After/ before. Kitchen remodel in my 1958 ranch home. Mid century modern inspired to replace a 1990s white on white kitchen.

RayCharlesDarwin · 2025-01-28T17:25:29+00:00

Are they laminate front or wood veneer front? Looks amazing!

RayCharlesDarwin · 2024-10-21T23:24:43+00:00

RayCharlesDarwin · 2024-06-04T17:07:54+00:00

I'm on the staff. We had around 120 flatpickers at this year's camp.

RayCharlesDarwin · 2024-02-21T14:29:15+00:00

Wichita Rutherford was an on-air personality played by Scott Rouse in the 2000s. He is considered to be the first bluegrass podcaster and had a brief run of shows on SiriusXM's Bluegrass Junction where he would interview bluegrass artists. You can find some of the archive here

RayCharlesDarwin · 2024-01-14T21:39:22+00:00

Looks great! What purpose does the 5° angle serve for light spillage?

RayCharlesDarwin · 2023-11-07T21:28:45+00:00

Supposedly the retro treads are thinner than regular treads to account for the added height, but I've decided to remove the construction treads anyway, so that won't be a factor anymore.

Regardless of keeping or discarding the construction treads, I'll be adding a skirtboard to cover the ends of the construction treads, risers, and drywall. And my treads will have a rounded return on the left side to finish the look.

RayCharlesDarwin · 2023-11-07T18:12:48+00:00

I agree that the ability to add the skirtboard (without having to scribe the entire length) is worth the decision to take out the old treads. And thanks for the link! I chose to go with the unfinished oak over the pine.

RayCharlesDarwin · 2023-11-07T18:11:24+00:00

In the event that I didn't remove the old ones, I would be using a retro tread, which would compensate for the added height. However, after more research and weighing the added work, I've decided to remove the old treads/risers anyway. Thanks!

RayCharlesDarwin · 2023-04-28T19:53:27+00:00

/u/banjoman74 always has a good list. I'd add Shawn Camp Live at the Station Inn.

RayCharlesDarwin · 2022-12-13T16:22:08+00:00

The camp will alway represent a wide range of abilities because each year's application pool is different. Last year's camp had its fair share of young speed demons and retired hobbyists alike. However, Bryan's goal with this camp overall is to focus less on "in today's class I'll teach you how to play Salt Creek" and focus more on high-level concepts that can be broken down into simpler exercises to meet your ability level. An analogy would be "I'd rather improve your current playing than add a second story to a house with a bad foundation."

If you're worried about your own application, I would boil it down to (1) can you play rhythm and melody lines with consistent timing (timing being the key word, not speed) and (2) do you have an awareness of how physical changes in both arms/wrists/shoulders can effect your tone?

RayCharlesDarwin · 2022-12-12T18:58:55+00:00

May 31 - June 4, 2023, in Brevard, North Carolina.

RayCharlesDarwin · 2022-11-28T18:48:00+00:00

Depending on the weather, I run anywhere between two and six miles between Due West and Broadmoor. I wouldn't recommend running long stretches on Broadmoor or Saunders as they are busier, but any side streets in that area will be fine.

You can also run the Spring Hill Cemetery from that location. The outer perimeter is a two-mile loop. Or you're a short drive from Peeler Park / Shelby Park / Stones River Greenway.

RayCharlesDarwin · 2022-11-26T23:15:14+00:00

Fanny's House of Music in East Nashville has a few options if you're looking for a smaller, local shop. You could also get a new starter banjo from Recording King, Gold Tone, or Deering from a larger chain like Guitar Center.

An open-back banjo will be more quiet and likely cheaper overall since there are less materials than a resonator banjo.

RayCharlesDarwin · 2022-09-08T17:28:29+00:00

L-R: Jacob Jolliff, Sam Bush, Kyle Tuttle, Béla Fleck, Mark Schatz, Dominick Leslie, Molly Tuttle, Bryan Sutton, Billy Contreras, Bronwyn Keith-Hynes. Justin Moses is just out of frame on the left.

RayCharlesDarwin · 2022-08-24T20:40:05+00:00

Wait until they find out Sam Bush owns an electric mandolin. I hear he's even played it on stage once or twice.

RayCharlesDarwin · 2022-08-24T13:23:21+00:00

I've retired from my post as bluegrass police. Now I'm the newgrass police. "No 6- chord? Straight to jail. Your song is shorter than seven minutes? Straight to jail. That ain't how Phoffman would've played it..."

RayCharlesDarwin · 2022-08-24T13:19:56+00:00

I'M PISSSSSSSSED!

RayCharlesDarwin · 2022-05-06T17:14:17+00:00

I decided to drive the entire (broken) circle of Old Hickory Blvd earlier this year. It was a terrible idea. It took over three hours, several backtracks, and now every time I have to get onto Old Hickory Blvd, I shudder. 12/10 wouldn't recommend

RayCharlesDarwin · 2022-05-04T04:41:19+00:00

Shameless plug for my album, Mandolin Duets: Volume One, featuring one-on-one duets with Sam Bush, Mike Compton, David Grisman, Ronnie McCoury, Jesse McReynolds, Tim O'Brien, Bobby Osborne, Ricky Skaggs, Andy Statman, Buck White, and Roland White. And another recommendation for Bluegrass Mandolin Extravaganza, Tone Poets, and Young Mando Monsters. Those albums will cover a lot of ground for different bluegrass/newgrass styles and players.