Classic-Banjo
A Site Dedicated to all enthusiasts of Classic Style Banjo
A Technique very rarely described... or used!
When I was being taught I often saw Tarrant Bailey Jnr. playing and one technique he used, and I was taught by Chris was "The Flip". In quite a few solos the vellum is struck with a finger to make a very loud "POP" sound. Yankeeland and Banjo Oddity are pieces that use the flip. TBj stuck the vellum with such force that children burst into tears and young ladies fainted right away :-)
The technique used is described in detail in this article from the 1970s. Those who play pieces with a drum or flip, give it a try. The effect is dramatic!!!!
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by thereallyniceman on
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Congratulations Marc! Classic Banjo playing is for REAL MEN eh? How are the cast iron fingertips coming on?
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Permalink Reply by Alan Ramsay on
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I wondered how that was done! I have been learning Banjo Oddity for ages and my "flip" has always been more of a "tap".
I have heard a proper "flip" from Eric Stefanelli playing the same song and it is quite an impressive bang. I forgot to ask how he did it at the time I was so impressed.
The other trick Eric used was to run his finger down between the bridge and the tailpiece - probably using the same technique with his finger - making a very noisy screech as well.
Can't wait to get home tonight and have a go at that! The neighbours will love it :-)
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Permalink Reply by Trapdoor2 on
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Well, it appears that my original comment has gone astray...
Although my fingertips are not cast iron, I have had a long history with this type of strike. Having had three brothers, I learned very early on that if one carefully tip-toed up behind and applied a good, hard, flip to the back of an ear, the resultant sound would wake the dead.
Helps to be fast on one's feet too! ;-)
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Permalink Reply by marc dalmasso on
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From what i read there , the flip or the manner of knocking on the head would be the the most important thing of the tune ? i have a doubt ... and if i just give a lil ' tap on the vellum , i t ' s just because it is at least the original 1975 ' one from JAT ' shop (photo ) and i don 't want to break it giving a stupid big flip with the nail .
Just about playing the strings beetween the bridge and the tailpiece is just a bluegrass ' technique begginers learn after only 6 months practicing ( bucking mule for instance ) , and from my point of view , has nothing to do in CB ' technique even if my friend éric do it for fun .
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Permalink Reply by Tom Ryan on
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What about Banjoland Marc? It's in there !!
marc dalmasso said:From what i read there , the flip or the manner of knocking on the head would be the the most important thing of the tune ? i have a doubt ... and if i just give a lil ' tap on the vellum , i t ' s just because it is at least the original 1975 ' one from JAT ' shop (photo ) and i don 't want to break it giving a stupid big flip with the nail .
Just about playing the strings beetween the bridge and the tailpiece is just a bluegrass ' technique begginers learn after only 6 months practicing ( bucking mule for instance ) , and from my point of view , has nothing to do in CB ' technique even if my friend éric do it for fun .
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Hey Marc,
Check out Page 2 of Yankeeland. Not one flip, but TWO flips.
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yes , with the small exeption of banjoland .
If i flip too much , gonna have a flip ' air ; i have to play a " Do fin " ( a fine C ) to accord it ; Sorry only for my French friends
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