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My first banjo... advice

Nephew · 2006-12-05 22:52:21

I cant fight the feeling any longer, I don't know much about them but I know enough to know that I want one. I've a few questions, how easy is it to pick up? Recommendations for beginners books, or would I be better off getting lessons - as hick as the instrument is. Would I get much of a banjo for e200 - 250? Where is a…

05-12-2006 11:52PM

#1

Nephew

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I cant fight the feeling any longer, I don't know much about them but I know enough to know that I want one.

I've a few questions, how easy is it to pick up? Recommendations for beginners books, or would I be better off getting lessons - as hick as the instrument is.

Would I get much of a banjo for e200 - 250? Where is a good place in Dublin to buy one? What brands/things should I look for when buying.

Thanks

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#2 05-12-2006 11:58PM

crosstownk

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I remember this thread from a few weeks back. It might be of some help.

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#3 07-12-2006 06:41PM

banjopaul

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OK, first of all, what kind of banjo do you want? if you want to play bluegrass (clawhammer or frailing) you will need a 5 string banjo. If you want to play jazz you will need a plectrum banjo. If you want to play Irish or other Celtic music, you should get a tenor banjo. I'm afraid €200 will not get you a very good banjo, it will either be a cheap starter banjo from Asia or a beat up 2nd hand banjo. Look at this list for a good idea of current banjo's and their prices, I know they are in dollars but you can convert:
http://www.thesession.org/discussions/display/11876
As to where to buy a banjo in dublin, to be honest I don't know. The best place to buy them is Tom Cussen of Clareen Banjo's, Clarenbridge, Co.Galway. His website is http//:www.banjo.ie

I f you have anymore questions, ask away!

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#4 08-12-2006 12:49AM

TelePaul

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Waltons will do you a McBrides tenor banjo for 200 lids. Handy thing about tenor banjos is that they're tuned the same as mandolins.

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#5 08-12-2006 01:01AM

DonkeyStyle \o/

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Nephew wrote:

I cant fight the feeling any longer, I don't know much about them but I know enough to know that I want one.

I know that feeling... every time I hear Foggy mountain breakdown it makes me want to run out and buy a banjo, hootin' and hollerin' as I go.
I guess there's a little hill-billy in all of us, gu-hyuk
The feeling fades quite quickly though, when I see the guitar I never/can't play sitting all lonely in the corner of the room.

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#6 08-12-2006 03:06AM

ferdi

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7461V0AO98o

does it get any better?

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#7 08-12-2006 11:25AM

banjopaul

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Yes, it does!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMBjaif1b3Q

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#8 08-12-2006 11:40AM

DonkeyStyle \o/

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w00t!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0f7ayVGbVY

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#9 09-12-2006 09:46PM

banjopaul

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So nephew, have you been reading this thread, what type of music do you want to play on your banjo?

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#10 21-12-2006 12:28AM

Nephew

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Guys, thanks for the advice. I'm going to start researching a bluegrass banjo which I'll buy after christmas.

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