Banjo-Mandolin

Jumper · Post by **Jumper** » Tue Apr 18, 2006 4:19 pm

I've owned one, a '20s Gibson, and can confirm that they're truly obnoxious. I sold it to a Scotsman who promised not to bring it back to this side of the pond again. I've talked a couple of friends out of owning one since.

If you can't convince her to get rid of it, see if she'll try taking one string off of each course. That makes them slightly less obnoxious.

Slightly.

turtleneck · Post by **turtleneck** » Wed Apr 19, 2006 8:30 am

I'd like to chime in with crookedtune. I've heard great mandolin-banjo players at some sessions.

I have one too that I play occationally, I've strung it with light strings meant for those classical potato bug mandolins which gives it a great sound.

The fact that I own one may make me biased, but I think that when played well, they are a great addition to a session.

Ro3b · Post by **Ro3b** » Wed Apr 19, 2006 11:31 am

how 'bout it, Ro3b?

HAH! Actually, I've lost my copy of the McKenna tape. Did he actually record any tracks with the Godawful Instrument? I can't remember. Maybe I've supressed the memory.

rh · Post by rh » Wed Apr 19, 2006 12:45 pm

Ro3b wrote:
how 'bout it, Ro3b?
HAH! Actually, I've lost my copy of the McKenna tape. Did he actually record any tracks with the Godawful Instrument? I can't remember. Maybe I've supressed the memory.

he did record with Gaffney, though i don't know for certain if any of them have the banjo-mandolin. here's one of them together, Gaffney's playing tenor:
http://juneberry78s.com/sounds/Mckenna% ... 20Away.mp3

the tenor banjo IIRC was tuned higher in those days, either CGDA or DAEB, so sometimes Gaffney plays an octave down and sometimes more in the dreaded banjo-mandolin range.

here's one which sounds suspiciously like banjo-mandolin, though:
http://sg1.allmusic.com/cg/smp.dll?link ... d&r=20.asx

Rick C. · Post by **Rick C.** » Wed Apr 19, 2006 12:58 pm

rh wrote:
Ro3b wrote:
how 'bout it, Ro3b?

here's one which sounds suspiciously like banjo-mandolin, though:
http://sg1.allmusic.com/cg/smp.dll?link ... d&r=20.asx

Yeah, that's um... unique.

Rick

rh · Post by rh » Wed Apr 19, 2006 1:04 pm

some eye candy for the Banjo-Mandolin aficionados

made for Maurice Chevalier, so it says.

here's a bit of detail. how'dya like to have this little lad staring at you in seisiún:

P.S.: play the McKenna/Gaffney clip for full effect
http://sg1.allmusic.com/cg/smp.dll?link ... d&r=20.asx

Rick C. · Post by **Rick C.** » Wed Apr 19, 2006 1:45 pm

Whoa...

Congratulations · Post by **Congratulations** » Wed Apr 19, 2006 1:47 pm

That is the most revolting thing I've ever seen.

I like it.