Welcome Michael Hughes, suggestions please?

[thereallyniceman]

Hi Michael,

I have re-posted your message as a discussion. Discussions on the Ning "Comment Wall" are awkward to find. It seems to be a program bug that I currently can't fix.

I have added Fred Bacon's recording of  Massa's in de cold, cold ground to the JUKEBOX. I hope that you find it of use!  Perhaps you could let us know where you are located so that we can point you to banjo dealers etc.?

Ian

MICHAEL'S MESSAGE :

Thanks so much for your kind welcome! I am currently in the process of having my Bart Reiter Regent model converted for nylon strings & classical playing, and I have a few questions:

I'm a classical guitarist, and I prefer higher tension strings. Do you have a preference for any particular type of strings? I've been considering both Chris Sands' strings and Nylgut strings.

I'm also looking--always!--for a good alternative instrument. Are there any dealers you might recommend for a decent selection of instruments?

Thank you so much for this wonderful resource. I particularly enjoy the jukebox, but I do hope you might add Fred Bacon's Massa's in the Cold, Cold Ground.

Cheers,

MH

[Mike Moss]

Welcome aboard, Michael! What is it with us Michaels and Classic Banjo? 

If you like high tension strings you will probably prefer Chris Sands heavy gauge nylons or Clifford Essex heavy nylons. I usually use heavies, but I've strung my new Weaver with mediums as it seems to respond better. The nylguts have always felt a bit floppy to me and they do have some quality control issues so I wouldn't recommend them.

The Regent is great looking banjo and it will probably sound great for Classic style with proper setup. The key to getting an authentic sound is a good bridge meant for soft strings, keeping the vellum tight and picking hard. You could get a dedicated banjo for Classic style if the BAS is strong with you, but your Bart Reiter should do just fine. I'm looking forward to hearing it in action!

There are plenty of ways this style will allow you to put your skills in Classical guitar to good use; just remember to approach Classic banjo with an open mind and to cherish the differences that make CB unique. It often takes a while to shed the "guitar mentality" when approaching CB but in the end it does pay off... I think Richard Yates, a classical guitarist, said it best when he wrote that there is an unwritten jauntiness, punchy articulation, cunning accenting and even attitude that conforms the true Classic Banjo sound.

Have fun and let me know if you need any help!

[Michael Hughes]

Thank you for sorting this, Ian, and thank you for adding the FB piece. I live in the mid-Maine town of Auburn. My introduction to classical banjo dates back to a garden party in New Jersey in 1976. Paul Cadwell was playing solo, and it was beautiful, sprightly and very musical.

Mike--Yes, there are a few of us:) Thanks for the most useful advice. I've actually been looking at the Clifford Essex Weaver. Any further thoughts on that instrument?

I've wandered through quite a few styles and instruments over the years, so I've become accustomed to trying to get a grip, so to speak. Mind, this is not to say I've succeeded. In any case, here's my music page: http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=664270

Thanks again, Mike!

[Mike Moss]

I'm extremely satisfied with the Weaver. It's really hard to beat such quality for the price, and, like the old Clifford Essex banjos, it is optimally suited to classic fingerstyle, and they have added a few modern features which I feel add to the banjo as a whole -- the bridge located close to the centre of the head gives a bouncier, snappier tone than the bridge close to the edge of the rim, as in many early banjos, and it allows for 22 frets plus a 12" head.

[Michael Hughes]

Thanks for the additional info, Mike. I've also benefited in the meantime by further exploring the videos on this site, including several of your excellent performances. Shuffle Along is a wonderful performance and the banjo sounds great--rich, punchy, not excessively bright.

 

Here's another great banjo in the hands of Paul Cadwell.

 

It's from Pete Seegar's mid-60s television show, Rainbow Quest: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SwzxL537EPg&feature=youtu.be

 

Thanks again, Mike.