The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I had a feeling at least a couple of you had Banjos under your beds

I've always loved listing to Ossman and Van Eps records, and actively collect and seek them out. So, as natural progression would have it, I've decided to start learning how to play. A local friend/fellow phonograph collector happened to have an old Banjo that I am to receive soon, he hasn't played in over 20 years. Just curious if anyone has any pointers or tips for a beginner who has never played a stringed instrument before (I've primarily played the Bassoon and Bagpipes). Are there any books, etc that are particularly helpful? Feel free to PM if you prefer.

Pete Seeger's How To Play The 5 String Banjo has been name checked by many a banjo player as important to their early start.

Wolfe wrote:Pete Seeger's How To Play The 5 String Banjo has been name checked by many a banjo player as important to their early start.

Beat me to it! This is the book I started with nearly 30 years ago. I no longer play (I've picked my five string up many times but a shoulder injury a few years ago has made playing an impossibility).

Brandon, is it a tenor or 5 string banjo?

I learned tablature on my 5-string and was given a bluegrass tab music book many, many years ago, if you're interested, I'll send it to you, I'll never use it again. Just pm me.

Tab is super easy to learn.

Best,
Fran

It's a 5-string, and I sent you a PM. Thanks!!

HisMastersVoice wrote: (I've primarily played the Bassoon and Bagpipes).

Great combination! Have you ever tried the Hurdy-gurdy?

Bill

Banjo AND bagpipes. Your neighbors ought to love you.
John

...and loud records

welshfield wrote:Banjo AND bagpipes. Your neighbors ought to love you.
John

(I still remember all the strange looks I got from my neighbors when I would play my 5-string on the front porch, too very Appalachian for them, I guess)

I rather doubt the Banjo's used in the early recordings were the 5-string Bluegrass type, rather the 4-string Tenor type.

Phototone wrote:I rather doubt the Banjo's used in the early recordings were the 5-string Bluegrass type, rather the 4-string Tenor type.

Actually, Ossman and Van Eps both played 5 string banjos.