What are /r/banjo's favorite Products & Services?

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A while back I transcribed the Athlete's Rag from Super Mario / SSBM:here

Youtube of the song here

I actually play it slightly differently to this now, e.g. I often replace the open high D string with the 3rd fret, B string. That way you don't need to use the same finger twice in a row after just playing the 2nd fret high D string. Alternatively you could pull off to the open D.

Enjoy

Here you are They don't spam you with emails. They will try to get you to sign up for a paid certificate track, but you get full access if you stick to the free track.

Random, but i saw these guys in concert a few weeks ago and I found this on their website..

https://sites.google.com/site/teamcorndawg/home/leatherwork

Not sure how much you're looking to spend, but these guys do custom leather and make guitar/banjo straps. They have a banjo player, so I'm sure if you asked for a strap they'd know the measurements. I'd appreciate one of these, at least.

Right. I was talking about this book: https://www.amazon.com/Mel-First-Lessons-Banjo-Book/dp/0786620935

This came free with my banjo and my teacher thought it was a very decent beginner book. I think it's rather expensive on Amazon though, but it came free so:)

This was my first dive into banjo: https://www.amazon.com/Banjo-Players-Songbook-arranged-five-string/dp/0825602971/ref=sr_1_8?dchild=1&keywords=banjo+songbook&qid=1625374225&sr=8-8

I actually didn't realize when I got it that it's all clawhammer, so I was playing it bluegrass style (on an open-back). I love clawhammer now, so it's a great resource and some really phenomenal tunes for beginners. I recommend "Wild Mountain Flower" "Keep My Skillet Good and Greasy" "Old Joe Clark" and "The Leaving of Liverpool."

Otherwise I get a lot of stuff off of banjohangout as the other person mentioned.

Bit late to the party, but here's a couple!

These are a few I had figured out a while ago. Figured I'd tab them out and share 'em.

After seeing this, I enlisted my wife (who plays piano and can actually read music) and arranged and transcribed this from the sheet music. We've tried to stay as close to the SSBM version but I can't guarantee that it is exact so feel free to give comments. The basic melody and rhythm is there though.

If you're reading the sheet music above the tab then bear in mind that the notes in first bar will be wrong because Tuxguitar ([free] linux version of guitar pro) doesn't handle the drone string properly. Everything else will be right though. Also the pdf Tuxguitar exports is fairly awful, so ask if anything is unclear.

https://docs.google.com/open?id=0Bxr2BEORLtjiMjJmZWFlZWYtZmY1Yi00MWEwLWEyMGYtYTFmMzAzMWFmYzI4

I used the tabs from this book by Tony Trischka.

If you are a fan of Fiddle Tunes for the banjo you must have it 👍

Some books that I've been finding helpful for bluegrass and melodic style are Splitting the Licks and Bluegrass Banjo for the Complete Ignoramus. Both offer great step by step guides for getting started from no banjo experience, and as someone who often finds videos much too slow paced, being able to use the book and learn at my own speed is great!

This is the one I have and I love it.

Strum Hollow 5th String Banjo Capo https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BZG8D35/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_nql.Fb6E2RSV0?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

It slides up and down when you need it but can be removed if you’re playing without a capo so it doesn’t get in the way. It’s also small enough that it doesn’t really get in the way much when you are capo’d up

I honestly think its gonna be cheaper for you to get a $100 Chinese banjo off Ebay or craigslist. Its gonna sound better too. If you take the neck and tuners from a guitar the string spacing is gonna be off and its gonna be difficult to switch to an actual banjo after. If you plan to use a tambourine as the pot you still need a tailpiece, bridge, armrest. I don't think its feasible to build something that resembles a banjo for leas than the price of a very cheap Chinese banjo. The material costs are gonna be close and not to mention all the timel its gonna take and the end product won't be something worth the effort.

That being said. If you still wanna build one, look for a 10" frame drum or bodhran. https://www.amazon.com/Remo-HD-8510-00-Fiberskyn-Frame-Drum/dp/B0002F7KGK/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1536944358&sr=1-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&dpPl=1&dpID=41LVEiM8ZAL&ref=plSrch

Ebay has cheap strings, tailpieces, and bridges. You're gonna need a nut that'll hold the strings at the proper height but that'll also ensure proper spacing. I think the hardest part is gonna be getting the neck done. You can either look for a cheap neck or try and modify the guitar neck to work. Modifying would require cutting down the width and length I believe.

Another concern would be the tension in the drum frame, the strings are going to be compressing the drum frame around the neck and tailpiece so you'll need to add a stiffening mechanism.

Here's a link to the original public domain image that I modified: https://pixabay.com/illustrations/vintage-poster-ad-retro-design-923009/

Or do you mean a high res version of my own? I could prepare one if you'd like. Each month's tunes come with a different cover based on the original image as the first "page" of the PDF as well.

Music for Two - Bela Fleck and Edgar Meyer. Not beginner stuff, but it should inspire you.

Banjo and bass go together like peas and carrots.

I had no idea, but would like that sound as well. Google is your friend. Here is hit 1 http://www.musiciansfriend.com/accessories/remo-coated-topside-banjo-head

Here is hit 3 http://www.ehow.com/how_8476813_install-calfskin-banjo-head.html

We're on Spotify, Bandcamp, Reverbnation and all of the other ones as well. Here is a RN link http://www.reverbnation.com/FOLKHOGAN New album coming in a few months as well! :) it's pretty different from what we've done so far.

I know it may sound like a lot of money, but this is one heck of a deal. Haven't regretted it since.
Lets just say taking 6000x4000 images has its rewards

I swear I took this

http://www.costco.com/Nikon-D5200-DSLR-Camera-2-Lens-Bundle.product.100032348.html

You might enjoy John Hartford's banjo playing. Though he was certainly capable of good bluegrass playing, he had a personal approach that was much jazzier, without being "jazz" like Bela Fleck, for instance. Here's one with a solo I liked: "On Christmas Eve" https://hooktube.com/watch?v=UfbFQMbA7u8

if you're referring to the roll pattern style picking you can hear in that recording, that's andy hall of the infamous stringdusters on dobro. still a great version though. love the sam bush in there too.

for one with some banjo in it, check out track 3 of this show or really any emmitt-nershi band show after andy thorn joined.

edit: as long as i'm on the subject of emmitt nershi band banjo fun, check out this this video which doubles up the banjo action by throwing strinduster's chris pandolfi into the mix.

Thats great!
Immediately found chords for this :)

https://chordify.net/chords/john-dowling-slide-banjo-whelk-bone-john-dowling

Tony Rice - Manzanita.

Not sure what level you're at, but this is a great album to play along with as it is essentially a bluegrass album with no banjo.

EDIT: I see now that you just got a banjo. Wait a bit before starting to practice with this album.

I have a Pandora station that plays almost exclusively clawhammer pickers. I found this artist through this station, and there are some other artists that show up on here that are pretty similar.

Tabledit is worth it, IMO, if you're going to be doing a lot of tab entry; my license was purchased 12-13 ago and it's still supported, multiple releases later. No upgrade costs nor subscriptionware BS.

In case you're a programmer or textually oriented, Lilypond is FOSS, hugely powerful, and supports tablature for 5-string banjo (including custom tunings) but it's definitely got a learning curve. Frescobaldi is a nice FOSS LilyPond editor. If you've ever used (and liked) LaTeX for formatting text documents, you'll like Lilypond. (My favorite thing about it is that it's a "WYSIWYM" (What you see is what you meant") markup format; you enter the music and let Lilypond deal with the formatting. Entering music is faster and you don't spend half your time trying to click on pixels or hunting in menus.)

Caveat: All of that being said, I'm not sure it supports entering music in a tab-centric way; that is, you enter music as note+duration+string number (as necessary; it usually does a pretty good job figuring out the string on its own,) not string+fret+duration.

I've never owned a Luna, but I will say that these imported banjos are mostly all the exact same product made by the exact same factories with different branding put on the headstock. There's only a couple factories that make these instruments, and retailers can choose from a selection of headstock labels and inlays. But the banjos are all the same. The Luna banjo lineup appears to match this description perfectly, except they've put a little more money into marketing than most of the other brands.

Looking at the Luna Moonbird, I would say that This Banjo is the exact same banjo for about 50% of the price. You lose the pickup and some bling, but a piezo pickup can be had for $5. You need to understand that "Luna" is not an instrument company, they're a marketing/sales company that has chosen musical instruments as their "widget" to sell.

As far as tone, like I said unless you're going to spend a bit more and buy from a real banjo brand, the tone is going to be about the same regardless of what the label on the headstock says. If you're looking to cut back on the brightness, I'd suggest getting a heavier bridge or putting some masking tape on the underside of the head.

>Otherwise I’d say just mod your existing bag. Straps and a bit of fabric to hold a bottle would be an inexpensive ask of a local seamstress compared to buying a new case.

​

As someone with the same banjo and, presumable, the same bag, I would not go this route. The bag that comes with the banjo is functional, but very flimsy. I use it when the weight savings (over the hard case I bought) are attractive enough to not mind the complete lack of protection and the knowledge that this bag will eventually fail. I've had the banjo a little more than 4 months, and it rarely goes in the bag it came with, but that bag already has some holes in it. I'd say don't waste time enhancing that bag. I have this hard case: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08MZYDCKQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00
But I wouldn't mind a better, soft case for when I want some, minimal protection and ease of carrying without the weight of the hard case.

I've got one of these on my GT, Neotech Leather Strap. I like this strap a lot as it's comfortable but not cumbersome. The buckles make it easy to put on and take off as needed.

And one of these on my Gibson. Lakota Leather Banjo Straps. The leather looks like it could fit under the tension hooks of the GT with a little effort.

The goodtimes don't have that much clearance between the J hooks and the pot to get a traditional strap through there. The Deering nylon strap serves its purpose, I have that on my goodtime openback but it doesn't "stick" and hold the banjo on you like say a leather strap would. I have seen some folks fashion down an old leather belt or use shoestrings to modify through the J hooks, someone I saw was using this and it looked pretty functional. Congrats on the new banjo by the way! I have a new one shipping as we speak - like a kid on Christmas morning!

I had the same problem with the typical Dunlop picks, so I bought one of these Golden Gate GP-5 Pearloid Thumb Picks - Medium https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0052S3WUK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_oSZ8xb5QQ3DMY
I have no idea why it's so expensive on Amazon, it was only 3 dollars at my local store. Anyway, it's a lot thicker material and fits my thumb so much better, I don't have it sliding around at all.

I bought this one on Amazon and it works great. TSA threw it around pretty hard on my way to work last time. Tore the vinyl in a couple of places and I had to tighten one of the tuners when I got here but the banjo itself survived fine. If you ever check it with your luggage, remember to slack the strings. I gate check it whenever possible, too.

I am very VERY much a beginner, but I'm still happy with my cheap Amazon (Jameson Guitars) Banjo. It stays in tune, and sounds like a banjo. I'm sure something 10x-20x more money sounds much better, but for me this has been a nice inexpensive intro.

https://www.amazon.com/5-String-Bracket-Closed-Jameson-Guitars/dp/B0033P1O6S/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1484096293&sr=1-1&keywords=banjo+jameson

I bought this one from Amazon 3 years ago: https://www.amazon.com/5-String-Bracket-Closed-Jameson-Guitars/dp/B0033P1O6S/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1515707917&sr=8-4&keywords=banjo ... It might be a cheap Amazon Banjo (Jameson) but I love it and am going to upgrade once I get better. 4.5 stars of out 700+ reviews. The same banjo on the Jameson website is $299. I honestly can't rave enough about it. And no, I don't work for these guys.

5-String Banjo 24 Bracket with... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0033P1O6S?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

This is the one I started with. I wanted to see if I enjoyed it/had any skill before buying a nice one. It will do the job, but if you can find a better beginner banjo used in a store it is Much better as these from amazon really need set up work. But overall, it works, you can learn on it. Happy picking.

I learned clawhammer from Frailing the five string banjo. Make sure to always listen to a tune and learn the melody by ear before you use tablature.

I have this one and it works well with my open-back Recording King. I love that it folds up small enough to fit into the pocket on my case.

There's better 200 dollar banjos out there. Recording king makes a nice one.

Actions fucking great and the sound is wonderful. Plus, just look at it, it's beautiful.

A good book to check out for this would be The Banjo Players Songbook. It's got a ton of songs that fit your description. If you search, I posted the song list somewhere in this subreddit a while back.

Another great book is Pat & Patrick Costello's Crisfield Banjo Retreat Songbook. Again, it's got a ton of songs that fit your description. And it's free, because those guys are just that awesome.

Very nice work. Especially for your first song. Keith tuners are a lot of fun to play with.

One thing that can be annoying with Keith tuners is, if your string goes out of tune, you have to click both cams off, then reset.

I always recommend for anyone with Keith tuners to get these. They are fine tuners for the violin. But you can attach them onto the G and B strings above the nut on the headstock and make fine adjustments if your string just goes slightly out of tune. Any music store should have them.

Ultimate Banjo Songbook Has been a fantastic resource for me as I progressed from beginner to intermediate. A great aspect is that it has multiple versions of songs. Also, having the CD's in there are great. Good luck!

Awesome. I love your videos, you're a great teacher. I'd love to see a video focusing on 3/4 backup.

Slow waltzes are something that I really struggle with. I don't have many licks, and variety. I find myself playing the same ol' waltz licks over and over again and kind of fall back to vamping too much which gets pretty boring. I did however get this book recently - http://www.amazon.com/Mel-Back-Up-Banjo-Janet-Davis/dp/0786665254 which has been helping me expand quite a bit.

I have spikes on some banjos, and for those without I use this: https://www.amazon.com/Banjo-Highway-Fifth-String-Capo/dp/B00F4MYC5I/ref=asc_df_B00F4MYC5I?tag=bngsmtphsnus-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=80127027724209&hvnetw=s&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4583726554114666&psc=1

It's pricey, but I had mine for two years now. It works well, never had a problem with it falling off. Unlike some comments people complain about it being advertise as metal when it's plastic, this is not true. The base that hooks the string is metal, as is the screw. The knob that sticks out is plastic, but you would not want that to be solid metal or it would be too heavy and fall off. So, yes, the knob is plastic but the rest is metal. You loosen it up to slide it on under the string. It has a grove under the base so that it rests over the fret where you want to capo it. The you tighten up the screw till it feels secure. This also pulls the base away from the 4th string, avoiding any buzzing.

I bought a Banjo on Amazon! - Randy White Banjo

Yes thats right! I bought a Gold Tone OB-150RF 5 String Bluegrass Banjo on Amazon, and got it delivered in about 5 days! I've been spying this banjo out for awhile and saw all the great reviews and wanted to see for myself if this would be a good choice for students that need a mid price ($1000-1200)banjo good enough for gigging and hard core festival jams. My vid goes from delivery to setup to review. Overall this is really a good buy in this price range, see for yourself.

Gold Tone OB-150RF 5 String Bluegrass Banjo on Amazon

https://youtu.be/xKJg-zK2Q2w

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0773CXNMQ?psc=1&ref=ppx\_yo2ov\_dt\_b\_product\_details

I used my old school tie for a guitar strap for years. That worked pretty well.

If you are feeling creative there's always something like a paracord woven strap. That might look nice if you used some old hemp twine or something like that, though I suspect you'd have to play around with the design or do a test bit to make sure it was strong enough if you're not using paracord, just in case, don't want to be dropping the banjo!

The book I learned this from was Old Time Songs for Clawhammer Banjo by David Marshall. Highly recommended, as the arrangements feature lots of skips (rest and leave a note out), which lend a great rhythmic pulse to your playing. https://www.amazon.com/dp/1468033557/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_ARQBWZTC1E1NX9QWRTSV

IMO, tuner apps aren't as good as a little standalone device that clamps on to the headstock of your banjo. Phone apps are a bit more fiddly, and you need a quiet environment for them to detect what your instrument is doing. You can get a good tuner for less than $20, and it can hear your banjo no matter how loud the rest of the room is.

There are many to choose from, here is the one I use: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01H74YYJO

What you're looking for is Splitting the Licks by Janet Davis .

It's a step by step breakdown of how to take a melody and build it up into a full blown Scruggs style 3 finger banjo arrangement.

Learn spoons and busk until you can by a $40 banjo off a stranger. Worked for me at 29, haha!

Seriously, you got some great advice here but don't underestimate someone selling an old banjo that's been sitting in their basement. Especially this time of year with spring cleaning going on. Check craigslist or other marketplaces. Thrift/pawn stores tend to end up with instruments too, it's worth a look.

You'll probably have to fix it up a bit but most fixes on a banjo are either pretty basic, or there's workarounds. For example I had to capo my frets at the forth string and tune to G from there because my action was so high from a bent neck. (With the truss rod adjusted as far as she could go).

I learned A LOT about maintaining and maintenancing a banjo because I bought a cheap beater.

This is the book I learned on. A local string-band legend gave it to me, said he learned on it so I did too. Totally beats the pants off trying to learn off YouTube or something, which is a lesson I keep relearning

Paddy on the Turnpike "Trischka Version" - Randy White Bluegrass Banjo

This is one of my favorite fiddle tunes from the Tony Trischka "Melodic Banjo" book. Enjoy!

https://youtu.be/RFAy8seIs8I

https://www.amazon.com/Melodic-Banjo-Tony-Trischka/dp/0825601711

Looks like there are other out-of-stock brands such as the Jisheng 5 String Silent Banjoand the Sojing 5 String Silent Electric Banjo.

Sounds great! I also just started banjo. This book has really helped me fyi. Good luck

I use a soft case from Gator, the GL-Banjo XL, for my Americana. It says XL right in the name, so that might not be ideal, but its dimensions according to amazon are 106,68 x 40,64 x 22,86 cm, with a weight of 2,77 kg.

A short glimpse into your posting history (sorry) tells me you're my friendly neighbor to the west, so here's a link to french amazon .

from my understanding, they've only done a handful of shows as they all have other projects. here's another from roosevelt's archive page.

I bought one of these on Amazon. It’s $10 and works great! I stuck two of the discs on the underside of the banjo head just under the left and right feet and had the third one I just cut off. You could stick it on the inside of the pot towards the bottom (around the tailpiece) if you want. I plugged it directly into my PA and it sounds great. Be careful of feedback in a small room (that’s an issue with all piezo pickups).

i bite my nails too idk about the size of your hands but my fingers are big enough where it doesn't matter much. however if you cant get around it without picks you may try a finger pick I've seen ones like this work.

Depends on the tone you are looking for. I play an open back banjo in the clawhammer style. I like the phosphor bronze wound 4th string for a more mellow tone. I feel nickel wounds are more bright, which would be better for Scruggs style. Bronze wound

5 String Banjo, AKLOT Adjustable Full Size Maple Banjo Open Back Remo Head with 2 Tuning Wrench 4 Picks Strings Tuner Strap Ruler Cleaning Cloth Gig Bag for New Beginners Professionals https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08NPC27SV/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_XPS0N2GBRSXWSKT7XEEQ

Here's a history of the band. They are an amazing group of individuals. As the bio says, Saburo Watanabe produced Tony Rice's first album "Guitar." Great group of musicians and had a huge impact on the scene. Bluegrass 45 were a huge reason there were so many "Live from Japan" albums (like Jim and Jesse and JD Crowe).

Funnily enough, Flatt and Scruggs did an album that is half Dylan covers.

It also includes Ian Tyson's "Four Strong Winds," Bobby Gentry's "Ode to Billie Joe," Woody Guthrie's "This Land is Your Land" and Seeger's "Where Have All the Flowers Gone."

Flatt and Scruggs actually recorded and released "Down in the Flood" before Bob Dylan.

This was likely the beginning of the end though. Earl wanted to play songs such as this more (and play with his sons). Lester, not so much. It would have been an interesting brainstorming session when Earl was bringing these songs to Lester Flatt for him to sing.

Looks like one of the East German six string banjos. They tended to have smaller bodies like that. I've never played one myself, but I understand them to be of generally acceptable quality.

https://www.ecosia.org/images/?q=east%20german%206%20string%20banjo#id=A40D39E69ED2A0884FE6B1E17650E1DE948AC325

If by the banjo sound you mean it's "twang", then you should take a look at your head tension. Here's a cool article about the physics of the thing: Basically, plucking the string changes the tension of it, which usually isn't a big deal. Because the bridge sits on a flexible surface (the head), the string wobble makes the head wobble which makes the string wobble which makes the head wobble which creates the twang in the sound waves. Or something like that. So yeah, check the head.

What about wearing an arm warmer? Interesting to hear about I have a metal allergy but most of the time have long sleeves on.

https://smile.amazon.com/Protection-Anti-Slip-Compression-Football-Basketball/dp/B085T7121M/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=2X72S49VYC89R&keywords=arm+warmers+men&qid=1640789103&sprefix=arm+watmer%2Caps%2C231&sr=8-3

if you’re looking for something that doesn’t require drilling into your banjo or modifying your banjo in any way, i recommend these tiny 5th string capos: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09MMT315V/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_CF5N8JPVM8745ZBX2ZTV

the only issues are they’re tiny so they’re easy to lose (but they do come with a little bag) and the felt on the bottom will start to peel off after a while so you may have to replace them frequently. i do think there are other no-drilling 5th string capo options on amazon that are more pricey but probably worth it. i just personally don’t like to drill into my banjo but it’s just a preference

This?

The Earl Scruggs Banjo Songbook: Selected Banjo Tab Accurately Transcribed for Over 80 Tunes with Foreword by Jim Mills: Selected Banjo Tab Accurately Transcribed for Over 80 Tunes! Paperback – February 1, 2021

(https://www.amazon.com/Earl-Scruggs-Banjo-Songbook-Transcribed/dp/1476814554/ref=sr\_1\_4)

Can you link to the new new or old new book?

I just know this one: Earl Scruggs and the 5-String Banjo: Revised and Enhanced Edition - Book with online Audio Paperback – August 1, 2005 (https://www.amazon.com/Earl-Scruggs-5-String-Banjo-Enhanced/dp/0634060422/ref=sr\_1\_3)

This is the one I bought/was given for Christmas: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0033P1O6S

I'm nowhere near a good player, so I can't answer that question. For learning an instrument for the first time though, I've enjoyed it.

Beacuse the also make these: https://www.amazon.com/Shubb-Banjo-Fifth-String-BC-25LB/dp/B00ICR8ADM/ref=sr\_1\_10?gclid=Cj0KCQiA-eeMBhCpARIsAAZfxZCrgbGZ6rLN4CeRo4uctXZ97htjkbWC3Taz-C-knINQZwiryzCIV1MaAv\_eEALw\_wcB&hvadid=174244972931&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=1015563&h...

I use an old leather belt. It was hand cut from a hide so it is very strong. I tied it to the brackets with nylon cord and have never had any need to remove it. It works well and can be trusted to never fail.
Edit : Photo...although you can barely see it.

https://flat.io/score/5e4b7dc1de965356a1cfe8fe-by-and-by?sharingKey=4f5a20aec21515fbeda7ac3fb304a12631356e751fead1218e096e3065d0a6e3874fbd244bfb89a1eeaa0215efcdb6dc629e2d925d40d816deeb5a3b4d1ef22c

credit goes to u/EmeraldNothing

FYI; making some edits as I go along because its kinda pretty and I have literally nothing better to do.

capo up a step from standard G tuning and play the C chord shape. It's in D.

sounds like it just uses I-V-I-V to me (D, A, D, A) and goes to IV (G) for transitions. Again since, you're capo'd up (or tuned to standard A) its the C shape, open chord, and F shape if you were in standard tuning.I could be wrong But with the little bit of time i've taken with it that would be a good start. Also go to chordify.net, make an account, and paste the youtube link into the chordify search bar.

edit 1: so it sounds like a pretty standard pattern for the rhythm, but it does use Galax Licks on the featured part, and the overall rythm uses I think skips (where you miss intentionally on the down stroke but catch your thumb on the drone string or a lower string, basically an 1/8th rest).

The Desk is a Fully Jarvis: A little pricier than some desks on the market, however it is sturdier than the cheaper desks. (Doesn't wobble or feel like it's going to topple over).

TRIPP LITE CPU MOUNT is from Amazon. Although the price has gone up significantly. Shop around for one you think will work for you, Fully also has some on their site. All I had to do was put in a few screws and take some measurements.

Some people wear gloves when playing bass guitar. I don't see any reason why you couldn't also with banjo. I don't know if you're planning to use picks but I doubt you'd get a great clawhammer tone out of this setup.

Guitar Glove Bass Glove -XS- 1 Glove - Finger issues, cuts https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C4QZ4PS/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_RSWH5CNMJ0GSM6P2H3SJ?psc=1

Here for whiskey glasses Old Fashioned Whiskey Glasses set of 6,Crystal Bar Glasses Tumblers 10OZ Drinking Glassware Home Bar Gifts for Drinking Scotch/Bourbon/Cocktail glasses/Bar Whiskey Glasses/ Two styles (Premium) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08YK52LGJ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_i_NE8PH7QE15CDFA9H2SRW

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B081NBC5P9/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 i got this, still hasn't arrived yet. what u think?

I bought these to hang guitars a bass, banjo, and ukulele. They work fine for banjo- just squeeze the fork to bend a little narrower.

Looks like this might be the same model.

https://www.eaglemusicshop.com/prod/stringed-instruments-clearance/tanglewood-tb24-select-m5-banjo.htm-179633

And this is the other I think

https://www.amazon.com/Sonart-5-String-Adjustable-Mid-range-Fingerboard/dp/B07QG236S5

Congratulations on the new banjo! Once you get it set up to playable condition you will have countless hours of enjoyment. You’ll need to buy some stings and a bridge (they can be cheap or more expensive). I’ll throw a few links in at the end of some bridges. There are a lot of videos online that can help you put the new parts on your banjo. Deering banjo company makes videos for beginner set up. Also, there is a good music store in Ft. Lauderdale called Penny Lane Emporium. The guy there is pretty knowledgeable about banjos, he can really help you out on the set up. I’m not sure what part of FL ur in but if it’s close it’s def worth a shot.

5-Str Grover Banjo Bridge #73 5/8 Tall Ebony Top 3 Leg Allparts BJ-0509-0E0 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002NLWFDE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_qbX8FbD0PT6BZ

I've had no problem with my $300 basic washburn banjo I was gifted.

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If it had been my choice I would have bought a smaller or local branded banjo, but that would be hard to find for 300 or less.

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You just want a 5 string with a resonator (closed back) and I would recommend getting a banjo capo same day as well.

Eventually you'll want a 5th string capo as well. Don't waste your money on any 5th string nonsense other than this and a good little piece of felt and superglue from the hardware store. The felt that comes on that is kinda trash and will wear out, just replace as needed.

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Picks....I've wasted a lot of money trying to find picks that I like. Tried damn near every style and material, a pick I like doesn't exist. My first stringed instrument was a bass guitar no pick, I'm sticking to that tradition.

I got this one off of Amazon. It took some setup to get it right, but I've found it to be a really good, affordable starter. I feel like I'll upgrade once I get better, but even then, this one would by my beater if I'm bringing one along on a trip or something. Also a decoy for my kids if they want to try my banjo out..

I tried foot tapping, but like others said, if your rhythm's off anyway, it won't do you any good. I got a free metronome app and put it on my phone. (I use this one: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.ethanbrown.android.SimpleMetronome&hl=en_US )

It took me a bit of trial and error to discover that I feel comfortable at 80 bpm. (I'm super new with a mere 3 weeks of playing under my belt.) I had to put the metronome at the highest volume and tap my foot along with it to get the hang of it.

Three finger is probably more appropriate as you are correct on the right hand being Keith/melodic style.

I've currently on got The Banjo Pub Songbook which I've found to be a good resource.

My favorite, but expensive. Can easily move from banjo to banjo.

https://www.amazon.com/Banjo-Highway-Fifth-String-Capo/dp/B00F4MYC5I/ref=sr_1_10?crid=3I8036PKY4W3D&dchild=1&keywords=5th+string+banjo+capo&qid=1601923879&sprefix=5th+str%2Caps%2C147&sr=8-10

You can buy a ukulele sized wall mount and it works fine.

I have mine on the wall with this and it is very attractive next to my ukuleles and guitars.

Amazon, acoustic instrument stores ... pretty popular and commonplace book.

https://www.amazon.com/Splitting-Licks-Improvising-Arranging-5-String/dp/078668917X/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=splitting+the+licks&qid=1598916216&sr=8-1

I thought this looked familiar as well. It is a tab guide that came with a Jameson Banjo. Had the same one. Not sold on Amazon anymore but if you scoroll down to the customer images you'll see the whole thing.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0033P1O6S/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

There's a couple guitar books that cover starting w/pentatonic and blues scales over I-IV-V's and other basic chord forms, look in your library (maybe for banjo Pat Cloud's first book is sort of an equivalent), :

• Guitar Theory by Serna and
• https://www.amazon.com/Guitarists-Guide-Scales-Over-Chords/dp/1423483219

This is the one I bought

https://www.amazon.com/Pyle-Fretboard-Maplewood-Adjustment-PBJ60/dp/B0062IWNCC https://www.ebay.com/p/Pyle-PBJ60/150695279

It’s nothing special and tone is ok but it does the trick and I love it.

It’s a little over $100

Just as a joke you should give her a copy of the David Myles (Canadian Musician) book "Santa Never Brings Me a Banjo". It's based on his song and pretty cute.

https://www.amazon.ca/Santa-Never-Brings-Me-Banjo/dp/1771086270

This too....

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https://www.amazon.com/Parking-Lot-Pickers-Songbook-Banjo-ebook/dp/B07CRTMZ3Y/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1541538626&sr=1-1&keywords=parking+lot+pickers+banjo

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I’d recommend doing a few things:

• Find a soft case you like and take it to a seamstress/tailor. Have all the zippers replaced with waterproof ones. If you can’t find a seamstress who will do the work, then look for an army surplus store, a Chrome bag store (they do bag repairs and you can pay them to do this), or look it up online for how to do it yourself. The zipper is where most of the water is gonna get in.

• Spray on waterproofing - coat whatever case you get in the stuff.

• Purchase a small dehumidifier and let it live in your case.

You can take two earth magnets and put them on either side of the bridge. They're strong enough to stay attached. It COMPLETELY deadens the sound of the banjo.

Growing up I used two cow magnets because I grew up on a dairy farm, so we had them lying around.

Well, my grandpa didn't do it, he said he just bought that like 40 years ago for 3 USD and never used it, the strings were loose and I just turn the pegs for tunning like mando.

And I like the second alternative, so nylgut strings are for mando or banjo? fifth tunning is what I really want :D

Will these work? https://www.amazon.com/Aquila-AQ-30-Soprano-Ukulele-Strings/dp/B00MXUIMI2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1522966588&sr=8-2&keywords=nylgut+strings+GDAE

Dix Bruce has a bunch of songbooks that he's rewritten for guitar, mandolin, banjo and fiddle but there aren't any cheap used copies for sale for some reason: https://www.amazon.com/Parking-Lot-Pickers-Songbook-Guitar/dp/0786688203/

https://www.amazon.com/Parking-Lot-Pickers-Songbook-Fiddle/dp/0786690593/

I struggled teaching myself until I got an instructor who hooked me up with this book. The teaching progression was excellent, and I feel like I really developed quickly with it. It's set up even for complete beginners to music. You should have one or two simple songs down in a week with it. It's Scruggs/bluegrass style.

You Can Teach Yourself Banjo https://www.amazon.com/dp/0786698985/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_KJvxAbGVXVY3D

I bought an inexpensive "beginner" banjo as I've always been interested in learning to play, but didn't want to buy anything too elaborate in case I didn't enjoy it or was terrible...

I did a bit of reading and ended up with:

5-String Banjo 24 Bracket with Closed Solid Back and Geared 5th Tuner By Jameson Guitars https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0033P1O6S?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

While it is an inexpensive, entry level number it has a nice fit and finish and looks great. It tuned with minimal effort (and the help of a Snark tuner) and plays wonderfully. I've even had experienced banjo players compliment it. Don't be mistaken, it's not a big stage instrument and won't really compare to any $1000 Good Time rigs, but for learning and for a beginner I really enjoy it.

Try bum-ditty-ditty for 3/4 time. In terms of playing jigs and reels, you will need a lot of pull-offs, hammer-ons, and drop thumbing for the melodies that go up and down in ways that don't really suit basic clawhammer style. Ken Perlman has a good book of these tunes.

I'm just learning too (starting a class this week, in fact!), but I found the format in Bluegrass Banjo for the Complete Ignoramus to be a great way to learn.

The title is silly, but it did a great job of breaking down how to play, and understanding how you use rolls to fill in the melody. For someone like me—who has never played an instrument before—it was nice that it had no expectations of the reader.

The basic gist is that the book teaches you the raw melody first, then once you get that down, you slowly add in pinches, drone notes, rolls, and slides, until you are playing a very full-sounding piece.

(I also recommend looking up some videos on YouTube, which helps because watching other people play was very helpful. You can just search and see what you find, something like "learning bluegrass banjo" is a good start.)

It's absolutely possible, and a lot of fun. You'll find it hard to get up to 'session tempo' on jigs and reels, and you'll never get quite the same feeling as a tenor banjo, but if you're playing on your own, that hardly matters.

Here are some books of Celtic music for fingerstyle and clawhammer 5-string banjo playing.

Some people seem to think it's virtually impossible to play Irish tunes on a five string. I don't find it so, and I'd say I know as many Irish tunes as I do bluegrass tunes.

Scruggs style rolls won't work with Irish tunes so you have to develop a more melodic style, and some techniques that you wouldn't see in Scruggs style playing ( learning to play upstrokes with your thumb for example).

Tom Hanaway has a book on Celtic tunes for the five string that's available on Amazon. I'm on mobile now, but I'll link it later.

Edit: Complete Book of Irish & Celtic 5-String Banjo

Also, his name is Hanway, not Hanaway, and he's got a couple other books of Irish/Celtic tunes now.

I'm not sure what the banjo market is like in the UK, but in the US high quality used banjos are plentiful and it rarely makes sense to buy new.

Compared to other instruments, banjos are more expensive than you'd think. If you're buying a guitar in the $200 price range, if you look around long enough you'll actually find some sweet sounding and playing instruments. This is rarely the case with banjos in my experience.

With that being said, an instruments "set up" is what determines how playable and enjoyable an instrument is. A well setup bluegrass banjo is going to have a playable action all along the neck, proper bridge placement and head tension. A good setup on your banjo is a hugely important part of the learning process and it'll likely cost you anywhere from $50-100. Figure that any banjo you buy new or used is going to need a setup.

Here's an example of a really bare bones banjo Epiphone MB-100 that you could order from Amazon. This isn't really a bluegrass banjo but it's somewhat in your price range. BG players are generally looking for a banjo with a tone-ring and a resonator to help ring out above the rest of the jam. These things increase the price of the instrument but aren't critical if you don't see yourself playing with other people.

Don't forget about your setup cost! Add another $50-100 dollars to get it somewhere near playable.

What I'm driving at here is that you're probably better off waiting until you have a little more money to spend so you can actually get something that's worth learning on.

I like then Vega style ones on my Goodtimes. They fit ok right out of the bag, but a small notch ground in the right place (in the middle, so it can seat fully over the middle hook), they fit even better. Takes about 10 seconds with a dremel and a grinding burr.

Golden Gate P-101 Vega Style Armrest - Nickel-Plated Brass https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00724YG0M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_XpblzbKTJZ0Z8

looks like the vega is sale priced as well - $1200 instead of $1700...

https://www.amazon.ca/Vega-Little-Wonder-Banjo-Deering/dp/B0024FAU1S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1496252239&sr=8-1&keywords=B0024FAU1S

To jump on your comment, a friend gave me a copy of The Folksinger's Wordbook which has a ton of songs in it. The key/arrangement isn't always true to some versions I know but it's a great tome to thumb through if you're looking for a random song to play.