Cammeyer banjo almost ready

[Ginny Matheson]

Looks like little is happening for now on the site.  Why is that?  I've been learning traditional clawhammer for about 2 years and using an old Kay cheapie banjo.  It's been a good learning instrument  I will have a Cammeyer banjo soon (it's with a luthier now) and am anxious to learn some classic tunes.  I tried "Sunflower Dance," and that isn't too difficult.  I am experimenting with the tutorial on the picking method used on the banjos of that era, and found that the sound, even on my little Kay does sound different in a good way, as opposed to the clawhammer way.  I think that some of the dropped thumb method could work, but it might be too soft.  I can hardly wait to get the Cammeyer and try the classic picking.

[Richard William Ineson]

HI Ginny, Good to hear that another Cammeyer banjo has been rescued, I have had a couple of the Patent model and they also needed restoration, the walls of the hoop/pot, are hollow and have holes cut into the inner wall which is made from thin wood which usually warps over the years. If you want any music which is not in the music library, just ask, and I or someone else, will supply it, we must have most of the published banjo music, amongst all of the members of this site. I also like Ballade No. 1 and of course the Bolero.
Ginny Matheson said:

Hi, Richard.

Thanks very much for your information.  I found pictures I took of my Cammeyer zither banjo before it went to the luthier who is doing some minor work on it.  I haven't even tried to play it yet as it had pretty wasted steel strings on it.  I will try to post some pictures if I can figure it out.  Besides trying to play the banjo (still learning clawhammer traditional American fiddle tunes (and a smattering of 2-finger Bluegrass), I am trying to figure out Windows 8 and how my PC handles pictures.  It is giving me fits  I'm making some progress, but don't want to, accidentally, post a picture of my cat or something, instead of the banjo!

I'm so glad you listed some of your favorite tunes Cam composed.  Are they posted somewhere on this site?  Thank you very much!  Ginny

Richard William Ineson said:

Welcome to the banjo world of Ning, Ginny. There are usually some interesting discussions going on here, and we are lucky to have people like Jody, who knows a lot about all kinds of banjo playing,to share his thoughts with us. There is a lot of interesting stuff in the back pages, take a look. I have a couple of Cammeyer zither banjos and much Cammeyer music, Cam was quite a character. My favourite pieces written by the 'Great Cam' are 'Down Devon Way' 'Cornish Dance No2' 'Marche en Passant' 'Danse Bizarre' 'Don't Sigh, Don't Cry' 'Dustman's Picnic' . Cam also wrote two books, his autobiographical 'My Adventuresome Banjo' which is really a catalogue of the famous people for whom he performed and also, a booklet about banjo technique, called 'The Cultivation of the Hands' which is quite interesting, if you are interested in becoming what Cam would have called ' a finished player' finished, in what way, he doesn't say.Please post a photograph of your Cammeyer banjo, on the site.

[Trevor Boyd]

I pop in and out from time to time.  What has frustrated me is a series of aches and pains that develop when I play my banjo for any length of time, so that I have to give it a rest for a while.  When that happens I don't have much to add to discussions and never seem to get beyond the beginner stage.   I have played classical guitar for many years with no (physical) problems. I do lurk on the side-lines, though.

In the words of the song, "If love hurts, you're probably doing it wrong" (sic)  ;-)

Trevor
 
thereallyniceman said:

Indeed "Much", but NOT "Most". The Classic Banjo world is expanding so there will always be things new and old to discuss.

What confuses me is that we have many sign ups to become members and then the, very welcome, newbies do not introduce themselves or make any posts!

It would be nice to hear about their hopes and aspirations in the banjo world. Some will already be accomplished players, many will be beginners who need guidance.

Signing up is now a series of hoops to jump through in my attempt to stop the spammers and hackers breaking in. So new members, you have put a lot of effort to arrive here...why not say hello as you will be welcomed with opened arms.

[Trevor Boyd]

Actually I'm going to the BMG Summer School in June and might be able to make the Classic Banjo taster session with Elias Sibley.  Perhaps he can spot what I'm doing wrong.
 
Trevor Boyd said:

I pop in and out from time to time.  What has frustrated me is a series of aches and pains that develop when I play my banjo for any length of time, so that I have to give it a rest for a while.  When that happens I don't have much to add to discussions and never seem to get beyond the beginner stage.   I have played classical guitar for many years with no (physical) problems. I do lurk on the side-lines, though.

In the words of the song, "If love hurts, you're probably doing it wrong" (sic)  ;-)

Trevor
 
thereallyniceman said:

Indeed "Much", but NOT "Most". The Classic Banjo world is expanding so there will always be things new and old to discuss.

What confuses me is that we have many sign ups to become members and then the, very welcome, newbies do not introduce themselves or make any posts!

It would be nice to hear about their hopes and aspirations in the banjo world. Some will already be accomplished players, many will be beginners who need guidance.

Signing up is now a series of hoops to jump through in my attempt to stop the spammers and hackers breaking in. So new members, you have put a lot of effort to arrive here...why not say hello as you will be welcomed with opened arms.

[Ginny Matheson]

Hi, Trevor,

I know what you mean about aches and pains.  I get carried away, sometimes, playing banjo or fiddle, and suffer afterwards.  I wish I had been around music as a kid, but I missed out on that.  I have a lot of catching up to do.  Fortunately, my husband has been playing oldtimey fiddles tunes (on the fiddle) for a long time, and I, finally, got interested in joining in on the fun, once I realized that an older beginner could actually progress ok.  We play the Appalachian chestnuts like Old Joe Clark, Soldier's Joy, but also have gotten into Scandinavian, Celtic and English tune as well.  How about you?
Trevor Boyd said:

I pop in and out from time to time.  What has frustrated me is a series of aches and pains that develop when I play my banjo for any length of time, so that I have to give it a rest for a while.  When that happens I don't have much to add to discussions and never seem to get beyond the beginner stage.   I have played classical guitar for many years with no (physical) problems. I do lurk on the side-lines, though.

In the words of the song, "If love hurts, you're probably doing it wrong" (sic)  ;-)

Trevor
 
thereallyniceman said:

Indeed "Much", but NOT "Most". The Classic Banjo world is expanding so there will always be things new and old to discuss.

What confuses me is that we have many sign ups to become members and then the, very welcome, newbies do not introduce themselves or make any posts!

It would be nice to hear about their hopes and aspirations in the banjo world. Some will already be accomplished players, many will be beginners who need guidance.

Signing up is now a series of hoops to jump through in my attempt to stop the spammers and hackers breaking in. So new members, you have put a lot of effort to arrive here...why not say hello as you will be welcomed with opened arms.

[Trevor Boyd]

Hi Ginny

As well as the classic banjo style featured on this site, I really like American old-time music, so I'm familiar with some of the tunes you mention.  I have just started learning clawhammer, which is a real challenge after a lifetime of "up-picking" on the guitar.  Frailing does not come easily but I am getting there.  I have also stared learning Appalachian Mountain  Dulcimer which is very different.  My philosophy is "why play one instrument well when you can play several badly?" ;-)

Trevor

Ginny Matheson said:

Hi, Trevor,

I know what you mean about aches and pains.  I get carried away, sometimes, playing banjo or fiddle, and suffer afterwards.  I wish I had been around music as a kid, but I missed out on that.  I have a lot of catching up to do.  Fortunately, my husband has been playing oldtimey fiddles tunes (on the fiddle) for a long time, and I, finally, got interested in joining in on the fun, once I realized that an older beginner could actually progress ok.  We play the Appalachian chestnuts like Old Joe Clark, Soldier's Joy, but also have gotten into Scandinavian, Celtic and English tune as well.  How about you?