"No, I was using the LaBella wound 4th. I don't have any recordings yet using the unwound 4th. "
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Ethan Schwartz's Discussions
Fun with fluorocarbons
4 Replies
I've been exploring alternatives to the conventional wound 4th, which I've never been particularly satisfied with. I can now report that the "KF Alliance" fluorocarbon strings offered by Savarez do…Continue
Started this discussion. Last reply by Ethan Schwartz Mar 13.
Music recommendations
14 Replies
I'm in the early stages of planning an informal banjo performance for April/May. At a certain point, I realized I was already working mostly on pieces by British composers, so I decided to stick with…Continue
Started this discussion. Last reply by nick Kelly Mar 8.
Technique: sixteenth-note triplet + eighth
24 Replies
This particular figure seems to pop up everywhere, at least for up-beat tunes. I go back and forth between fingering it T-I-M-I and T-I-M-T depending on the situation and how nimble my fingers are…Continue
Started this discussion. Last reply by Richard William Ineson Feb 21.
New custom banjo
5 Replies
Hi all, I wanted to show off my latest acquisition. This is a custom banjo by Zachary Hoyt (https://hoytbanjos.com/) in upstate…Continue
Started this discussion. Last reply by Trapdoor2 Jan 26.
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"Hi Ethan, were you using the fluorocarbon 4th on the 'Zarana' performance? "
"More dynamic control, better intonation after a month, don't have to be changed constantly."
"I use unwound fourths. They're just Brown I don't think they're wound in anything anyway. I prefer them to the Labellas"
Zarana by Joe Morley
"What great playing and a superb tone...
Thank you for posting this excellent performance of a very difficult tune."
Fun with fluorocarbons
I've been exploring alternatives to the conventional wound 4th, which I've never been particularly satisfied with. I can now report that the "KF Alliance" fluorocarbon strings offered by Savarez do well in this regard. As singles, they're sold in 1m and 2m lengths, marketed for harp and early instruments. I'm using .0291", although I might try the next higher gauge (.0303") at some point. Very clear/responsive at all dynamic levels, stable, and it seems like they last a long time (fingers…See More
Zarana by Joe Morley
"Ethan, that was a fine performance, at a well choose tempo. I'm really looking forward to hearing the concert recording.
What banjo and strings are you using? It appears to be the same set up as that, in your three other recordings."
"Austin, you can do as you please with the banjo or any other instrument. You certainly don't need permission or approval from anyone here. If you want to do new things with the banjo, that's great, but people who are invested in a…"
"Drift is right. The original question has been answered (more or less), and the reasoning behind that answer has been provided. We don't need to invent further explanations -- like instruments not being used to their "full potential,"…"
"You don't see people doing fast two-handed tapping on banjo, and there's a reason. You need very low action and the right combination of string gauge/tension to get a clear and even sound. Electric instruments have the advantage here…"
"And it doesn't really matter anyways. If the goal is purely to make really technical music, keyboard is unbeatable. Or to make music that is truly superhuman, you can ditch physical instruments altogether and compose using digital tools. But…"
"I think your focus should be on developing your skills (both performing and composing), and not with the goal of standing out or "being original," which is a trap for any kind of creative work. Find what inspires you artistically and…"
"I of course understand that my own presentation is different from yours however, I have discovered that my own audiences soon get bored with anything that they dont know or recognise ! I started with the idea that I would play interesting…"
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