scubadoo Says:
Sunday, June 10, 2007 @5:38:53 AM

Hi Steve, nice looking banjo, can't wait for mine to arrive on wednesday! How are you finding learning?

saxonbass Says:
Monday, June 11, 2007 @3:47:59 AM

Hi Dave

It's definitely coming along after two months. There's no getting around the fact that you have to put in a lot of practise on the rolls before you can really get started. I'm still at the point where I can practise one roll for a while, then I can't play the other other rolls when I go back to them, the fingering's all different... just haven't got them on tap at the moment.

I can't spend as long practising as I want to... I still have to practise the bass as I have regular gigs coming up.

I think it's important to decide how you're going to learn, a teacher is probably the best idea, but I don't want to do that at the moment. A DVD is a good compromise. However, this forum is a great source of advice... you'll get the benefit of everyone's advice on just about anything and I've learned quite a bit from just browsing.

Let me know how you get on. The Gold Tone is a great banjo... I wanted to get something that I could keep if I take it up more seriously... I've made that mistake before, getting the absolute cheapest instrument to learn on. I think the Gold Tone is just about at the right level, and mine plays really well!

scubadoo Says:
Saturday, June 16, 2007 @5:04:21 AM

Hi Steve

I'm loving my banjo! I had a bit of a problem to start with but found out that i was wearing the fingerpicks the wrong way round!!! Whoops. I've just about got the forward reverse roll but can't flow into a different roll.

I agree with you about getting the best instrument you can afford. I spent years gigging in an indie rock band using all sorts of average guitars until i got a Les Paul after i'd stopped gigging and used it for some studio work. The difference is amazing, just wish I'd had it 10 years ago! I think I'll end up having to teach myself using books and the internet. I've learnt loads from this place already.

Might be a while before we're doing the foggy mountain breakdown though!

Cheers

Dave

scubadoo Says:
Saturday, June 16, 2007 @5:06:34 AM

Hi Steve

I'm loving my banjo! I had a bit of a problem to start with but found out that i was wearing the fingerpicks the wrong way round!!! Whoops. I've just about got the forward reverse roll but can't flow into a different roll.

I agree with you about getting the best instrument you can afford. I spent years gigging in an indie rock band using all sorts of average guitars until i got a Les Paul after i'd stopped gigging and used it for some studio work. The difference is amazing, just wish I'd had it 10 years ago! I think I'll end up having to teach myself using books and the internet. I've learnt loads from this place already.

Might be a while before we're doing the foggy mountain breakdown though!

Cheers

Dave