckbanjo/blog/3828

Good Tuesday Morning

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 23 May 2012 23:11:24 CST

Good morning from sunny Sweden.

Saw the Steep Canyon Rangers tonight!!!

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 23 May 2012 20:49:07 CST

I just got home from a concert with the Steep Canyon Rangers. They were absolutely FANTASTIC!!!! I'm ashamed to say I had never heard of them before, I found the concert on line, when looking for something else.... It was spectacular. And oh, btw, they had this other guest banjo player/singer with them, kinda funny, grey hair, glasses... he fitted in just perfectly!

Milli.

The 8-string speaks (finally!)

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 23 May 2012 20:34:54 CST

Finally the 8-string guitar banjo hybrid gets her first test recording and video! No effects were harmed in the making of this video, that is actually the natural reverb of that aluminum body. And how about that tapping volume! I'm calling this wild-a$$ experiment a success.

Old Spinning Wheel

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 23 May 2012 20:10:00 CST

I like to put on the Kat Eyz McCormick spice bridge a lot. It really barks and is exactly what I'm looking for in tone right now. This tune is with Mike Smith's Kateyz bridge, called Old Spinning Wheel.

Tenor Banjo Price Check

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 23 May 2012 19:21:36 CST

I was bidding on this Banjo on ebay. I did not hit the reserve. But the buyer has offered me a second chance buy it now... Can you Idea the banjo and give me a idea what its worth.. I have 20:14 mins hour to decide... as 5/23/12 22:21 est.

Truss rod covers An attempt with stainless steel

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 23 May 2012 19:16:36 CST

I have read several posts lately of people wanting truss rod covers, so I took a couple of hours today to whip a couple up. These are made of 316 stainless steel and will polish up very nicely. It may be a little hard to see these, I shot them with my Iphone. I am thinking that I will cut some out of brass as well so I can mix the stainless and brass one on top of the other (laminate) to give some contrast to the metals. Any how, these are first attempts, mainly I was just killing time.

I still need to drill the mounting holes.

Mustang Sally

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 23 May 2012 19:14:51 CST

A jam with The Commitments. Enjoy :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xnOvNFxORQ

Cheers,
Boog

Earl's 'Foggy Mountain Banjo' Banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 23 May 2012 19:05:39 CST

I am wondering why no one has ever made a replica of this banjo, the one he recorded Foggy Mountain Banjo, Carnegie Hall and Foggy Mountain Jamboree (I may be mistaken) with. That to me and many others I'm sure is the classic Earl sound and yet every Gibson Earl Scruggs banjo has a maple neck.

Has anyone ever made a mahogany necked banjo with a maple resonator and gold hardware?

Minnesota Fiddle Tunes Project

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 23 May 2012 18:53:16 CST

My grant work end at the end of this month and it has been quite a year researching, collecting, learning and teaching Minnesota tunes. I ended up withe 30 Minnesota tunes played in Clawhammer style that you can learn.

The blog will continue on and we will carry this momentum forward. I have just completed a CD of over 50 musicians play over 30 tunes of the old Minnesota masters. A fitting end to this portion of the project. You can purchase the CD here.

Keep sending good Minnesota leads and blog ideas. Thanks, Clawhammer Mike.

Gibson company

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 23 May 2012 18:50:27 CST

I googled Gibson today. The official name is the Gibson Guitar Company. It was originally the Gibson Guitar and Mandolin Company. Does anyone know how many employees the have?

Had house vinyl sided. How to install outdoor lights to these platforms??

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 23 May 2012 18:40:00 CST

Siding guy used these platforms to attach lights to house. It is nailed into the sheathing, siding cut around the platform and a cap attached.

http://i824.photobucket.com/albums/zz166/Ken5string/boxreduced.jpg

The hole in the base does not align with the metal box bracket. I went to a few lighting stores and they all said that the lights need to be bolted to the box via the bracket. Went on youtube and there were videos where some people just screwing a bracket to the surface of these boxes. Vinyl is 1/8 inch thick. Does this seem right?

They make these things, so I assume there is a good way to attach the lights to it. Even if the holes lined up, lights have different brackets and it would be impossible at this point to attach the right bracket to the box with this cover with a 1 inch hole in it. Plus there is the depth issue. Box is covered with rigid foam, then the vinyl siding. So the plate would never make it to the hardware.

Anyone have experience with this?

Thanks!

Bishline Banjos

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 23 May 2012 18:29:12 CST

I have decided to upgrade from my beginner's Washburn banjo. I have done some online research and read many of the comments here on banjohangout.com. I was really thinking about ordering a Bishline (probably the Salty Dog) but I don't personally know anyone who has owned a Bishline. My instructor is suggesting a Recording King. Any advice? Would like to spend no more than $3K. Thanks!

Hoffee Case users???

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 23 May 2012 18:28:11 CST

I'm debating on purchasing a hoffee case for my hatfield banjo. Right now I use a price case all the time. It is an amazing case an I have never had a problem with it. The weight of the case is excessive an the reason I am looking at the hoffee cases. I dont intend to part with my price but would like to have the same protection with less weight for normal travel. I've searched the hangout an online. Found no real reviews other than on hoffee's website. So is there any hoffee case users on here that have used one for a while in extensive travel. I travel weekly with my banjos. Would like to get some reviews before I spend that kind of money. Thanks in advance for any help.

Jeremy B

Note- The videos on hoffees site are amazing! Just wish he would do some with a heavy banjo.

Only in Maine could this be lol,,,,,,,,,,,,,,but they ,,,

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 23 May 2012 18:02:13 CST

Travel I 'm sure. ;)

Paul

nechville resonator problems

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 23 May 2012 16:28:06 CST

Hey Gang,

Just bought a nechville from a guy here on the hangout. The banjo sounds great but unfortunately there are only two holes in the flange where thumb screws can go through to hold the resonator in place. Am I missing something? Every nechville I have seen has four thumbscrews. This one came with four but there is no way to attach the other two. Any advice?

Bob

our newest house guests

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 23 May 2012 16:26:19 CST

eat your heart out, Paddy. (four more coming soon from friends who got Easter chicks for their kids and then realized it was a bad idea). Not a great pic, but you try to get 15 chicks to sit still and in focus.......

Remembering Danny Hiser

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 23 May 2012 16:05:01 CST

This Saturday, May 26, there will be a bluegrass gathering of the friends and relatives of my best friend, Danny Hiser who was a great banjo player. Danny lost his battle to cancer this past Feb. 20th. We are calling this The First Annual "Remembering Danny Hiser" Bluegrass Pickin. This event will be held at The Shady Rest Rv Park at exit 133 on Interstate 64 in West Virginia. This is a free event and there will be several bands performing. There will be plenty of food available. We will have workshops during the intermissions for those wanting tips for playing their instrument . Every one is invited to attend. Bring your instrument and jam with us. Hope to see every one there.

Strange event at a bluegrass concert...

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 23 May 2012 15:57:22 CST

Strange event at a bluegrass concert...

Its about half way thru the song when the bird joins them

         The little bird must have been a huge fan of bluegrass music!



Put it on full screen as it will be easier to see.

Half way through watch the guitar/singer because this tiny little bird comes to sit on the end of his guitar and stays there until the end of the song, the singer even strokes the bird!

http://www.dogwork.com/blugrs9/

Pin Vise Help

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 23 May 2012 15:17:38 CST

I'm trying to put in spikes here, and being outsmarted by my tools.

Are there any tricks to centering a tiny drill bit in a pin vise? I'm using the bit that came with the vise so it's ostensibly the right size. Won't stay in the middle of those 4 jaws, wobbles around when drilling. Very frustrating. Do they make such a thing as a 3-jaw chuck for these? That would seem to be a much better idea.

Thanks for any advice!

Rookie, Beginner Advice

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 23 May 2012 15:09:14 CST

He Guys, I'm New to the Site and also Relatively New to Playing the Banjo, only been Playing for about 4 Months now and so i have a lot of questions & need a lot of advice but I feel kinda Foolish Bothering the advanced players with such simple nagging questions and so wondered if there could be a Forums Just dedicated to helping Absolute Beginners, or perhaps there is one and I'm missing it???

Most Clever Lines Ever From a Song,

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 23 May 2012 14:46:56 CST

I am a Fan of all Music but there is One Performer who i believe Stands Out From all the rest and that is the Late Great Country Singer , Roger Miller.....Not only could he Fill in the Spaces of any song with the Most Clever Whimsicle Sounds from his Mouth that no one understood but everyone just loved to try and imitate He was also the Only singer who, when stumped with a Rhyme, could Actually Make up a Word and Get away with it.. the Song "Dang Me" has two of the Greatest Lines ever sung in a song that demonstrate Both of these points

Like I Said Only Roger could get away with Making up a Word.....

.."Roses are Red and Violets are Purple, Sugar's Sweet, and so's..... Maple Surple."

And the Most clever , Perfect Line i Ever Heard in a Song :

"I'm The Seventh of Seven Sons, My Pappy Was a Pistol, I'm a Son of a Gun."

If You aren't familiar with Roger Miller, (or even if you are) treat Yourself to a trip to You Tube & Enjoy a One of the Great Ones, I Guarentee He Will Make You Smile.

you have to appreciate his knowledge of the fingerboard

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 23 May 2012 14:23:37 CST

I know that this is guitar related, but if you appreciate someone who knows his fingerboard, you will love this. If I knew where to send him a tip, I'd do it. LEE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tigQMK-P9kk&feature=related

A question about Gibson Flanges

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 23 May 2012 14:20:18 CST

Does anyone know if Gibson used flanges in their banjo in 2006 that were not stamped "Gibson USA"? I'm also wondering if they used 5 Star tuners instead of Waverly V2's in the 2006?

Shoes and Stockings?

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 23 May 2012 14:00:43 CST

I've heard at least 3 versions of "Shoes and Stockings" on the BHO clawhammer favorites podcast and I wanted to learn it. Since I work mostly from tabs, I was hoping to find a tab for it, but I don't see one in the archives here. Anyone have a tab for that lovely tune?

Thanks,

Tim Sander

Tony Trischka in Ithaca, NY

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 23 May 2012 14:00:04 CST

Is anyone going to the Tony Trischka concert on Sunday, in Ithaca? I've never seen him in a live performance and am really looking forward to the event.

Anyone recognize this Flinthill on Craigslist? Looks promising

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 23 May 2012 13:18:44 CST

Hi all. I keep scanning Craigslist for deals and found this: http://baltimore.craigslist.org/msg/3015326657.html

I understand Flinthill has a questionable origin, but most folks here seem to say the instruments are decent.

Does anyone recognize the model? Any idea of a fair price assuming it's in OK shape?

Thanks!

Wanted: Vega " Style N" Tenor neck

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 23 May 2012 13:18:17 CST

I need a neck for a Vega "Style N". I would like to find one w/ the dowel rod so I could make an easy installation. I would also be interested in anything else that would fit , i.e., "Style F", or "Little Wonder". Thanks from Calif.

Advice on Huber banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 23 May 2012 13:16:40 CST

Thinking of buying a new Huber. Maybe a VRB-75. Does anyone have advice on models, design, suggestions, warnings, etc.

Dumb Question ( Buying Acri Picks/ what size)

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 23 May 2012 12:53:44 CST

OK I'm going to order a set of picks, got some time I'll try practicing some rolls. I attempt to play clawhammer and have used the acrylic gel nails, I reached behind a piece of plywood and shoved my picken finger nail into the edge of a piece 14 gage steel, the tip of the acrylic nail pulled loose but the bottom half was on tight and pulled whole lower half of my nail off I did some cussing and I won't lie it made me cry I don't remember anything hurting like that. Anyway I found a Acri pick and like the way it feels but I don't know if it's large or med. How do you tell what size to get when you have to order them online I have kind of chubby fingers. Thanks Larry

Ferocious scary killer fox

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 23 May 2012 12:37:54 CST

I caught this little guy sneaking around the pile of lumber. He hissed at me and ran away but I got a picture of him

Aint he CUTE !!!!

Convert 4-string to 5-string?

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 23 May 2012 12:18:59 CST

What's involved in converting a 4-string banjo to a 5-string, besides the obvious neck? Is it generally worth doing? There's a nice-looking vega-Fairbanks on the shopgoodwill web site ( link below ). I don't think I'll be bidding on it, but it's tempting. I don't work for Goodwill, nor do I stand to make any money from their transactions, I just thought someone here might be interested. And I'd still like to know what kind of expense is typically involved in making such a conversion.

http://shopgoodwill.com/auctions/VEGA-Fairbanks-Banjo-4-String-Open-Back-10034649.html

Homemade A-Scale Banjo Neck

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 23 May 2012 12:08:55 CST

I had been looking for a 24" scale banjo neck for a long time and when I found that very few were available at the kind of money that my Scottish heritage would allow me to spend, I thought I would try to make one.. With a few tips from various people at BHO, It actually turned out to be better than a piece of firewood and ended up 23 1/2" scale which is close enough for an amateur like me..I stole the headstock shape from a BHO tee shirt logo..I am kinda pleased with how it turned out.

Tinsley Stand By Me

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 23 May 2012 11:50:42 CST

Not Ben King,,,, old hymn by Charles A Tinsley. I want to work out some claw version of this tune, sugestiones

Tennessee Banjo Man (Kickoff Only)

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 23 May 2012 11:33:38 CST

Jim Mills kickoff to this Quicksilver standard...I dont know why i counted lol

looking for a beginner fingerstyle book on banjo(celtic)

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 23 May 2012 11:24:48 CST

anything slowish and melodic with some neat tunes to learn-prefer a CD to come with it(or DVD). learning clawhammer but where i'm a fingerstyle guitar guy i find myself noodling on the banjo and would love to pick up some finger style play on it as well.

thanks

Switching middle/index fingers vs using a pick

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 23 May 2012 11:23:02 CST

I play with my middle finger and, despite my best efforts to prevent it, have really been trashing my nail. I've now tried both my index finger and a Fred Kelly freedom pick (on the middle finger), and although both are clumsy, they seem like either would be doable with practice. Should I learn to use both the pick and index finger, or just pick one of the two? If only one, which would you recommend?

I will continue to use the middle finger whenever I am able, but I need a backup plan.

Thanks.

Another use for nitrocellulose lacquer

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 23 May 2012 11:13:35 CST

Earlier this year I posted here about fixing a deep scratch on my RB-250. I used a $1 bottle of clear nail polish and it matched perfectly. It did take a lot of time and buffing to match the factory finish tho. So I'd recommend it only if one is willing to spend hours of work.

I still have 90% of the nail polish left over, and I started to think about other uses for it. I have a large plexiglass cover for a wall-hanging display case. It got badly scratched up while I was moving it cross-country. I brushed on a little nitrocellulose and the bright white scratch marks went back to clear!

I remembered a product called "Liquid Lense" a few years back. It was for repairing scratched eyeglasses and I'm sure it was nothing more than nitrocellulose nail polish.

Dueling Banjo(Funny Version)

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 23 May 2012 11:11:58 CST

This is funny version of dueling banjo, the song start whit solo of guitar and solo of banjo..

Enjoy

Gettysburg Bluegrass Festivals - Reviews

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 23 May 2012 11:11:10 CST

I've written four consecutive posts reviewing the Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival which took place last weekend at Granite Hill Camping Resort in Gettyburg, PA. It was a wonderful event, unmarred by even a single drop of rain. Read the reviews and enjoy. - Ted http://www.tedlehmann.blogspot.com

Phil Phillips last night on Americam Idol

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 23 May 2012 11:01:11 CST

Phil Phillips song Home last night on American Idol.

IMHO the only thing this song was missing was some Bobby Thompson sounding banjo back-up.

Great song - needs some banjo

1995 Ratliff R-5 Mandolin AWESOME!!!

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 23 May 2012 10:42:00 CST

Yall check out this Ratliff Mandolin! This is a hard to find instrument and is by far one of the best mandolins I've ever had the pleasure of picking!!!

http://www.banjohangout.org/classified/28792

Head alternatives: any other ideas?

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 23 May 2012 10:28:44 CST

I was opening a bag of Sun Chips one day and noticed how LOUD the bag was and how it seemed to resist pulling. I wanted to replace a torn head on an old banjo. So I started wondering...

See photo. The setup was focused around not busting the head: I used nylon strings, a bridge with no feet, and did not dare much more than hand tightening of the tension brackets (which got the head fairly firm). I tuned it up to standard pitch. The result was a playable instrument and several months of novelty amusement. I eventually tried tightening the head a tiny bit more and discovered that it was ripping. I will not recommend the tone over traditional alternatives.