Why did Frank Bradbury record the Banshee in E major?

[Austin]

I'm curious because I was told the banjo is best at flat keys not so much sharp ones which is why Emile Grimshaw wrote it in Eb. Why would he make this odd choice to shift up from Eb to E?

[Austin]

Never mind, I just put nylguts on my banjo so it tuned itself down a half step when the strings stretched lol

[Steve Harrison]

My theory regarding  the keys of why Emaj and A maj are rarely seen in banjo music is one of practicality. In both keys G is sharp and on the banjo, the 3rd and 5th strings are conventionally tunes to G natural. Unless the strings are tuned up half a tone, Ab and Eb are the preferred keys in which to play. Just a thought...Steve.

[Joel Hooks]

I believe the Banshee is in C minor. 

Regarding recordings-- don't always trust them. Playback speed might be altered and they are often "cleaned up" (which makes them sound like they are under water).

[Austin]

I don't think this one was tampered with, but you could be right. The banshee I believe starts off in e-flat major.

Joel Hooks said:

I believe the Banshee is in C minor. 

Regarding recordings-- don't always trust them. Playback speed might be altered and they are often "cleaned up" (which makes them sound like they are under water).

[Jody Stecher]

The intro to the Banshee is indeed composed and written in E flat major and the fast part starts off in C minor. 3 flats in the key signature in both cases. The Bradbury playback on youtube I listened to is indeed at  E maj/ C# minor. (assuming A 440).

Turntables do not all play at the same speed and neither do cassette machines. There can be any number of other reasons for the playback being high and fast. Even the recording equipment may be responsible.

 Bradbury is playing in E flat/ C minor fingering. This is obvious from the distinct sound of the open 4th and 3rd strings.