For those new to Classic Style... here is why I like it so much!

[thereallyniceman]

I am aware that many on here are familiar with the playing of TBj., but for those who don't here is a treat for you!
There are several misconceptions regarding "Classic Style". One thing that it isn't is "Classical Style", playing exclusively what is normally regarded as "classical" music on the banjo.

"Classic Style" encompasses the whole spectrum of musical styles from Classical music, Ragtime, Jazz to popular music, but definitely NOT Bluegrass :-(

Tarrant Bailey Junior was one of the finest UK players from the early 20th Century, and I was fortunate enough to have met him on many occasions and was also given many playing tips by him.

How can you not like this infectious and dynamic style. Tarrant Bailey's rasps could tear your ears off at 100 paces.

:-)

[Jody Stecher]

 A reason many of us  cannot access without traveling across the Atlantic or overland 3000 miles?

Joel Hooks said:

Seriously, there is a real answer to this question.  He did it for a reason.

[3iv8pyyhxxoiv]

Ok I'll bite....

1.  He taped his solo/gig list to it.

2. It was a device to keep the banjo case lid above the bridge when the banjo was in the case..

3. A good place to keep an armrest if you don't use one...it won't get lost.

4.  He endorsed these "Acme" armrests....so they had to be seen on the Pathe footage.

5. It helped to keep the resonator central to the pot.

Am I getting warm........?

[Joel Hooks]

Okay, I'll tell you. But 3000 miles should be no excuse.  William Ball managed to make a couple rallies (not sure the exact number he was at, but Eli would know as I think he stayed with the Kaufman's).

TBJ had really sweaty hands.  When he would bow after playing he would reach across and hold the banjo with his right hand.  Having the "armrest" there would keep his palm from depositing sweat on the head.

That was what he told Eli anyway.

[Jody Stecher]

But the whole time he played his palm was in close proximity to the head and his fingers were often touching the head directly.  So he had sweaty palms and dry fingers?   According to one school of thought the purpose of the arm rest is to protect the vellum from rotting from contact with a sweaty wrist or arm. So he had dry wrists and arms as well? Possible. Certainly possible.

Joel Hooks said:

Okay, I'll tell you. But 3000 miles should be no excuse.  William Ball managed to make a couple rallies (not sure the exact number he was at, but Eli would know as I think he stayed with the Kaufman's).

TBJ had really sweaty hands.  When he would bow after playing he would reach across and hold the banjo with his right hand.  Having the "armrest" there would keep his palm from depositing sweat on the head.

That was what he told Eli anyway.

[Joel Hooks]

I'll let you argue with TBJ.  

Eli has been an incredibly accurate source of info and has a mind like a steel trap.  I have no doubt that TBJ told him that was the reason.  But by all accounts TBJ was "a little strange."

[Jody Stecher]

Re your assessment of Eli's accuracy and memory, I concur.  Re TBJ, "a little strange" is sufficient explanation for an arm rest in a peculiar place, as well as for a wrist watch around the ankle. 

Joel Hooks said:

I'll let you argue with TBJ.  

Eli has been an incredibly accurate source of info and has a mind like a steel trap.  I have no doubt that TBJ told him that was the reason.  But by all accounts TBJ was "a little strange."