how intelligent we are to be reading/teaching in three sharps (but tuning gCGBD) as compared to none. Some of my sheet music has notes which give the banjoist specific instructions on tuning to play with the piano...usually to eAEG#B/eBEG#B. This, I take as an implication that the banjo was otherwise tuned gCGBD, though the notation is in A. I believe this 'transition' started to appear in the mid-to-late 1880's. Indeed, I have some American stuff published in C notation from the early 1890's...and a few pieces published in both (Brit pubs designed for export).
The Converse Analytical is indeed part of the Classic canon. AFAIC, anything played fingerstyle from the 19th cent to the early 20th is fair game. The ABF has been running a series on the early banjo tutors for the past couple of years...mostly obscure stuff (ie, not the 'big four') but much is transitional between stroke and fingerstyle.
There is absolutely no prohibition regarding tuning or reading in a particular notational scheme. The biggest issue I see is that learning to read in A notation limits you to American publications prior to 1907 (Hi Joel!), while learning to read in C notation limits you to mostly Brit publications prior to 1907 and then whatever has been published thereafter.
OTOH, if you were to say, attend an ABF rally, you would probably be playing alone in eAEG#B tuning and reading tunes out of A notation. The bulk of their rep is both C notation and gCGBD tuning. Same goes for visits to the UK.…
Attached is a version of Marmion Schottiche from Clarke Buehling's "Choice Music for Banjo and Banjeaurine." I play it in eAEG#B rather than standard C. It's played on my ca. 1880s Morrison with…
archive of these discs and it can be dated from the pressing number as well.
I would expect the listed tuning to be a simple mis-communication or just a fabrication by someone who didn't know. This piece in this style was common in gCGBD tuning in England and America (but this is in the "A Notation" period over here so perhaps it has been confabulated from gCGBD and eAEG#B...)…
lso, what is the preference for using a banjo in “c” and transposing, versus having a separate banjo tuned to eAEG#B? I’m considering stringing up a separate banjo with minstrel strings for the “a” tuning, partly for the pitch and partly because I think I would learn easier on an instrument different from the one I learned “c” tuning on. Thanks in advance! …
uld be A and E but the repertoire is by no means confined to those keys, just as the classic repertoire in gCGBD is in nearly all keys. ( I haven't found anything in G flat….yet. )
Most of the 19th century banjo tutors (books) contain basic tunes. Grimshaw's books contain melodious "exercises" (they are really musical compositions) that equip a banjoist to play almost anything. They coordinate well with developing reading skills. The Ellis books have good simple tunes. Also you can use the library here and try the tunes that are marked "Easy".
To give an accurate estimate of the repertoire overlap between stroke and classic styles one would have to be familiar with tens of thousands of compositions. Or….it would be a simple job for a computer into which all titles have been entered and a suitable program applied.
To give a string recommendation one would have to know something about the banjo to which they will be attached. What is the vibrating string length (nut to bridge)? what kind of banjo? what sort of bridge, head and tailpiece are being used? Read all about it on this website using the Search function in the upper right hand corner.
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ngs awfully tight and I don't think it sounds as good ... I'm not sure what sort of nylon strings are on it, or the gauge - they're the ones that came with the banjo and I've never had the need / desire to replace 'em ... I did buy some Aquila Nylguts recently from Elderly in anticipation of the Morrison so I'll probably try different things this weekend.
Thanks again for your reply.…
banjo tutor with "new" tunes arranged by Wessenberg. To this topic, it has a few pieces specifically noted to be tuned gCGBD rather than eAEG#B...but just a few. The book is printed in A notation.
It took the American Guild to sort out the notational standard...but it didn't happen until 1907 (for "C" notation). The Brits didn't require a Guild mandate, they obviously saw the light long before we did!…
eep the strings well in tune now that the strings have relaxed a bit. I still have the banjo tuned low (eAEG#B) because when I have tried to tune it up to G tuning the tuners do slip a bit ... Tightening the screws resolves the slipping but it makes me nervous so I tune it back down low! Silly of me, I'm sure, but I'm new to this style of tuner and the banjo is new to me so caution prevails ... For now anyway. :)
Thanks again for you comment.
Best regards,
Adam…
remember making some up recently though.
She also said that usually the large orders cover everything in their catalog. Since they still catalog the eAEG#B banjo pipe, off they go!
She said the electronic tuners cut their work force down to three little-old ladies, most of whom had worked for the company since the 50's.
Heck, I found some new ones on ebay. Who knew? ;-)…