Test on Minsterel Tambo Homemade tambo,

Comment by Tim Twiss on March 22, 2013 at 9:57am

Videos are tough to judge a sound (compression), but it sure looks cool...nice work and big jingles.

Comment by James Pentecost on March 22, 2013 at 10:06am

It sounds good,Steve. We need a tambourine for our local gatherings. We also need someone who wants to learn how to play it.

Comment by Steve Jeter on March 22, 2013 at 10:08am

yep James,  If I can figure out the basics,, maybe I can show somebody enough to play along with me some.

Comment by James Pentecost on March 22, 2013 at 10:35am

I have really enjoyed learning to play the bones although I still have a long way to go. I even like playing the Jawbone. I have not yet developed much enthusiasm for the tambourine. I guess I don't want to be relegated to the percussion section on every tune when I really want to play the banjo. But, playing the bones or tambourine does allow you to participate on tunes that you haven't learned yet on the banjo. 

Comment by Strumelia on March 22, 2013 at 12:57pm

I think it's wonderful Steve!!  I love the sound of a good tambourine...and listen to the Camptown Shakers for a terrific example.   :)  Your tambo looks ancient and very proper already!

I'm no expert at all, but i might suggest you play around with changing up the emphasis just as a practice to gain more control and awarnesse of beat emphasis issues...In this video, you have the jingles always sounding on the 3rd beat of each 4 beat measure.  try seeing if you can switch it around to sounding the jingles on the 1st beat of each 4 beat measure.  In other words, right now your jingling is on the

"Juba THIS and Juba THAT"....see if you can change it to jingle on "JU-ba this and JU-ba that".  I'm not saying that's where the jingle part belongs, but simply that it'd be a good exercise in gaining tambo control and hearing where the beats get emphasized.

I have some tambos here, but I lack the time and self discipline to practice them...besides they are all cheap and modern looking, not very inspiring!   :(

Comment by Rob Morrison on March 22, 2013 at 1:11pm

In terms of looks, it's probably not best in show, but it sounds right and actually looks a lot like the photos of 19th century tambos a I posted a while back.  You get the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval for authenticity--Rob.

Comment by Steve Jeter on March 22, 2013 at 1:12pm

thanks Strumelia,  I will try that ,  And oh yes King on the Camptown Shakers is what inspired me to make this.

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