Pete, welcome to the group.  I believe I bought a copy of you book, "Scales and Arpeggios for the 5-string banjo" back in about 1978.  That was quite a monumental work, on a scale of the Converse 1886 Analytical!

I may have the year wrong.  It was sometime there in the late 70's/early 80's.  I was a bluegrass fanatic back then, couldn't have cared less about clawhammer.  Now my love of history has led me to spend most of my time with the ol' stroke style.  A trifle ironic, I suppose.  I didn't realize you played historic banjo, I always thought of you as a "modernist."  It's great to have you here.  We have a Minstrel Banjo Gathering coming up in June in Maryland.  Join us us you can.

Can you tell me some string gauges which are commonly used by

minstrel banjoists? I'm sure some like heavier, some lighter,

and there are multiple non-metal string options, too. Generally, the

pitch I'd use is dG'DF#A. 

     And if you are at all interested in purchasing the newest 

edition of "Scales and Arpeggios for Five String Banjo", I'll

offer a special discount.

     While I embrace the full spectrum of the banjo playing

art, my specialization is the lute, violin, keyboard and 'cello

music of J. S. Bach. 

    Thanks for this great site. I look forward to more interaction.

Peter W. Pardee