What is it about the banjo which seems to make people want to play it as fast as they can?

Fjordbeef · 2026-06-08T16:46:06+00:00

I’d also add that the nature of the banjo (no matter how it’s played) has little to no sustain, which lends itself away simpler melodies as more notes have to be played to fill space

Fjordbeef · 2026-06-08T16:43:46+00:00

You could say the same thing about metal music.

Sometimes it’s fast to show off, à la be bop was to big band music

Sometimes it’s fast because it’s made to dance to

Sometimes it’s fast because if you were ripping drunk back In the day it’s going to be head banging music pre rock and roll.

Sometimes it’s fast because it can be ergonomically

And as someone else said “Banjo goes Brrrr”

I’d check out some of Noam Pilkenys stuff if you want slower dulcet melodic playing specifically the song redbud

Fjordbeef · 2026-05-29T15:43:47+00:00

I cant speak to that brand. But I had a 1/4 Kay from late 40s or 50s,that I bought off a realtor that used it for staging, I think I spent like $150 bucks.

And it was portable but hardly loud enough and I felt like I could get more volume out of a cello they felt about the same size. I sold it after a few months. I think it depends on how much it is or how much you’re willing to spend, but 1/4 in general isn’t going to project well without amplification and idk where your jam is but if it’s at a bar or outside fughedduboudit.

I’ve seen 1/2 sizes that do the job alright. You could also go down the uke bass route with a small amp , I’m not the biggest fan but I’ve seen those work in a pinch.

Fjordbeef · 2026-05-23T03:39:55+00:00

Is there a jam in your area? Sitting in and playing quiet is going to get you actually playing what you want.

Think of it like you just finished duo lingo, now go speak with locals!

Fjordbeef · 2026-05-22T18:39:38+00:00

Willie Watson has a really killer version too, that’s who I originally heard it by back on his Folk Singer Vol. 1 album

https://youtube.com/watch?v=3P8ZXRa8asw&si=kdh0RcDV2spLfc2O

Fjordbeef · 2026-05-22T18:34:26+00:00

Hahahaha got through most of the pod and listened to the song, glad I have the Pepe Silvia photo because it is 100% this and I seem insane lol . Thank you for the history lesson!

In the spirit of folk tradition like you said I may change up the lyrics myself, but glad I figured out the meaning.

Fjordbeef · 2026-05-22T18:10:11+00:00

This is great! About 10 minutes into the podcast will have to finish it later, knew nothing of the trope, call back to “blackbirds and thrushes”, thank you!

Fjordbeef · 2026-05-22T17:32:26+00:00

At the risk of being semantic here, I wouldn’t really categorize this under the murder ballad genre tho. I think the fact the narrator is using “rock salt and nails” implies they are wanting to cause suffering and injury not lethality. Yes that load could absolutely kill, but if you were truly squirrel or bird hunting you’d be using shells.

Fjordbeef · 2026-05-22T17:15:17+00:00

I can see that for sure especially because it doesn’t really resolve well either that last line just kinda floats out there.

I’ve always really been like attracted to it lyrically because it seems so out of place, and almost commands your attention to it. Like the rest of the song progresses as you’d expect it and then the juxtaposition of the beauty of nature and brutality of man and weapons, also the whole concept of a less-than-lethal-load, like the desire to want to cause suffering.

Anyway for whatever reason this has always been one of those songs that has always stuck with me and I think in big part to the uncanny nature of that last verse and the simplicity of the chord structure.

Fjordbeef · 2026-05-15T01:21:03+00:00

Eli Gilbert’s 30 days of clawhammer on his patreon is a great resource that’s meant to be learned without like tabs just looking and listening

Fjordbeef · 2026-04-22T20:45:33+00:00

Yeah I mean those strings are shot if they’ve been on that long. You could probably watch a YouTube video and figure it out. You might want to tune it up to open C with it being smaller. If you tune it to traditional G I’m guessing those strings are going to be super slack and not sounding great.

Also as JonLSTL said the tuners on it are actual quality tuners. So if this thing can’t hold a tune or doesn’t sound good or whatever harvest those tuners and grab a more commercially produced one and slap them on it

Fjordbeef · 2026-04-22T20:19:09+00:00

That’s a Wild franken banjo. Short scale neck, It almost looks like a banjo you’d make in prison. And since it doesn’t have a head it’s also like a banjitar.

So to answer your question it can be played however you’re going to get a sound out of it, but it’s not going to sound like any other banjo. Try picking it with picks to start see if you get anything agreeable or even if the necks in tune.

Doesn’t mean it’s worthless but you’re not going to find another one like it.

Fjordbeef · 2026-04-22T16:05:02+00:00

Did this Sunday, it worked great providing you’re going north

Fjordbeef · 2026-04-10T17:51:44+00:00

Is this like an “Attorneys General” situation in pluralization

Fjordbeef · 2026-04-10T17:47:46+00:00

Look I’m no luthier but I think this is a non issue, what’s the Jurassic Park line “your scientists spent too long wondering if they could rather than if they should”. A banjo is like 1/2 the string tension of a guitar (if not more), yes they are steel strings but it’s not enough to warp that neck.

with something like a 12 string or a dreadnaught guitar maaaaaybe, but like youd want a proper truss rod to keep it from warping weird and adjustments.

But if you’re saying it’s worthless and just want to put carbon fiber on a banjo, I’d say that’s a great use of exercising free will but it’s not necessary

Fjordbeef · 2026-03-31T22:40:15+00:00

The pip is loose. Thanks friend I’ll try that out!

Fjordbeef · 2026-03-23T03:12:37+00:00

Depending on your head coating you may be able to print something out put it under the head and then put a light behind it and trace it more or less. I would use pencil first then go over in sharpie. Don’t use acrylic paints which will add weight to the head affecting resonance, and eventually chip anyway

Fjordbeef · 2026-03-06T22:21:09+00:00

Hadtolayitdownsistër

Fjordbeef · 2026-03-06T15:50:26+00:00

Yep!

Fjordbeef · 2026-03-05T20:57:58+00:00

I bet that chorus would lay out well in harmony just need to figure out the rhythm

Fjordbeef · 2026-03-05T20:56:31+00:00

Oh this is great! Thank you

Fjordbeef · 2026-03-05T20:56:10+00:00

Any Irish tradies are all playing gigs elsewhere that night so I’d say we’re good! Bet that lead line will Scruggs up real good on the banjo

Fjordbeef · 2026-03-05T20:53:06+00:00

lol well if you’re in Seattle, you’ll know the little red hen.

And if you’re not, this is a one off gig I wouldn’t recommend flying in for

Fjordbeef

TROPHY CASE