Bare finger experiment

[Trapdoor2]

Well, I decided today to do a little experiment. I was cutting my nails and simply cut my usual picking nails back to the quick. I generally leave about 1/16” to 3/32” nail exposed on both index and middle finger (a bit more on the thumb, maybe 1/8”) and rarely cut those, rather filing them back occasionally.

I dunno why, maybe it is the Ball videos, maybe Rob’s exploration of the ZB or Ian’s tutorial on getting those finger-grooves set in. Maybe I’m still getting over last Sunday’s head-cold or perhaps it is sunspot activity. In any case, it’ll be flesh only for the next week or so.

Wish me luck, I’m going to need it. Thankfully, if I cannot make it work, I have Joel’s thimbles to save the day (or I could simply put on my old BG picks…or drag out a Tenor).

BTW, I have acquired a Gold Tone OT-6 banjo (it is a monster…14” pot with a special 6-string neck rigged as 5+chanterelle). I cannot seem to find any use for the extra bass string whilst fingerpicking (tuned gGDGBD at the moment) but it is a hoot playing clawhammer. However, I intend to convert it to a 5-string Cello-Banjo ASAP.

[Trapdoor2]

Squeek B Gone

It appears that there may be a cure in hand. The more I play these strings, the less they squeek. Or, perhaps the mice simply have gotten bored and moved on.

I also sorted out my bridge problem last night...removed old 1/2" bridge and installed a similar 5/8" bridge (maple, 5-leg Cole-type). This solved the minor buzzing issues I have been having with this instrument. Additionally, it really "woke up the monster" lurking in this banjo.

This instrument has never been one of my favorites, it has always sounded a bit thin and wobbly. It never really had much of a bottom end, the midrange has always been timid and the treble simply not satisfying at all: sometimes shrill and sometimes just annoying.

So, some ways back, I changed out the vintage plastic head for a calfskin: better, but still not very good. I mounted a set of CE guts...which you've been reading about, better yet. So I exchanged bridges last night and the monster is out! ;-) One of the critera I really look for in a "proper sounding" banjo is the ability to resonate within my chest. I have always found that a banjo which does this is the one that makes me (and others) sit up and take notice. After the bridge change, this Stewart is now officially "proper sounding". ;-)

Funny how these things affect one. When a banjo sounds "just right" it makes me play better. I was stumbling thru the Grimshaw tutor and having some difficulties with the march (I forget which exercise it is, number 9?). Once I sorted the banjo out...wow, I romped right thru it.

[Jody Stecher]

My first set of CE gut strings squeaked like mad on the CE pre-war (the earlier one) Imperial banjo but then abruptly stopped squeaking. The second set I put on pre-century (the previous one) Maude Evans banjo and the squeaked not at all but the second and fifth string burst in half while it was not being played. Broke right between the nut and bridge at a point where like Ezekial's Wheel they were "way in the middle of the air". They sound great on both banjos and one can bear down hard and they push back. Except for the squeaking and breaking these are great strings.

[Trapdoor2]

I guess since they're a 'natural material', there is a greater chance of having "middle of the air" defects. I suspect the surface treatment (moisture proofing) has something to do with the banjo mice and as it wears off, the mice go away.

I noticed (last night) that when my attack was strong and confident, the mice were absent. When I went back to working thru the Grimshaw stuff (unfamiliar), they returned. I'm wondering if this squeekage is like pick noise in the BG banjo world. The player hears it but if you're out front all you hear is banjo. I guess I need to do a bit of recording...

[Trapdoor2]

Update...2 months w/o fingernails.

It is finally apparent (to me) that I'm actually getting more pleasant sounds out of my banjos now. I do not have permanent grooves in my RH fingers but I do notice they have grown callussesses to suit. Of course, I'm not playing on hawsers like Ian does. ;-)

I have stopped yearning for fingernails (unless I need to scratch) and I believe I have actually played one or two sequences 'girly style'. More importantly, I'm finding tonalities available which were previously only dreamt about.

So, I guess I'm a convert. Now I need a brochure to hand out when I go door-to-door witnessing...

[thereallyniceman]

Ah Grasshopper ...... I am glad that the mystery of ancient ways is becoming clear.

Sensei Ian

[Trapdoor2]

OK, here's a video blog and a bit of 'extra' to go with it...

[Trapdoor2]

Thanks Rob. I spent about 2hrs trying to get a decent cut on that tune...biggest issue was 'survivor relief': suddenly survive the B part and then forget how to play the rest of the tune!

 

This set of strings are excellent. I've had no troubles with them and they've been on since I received the banjo. They squeeked for a while (and sometimes still do just a bit) but otherwise, they're keeping nicely in tune and haven't even hinted at giving up.

 

I'm really liking this banjo. Pity the rest of 'em, they're sitting in their cases weeping.

[Adam]

Marc, I agree with Rob - cool video.  Love the tune you play - and you do seem quite comfortable with it.

 

Cool banjo, too.

 

Can't wait for more videos.

 

Oh, and can I request that you also post the video in the "video" section of this site, so it doesn't get "lost" in the blog post?

 

Just a thought.

 

Best,

Adam

[Trapdoor2]

Adam,

Thanks! I've been working on this tune since the Banjo Collectors Gathering back in November. I just uploaded the video the video section as requested.

[Sylvia]

Great Video, more please.