After all that, if you decide to keep the instrument, you will need to replace the strings - factory strings are seldom worth playing before they cross the ocean. Let’s move on to the first … If possible, choose a banjo with your ears and your hands and not with someone else’s predetermined ideas. I’m not a fan of Luke Kelly’s arpeggiated accompaniment either, it’s like he’s phoning in the accompaniment. As pointed out earlier, traditional plectrum banjo is strummed with a flatpick, usually with a down-strum on the down-beat. Several African stringed instruments have similar names—e.g., bania, banju. Tunable drum head, originally mounted on a wooden frame (like a tambourine), but eventually mounted on a metal frame and equipped with metal clamps that could be tightened or loosened to adjust the tension on the drum head. You can see a few of our recommendations on the Riverboat Music 4-String Banjo Buyer's Guide A few "tenor mandolin" examples have been made with long necks and strings so they play closer to the range of a 6-string banjo, but these are rare. The fact that banjo isn't taken seriously in some circles has let innumerable manufacturers to treat them as toys. Songs like "Has Anybody Seen My Gal?" by Paul D. Race. This EADG tuning (going from the highest string to the lowest) gave them almost as wide a range as a guitar. Because of the sheer number of Android phones out there, it can be a challenge to figure out (or remember) which handset you have. TO CHAMPION THE BANJO AND INSPIRE FREEDOM … Sometimes it's rather hard to tell the Minjos from the Jinjos in Banjo Tooie if some of the Jinjo family houses are incomplete, because it's very possible for Banjo and Kazooie to get lured towards the Minjo by thinking it's a Jinjo. I have met claw hammer players who loved playing 12 pound resonator banjos and I have met fingerpicking bluegrass players who enjoyed playing lighter weight open back banjos. The mandolin banjo has eight strings, almost always metal. For more information on what it takes to make an out-of-the-box banjo (or guitar or mandolin) playable, please refer to the appropriate article(s) on: If you want to check out a used banjo and you know nothing about banjos, take a friend who knows something about them, or at least knows something about guitars - that's better than nothing. There aren't any markings (that I saw) and it was in a Eagle Lock Company case. Unlike guitars, banjos have what’s called a floating bridge – it is not affixed to the head but rather is held in place by the tension of the strings. Which leads me to . If the right hand has it comparatively easy, the left hand has it much harder. New versions are still available today, and many excellent vintage examples are on the used market, often sold as "banjos" with no other description. A serial number sticker should be placed on the inside of the rim which states the full serial number and the model name. This is now is considered "standard," although many 17-fret banjos survived and several are still made. In the meantime, back in the hills, banjo players like Earl Scruggs added "blue notes" (flatted thirds, fifths, and sevenths) to help create what we now consider the traditional Bluegrass banjo sound. I have never saw Cupid on a Banjo Before !! So abandon any hope of playing "Foggy Mountain Breakdown" or such Bluegrass classics. For that reason, most banjo factories called them "regular banjos" to distinguish them from some of the newer types. Tell a Friend; Advertising; Our Sponsors; Contact Us; Restrict search to: Forum Classifieds Tab All other pages. Tenor Banjo A 5-string banjo is your only real choice if you want to play serious Bluegrass or most kinds of Folk banjo. So they went to 19 frets, and a scale as long as 23". Then came the time to give her a shot of Banjo-Tooie, she had the same feelings but I think she prefered the first one (my personal favorite is the second game). But you should shop around, not only for your first banjo, but for someone who you trust to help you maintain it. As mentioned before, many people buy six-string banjos hoping that they'll get the same sound as a 4 or 5-string player. Playing the 6-String Banjo as a Unique Instrument - We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. As the banjo found its way to Scots-Irish-descended cultures in Appalacia, the drone string fit right in. Pictured to the left is an SAE flare seat (45 degree inverted/double) on a UA1-3br union In other words, whether you're a banjo or guitar player, or both, prepare to make some adjustments and to do some experimenting. The intertwined letters could be L&H. Most 5-string banjos include resonators, which improve volume and sustain. Banjos with pegheads like that shown in the first picture below are usually made by Buckbee. That was a plus. Written references to the banjo in North America appear in the 18th century, and the instrument became increasingly available commercially from around the second quarter of the 19th century. Tenor Banjo Tuning A Plectrum or Tenor 4-string banjo tuned ADGC (counting from the string closest to your toes upward) and played with a flatpick is your first choice if you want to play Jazz ("Ragtime" or "Dixieland) banjo. And prepare to be beaten about the face and elbows if you bring one to a Bluegrass jam. Popular Resonator (Closed Back) Banjos. Play as an instrument in its own right. Buckbee (1861-1897) banjos can frequently be identified by their peghead shape. All these things affect your choice. How to Find Deering Banjo Company Also, the tailpiece on this banjo is a patent assigned to Lyon & Healy, further suggesting them as the makers. Jazz players eventually abandoned the drone string, because it was incompatible with most keys and chord patterns of early Jazz. Required Setup Out of the Box. There were two major ways to play the banjo: the neck adjusted, and the bridge moved into proper position before you can even tell if the instrument is worth keeping. For example: Other issues that will hinder your playing, but might be fixable if the banjo is otherwise worthwhile include: Note about Setting Up Banjos - On top of that, remember that - except for anything in the Deering Goodime line - virtually no stringed instrument that lists for less than $1000 is playable out of the box. Many tenor banjos (a slightly smaller variation) are still open back. BANJOS AVAILABLE TO PLAYERS OF ALL ABILITIES. It also helps an instrument that frequently plays melody to blend in better with other traditional instruments. In the meantime, back in the hills, banjo players like Earl Scruggs added "blue notes" (flatted thirds, fifths, and sevenths) to help create what we now consider the traditional Bluegrass banjo sound. How can I find out when my old Fender® banjo was manufactured? If the right hand has it comparatively easy, the left hand has it much harder. Most plectrum banjos built before 1920 had "open back" construction, meaning that there was nothing between the back of the drum head and the banjo player's belly. Resonator, a wooden shell that fastens to the back of the banjo body, adding depth, volume, and sustain to the tone. To see the our recommended Six-String banjos for various uses, please click the button to the right. Scale lengths were 26"-28", and there were typically 22 frets between the nut and the head. Though some folks experienced with plectrum or 5-string banjos still use the old plectrum tuning (DBGC), most tenor players today tune their tenors like a viola, in straight fifths (A, D, G, C). Ukelele or Mandolin banjos can add new tonalities for folks who already play ukelele or mandolin. Which leads me to . A few "tenor mandolin" examples have been made with long necks and strings so they play closer to the range of a 6-string banjo, but these are rare. Rather it means that the left hand is freed up to add other fancy stuff. A few players even go to nylon or, when they can get them, gut strings. It’s important to get the right number of strings on your banjo. Both Folk and Bluegrass banjo picking patterns are radically different from the flatpicked strums of traditional 4-string players. When plectrum ("Dixieland) banjo sounds invaded the early airwaves and record stores, musical instrument manufacturers made it "easy" for the hundreds of thousands of folks who already played mandolin or ukelele - they flooded the market with instruments that played like ukeleles or mandolins, but had a drum head, so they sounded something like banjos. Many include tone rings, which also improve volume and sustain. Substituting for 5-String - Unfortunately most 5-string banjo picking patterns can not be duplicated on 6-string banjo. In fact, some patterns or solos that sound great on my acoustic guitars just sound weak on the 6-string banjo. Use your thumb to pick the fifth (High G) string. Discussion Forum. Substituting for 5-String - Unfortunately most 5-string banjo picking patterns can not be duplicated on 6-string banjo. and "Alexander's Ragtime Band" are two examples of Tin Pan Alley songs that typically use a strummed banjo. I don't use fingerpicks on this or my other banjos or guitars, preferring to let callouses build up on my right hand so I can get a nice crisp pluck without anything in between my fingers and the strings. Play the third (G string) with your index finger. What's the difference between open back and resonator? Across the Atlantic, musicians in Ireland and the UK were experimenting with 17- and 19-fret tenor banjos by the mid-20th century. I play upright bass, guitar, bass guitar, and ukulele, so I don't think I need a "beginners banjo". A pretty wide range of 17- and 19-fret banjos are currently being made. If the fretboad is inaccurate, send the instrument back - it's not worth fixing. Setting Up Acoustic Guitars and other Fretted Instruments. Buying used is no guarantee that the instrument has been set up either - the original owner might have got it from a mail-order or volume supplier and might never have had it set up. Tenor Banjo Construction So get a grip. I could have taken the fifth string off of mine and retuned it, but I didn't want to sacrifice having a 5-string for the duration of the project. Gold Tone CC-100R. I have heard some really good sounding old-time banjos with this feature. You can see a few of our recommendations on the Riverboat Music 4-String Banjo Buyer's Guide So retaining the drone string on the banjo was only natural. The bridge will have to be adjusted and the strings will need to be tuned. What kind of banjo should an absolute beginner buy? If you continue, we will assume that you agree to our privacy policy which includes details of cookie usage. Resonator Models. They have a range of affordable instruments from starter ones to those that professionals would love to play. Click on the picture to go to the full-sized printable PDF (hi-rez) version. Play the third (G string) with your index finger. If you're already used to fingerpicks, by all means, use them. Most of them retain the standard scale lengths (26-28") and neck lengths (21-22 frets) as the banjos of a century ago, though a few (called A-scale banjos) use shorter scales and 19-fret necks. The result is that it "rings" more than it "plunks," and can play very loud. When fingerpicked, the strings do not seem to sustain as long as they would on an acoustic guitar. If you want to play an alternating bass part, you play the fourth (D) string on beat three, then play beat four exactly like you played beat two. Lyon & Healy advertised a Star brand banjo circa 1890. Since banjo strings are inexpensive, experimentation in finding what works for you isn’t a costly proposition. Click on the picture to go to the full-sized printable PDF (hi-rez) version. If you don't play banjo or guitar already, parts may be a bit difficult to follow, but there's a summary at the end you should find useful. These features help modern plectrum banjos compete in volume with larger bands; however, some plectrum players remove the resonator when they want a more authentic early sound. Maybe imitated if you really know your way around BOTH guitar and 5-string banjo. Long wooden neck with chromatic fretboard and mechanical tuning knobs on the head. So most modern 6-strings are fairl… 5-string (Folk or Bluegrass) Banjo A serial number sticker should be placed on the inside of the resonator which states the full serial number and the model name. By 1860 or so, the old photos and songs indicate that the banjo was popular with white musicians, too. Recently I got involved in a Dixieland-based musical project that required a banjo player. If you want to take a chance on a cheapie banjo from a volume or mail-order store, go right ahead - just consider that you might need to send one or two back before get one that can be made playable. If you already play mandolin, either instrument would be worth tracking down. By Lauren Gray. Many folks know that the ukelele was a popular instrument among young adults in the 1920s. Others that aren't that impressive on guitar come alive. Strumming overtook fingerpicking, because the banjo was used largely as a rhythm-keeper, and strumming helped the old "open-backed" banjos compete with brass instruments in volume. If you're already used to fingerpicks, by all means, use them. However, if you want to perform Bluegrass, you need to consider getting a banjo with accommodations like tone rings and resonators that make the things nice and aloud. When other kinds of banjos and banjo playing emerged, this kind of banjo became known as a "Plectrum" banjo, to distinguish it from banjos that were intended to be played without plectrums. What sets it apart from Four-String banjos - popular in early Jazz and in Celtic bands - is a high-pitched drone string that is seldom fretted, and usually adds a sort of twinkle to most playing patterns. They feel this makes the tone more "authentic" for century-old musical styles. They inevitably have a slightly wider neck, at least from the fifth string down. Another brand normally associated with guitars, Fender has expanded to the banjo market and made some noise doing so. If you have one great, start playing it. Six-string banjos are set up exactly the same way as a guitar, so if you already play the guitar and don’t want to learn anything new, that would be a good choice. By the time such songs were popular, 4-string banjos had found their way into many homes as well. walksoftly, 8 years ago The cupids style of clothing may help identify the language on the label. So our resources have expanded. Four-string banjos are used mostly for Irish music. Six-strings (which are a century-old Jazz configuration) are currently being marketed mostly to guitar players who want to "play banjo" without having to learn anything new. At first, "Plectrum banjos" kept the long necks of their 5-string brethren. When fingerpicked, the strings do not seem to sustain as long as they would on an acoustic guitar. Its terrific sound and playability allow for a status as a great banjo for beginners. for more information). Scale lengths were 26"-28", and there were typically 22 frets between the nut and the head. Resonator, a wooden shell that fastens to the back of the banjo body, adding depth, volume, and sustain to the tone. A pretty wide range of 17- and 19-fret banjos are currently being made. Even so, we still have eventers, flat-races, steeplechasers, scurry drivers, carriage drivers, and more. 5-String Banjo Buyers' Guide - from Riverboat Music(tm) The Five-String banjo is unquestionably the most popular kind of banjo. What can you tell me about the historical patent markings that appear on some of your products? COMMENTS. If you're looking for a full-length plectrum banjo, you may be able to find a century-old one that is still in good condition. Since then I've written/recorded over 20 Banjo Books and Banjo DVDs, was the first to offer Banjo Lessons Online and have grown into a banjo store with over 1000 products. But the short version is that Dixieland banjo is NOT as simple as it looks or (sometimes) sounds. Our article "What is a Bluegrass Banjo" breaks these differences down in more detail than we have room for in this article. This actually makes playing jazz chords and scales easier than the old plectrum tuning. I would not dare suggest that I have all the answers or can tell you the only way to do something. Users have said that it sounds like a banjo should and requires minimal setup due to its manufactured settings. Advanced players almost never use "open chords," so 95% of the chords they play are made by sliding the same twelve or so chord shapes up and down the neck. It’s important to get the right number of strings on your banjo. Six-string banjos have been around for at least a century, occasionally being used by folks who already played 4 or 5-string banjos when they needed the lower range. This, in turn, means that the banjo neck is shorter than the neck on traditional five-strings, and even many plectrum banjos. A serial number sticker should be placed on the inside of the rim which states the full serial number and the model name. If you have some stray screws and bolts (a.k.a. No matter what kind of banjo you have, this is the one place where you can make the most difference in the sound of your instrument with the least amount of monetary investment. To help you in your selection, we have created a list of 20 best … Our article "Are 6-String Banjos for Real" provides more hints on this application. But, as a minus, I also found myself explaining the different kinds of banjos again and again, to the director of the musical, to the director of the orchestra, and even to a 20-something 5-string player who kept feeding the others misinformation. I'm planning on playing more folk than bluegrass. That said, they have a sound that is unique in acoustic music. (Please refer to our article "Are 6-String Banjos for Real" for more information on this topic.) Many include tone rings, which also improve volume and sustain. That, and the six-peg head and relatively wide neck make it obvious to 4 or 5-string players that you're not playing a "real" banjo. Resonator Models. What kind of barometer do I have ? This is especially noticeable when you "hammer on," that is fretting a string. I gonna be honest, it wasn't easy to convince her to play the kind of game she hated the most. Scale lengths were 26"-28", and there were typically 22 frets between the nut and the head. Read these instructions carefully but don't get intimidated, they are pretty easy to follow. Written references to the banjo in North America appear in the 18th century, and the instrument became increasingly available commercially from around the second quarter of the 19th century. Six-string banjos are set up exactly the same way as a guitar, so if you already play the guitar and don’t want to learn anything new, that would be a good choice. Today, most 6-string banjos are strung like guitars, so folks who play guitar already and don't want to take the time to learn banjo can get something like a banjo sound simply by trading instruments. For example, on a first-beat low note that you'd ordinarily fret, you might leave the string open when you first pick it, then fret it on the second half of the first beat. At first, "Plectrum banjos" kept the long necks of their 5-string brethren. How do I tell what kind of flare I need if I don't have the brake lines? Mandolin banjos require extremely precise fretboards to play in tune from one note to the next. In spite of the 6-string banjo's potential use as a "plectrum" (Dixieland) banjo - as long as you only strum the highest four strings, the instrument's unique characteristics are most obvious if you fingerpick the thing. Note: If you're a Bluegrass fan, you should know that you can learn Bluegrass picking on any 5-string banjo that is in playing condition. Consequently, you will use one Eb chord for when the melody goes down to an Eb, another one for when the melody goes to G, another one for when the melody goes to Bb, and another for when the melody goes to high Eb, and so on. The CC-100R … They feel this makes the tone more "authentic" for century-old musical styles. By 1885, most banjos had 5 strings, which included a "drone" string located next to the lowest string on the banjo. Bob Smakula That was a plus. On a slow solo, the player often uses a rapid picking technique like that of a European mandolin player. There are many different kinds of tone rings out there today. However, traditional old-timey folk banjo players usually prefer "backless banjos," without resonators and usually without tone rings. (Listen to the banjo on the Cold Mountain sound track for example.) 6-string Banjo I bought this off of a woman via craigslist a little under a year ago here in Los Angeles. Recently I got involved in a Dixieland-based musical project that required a banjo player. Maybe imitated if you really know your way around BOTH guitar and 5-string banjo. This experience reminds me that many things that were "common knowledge" among musicians when I was a kid no longer are. Until you get used to fingerpicking the 6-string - including building up right-hand calluses - you'll notice that some notes will play much louder than others, even if you apply almost exactly the same pressure. December 19, 2020. Rolled Brass Tone Ring But they have a shorter scale length than many banjos. This experience reminds me that many things that were "common knowledge" among musicians when I was a kid no longer are. Bluegrass banjo players appreciate the fact that resonators and tone rings give the banjo enough volume and sustain to compete with instruments like steel guitars and upgright bass (see our article "What is a Bluegrass Banjo?" For questions, comments, suggestions, trouble reports, etc. and "Alexander's Ragtime Band" are two examples of Tin Pan Alley songs that typically use a strummed banjo. The ukulele banjo has four strings, like a plectrum banjo, although they're higher pitched. You may have noticed that if you're using the open G tuning, it's possible to play a nice banjo part without even using you left hand until it's time to change to another chord. Here's an irony - Irish musicians sometimes flatpick a 5-string the same way, using it to play melodies or arpeggios. If you want to play an alternating bass part, you play the fourth (D) string on beat three, then play beat four exactly like you played beat two. By Lauren Gray. I don't remember seeing any other banjo in his hands. Depending on how you interpret the history, the banjo either came from Africa or evolved among enslaved African peoples in North America. We will focus today on scale and type of music, but always with the thought that you are the arbiter of the kind of music you like to play best on your banjo. New versions are still available today, and many excellent vintage examples are on the used market, often sold as "banjos" with no other description. 5-string players often add a note to the second half of the first beat by doing something fancy with the left hand. Add banjo tonality to acoustic-based ensembles I also significantly expanded the content of the Four String Banjo buyers' guide in our sister site Riverboatmusic.com. These instruments should be handled very carefully. Bluegrass banjo players appreciate the fact that resonators and tone rings give the banjo enough volume and sustain to compete with instruments like steel guitars and upgright bass (see our article "What is a Bluegrass Banjo?" But that doesn't mean the left hand is lazy. So now, let me tell you this story in an unconventional way — with a few of our own words in front of your eyes, while the Drops speak to you directly. (Remember to avoid strumming the lowest two strings - if you're playing with horns and piano, strumming the lower two strings will just muddy the sound.) As a person who has dabbled in 4-string banjo and who has played BOTH 5-string banjo and guitar for over 40 years, I believe that a 6-string banjo sounds best if you treat it as a unique instrument. They have taken the quality and the expertise they learned by building guitars and made themselves into a very popular banjo manufacturer. So here's a breakdown of why different kind of banjos exist, and why two or three instruments that are nearly identical require such different techniques and produce such different sounds. Also, what kind of guitars were made there and what years? You can view the manufacturer and model number in your Windows system using the System Information utility. So I wound up buying a second banjo, which gave me an excuse to shop for a new toy. If you're having trouble finding one in your area, though, don't despair. She started to have a smile on her face while running around in Mumbo's Mountain. However, if you want to perform Bluegrass, you need to consider getting a banjo with accommodations like tone rings and resonators that make the things nice and aloud. (Part 1) Look in the port where the line goes. Note About Buying Cheap Banjos By about 1920, two features that increased volume and sustain were often added. All material, illustrations, and content of this web site is copyrighted © 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, Banjo strings can last 3-5 years, but some musicians prefer to change them as often as once a month or once every couple of weeks. All rights reserved. Get in touch if you have your eye on one and we can offer any guidance needed. In fact, at least one professional guitar player (Al Chernet) has gotten solid, well-playing gigs doing just that. To see the our recommended Six-String banjos for various uses, please click the button to the right. The bass notes do not have the depth of a wood guitar's bass notes, so they don't provide quite as firm a "foundation" as you might be used to. Aneroid (without liquid) barometers use a bellows and heavy spring which expands and compresses witht the changes in the air pressure. At Musician’s Friend you’ll find a wide selection of strings designed for 4-string Irish tenor and plectrum banjos as … So I wound up buying a second banjo, which gave me an excuse to shop for a new toy. Enjoyable as that must have been, that wasn't the former South Bay banjo gunslinger taking on all comers, just a middle-aged guy … Plectrum banjos exhibited the following traditional elements of banjo construction: Banjo Lovers Online We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. However, traditional old-timey folk banjo players usually prefer "backless banjos," without resonators and usually without tone rings. I started the following flowchart as kind of a humorous take on this topic, but some folks have found it useful, so I've toned down the snarkiness and included it here. Structurally, the banjo is very similar to a drum, with an animal skin stretched over a rim. Six-string banjos have been around for at least a century, occasionally being used by folks who already played 4 or 5-string banjos when they needed the lower range. After all, folk instruments like the Appalacian dulcimer were already adding extra, unfretted, strings to boost volume. One example of 6-string banjo in popular culture is the banjo introduction to the "Rainbow Connection" from the original Muppet movie.