Hill Country Acoustic Camp (HCAMP)

Submitted by BobbyC. on 2/9/2016

Overall Comments

This was my first camp of any kind so my review may be different than someone else.

If you live in Texas or close and are looking for a good camp, I cannot recommend this more. I played in bands for 15 years but have been out of it for 25 years and needed to get comfortable before I ventured back into the jam scene and this was just the ticket.

Of course with Alan Munde there, how could you go wrong. Also Eddie Collins who is a great banjo teacher as well. Both were as down to earth as you could ask for and open to just about anything banjo.

An added treat was getting to jam with the likes of Billy Bright, Dale Morris and a real surprise, Jeff Plankenhorn on Dobro. What a great picker and just great guy, as they all were.

The registration process was a bit odd as I thought I was booking a private room then found out it was double occupancy so I would have had to pay double to have my wife with me. Once I figured it out, I just booked a room offsite and HCAMP refunded the money I paid for the room.

Basically it's instrument classes in the mornings, structured jams in the afternoons and wide open jamming in the evenings. If you are looking to become comfortable playing with other instruments, you'll be at the right place.

Got some nice little treats like stickers, a swiss army knife and some rags for cleaning your instrument. The facility is great, it's an old resort but built out of rocks like many things in Kerville Tx. Deer everywhere. They have camp spots but it's basically a parking lot with hookups. Okay for a self contained trailer or motorhome, not so much for a popup or tent, but is just fine if you don't want to pay for a higher priced room.

All in all, I would, and will, do it again and highly recommend it.

www.hcamp.org

 

 

 

Overall Rating: 10

Mutes: Ultimate Banjo Mute

Submitted by BobbyC. on 12/25/2010

Where Purchased: Janet Davis Music

Overall Comments

I've never used a mute before but I have to say this thing is really cool. Not only for the muting but the new sound the banjo makes with it, almost like a guitar. I've actually come up with some neat ideas based on the sound. This may be the case for any banjo mute, but this one works, slides on easily and stays on, doesn't affect my right hand and quiets the banjo nicely.

Overall Rating: 10

Texas Music & Video (Alan Munde): Bluegrass Banjo Favorites

Submitted by BobbyC. on 8/25/2009

Where Purchased: almundesbanjocollege.com

Overall Comments

I've been looking for intermmediate/advanced DVD's for a while and after quite a few dissapointments, I believe I have found a gem here. Mr. Munde will push you to a higher level of playing. If he can't then you probably don't need any lessons.

Not a super high quality production, just great versions of classic songs with detailed instruction and tab. I feel as though I get to sit down with him and really delve into his great style of playing.

If your looking for something to really push your scruggs/reno/melodic playing, you can't pass this one up.

Overall Rating: 10

Texas Music and Video (Alan Munde): Festival Favorites for Five String Banjo

Submitted by BobbyC. on 8/25/2009

Where Purchased: almundesbanjocollege.com

Overall Comments

I'm basically repeating a review from another of Mr. Munde's DVD's as I could only put one title in each reveiw.

I've been looking for intermmediate/advanced DVD's for a while and after quite a few dissapointments, I believe I have found a gem here. Mr. Munde will push you to a higher level of playing. If he can't then you probably don't need any lessons.

Not a super high quality production, just great versions of classic songs with detailed instruction and tab. I feel as though I get to sit down with him and really delve into his great style of playing.

If your looking for something to really push your scruggs/reno/melodic playing, you can't pass this one up.

Overall Rating: 10