Testing to see if I can start a new discussion, it didn't work a few days ago ..read more

I just posted the American Experience episode of Stephen Foster from 2001, which I found on YouTube.  I was trying to include the text, "I saw this 20+ years ago. I never understood why, when other episodes of American Experience are available for online purchase, this one is not. This morning, I was surprised to stumble upon it on YouTube, however. "  I don't know what went wrong and don't know how to correct or delete it.  Sorry ..read more

I'm working on an old banjo that has unusual shoes. The pot is 3 1/3" deep, the shoes are 2 1/4" long, and the bottoms of the shoes have hooks that grab the bottom of the all-metal (non-ferrous, looks like nickel over brass) pot. As a result, there are no penetrations of the pot, similar to the Whyte Laydie construction. The upper part of the shoes are threaded into the side of the tension hoop. The exterior of the tension hoop has decorative, knurled "frames" between the j-hooks. Does anyone recognize these shoes ? Or the threaded j-hook-to-tensionhoop construction ?   Tnx in advan ..read more

I just got this email message through banjohangout... maybe someone can get this poor fellow's application here approved?: This message was sent to you from jlawjr (jlwebb@colby.edu) via Banjo Hangout: --------------------------------------- Hi, Strumelia, I have been trying to join the minstrelbanjo.ning group. It has been a couple of months and I haven't received a response from the administrator in charge of the website. Do you know who I should contact? Thanks, Jim Webb (jlawjr ..read more

Hello all,    I need advice on strings. I have been using the Aquila Minstrel set but for a classical guitar string for the 4th string. The tone is ok but the strings have a bit more play in them than I would like, even with the bridge moved pretty far back - about 2.5 " away from the holes in the tailpiece. I haven't tried other strings and I would love to know what other people use. I know it is a matter of personal preference. Some people cobble together strings from here and there, including fishing wire.    I'd appreciate knowing how others have managed the balance bet ..read more

This is an interesting video, especially when he gets into making his own recording.  https://youtu.be/wrRfOzhM2AE ..read more

Most of us already know most of this, but it's a pretty good article just the same. It's kinda long, but so is the broad history of our beloved banjo... Black History of the Banjo - The Front Porch https://frontporchcville.org/black-history-of-the-banjo ..read more

I had a feeling that this had already be posted, but can't find it in the archives. The musicians appear at 10 minutes.  https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=dtRiMS34KxQ ..read more

Hi there,    I am selling my Bell Boucher. I don't know how much to ask for it. Is $400 too much? I'm open to suggestions. It's in fine shape - rarely left the house. Trying to upload some photos but I'm not sure it's working. If you're interested I can send some. Thanks much, Judith ..read more

Is there any evidence that the early tutor books were available in Great Britain, when or shortly after, each title was first published in America?  ..read more