I bought a banjo.

[Roland]

Last night among the participants at our music class recital was an elderly student who played a banjo.
While tuning up he made the self-deprecating comment on the instrument by quoting Mark Twain who said,
"A gentleman is someone who knows how to play the banjo, and doesn't"
Not an opinion I share, but a funny quote nonetheless.
RBSinTo

I've been playing Bluegrass guitar for a long time so I've heard this one many times before. In that regard though, I read his auto biography that was published after his death and that changed my entire image of Samuel Clemens, so that one I just attribute to Mark Twain being a jerk.

Anyway, as a newly minted banjo player I kind of like the jokes. They play into that "shove it" image and attitude.

 

[Default]

I have more banjos than any man needs.
I have two.

 

[Default]

I have two banjolins as well. They are kinda fun, and you can still pick them up for fairly slim coin.

 

[jp]

I like banjos. I think the playing techniques are cool, and most of all, you have a perfect outlet to learn it well. Nice!

There was a time when I fancied venturing into other instruments. It all started with an old Epiphone mandolin and then I was gifted a sitar, a Greek bouzouki, and a Spanish laúd. The bell of the ball was a 1929 Slingerland May Bell tenor banjo, which I played when the jazz band I was in played New Orleans-style Dixieland gigs.

Eventually after not really learning to successfully master any of them, I sold a mandolin, a sitar, a bouzouki, a laúd, and a tenor banjo.

Now, I just stay in my lane.

 

[RBSinTo]

As I've mentioned in other threads, I bought a Banjo kit last fall, and am waiting for the warmer weather to begin work on it.
The purchase was made just because I like working with my hands, and not particularly because I wanted to learn a new musical skill.
And after about 60 years of reeeeealy mediocre Guitar playing, I suspect that when I finish the Banjo, I won't learn to play it any better.
But first I'll see, and then I'll know.
RBSinTo

 

[Roland]

Jake at Banjo Ben's told me that this particular banjo should take me well into the intermediate level before I need to upgrade. I told him great, because I don't intend to get beyond intermediate, if I even get there. Honestly, I'm not an overachiever. I'm good with mediocre. If I end up a mediocre banjo player I'll be happy.

 

[wileypickett]

I have more banjos than any man needs.
I have two.

I'll raise you a good half-dozen! I'm particularly fond of 12" open back models, used mainly for old-time / clawhammer style playing. Though I don't play either style, being afflicted with what banjo players call "pickers curse."( I.e.; I play banjo like a guitar!)

 

[RBSinTo]

Jake at Banjo Ben's told me that this particular banjo should take me well into the intermediate level before I need to upgrade. I told him great, because I don't intend to get beyond intermediate, if I even get there. Honestly, I'm not an overachiever. I'm good with mediocre. If I end up a mediocre banjo player I'll be happy.

Roland,
Hey!
We could start a group, and give it a folksy, back-woodsey name:
"The Medi-oakers".
Whatcha think?
RBSinTo

 

[Roland]

Roland,
Hey!
We could start a group, and give it a folksy, back-woodsey name:
"The Medi-oakers".
Whatcha think?
RBSinTo

I think it sounds like a bluegrass band. I like it.

 

[Default]

Duckbutt Mountain Bluegrass Boys

 

[Roland]

Duckbutt Mountain Bluegrass Boys

I like "The Medi-oakers" better.

 

[davismanLV]

Okay, Ro.... i'm a huge banjo fan... some better than others. And I have a nephew who's fairly famous for it. Won grammys and everything, so I only send banjo jokes directly to him!! LMAO!! So cool....

 

[Stuball48]

Okay, Ro.... i'm a huge banjo fan... some better than others. And I have a nephew who's fairly famous for it. Won grammys and everything, so I only send banjo jokes directly to him!! LMAO!! So cool....

Heard your nephew play at the Ryman - soooo goood!!!

 

[Default]

It's fun, although mutes are a good thing. I have one tuned to g, and the other is Chicago tuned. The one that was my dad's is an old Sears banjo.
No, not a Silvertone, it's the cheapest one. The woodgrain on the fingerboard is some type of plastic. Somewhere down the line, I'd like to reneck it as a four string.

 

[RBSinTo]

I like "The Medi-oakers" better.

Roland,
As do I.
It's our group, and we should get to decide the name.
RBSinTo

 

[Wilmywood]

I'd suggest 'MeeDee-oakers' so they get the pronunciation right. Otherwise could be 'Meh-Dee-oakers'.

Kinda like the Oneders (Oh-nee-ders) and Wonders.

 

[RBSinTo]

I'd suggest 'MeeDee-oakers' so they get the pronunciation right. Otherwise could be 'Meh-Dee-oakers'.

Kinda like the Oneders (Oh-nee-ders) and Wonders.

Wilmywood,
Not to worry.
It will be made abundantly clear what the correct pronounciation is on our first album, as well as at the Country Music awards ceremony.
RBSinTo

 

[Midnight Toker]

I'd suggest 'MeeDee-oakers' so they get the pronunciation right. Otherwise could be 'Meh-Dee-oakers'.

Kinda like the Oneders (Oh-nee-ders) and Wonders.

But then you lose the potential “medi” double entendre.

As for Tom’s nephew. Seen him several times…in 3 different states! Not only is he outstanding, but he’s surrounded by some of the best in the business! Love me some Del!

 

[RBSinTo]

But then you lose the potential “medi” double entendre.

As for Tom’s nephew. Seen him several times…in 3 different states! Not only is he outstanding, but he’s surrounded by some of the best in the business! Love me some Del!

Midnight Toker,
Does this person have a name, or does the world know him as "Tom's Nephew"?
RBSinTo

 

[davismanLV]

His name is Rob McCoury of Del McCoury Band and also The Travelin' McCourys. Rob and his brother are both Del's sons. Rob plays the banjo and Ronnie plays the mandolin.

I suggested "Tom's Nephew's Band" as a band name when they formed the Travelin' McCourys, but they didn't go for it. Damn!!

Rob married niece Lisa, so I guess technically he's a nephew-in-law, but in my book family is family. Also, his primary and most beloved fancy banjo was built by Don's brother Dave. So he's steeped in the Kennedy family.