For enthusiasts of early banjo

A Significant bit in the '93 Converse

OK, now that we have all looked thorough the 1893 Banjo Made Easy by FBC (at least those of us who care about such things), and have read the ad description and introduction, it is clear that even at that time the ABM was a tad intimidating for some.

So a few years later he published this, containing many of the same pieces, yet not so elaborate, and tossing the banjo style section all together.

There is some fun stuff, but it aint the ABM.

Yet this copy in particular is very significant in ending a long standing debate. A point discussed that I will now readily admit to being incorrect in my stance and conclusion. That point is pitch.

I've long held fast to my opinion that our tubs should be pitched in "A," rather than the "G" of Briggs' fame. Even with the fact that I really like the Briggs' method pitch and it's thunder, and that it is comfortable for what little singing I attempt, I have thought that that fourth should be higher. This was mostly based on Al Baur's writings and that most banjo music published in the US before 1907 was in "A" notation.

Recently I have begun to see the other side of the argument. A comment by Stewart about the size of the banjo having an affect on the choice of pitch, similar comments by others of and before his era...

Then I saw this...

Reference URL: http://elib.hamilton.edu/u?/spe-ban,820

Written sometime after the book was published. It shows that without a doubt the "G" tuning could still be in use. After all, why would it have been penciled in? B♭, no question and fairly common for playing with brass bands. Horace Weston was fond of this pitch. "C," well we know for documented fact that it was the common pitch just after 1880. "A," of course, was still in use (see the Lansing book from the same collection regarding "A").

But there it is, clear as sunlight, the old "Briggs' tuning."

Ladies and Gents, keep 'dem tubs tubby!

I stand corrected.

Rant over.

Use Thimbles

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