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JanJan2
Registered User
Posts: 222
(8/14/01 12:18:34 pm)
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O Brother Where
Art Thou?
I really loved this goofy movie - especially the music! I've been a
bluegrass fan for years, and this old timey stuff really struck a
chord with me. So much so that I want to explore it further.
I had a banjo once, which I never really learned to play.
Life at the time did not allow for music study. Long story. Anywho,
I've been yearning for a 5-string banjo again, but I wonder if a
mandolin would be a more compatible cross-over instrument. Anybody
out there play either instrument in addition to cello?
Any
input greatly appreciated. Cheers!
Janet |
Markse
Registered User
Posts: 25
(8/14/01 2:30:41 pm)
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Re: O Brother
Where Art Thou?
Hi Janet
In addition to the cello (& guitar) I play the
bouzouki, aka the octave mandolin. Due to it's larger size it's a
bit more comfortable to play than a mandolin (they're sooo tiny). I
found it pretty easy to pick up, but I do have the benifit of
playing the guitar which makes the right hand (picking) a slam-dunk
and helps alot with figuing out chords.
Have you considered
checking out the mandocello? They are really cool instruments. Del'
Arte guitars makes one that's just beautiful (I'm saving up my
pennies & dimes!). I've played one a couple of different times,
sounds great, and as you can imagine, it's pretty easy to figure out
the left hand!!
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harriclay
Registered User
Posts: 16
(8/14/01 3:17:23 pm)
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Re: O Brother
Where Art Thou?
I have a 5-string banjo. I have only learned a little clawhammer
(frailing) so far, which is supposed to be the easiest style.
Mandolin is much more difficult, I believe, although I've never
tried it. (Lots and lots of tremolo ...)
It's a relaxing
instrument to play and listen to, I think. Mine is an open-backed
Deering Goodtime banjo, which has a pleasant, sweet tone. The
resonator banjos (with the big metal ring around the head) are much
louder and are meant for bluegrass music.
(I loved the movie.
I've seen it twice.)
Edited by: harriclay
at: 8/14/01 3:18:16 pm
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JanJan2
Registered User
Posts: 223
(8/15/01 6:55:08 am)
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Re: O Brother
Where Art Thou?
Yes, the clawhammer is what I'm interested in. I nearly bought a
Deering Goodtime on E-bay. Are you taking lessons or teaching
yourself? Have you used any teach-yourself videos?
I've seen
it 3 times, and think I'll rent it again. Do you have the CD?
Janet |
harriclay
Registered User
Posts: 17
(8/15/01 8:33:18 am)
Reply
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Re: O Brother
Where Art Thou?
I just got a book (Ron Perlham is the author's name, I think) and
taught myself the rudiments. Lessons would be fun, but I don't have
time for them! The Goodtime banjo is Deering's budget-priced option;
they are about $300 retail. Deering's regular line is much more
expensive. If you buy one on ebay don't pay much more than that or
you'd be better off buying one from a dealer. For what it's worth, I
like the sound and feel of the Goodtime better than others that I've
tried.
We did get the CD of the movie soundtrack; we also got
the CD of the soundtrack of the documentary of a concert featuring
the performers who did the soundtrack of the movie (if that makes
any sense ...). I don't believe that film has come out
yet.
The store where we bought the banjo threw in a great CD
by Cathy Fink called "Banjo Haiku," featuring 26 clawhammer banjo
solos, beautifully played. She makes them sound like the banjo
equivalent of Bach suites. Another virtuoso banjoist is Tony
Trischka, who has many CDs out.
Once you get into this,
you'll find a whole world of stuff out there.
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cyn38
Registered
User
Posts: 65
(8/16/01 3:29:31
am)
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4 and 5 string
banjos
Janet,
My dad is a bluegrass man, and I grew up playing both
a 4 string and 5 string banjo. I messed with the mandolin for a
time, but the banjos were so much easier! If the time is right and
you can get your hands on the banjo, you're sure to have a great
time. Loads of fun, reasonably easy to learn to play, much easier to
pack around than a cello (!) and comes in mighty handy for
sing-a-longs. For all the classical music that I love, there's
nothing better than a genuine bluegrass jam session with
friends.
Enjoy!
--cyn
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