Hi Vince, welcome to this forum. We are here to help. If you want to learn early banjo, then you need to start thinking more along clawhammer lines. Getting a tutor or two are great places to start. The Tom Briggs tutor of 1855 is a good place to begin. Do you read tab, or standard music notation? The complexity is that things were written in D/G or E/A, rather than in G/C like they are typically today. Another great resource for getting started are Bob Flesher's (Dr. Horsehair) books. That is where a number of us started. Feel free to ask questions here, we tend to be a very friendly group.

Unless somebody else is on Youtube, demonstrating the Squared Eel, and on BHO making smardastical comments and posting godawful puns ( often with downloaded Google pictures) that's probably me.

Hi Vince
Are yo fron N'awnz? I ask because I lived down there (1513 Polymania st uptown from Lee Circle) from 77-81.
Hi All
when I started playing banjo almost 40 years ago I didn't even know there were styles so I started with clawhammer via seeger and Rosenbaum and have never quite given it up. In a circle of bluegrass banjo players going thru Cripple Creek, frailing it when it was my turn always got smiles and nods. Several months ago I began to get serious about it again and have gotten about half way thru Ken Perlman's "Clawhammer Banjo' book. I also play a few dozen fiddle tunes melodic style and it's interesting to to compare the two. I also like going outside the box, I play some 3 finger rags, classical, and a couple of klezmer tunes. Jack of all trades master of none. When looking to see if there was a cd to go along with the old instructor reprints I found this site via the Banjo Hangout.

Hi Rick! I'm from Baton Rouge, but my dad was from Vacherie. I've got people all over the "Nawlins" area!

Thanks, Vince.  Friends are always good to have.

Thanks for the kind words Vince. I love making them, the only problem is a lack of gourd suppliers here in the U.K ... ive grown 1 of a decent size last summer, im hoping it dries out O.K.

Hi Vince. Thanks for the hand of friendship, gratefully received.

Thank YOU. Do you have recordings to share?

Thanks, Vince:

 

I just listened to 3 of your songs.  I love the sound of your banjo.  What instrument are you playing?  Did you build it yourself?  Guitar is a little too high in the mix to get a good purchase on your sound.  But I have 16 more to watch.  :-)  Thank you for sharing your music with me.

Nice. So true. Strings make a difference. I've just discovered a simulated gut made by Aquilla, I think. I have a set on an ukulele. But I wonder if they make banjo strings. Thank you for sharing your music. 

Ooo. Thank you, Vince!  You just saved me a search I've not had time to do. Greatly appreciated.