James Buckley's Banjo

[Rob MacKillop]

I've been re-reading Buckley's Method of 1860, and have noticed things that never really registered with me before, especially his banjo...

 

The cover shows him playing what looks like an Ashborn with apparently ten frets - impossible to say if they are raised or flush. But inside he discusses 'Directions for making Banjos'. Here are a few facts and figures drawn from his comments:

 

34 inches from edge of drum to nut

Fingerboard 1.5 inches wide at nut

14 inch drum

3.25 inches deep

14 brackets, or 'screws'

Iron band 'about the substance of a ten-cent piece'

 

He also mentions the use of a capo - the first citation for a banjo capo?

 

Under 'How to Fret the Banjo he mentions the Rule of the 18, but also mentions the partial second fret. Importantly, he says the frets must be raised and made of wire. This seems a very early reference for raised frets, don't you think?

 

Despite not mentioning fingerstyle playing, there are pieces which seem to call for it. One piece even includes the words, 'Pick this part' and later, 'Strike this part'.

 

Overall it is an extraordinarilly progressive book.

 

Anyone seen a fretted Ashborn with a 14'' head?

[Tim Twiss]

I love this book. It certainly is "the kitchen sink" when it comes to style. This book seems unclear where the pieces intended for fretted/unfretted, and also stroke/fingerstyle are separated. Obviously, they go both ways, but I think he was advancing toward difficult material requiring frets. I have played most of the tunes in both styles. The cover itself is a statement, with his fretted instrument. I guess this is both a blessing and a curse.