Banjo Hangout Forum Feed

Bacon and Day Weiser Special Senorita tenor banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 16:04:49 CST

I was given this banjo and know nothing about B and Ds. It is at least in near mint condition, having probably the original Bacon hide head and bridge. The presto tailpiece is beautiful. Everything is in place and original - looks to be rarely played and extremely well cared for. It came with a chip board case and original hang tag stating serial number 35169 Senorita.

Without submitting photos yet, and assuming my assessment of near mint condition is correct, what would be a fair selling price? The serial number indicates a year of manufacture in the late 30s.

Thanks for Info (and what is the significance of "Weiser Special"?)

Snark tuner with banjo rim adaptor

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 15:41:52 CST

Snark tuner with JTSPIX adaptor that fits between hooks of standard/Mastertone style banjo (24 hooks with 1.47" spacing)

One of my mammy's maxims....

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 14:31:07 CST

.... many hands make light work.

I think this was a planned outage, in S. E. MB t'other day ... apparently everything was copacetic.

Scared dog syndrome

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 13:16:50 CST

We've got a fenced area, outside the pack door, for the Pekinese to go out the doggie door and poop.
Which he did. Good puppy!
Then we got a cat.About the same size as the dog. Both neutered males.
Now the dog is reluctant to go out there, even with human guardians.
Could the cat have somehow claimed the entire territory as HIS, and scared the dog off?
Or might the dog have been stung by an insect?
What makes a dog afraid to walk around in a territory that's been his for two years?

"The Greatest Of Them All"

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 12:17:36 CST

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_07G3-ewFak&list=RD_07G3-ewFak&start_radio=1

The original Perry Bechtel Stephen Foster Medley (the whole album now on YouTube)

"What if the Wood Used to Make Musical Instruments Becomes Illegal ?"

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 12:06:17 CST

What if the Wood Used to Make Musical Instruments Becomes Illegal?

For centuries, the standard wood used to make string instruments’ bows has come from the pernambuco tree in Brazil. Its future is uncertain.

nytimes.com/2026/07/14/arts/mu...=em-share

Or . . . see attachment to this post.

Cheers,

Lew

“Snowbird” , easy TAB with demo & tutorial

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 11:47:24 CST

The classic song written by Gene MacLellan and made famous by Anne Murray. Even Chet Atkins found it attractive and recorded it.

Kudos to Steve Huber for conversion flat head ring in my 1927 Granada

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 11:46:57 CST

I want to report my big vote of confidence and thanks to Steve Huber for the outstanding results of his installation of his arch-to-flat-head-no-cut conversion flat head tone ring in my 1927 Granada (which had a 40 hole arch top originally). It is marked HR 30. Also, he did the gold plate over copper flash as I requested. I had him plate it in shiny gold, after I realized that the cool semi-matte appearance of all the original metal was mostly dirt from nearly 100 years of living.

I've been picking on it for about 3 weeks now, including a lot of use at the Jenny Brook Festival in Vermont where I listened to a number of good players pick on it. I've been extremely pleased, as have my banjo buddies.

I've worked very hard to tweak the head tension to match my Greg Rich Era Granada (Kulesh ring), which for about 30 years has been what I considered my all-around best sounding banjo. I've got the head tension on both to G sharp as well as I could manage. I've concluded that the 1927 slightly outperforms the GRE Granada in volume, presence, sonorous-ness (sonority?), power and TWANG.

I noticed that the conversion ring dispenses with the drilled holes. Perhaps to maintain all the possible weight of the ring? (I haven't weighed the ring, I will next time I change the head.) Also, Steve insists on having the pot at hand, as he "fits the tone ring to the pot", not fits the pot to the ring as he doesn't like to alter original rims if he doesn't have to. The tone ring was loose enough to spin on the rim with one hand, before I reassembled everything.

The job suffered a slight delay due to issues with the plating process. But it was delivered to me in time to take to Jenny Brook, as I requested.

Large KUDOS to Huber Banjos for exceeding my expectations.

Tuner Question

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 09:48:11 CST

Can a tuner with the small alignment pin in the base be repaired.? I recently bought some tuners at a flea-market, and one has the pin broken off flush. When tuning it allows the tuner to rotate in the headstock.
If I can dis-assemble, I think I can replace with a small cutoff brad.. Ideas.?

"Knowing How You Learn"

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 08:09:18 CST

I'm not an instructor or great player but do enjoy going to jams, playing at nursing homes, etc. and have the sometimes suggested 10,000 plus hours of practice over the last 18 years. Please ignore me if this information is not needed or wanted.

I looked up an old column by Eddie Collins in his I think self published book "Beginner's Corner: The First Five Years". Probably out of print now.
In the April, 2004 issue is his first column called "Knowing How You Learn". Sadly not available in the digital editions of Banjo Newsletter.
It would answer the almost weekly posts of new players that cannot learn songs, and are tired of the suggestions "you can't learn by tab", "you have to learn by ear", "you have to pay an instructor", "you have to start young", "you have to learn my way", "you aren't practicing enough, etc.....".

He lists 4 ways people learn: Visual Learners, Auditory Learners, Tactile Learners, and Kinesthetic Learners. Maybe it would be possible for him to download column or somebody scan it. Very well written for us common folks to read and understand.

Phil

P.S. I think I should mention I have never met Eddie Collins but have purchased many of his banjo books and individual tabs with cd of tabs over the years.

Binding metal to wood

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 08:08:53 CST

I may have asked this before, but I can't find a reference to it now. Does anyone know what kind of adhesive would work well to bind metal to wood?
I am working on a neck for an instrument where the bridge is in a fixed position. The scale will require the fingerboard to stop short of the end of the neck. The fingerboard extends about 3/4" beyond the last fret so I thought about routing a 1/2" of it thinner and installing a piece of 1/16" thick sheet brass to cover the gap. I can even extend it over the body if I want to. What I'm not sure of is what kind of adhesive I would need to use to secure it. I am assuming some kind of epoxy, which I don't have a lot of experience with except for J B Weld. What would be a good way to secure the brass to the fingerboard?
I can glue wood to wood, plastic to wood, and pearl to wood but this is a new experience for me.

Curtis Eller's American Circus: Kickstarting a New Album!

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 07:32:03 CST

Curtis Eller's American Circus on Kickstarter!

The American Circus is making a new record! We're convening a musical séance to drag America's forgotten ghost into the rusty shadows of the future. Please help us bring this project to life!

We have an array of exciting rewards for project backers, including CD's, vinyl, t-shirts, songbooks, house concerts and more!

Here's the Kickstarter link:
curtiseller.com/kickstarter

Watch out ghastly, silent film style campaign video!
youtu.be/hrPWzB8VGns

Kick in if you can, and please help us spread the word!
Thank You!
Curtis P. Eller

Little Birdie OT / arranged by Jack Baker

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 06:25:19 CST

Here's a fairly easy and fun Claw tune to play Claw tune...Jack

Little Birdie

Old time music in NE Texas?

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 06:11:36 CST

We're moving back to NE Texas, still house hunting but will be in the Tyler/Palestine/Athens area soon. I'd love to find some open jams, is there an old time community there?

I'm looking for a Weymann Style 70 or 85 plectrum banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 03:56:35 CST

Hello,
I've been looking for a Weymann Style 70 or 85 plectrum banjo for a long time. Do you happen to know anyone who has one and would be willing to sell it?

Thank you.

Seeking Information pertaining to this banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 00:54:43 CST

I came across this old Erika banjo was hoping someone could tell me about it ..

Good Thursday Morning

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 21:31:37 CST

Good morning from Sweden.

Why are resonator banjos with scooped necks nonexistent?

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 19:43:45 CST

I’m curious why you almost never see a 5-string banjo that has both a resonator and a scooped neck for clawhammer playing.

It seems like it would be a useful combination: the scoop for comfortable clawhammer playing, and the resonator for extra projection and volume.

Is there a practical reason these features don’t usually appear together, or is it mostly just because of the traditional split between bluegrass resonator banjos and old-time open-back banjos?

Benny Martin with Earl, Lester & the boys - “Turkey in the Straw” and more

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 19:42:07 CST

Some kind of power in that bow arm,, whew

oldtimeradiodownloads.com/vari...953-09-06

World Cup ……. to my British friends….

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 16:56:21 CST

I am sorry, but you got exactly what you deserved. Your coach should be fired on the tarmac of the airport. Did they really think their bunker defense was going to work for remainder of the game after their goal, especially against a team like Argentina? I was yelling at the TV ……. Lucky it wasn’t worse.

Sullivan Presentation banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 15:53:18 CST

I have the opportunity to purchase a Sullivan Presentation banjo. I’ve looked online & found a banjo for sale site that sold one (no date of sale listed). I found another site that said “ Sullivan never made a Presentation “. (I’ve seen it). Thanks in advance for any info & value. Mark

SCAM CLASSIFIED — Huber VRB listed under my login is bogus

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 12:37:43 CST

There is a classified listing for a Huber VRB under my BHO username. It is fake. I did not list it. The scammer has also compromised my account and tried to change the email address and login information, but, due to a warning message from BHO, I think I’ve caught it. I reported it to moderators.

—John

Paddy On The Turnpike / arranged by Donald Zepp

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 10:48:53 CST

Here's a fun Clawhammer tune arranged by the great Donald Zepp...Jack

Paddy On The Turnpike

Canadian Fires and Smoke!!!

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 10:18:50 CST

Well, this is the Third year in a row our view has been taken away from us and our house stinks and can’t go outside due to severe poor air quality from the wild fires in Canada.
Woke up this morning at 3:15 am and thought we had a fire n the house. The smell woke me up and panicked. There is even a boating warning on Northern Lake Michigan as visibility on the water is that poor.

Love my Canuck neighbors to da north, but I’m thinking us Yoopers are gonna have to build a wall !!! Any other BHOers being affected by this?
Slammer!!!

There is only one of these! RK-M5 #001 Made in the USA

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 08:50:31 CST

Gorgeous! banjohangout.org/classified/115609

Banjo playing back pain

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 07:33:17 CST

Any advice for minimizing back problems while still wanting to play heavy banjos?

Replacement of guaranteed parts that fail?

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 07:08:49 CST

I have often thought of this scenario - We are all aware that Gibson has a lifetime guarantee. So since Gibson is no longer producing banjos, what happens when the neck warps (a rare occurrence I'm sure, but it does happen) so badly it can't be easily corrected? What happens when the tailpiece should break? Or when a tension hoop or flange might fail? OK - I had heard some years ago that IF your tailpiece should break, and IF you were in fact the original purchaser and had your warranty paperwork in order to prove that, that Gibson would in fact send you another tailpiece, that is, UNTIL they ran out of that particular part. Then they would direct you to purchase another tailpiece from a third party (stewmac, Prucha, Boyd, FQMS, etc.) Submit proof of the purchase, and they might reimburse you. ?? But now since any leftover items and parts that might have been on hand when they stopped producing banjos is long gone, and Gibson is very reluctant or unable to replace any banjo parts, what avenue does someone have to force them to honor the warranty? Just curious.... inquiring minds want to know!

Focal Dystonia study needs banjo players

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 06:44:55 CST

I have been asked to announce that to any banjo players in the vicinity of Duke University consider volunteering with a study of focal Hand dystonia by agreeing to be filmed playing the banjo. They are looking for normal healthy banjo players to develop a control group. See attached flyer. Pay is $25. To apply, contact Dr Bukhari at

MovDisRes@dm.Duke.edu

Neurology.Duke.edu/research/lab-
and-translational-research/Noreen-
Bukhari-Parlakturk-MD-PhD

Thanks!

11" aluminium pot build..

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 05:01:37 CST

I'm pretty sure I can turn an 11" pot on me metal lathe..
As I have been putzin around claw hammer styles as ahposed to finger picking..
I have been lookin for an aluminium banjo pot to build one..
The thought is pipe..or turning one to the specs I want..

Years ago I had a stewmac kit banjo that was ah archtop head pot..
That size but in a flat top version..
Any thoughts or comments are appreciated..
N if you know a source of pipe..please chime in...
I can scour..the Man's Malls around here..(aka junk yards)
Thanks in advance for annah inputs..

Fingerstyle ‘home space’?

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 23:23:09 CST

Finger-style (aka Guitar-style) players are an active but small part of the banjo community with the longest history. There is positive feedback for a designated and sign-posted finger-style home place as an inclusive addition to the Banjo Hangout. As an improvement on the non-specific 'All other styles'. Current topic discussion on the link below:

banjohangout.org/topic/409436

Good Wednesday Morning

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 23:02:10 CST

Good morning from Sweden.

Only grainey out-of-focus pictures you say??

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 13:01:52 CST

Okay, all you doubters/nay-sayers, check this out: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=882698848228741&set=a.115492538282713

"A dash cam image captured by Gregory B. shows an overnight attack on the Kemnay Bridge by an alien ship. Even though the bridge was attacked by an unknown weapon, it was unscathed in early morning checks by CPKC Rail engineers. This shows how strong this bridge was originally built. It has withstood countless hits by semi-trucks and now an attack by aliens.

Gregory was about to drive under the bridge when he saw the alien ship descend and attack the bridge. “I never believed in alien life until now.” He was reported to have said. “I’m just happy I didn’t get probed, but then again it might not have been that terrible an experience!”

RCMP officials could not be reached for comment but released a statement advising that they cannot confirm nor deny the incident had occurred. A Brandon City Police officer was heard laughing nervously when questioned and quickly entered his vehicle and drove away.

If anyone has any further images or dashcam video of the incident they are requested to submit them for authenticity. When we get more details we will update the post."

Don New Spillway bridges

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 12:45:21 CST

Anyone know what has happened with Don New? I have emailed him as well as left him a message here several times in the past 2 weeks and haven’t heard a thing back from him. He has a current listing in the marketplace so appears to still be in business. Is he well, still selling, just hard to get in touch with? Anyone know of another source for 1/2” banjo bridges suitable for antique banjos with Nylgut strings now that Joel Hooks is no longer making them? Thanks—Larry

Current parts suppliers

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 12:04:21 CST

Which are the current sources for folks who want to build their own bluegrass banjo? It used to be easy between Stew Mac, First Quality, Janet Davis

Beatle song on an old Kalamazoo banjo…

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 09:17:03 CST

Enjoy :-)

WTB- Gretsch tailpiece like Don Reno's

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 08:30:16 CST

Looking for a Gretsch tailpiece like the one Don Reno used for many years. Essentially it's the same as a Paramount tailpiece but with Gretsch written on it instead. Doesn't have to be gold plated or in great condition. Thanks!!

How to find melody notes in tab?

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 04:42:40 CST

Would like to hear how others find melody notes in tab. I seem to be able to memorize an entire song relatively quickly with the timing being more or less correct. But, it never sounds right unless I know exactly where the melody notes are. Consequently, even after nearly 3 years of practice I know an embarrassingly small amount of songs...I could have easily memorized a few dozen by now but the majority would be almost unrecognizable. It seems like some melody notes are obvious with others being kind of hidden in a lick or a roll and still others either being absent completely or implied within a chord structure. With most everything I set out to learn thats not music I tend to be hyper-analytical and it has served me well..however, with music that part of my brain seems to shut off and gets caught up in the song making it extremely difficult to figure it out by just listening..and that's assuming I even have an actual recording for the tab I am working on...could really use a little help...so beyond frustrated..

Fret Replacement

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 02:40:40 CST

I have a 1977 Stelling Staghorn that is in dire need of a complete fret replacement.

The frets have been dressed at least once and are worn out..

I should have had them done before Geoff retired.

Does anyone have a recommendation for a good luthier that has experience with installing and dressing stainless frets on banjos?

I have some Evo Gold fret stock from prior to the Russian invasion of Ukraine that I would like to use. Evo Gold installation uses same technique & tools as stainless.

I will be in Central Coast California this week and am willing to hand deliver as far south as San Luis Obispo or an far north as Clear Lake.

Next week I will be in the Portland area and will be able to drive as far north as Seattle or anywhere in western Oregon.

Siminoff (Atascadero), Gryphon (Palo Alto), and Sylvan (Santa Cruz) come to mind...
But, I am open to other luthiers.

Good Tuesday Morning

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 22:50:40 CST

Good morning from Sweden.

Banjo Identification

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 20:42:27 CST

Hi all,

I’m looking to sell my banjo as I have not been using it and I am wondering if anyone could help me identify the model and an approximate price (CAD) of what you think I could sell it for? The banjo is in like new condition, only used a handful of times.

Attached are a few pictures.

Thanks!

Chuck, don't look now, but....

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 20:31:33 CST

.... you have some competition/company/??: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1532480457982505

Stubborn tuner button removal

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 18:04:37 CST

Hi everyone!
I have a question about removing tuner buttons. I have a set of planetary Gotohs which are probably about 10-15 years old. I want to change the tuner buttons (for aesthetic reasons… my banjo is very vain).

A couple of the buttons came off with (what I would consider) a reasonable amount of force, whilst a couple just refused to budge. I could probably get them off with a bit more force, but I felt I should consult the banjo elders first - that’s you guys. Any tips?

I had thought maybe half an hour in the freezer might help, but I don’t want to be the idiot that broke a set of tuners by freezing them without first seeking adequate counsel.

Thanks for your help!

String Gromets for banjo?

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 16:26:25 CST

Hi! This is my first post!

I started playing banjo in November and last week, I attended my local bluegrass festival here in little Norway. I got to talking with this Dutch mandolinist and asked him about the rubber rings behind his bridge. Apparently, they were string gromets. Made to reduce noise. Any one here use them for banjo? Will it be useful for banjo or just ruin the "ring"? If this is something that could work please let me know!

-Mathias

Fairbanks Electric needs new neck-Glenn Weiser

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 15:56:11 CST

Banjo Hive Mind-
I have a student who has a Fairbanks Electric with a deteriorated fretboard. The pot looks good, though. I believe this banjo needs a new neck with a truss rod. So my two questions are 1} can anyone identify the model number, and 2) who is the best person around to build a new neck for this instrument? My concern is that only replacing the fretboard might not prevent the neck from bowing, so I'm thinking a new neck with reproduction inlays and a truss rod would be the best solution here. Photos are attached.
Thanks,
Glenn Weiser

1970s GTR Hearts and Flowers Banjo Demo | Only a Few Hundred Ever Made

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 14:11:43 CST

youtu.be/EpnqkG8-zFQ

Bowed neck alternative repair?

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 13:46:24 CST

I was thinking about how to straighten a bowed neck on vintage banjos with no truss rod.
Conventional method is either heat or take off fingerboard level neck and replace.
I wondered if instead it would be feasible to remove the rimstick clamp the neck straight in a suitable jig and drill a hole the length of the of the neck to take say a 3/8” steel rod set with resin slowly poured in, refit rimstick. Fantasy Island or feasible?
Be pleased to hear your thoughts.

“If You Could Read My Mind” , Gordon Lightfoot, fingerstyle guitar

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 12:30:33 CST

The big 1970 hit for Lightfoot; this arrangement is by YouTuber “lonelypicker”.

youtu.be/m6mU98D0ffE?si=ss2gc9sKXYN2HHsy

Fingerstyle

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 09:58:54 CST

A positive addition to the playing styles section - and the banjo community - would be specific reference to and home for fingerstyle players.

Currently a very small - but active - interest area compared to Bluegrass and clawhammer. But surely warranting specific mention in one of the other sections, even if it does not have a section to itself.

There are a wide range of questions that would be catered for and easily findable by this inclusion: history, vintage banjo repair, style-specific set-up and playing guidance. It might even encourage fingerstyle players to share recordings and notation.

Contextually fingerstyle is the major predecessor banjo culture from which grew today’s banjo activity. Yet the casual visitor to the Hangout today will see no specific top-level mention or signpost -or active support and encouragement - for this beautiful playing style.

Old Banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 09:50:50 CST

Can anyone tell me what I'm looking at here? Just picked it up in an antique window display. Thanks.

How will I live without Intellitouch Tuners: Is there a replacement?

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 08:58:42 CST

I just learned as I do of all things from Google, that the Intellitouch company that has supplied me with Tuners for my instruments since the days of Adam and Eve has gone out of business.

In fact they went out of business some time ago. It is just that I have so many identical tuners and spare parts (what I learned to call the battery door after 3 decades working on buses) that I have not noticed. I am looking for a basic tuner that will simply tell me if a banjo or a guitar is in tune, not one that will tell me the barometic pressure in Florence, Italy, or advise me about what to do about my 401K.

It should be something a senile person nearly 80 years old with dimming eyes even with his glasses, can operate. It would be nice if it used 2032 batteries just like the Intellitouch tuners. It should work on both resonator and open back banjo and on guitars.

I RECOMMEND OTHER HOLDERS OF INTELLITOUCH TUNERS AND EQUIPMENT TO HOLD ON TO WHAT YOU HAVE, AS THEY MAY BECOME COLLECTABLE AND THEIR VALUE MAY INCREASE, AND THIEVES MAY ASSAULT THOSE OF US LEFT WITH THEM.

This is not a joke. I am grateful to have a great wife, good friends, and many bottles of wine to provide support and solace in this period of trials and tribulations.

Thanks