Barretone - Posted - 03/30/2012:  14:10:40

I know Earl has just begun his heavenly rest, but I can't help asking the obvious question. What happens to his banjo? It's clearly the most famous and valuable 5-string on earth. I'm sure any number of millionaires would buy it in a heartbeat but really, we're talking a national historic treasure here. What do you all think should happen with it? Museum? Loan it to young virtuosi like the Strad owners do? Private collection (I'd hate to see that)?

Randy

garman - Posted - 03/30/2012:  14:17:29

To alleviate all discussion it was part of him for such a long time, bury it with him.

The Old Timer - Posted - 03/30/2012:  14:18:30

Earl has two musical sons who will surely know what to do with it.

NCjones - Posted - 03/30/2012:  14:19:57

This was probably a very inappropriate question given the timing.  Let's at least get him in the ground before we start dividing up his stuff.

BigRed_Gibson_Fan - Posted - 03/30/2012:  14:21:16

I hate to even talk about Earls Granada so soon after his passing but I think that its place is somewhere where musicians can see it and know its story. It would be great if it someone like Jim Mills got it so that its history can be cherished and shared with other banjo pickers.

Oldpiper - Posted - 03/30/2012:  14:22:33

For the most part, I agree with Garman, but it seems a shame that such a wonderful instrument with so much history would never be played again by someone who can do it justice. Who? I don't know, but I think its sound should be heard for many years to come.

Fred

earlsgranada - Posted - 03/30/2012:  14:27:01

My guess would probably be that Gary and Randy want to keep Earl's 1949 Granada in the family, kind of as an heirloom. 

starhopper - Posted - 03/30/2012:  14:29:11

quote:

---

Originally posted by Barretone

I know Earl has just begun his heavenly rest, but I can't help asking the obvious question. What happens to his banjo? It's clearly the most famous and valuable 5-string on earth. I'm sure any number of millionaires would buy it in a heartbeat but really, we're talking a national historic treasure here. What do you all think should happen with it? Museum? Loan it to young virtuosi like the Strad owners do? Private collection (I'd hate to see that)?

Randy

---

I think it's a logical question to ask - and not untimely at all. In fact, it's very timely.  To me, it should be in a museum so that everyone can see it and appreciate it!  If a millionaire buys it - only he/she gets to enjoy it!

Lyle

earlsgranada - Posted - 03/30/2012:  14:29:20

quote:

---

Originally posted by BigRed_Gibson_Fan

I hate to even talk about Earls Granada so soon after his passing but I think that its place is somewhere where musicians can see it and know its story. It would be great if it someone like Jim Mills got it so that its history can be cherished and shared with other banjo pickers.

---

I know how you feel. Jim documented Earl's banjo in his prewar banjo book, but I know he'd want Gary & Randy to take care of it, or perhaps it will be donated one day to the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, but for now, I just hope that that banjo will be in good hands.

~Craig

kmwaters - Posted - 03/30/2012:  14:32:10

When my mother passed away, it was less than a couple of days and before the funeral, and one of my in-laws was asking what was being done with her jewelry.  We simply said there was plenty of time to sort that out.  Same would apply here.  

I would expect Randy and his brother to something very appropriate whatever that may be.  Here in Phoenix there is a musical instrument museum, but I am sure there are a number of them around, not to mention venues right there in Nashville.  Perhaps related to the Opry itself or IBMA.  If they don't just keep it in the family as an heirloom for now.

Lou Bourbon - Posted - 03/30/2012:  14:35:52

Would hate to see it in a museum...would rather listen to it in the hands of a great musician.

Lou

9991th - Posted - 03/30/2012:  15:11:40

Since Chris never really got to know his Grandfather and Chris is such a fine picker...Maybe he should have it. But I guess it will go to whom ever Earl wanted it to go to.

Deaf Lester Crawdad - Posted - 03/30/2012:  15:41:09

quote:

---

Originally posted by Barretone



I know Earl has just begun his heavenly rest, but I can't help asking the obvious question. What happens to his banjo? It's clearly the most famous and valuable 5-string on earth. I'm sure any number of millionaires would buy it in a heartbeat but really, we're talking a national historic treasure here. What do you all think should happen with it? Museum? Loan it to young virtuosi like the Strad owners do? Private collection (I'd hate to see that)?

---

Earl was no dummy, so he almost certainly took care of that problem well in advance: either by means of a written will (most likely) or by simply handing it to one of his kids saying, "Take this".

After all, it's not as if he didn't know what the banjo is probably worth in terms of dollars, and also what it means to the Bluegrass music community as a whole.

Personally, I suspect it will end up in the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, but if not, then whatever Earl had in mind will suit me just fine.

~Pete

tbfnyc - Posted - 03/30/2012:  15:43:06

quote:

---

Originally posted by NCjones

This was probably a very inappropriate question given the timing.  Let's at least get him in the ground before we start dividing up his stuff.

---

I agree. It's a ghoulish question. What will be, will be.

mikehalloran - Posted - 03/30/2012:  15:44:44

>Personally, I suspect it will end up in the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, but if not, then whatever Earl had in mind will suit me just fine.<

​It will be in very good company there. Probably better than the Smithsonian.

9991th - Posted - 03/30/2012:  16:00:16

When a instrument ends up in a museum it's the end of the road for them, we never get to hear it again and they sit there, with their soul pouring out on the floor and they rot. They should be played...That's what keeps them "alive."

I hope Chris Scruggs get's it.

Edited by - 9991th on 03/30/2012 16:02:51

tombriarhopper - Posted - 03/30/2012:  16:00:49

Goodness gracious, sakes alive, at least we don't have to decide! Great question!

Banjo40 - Posted - 03/30/2012:  16:52:03

quote:

---

Originally posted by earlsgranada

My guess would probably be that Gary and Randy want to keep Earl's 1949 Granada in the family, kind of as an heirloom. 

---

1949,  what banjo are we talking about here?  I think I would like to see his Granada beside Monroe's F-5 at the Country Music Hall of Fame, if the F-5 is still there.

From Greylock to Bean Blossom - Posted - 03/30/2012:  16:53:58

I think the question is totally inappropriate. This is a time for supporting Earl's family and extended family and for honoring him as he did so much for us.

If we want to think about things, folks might want to think about donating to the Earl Scruggs Center in his hometown as his family requested.

Ken

DHutchens - Posted - 03/30/2012:  17:18:59

Totally inappropriate  question and as far as I'm concerned...there is not a man alive worthy of owning or performing with that instrument. What if you had the Liberty Bell in your back yard...would people respect you for ringing it?....The banjo and its owner paid their dues and were successful. They created a path that many try to follow but until the appropriate time comes again....it will not happen, if ever.....The Master and the instrument both deserve the opportunity to rest and be appreciated for their mutual contributions.  

Its time for someone else to try to make a mark on the wall, but with their own tool.

stringman711 - Posted - 03/30/2012:  17:22:31

I agree! Well said, Doug!

Deaf Lester Crawdad - Posted - 03/30/2012:  17:24:27

quote:

---

Originally posted by 9991th



When a instrument ends up in a museum it's the end of the road for them, we never get to hear it again and they sit there, with their soul pouring out on the floor and they rot. 

---

 Earl was the soul of that banjo.

banjo5string - Posted - 03/30/2012:  17:24:42

Doug,

I couldn't agree more. That old Granada would never sound as good as it did in Earl's hands. To me, they were a perfect match.

Danny

Omegrown - Posted - 03/30/2012:  17:39:15

I have been to the Country Music Hall of Fame Museum  in Nashville 3 times.. saw Earl play in the Ryman in 2007 and got his autograph in the back alley after the show.. .. I am sure Earl had his personal wishes which should be respected. however even Randy and Gary will pass on one day... It was a wonderful experience to see Bill Monroes mandolin, Mother Maybelle Carters Guitar, Hank Williams stuff among many many other wonderful items in that museum that were donated or on loan by the families of the Famous.. The museum takes great care to preserve and protect them also, so many generations  can appreciate them.. Rosanne Cash recently donated her fathers Army Jacket to the CMHof Fame because she said it was wool and "rotting' in her closet.... can you imaging.. Johnny Cash's Army Jacket just rotting on a hanger.. I hope one day after Earls family has had their time to grieve they will share Earls wonderful banjo with the fans who loved his music so much and maybe put his banjo on display.. no one could play it like him.... and by the way there already is one of Earls banjo's on display there that he has used in the past.. as he has used many through the years...

Julie 

coelhoe - Posted - 03/30/2012:  18:53:49

Johnny Cash was in the Air Force. Air Force Security Agency, actually. Morse code.

banjo1 - Posted - 03/30/2012:  19:35:10

If Earl played a Kay banjo, we would still have this question. Someone here in this thread said that Earl was the sole of this banjo.........correct to a T.

Same with Mr. Bill's, Loar mandolin. If bill played a Stella, that would have been the best to own. Bill put the soul in that mandolin.

 ​I hope the kids end up with the Granada.

​Earl I will miss you and your pickin, you were where the magic came from.

9991th - Posted - 03/30/2012:  21:41:25

quote:

---

Originally posted by Deaf Lester Crawdad

quote:

---

Originally posted by 9991th



When a instrument ends up in a museum it's the end of the road for them, we never get to hear it again and they sit there, with their soul pouring out on the floor and they rot. 

---

 Earl was the soul of that banjo.

 

---

 It's a banjo and it SHOULD be played. It will rot in a museum if not played, THAT is a fact. Earls Grandson has the touch of his Grandpa and HE will add his soul into that banjo and add it to his Grandfathers...That soul will becomes the banjos. The soul that Earl put in that banjo is now that banjos.

For those of you who want to see a banjo die, put it in a museum...If you want to see Earls' banjo live, breath, and make music as good as it's old owner teased  it into doing, you should hope it ends up in Chris's hands.

It seems like some think it wrong for Earls' Grandson getting his Grandpa's banjo. It sounds like YOU rather see Earls banjo rot away in a glass box so YOU can see it when you want away, then to be played by Chris Scruggs.

Edited by - 9991th on 03/30/2012 21:56:56

Seansvoice - Posted - 03/31/2012:  00:12:10

quote:

---

Originally posted by NCjones

This was probably a very inappropriate question given the timing.  Let's at least get him in the ground before we start dividing up his stuff.

---

 No joke: It i generally considered tacky to take a U-Haul to a funeral....

McUtsi - Posted - 03/31/2012:  01:00:29

I believe in family values;ideally,a valued instrument should become something that

the person´s near & dear can remember him/her by;the very opposite of this would be

the unholy mess associated w/ Garcia´s most important guitars,"Tiger"etc.

davehicks - Posted - 03/31/2012:  05:28:12

As far as the question being inappropriate? Maybe maybe not.... To each they're own i guess. In my opinion it should be with monroe's mandolin. Doug hutchens is exactly right about using another mans tool. Earls right hand had a lot to do with that banjo, it would be sad to see someone else pick it. We....all or most all banjo pickers i think would like to remember the sound (and the scruggs style of picking) of that banjo that came from it while Earl was picking it. Im not saying that nobody else could do it justice, it just had alot to do with his technique. Every banjo has its own personality, and that granada suited Earl's perfectly.....

Hotrodtruck - Posted - 03/31/2012:  07:34:11

I don't think the question is inappropriate. We are not family members trying to get our hands on it before anyone else, or before Earl is put to rest. We are a banjo playing community and it is a natural thing to wonder about. It shows no disrespect to Earl or his family. I'm sure they would not be offended and would understand completely.

Going up to their door and knocking on it to ask the question would be different. I hope no one has done that. It would not surprise me to learn that some feelers have been put out by someone though.

YOMV

Mike

pdbanjo - Posted - 03/31/2012:  07:56:59

I think the proper question is "What did Mr. Scruggs want to do with his earthly possessions?" I'm sure he thought long and hard together with his family's input to choose the best option for everyone including the general public. His will and testiment should provide that answer but let's put him to rest before we learn that answer.  

Sheldon - Posted - 03/31/2012:  08:11:47

I expect the bidding will start at something over $250,000 . . . It might bring a million or so.

Sheldon

JoeZ - Posted - 03/31/2012:  09:13:06

I remember seeing Lester Flatt's guitar at the Country Music Hall of Fame. Found myself just standing there staring. I think the world will always have many, many opportunities to hear that sweet Granada in recordings made by the hands of the man who made it sing. Now it might be nice to have it there beside that old flat-top - reunited for all of us to just stand, stare and think.

josh95843 - Posted - 03/31/2012:  12:13:19

Im with Doug on this one..

Steven M - Posted - 03/31/2012:  13:07:37

I am sorry but al of this is quite tasteless. What is wrong with you all?

Steven M - Posted - 03/31/2012:  13:14:05

Listen to this instead of speculating on the family's property.


bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b01d..._03_2012/

wbelm - Posted - 03/31/2012:  13:38:16

Donate it to the Country Music Hall of Fame.....a simple no brainer for me. It will not die it will be preserved and honored.

NYCJazz - Posted - 03/31/2012:  14:08:49

americanbanjomuseum.com/

Deaf Lester Crawdad - Posted - 03/31/2012:  14:22:29

quote:

---

Originally posted by 9991th



 1.)  It's a banjo and it SHOULD be played. 

2.)  It will rot in a museum if not played, THAT is a fact.

3.)  The soul that Earl put in that banjo is now that banjos.

4.)  It sounds like YOU rather see Earls banjo rot away in a glass box so YOU can see it when you want away, then to be played by Chris Scruggs.

---

 1.)  You don't get to make that decision.  Neither do I.   It was Earl's banjo, and the decision as to it's disposition was his and his alone.

As I stated previously, whatever Earl wanted done with his banjo is fine by me, and the fact that you seem to feel qualified to take that decision out of his hands if you don't care for his choice is frankly astonishing.   This is "entitlement thinking" on a grand scale.

2.)  You seem confused about the meanings of the words "rot" and "fact".   Firstly, instruments are "preserved" in museums and will last practically forever that way; which is the precise opposite of "rot".   Neither does the word "FACT" mean "just my opinion"; which is how you're using it.

3.)  That's a really strange thing to say.   Instruments themselves do not and can not have "soul".   They are inanimate tools designed for making music, and all they can ever do is reflect the soul of whoever happens to be playing them at the time.   They do not absorb anything from their owners and retain it after the owners are no longer playing them, no matter how nice it might be if they did.

4.) We covered that already: I'm okay with whatever Earl wanted done with his banjo.  And BTW: I've seen Earl's banjo before.  

Iconic it may be, but without Earl attached to it it's only a banjo.

Lou Bourbon - Posted - 03/31/2012:  14:38:12

Did someone own the banjo before Earl?

Lou

banjo1 - Posted - 03/31/2012:  14:54:46

Don Reno i think owned this banjo before Earl did. Earl got it in a trade with Don Reno and involved an Gibson RB 3 and Martin D 18 or 28 guitar, if I remember correct.

bhrb75 - Posted - 03/31/2012:  15:41:25

Fisher Hendley was the first owner of this banjo( 9584-3) and bought it from Graves barbershop in Wadesboro NC, along with another fellow named DeWhitt Wheless who also got a Granada from the same lot (-5 I think, I always get that one confused with -4) on the same day, or it was that they both ordered Granadas on the same day; there are so many stories about where some of these banjos came from it's hard to keep them straight. Anyway, after Hendley it went to Snuffy Jenkins around 1938 and then to Reno, and from there we should all know the rest of the story...

Brandon

OSCAR82AA - Posted - 03/31/2012:  19:43:18

I think it is very tasteless to be asking questions and figuring out what their family should and  will do with Earls' banjo.

 I do not think they will be a asking any of ya'all for any advice. It is their family and let them mourn and keep something their Father played.

Stevespickn - Posted - 03/31/2012:  20:17:25

I think the "mods" need to delete this topic.

Steve

sideways - Posted - 03/31/2012:  20:38:33

Another vote for "delete". This is like watching buzzards circle.

Lou Bourbon - Posted - 04/01/2012:  01:04:08

I wonder if Earl was happy "his" banjo didn't end up in a museum celebrating the achievements of Don Reno and Snuffy Jenkins...

Lou

BANJO TONY - Posted - 04/01/2012:  02:14:24

the banjo is only wood with some metal parts,take it a part & it is nothing,Earl was it's soul.he could make any banjo sound good.now lets all go play a record or cd of Earl that we like & remember the good times we had seeing him at a show or meeting him & pick up & play your banjo & say this ones for Earl !.

bobdenver1961 - Posted - 04/01/2012:  06:51:05

Don't let some of the sellers on Ebay get hold of it. They would part it out and sell the pieces.