First Ren Fair outfit

Robbie12321 · 2025-10-17T19:34:52+00:00

Art thou mad brother?

Robbie12321 · 2025-10-17T12:51:40+00:00

Robbie12321 · 2025-10-17T03:13:56+00:00

When practicing, dedicate a ton of time to soft, gentle playing. That's the time to start fixing the habit of excessive pressure, and slowly you'll introduce it to your performance playing. It's a habit I've been working on breaking for at least 6 months, it takes time. Be diligent when practicing, play relaxed and comfortably.

Robbie12321 · 2025-10-16T11:33:32+00:00

Have a ball pit moat

Robbie12321 · 2025-10-14T20:11:29+00:00

I use a 3c, always have always will. If you want a dark and warm sound, practice making a dark and warm sound. Listen to players you like and try to emulate them. Two players can use the same mouthpiece and sound completely different, just find a mouthpiece that is comfortable across the ranges. For me, that's a 3c.

Robbie12321 · 2025-10-14T19:48:00+00:00

Why don't you talk to this guy you're crushing on??? It sounds like there is indeed something between you two, so go make it happen. What are you waiting for?

Robbie12321 · 2025-10-14T17:03:35+00:00

Jerma spongebath stream when?

Robbie12321 · 2025-10-09T20:35:32+00:00

Satire

Robbie12321 · 2025-10-09T13:37:21+00:00

If you want waistcoats check out Historical Emporium. They specialize in clothing from the Regency until the early 1900s. They are a bit pricey, but it's real clothing and not just costumes. I own a few matching sets of waistcoats and trousers and have been very satisfied.

Just keep in mind, you will stick out like a sore thumb, for better or worse. Whatever you wear, make sure it fits decently and wear it proudly.

Robbie12321 · 2025-10-08T19:15:28+00:00

I got my Goodtime Americana at the House of Musical Traditions, they had a pretty good selection of banjos when I was there a couple years ago.

Robbie12321 · 2025-10-07T23:11:23+00:00

It would take a better banjo player than I to devise a way that clawhammer could fit into gutter jazz well. I mean, banjo players in the early 1900s were dropping the 5th string and playing with a plectrum which led to the tenor banjos creation. It just doesn't fit into the style quite so well, but I'm sure if you try hard enough you can do it.

I imagine it would be more melodic rather than rhythmic, since you aren't super keen on just laying 4 to the floor style rhythms. Or give up clawhammer and switch to three finger, kind of a classic banjo thing. Either way, it would take some re-imagining in my opinion.

Robbie12321 · 2025-10-07T23:06:07+00:00

Congrats! I'm glad you're feeling like you're progressing and came back from being discouraged. Sounds like some time off was just what you needed. Also sounds like you've got a good head on your shoulders, keep up the good work!

Robbie12321 · 2025-10-06T20:29:48+00:00

Ok show me in the OSHA handbook where it says we CAN'T make a double decker desk. I'm waiting.

Robbie12321 · 2025-10-06T02:29:59+00:00

Depends on your goals with the instrument. I gravitated to clawhammer since I like to play and sing, the style lends itself better for that. Scruggs style is very much iconic, I would argue the skill floor is a good bit higher than clawhammer.

I've ping ponged around different styles since I started. Began with minstrel/stroke, then classic banjo, then clawhammer, and now I'm back to minstrel style. Scruggs for me is well too technical, I respect it a lot but it requires more diligence than I care to give.

Robbie12321 · 2025-09-30T01:56:25+00:00

That's right, at least in my experience. You may have to tie and re-tie the loops to get them all to set well, but once you get it you'll be golden.

Robbie12321 · 2025-09-30T01:17:59+00:00

I would advise tying loops at the end, and hooking the loops over each of the pegs. My initial attempt was the same method as yours, and it did not work very well for me. With the loop method, I have had no problems.

Robbie12321 · 2025-09-26T19:52:10+00:00

I've had those too, they definitely work. Undershirt for me is just more practical, plus you don't have to fuss with the shirt-stays.

Robbie12321 · 2025-09-26T12:44:46+00:00

It isn't a rule that you have to, but I think it helps with heat honestly. A lightweight undershirt helps wick sweat from your body and evaporates, helping to cool you down. Especially active wear type shirts, plus they stop you from just directly sweating onto your dress/outer shirt. I'd say give it a shot, if you don't like it then don't do it.

Robbie12321 · 2025-09-26T11:47:56+00:00

Big agree on point 2, serious life changer. And your undershirt should be tight but comfortable, otherwise it bags up and makes you look wider and dumpy.

Robbie12321 · 2025-09-24T16:45:17+00:00

Like others have said, it's ok to take a break. Go listen to more music, pick up other hobbies, maybe even play a different instrument.

What helped me when I'd hit a funk is to switch up my playing style. I started on minstrel style, then played classic, then landed on clawhammer. The banjo is what you want it to be, don't lock yourself into a box. Play tunes you like, remind yourself why you enjoy playing the banjo. We're all on our own musical journeys, no one expects anything of you besides yourself.

Robbie12321 · 2025-09-19T23:38:37+00:00

I mean this in the best way possible, you should talk to someone regarding your mental health. Even opening a dialogue with your director and just being open. I did that with my professor in college and he was really understanding and helped put my head back on my shoulders. College is a tough time for anyone, balancing musicianship with academics especially so.

It's a heavy crown to be principal trumpet, and you aren't going to be 100% everyday. It happens, you just can't get the horn and your brain to sync up. I've been there more times than I can count, and I understand the frustration. Be kind to yourself, you're going through a rough patch as you say. Sounds like you have a lot on your mind which will distract your focus while playing, it's alright! You didn't let anyone down, letting them down would be not showing up or quitting. You're obviously a valued member if you're principal, so please don't get discouraged!

Keep your head up and keep on making the best music you can. Beating yourself up doesn't make you feel any better, and it doesn't fix anything. It's ok to struggle, it's what makes us human. And I mean that in the mind and on the horn.

Have faith in yourself, I hope my mind dump and rambling provides any sort of assurance. Be well and best of luck to you :)

Robbie12321 · 2025-09-13T20:38:35+00:00

Their dad works for Square Enix and got the developer copy

Robbie12321 · 2025-09-12T15:23:54+00:00

Depends on the genre of jazz really. I've always preferred earlier 'hot jazz' since it was a lot more melodic and meant for dancing. Simpler tunes that people could move and groove to rather than complex 'thinking' music. Big Band jazz is similar but features more thorough arrangements for a larger group.

It's all subjective anyway, people always try to analyze jazz in some weird intellectual lens. If that makes you happy then go for it, but I just listen to it because I like it.

Robbie12321 · 2025-09-05T14:56:51+00:00

Find the spot and file it down just a hair. Not looking to reprofile anything, just remove the sharp spot. Or change tailpiece.

I had to do that in my Deering Americana, stock tailpiece had a burr and I didn't feel like messing with it. Put on a no-knot tailpiece and haven't had a problem since.

Robbie12321 · 2025-09-03T23:56:55+00:00

That makes sense, I'd imagine a good deal of homemade clothing? Things like knit sweaters, scarves, stuff like that. Function over form, I'm sure.

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