Wild Jimbo's Banjo Ranch

Times are Tough

2011-12-11T23:59:00.009-05:00

As the economy around us seems to go from bad to worse it's important to be aware of activity that could impact you financially. Let's face it, times are tough and many people will resort to drastic measures to help themselves.

So begins my story...

I had the recent surprise of a box in the mail. I like getting stuff in the mail. Who doesn't? However, I wasn't expecting anything that would arrive in a box. Sure enough though, here it was. About the size of a shoe box it was. I opened it, and I was not surprised to actually find a shoe box inside. I wasn't expecting a bright pink shoe box, but truthfully I wasn't expecting anything, so what the heck, let's explore further. I opened the box.

Sure, because of the pink box I was expecting ladies shoes. I really didn't have more of an expectation than that. What I got was clearly not the sort of shoes that I'd chose for myself - obviously.

These were a black velvet, five inch heel pumps studded with metal spikes. They're a size 7.5(US).

Now, had I in a fit of insanity ordered these and forgot about it they were clearly not my size, nor were they the right size for Tina. It then occurred to me that maybe someone else had access to my credit card. I checked my wallet and the card was still there. Good, it's not lost. So, I called the credit card company.

After a short conversation with the customer service representative I determined that someone had been using my card for a variety of things. There were all sorts of Blackberry apps purchased (I don't own a Blackberry), there was also a subscription to Hulu, Netflix and Columbia House.

I was glad I trusted my initial instinct and called the credit card company. Although there was paper work to be filed it was minimized by me catching it early. I should also mention that I was lucky that Shoe Dazzle decided to ship to the address listed on the credit card. That was the big tip off.

A couple of days later I got a shipment from Columbia House. It was then I guessed that the person who was using my card number might be doing their Christmas shopping since they had ordered three of the same DVD. Again, it's nice to see that Columbia House ships to the address registered with the credit card.

As amusing as it was to get a pair of spiky high heel pumps in the mail there was a lesson learned here. That being that these sorts of things can happen to any of us. We're all susceptible to this sort of fraud. Friends, please keep an eye on your credit and debit card transactions. If you don't your Christmas spending might come to a quick halt when you discover your account has been emptied or your credit card maxed out. And while both scenarios are fairly easily resolved, it's not something that you want to have surprise you during your shopping trip, or when you're paying for a meal.

I guess the next thing I have to figure out is what I'm going to do with these shoes...

I needed a PA for my School Program...

2011-08-25T19:07:00.006-05:00

...and some very kind people chipped in to help me make the purchase!

Everyone who supported this deserves recognition and more thanks and more appreciation than I'm able to sufficiently express. Due to the generosity of others my school program is even more versatile now!

Thanks to the donations I was able to purchase the Fishman SoloAmp 220 that I was hoping for.

Special thanks to Karyn T., Doug D. , Bart C., Chad W., Tedd L., David M., Hobert P., Edna P., Mike L., Danny M., Patrick S., James C..

Extra Special Thanks to Butch L. for your extra special support!

Twenty Five Years

2011-08-23T17:18:00.003-05:00

This past August 16th Tina and I celebrated our 25th Wedding Anniversary. There were no festivities, so please don't think your invitation may have been lost, or worse yet we decided to cut you from our list of invitees. We had a quiet day at Red Clay State Park.

Why Red Clay? It was one of our regular places to go when we were dating. It's close by, it's quiet, and it's free. It gave us plenty of opportunity just to walk and talk and get to know each other. Maybe that's the secret of a successful marriage. People often ask those of us that have been married for a while what the secret is. Maybe it's just simply getting to know one another.

So that's going to be my advice to dating couples. Get to know each other. Spend some time hiking and walking together at many of the great State and National parks. You'll save money, and you'll learn a lot about the person you're with. Keep it simple.

Recording King Madison

2011-08-14T23:36:00.003-05:00

Way back in February Greg Rich and I started discussing the possibility of me becoming a Recording King endorsing artist. I played a few of their banjos and was seriously impressed. They were needing someone to endorse the RK-R35, so I agreed to give it a whirl.

The banjo arrived and after some setup it's a great banjo. Check it out:

I don't like to ask...

2011-05-25T15:51:00.005-05:00

...but sometimes my heart gets me into things that my head (and wallet) can't figure out easily.

This is, however, something I really believe in.

So here's the pitch...

Over the past two years I've been working on a school presentation related to the history of the 5-string banjo.

It's a fun program and it's suitable for a social studies curriculum as well as a music curriculum. It's a flexible format, but at the max it could be about 1.5 hours. Now, I realize that time doesn't fit a lot of classroom schedules and so the material can be condensed to suit a teacher's needs.

So, why am I asking for help?

I'm a musician on a mission. I've not charged for any of my presentations, and I hope to keep the cost of doing this at a minimum - for the schools and for myself. I try to avoid too many cliches, but this is a labor of love.

Those of you that know me know I'm pretty well set for banjos - though I can already see I need to expand my collection by at least 2 instruments to cover more history visually. However, as important as that is, first I need a small PA that is easy to setup and transport.

I have a wonderful friend that will allow me to purchase the PA at a very generous discount. (You know who you are.) Never the less it's not cheap, and once I tell my friend I want it, well, I'm compelled to keep my end of the deal.

The good news: school is out! That means I'll have time to scrape up the cash before school starts back. Hopefully, I'll have paid for the system by then!

Oh, if you're wondering what I have in mind, it's the Fishman SoloAmp SA220. It packs into one bag, and will do everything I need it to for most classrooms and libraries. The retail price is over $1500, and I'm thrilled that I have means of getting it at a good discount. I'm only trying to cover a portion of the cost.

I realize times are hard and finances are tight for everyone. My situation probably isn't much different than yours. However, even without anyone chipping in it's something I'll have to purchase if I plan to continue doing these presentations - and I have no intention of giving up on this.

Finally, thanks for taking time to read my plea for help. Anything that you can chip in is going to help get the banjo's marvelous history presented in a fun and positive way to school children. How can that be not a worthwhile cause?

If you can afford it, and would like to see this sort of program feel free to use the widget below.

Five Years of Pinewood Derby

2011-01-29T17:00:00.003-05:00

If you've followed this blog you've read about the Pinewood Derby races we've done since 2007. Today marks our last official Pinewood Derby with Samuel as a Cub Scout. He crosses over to Boy Scouts in a few months, so if he has another car it will just be for fun (not that we've not had fun making and racing these cars).

Over the past five years we've learned a lot about making cars, and we've learned a lot about sportsmanship. We've helped other kids with their cars just to watch them smoke us down the track. We've sometimes felt slighted by odd glitches in the timing or scoring of races. We've often felt quite proud of ourselves when we've built a racer that not only won, but did so by a significant margin.

We've learned (and I say we, because it's not just Samuel involved; it's me too) to hold our heads high and be proud of ourselves regardless of the outcome. We've learned to congratulate others when they win, and encourage others when they don't. We've learned to help others with our knowledge, tools, and materials even if it weakens our advantage.

We've learned to make do with very limited tools and limited access to tools. We've also learned to make do with our limited skill with tools. I think we've learned that it's not always car, it's the heart that goes into it.

Even had we not learned any of that, we've become closer as a family. We've become team. We've learned to support each other and make sure we all feel proud of the accomplishments of another team member. We've learned that by doing our best - even when we don't feel like it - we give strength to those around us (the team/family), and we can look back years from now and be proud.

I'll miss these races. That said, here's a short slide show of the last five years of Pinewood Derby.

Large and Medium are the Same

2010-07-08T12:08:00.005-05:00

I don' t work in the fast food industry. Oh, I have, but it's been years ago. I do, however, work with people and it's always proven to be in my best interest to be able to figure out what someone wants based on the information they're giving me. One example that comes to mind was having to figure out what "15 minutes of banjo noise" meant. In my day job I'm often faced with deciphering comments like, "The thing that I click doesn't let me click it". Most of the time I'm pretty good at figuring stuff out. That's me, and I'm fairly insensitive and pretty much clueless most of the time, but I manage.

Anyway, back to fast food.

Yesterday, as a treat, my wife and I stopped at the local Sonic Drive-In for a couple of Sonic Blasts. It's basically ice cream with the candy or cookie of your chosing whipped into a nice smooth treat with some whipped cream on top. It's enough calories for the rest of the weekend and enough carbs for the rest of the month, but what the heck. Right?

So, I pull up and place our regular order. "I'd like one large Butterfinger Blast and one medium M&M's Blast. That's all. Thanks." I'm not a trained professional, but I've placed that order enough times to know it by heart. It soon became obvious that I've been using the improper terminology.

Immediately the lady on the other end of the intercom informed me, "The large and the medium are the same." I look back at the menu and clearly see two different sizes, but maybe I should pursue this conversation further.

So I ask for confirmation, "They're the same? Don't you have two sizes?"

"Yes, the medium is the same as the large." She replied.

Then she tried to explain, but honestly I was mentally hung up at the large and the medium being the same.

"Are you sure?" I asked. "I've placed this same order before and never realized that they were the same."

"It's always been like this." She said.

"Alrighty then. I'd like one large Butterfinger Blast and one large M&M's Blast."

Sure enough, we get the two large blasts with no hassle from that point on. But being curious I figured to look at the menu again.

Ah ha! I see my error. Maybe for the neophyte it wasn't exactly obvious to them that I was attempting to order two sizes - one larger, one smaller. Also in my defense I've grown accustomed to not using the word "small" at fast food joints based on years of experience with the varying cup sizes and no standardization from place to place. Never-the-less I thought it was pretty obvious that I wanted two different sizes. Heck, I could have said "big" and "not quite as big" or even something like "gargantuan" and "minuscule". I'd hope my point was made.

But alas, I didn't use the proper terminology. "Regular" was the word she wanted me to use, and I got the feeling she was proud of the fact that she was able to up-size me due to my ignorance.

Not sure what it all means, of if I even care. I certainly know it doesn't matter much. I did, however, learn that at my local Sonic the large and medium are the same. So, from now on you can bet I'll be ordering the medium, but please, put it in the large cup.

Fiddlin' Bob & Banjer Jim

2010-06-02T10:10:00.002-05:00

A while back Bobby Burns and I started recording some fiddle and banjo duets. That project is finally done, and it's available for download at CDBaby. We both really hope you'll enjoy it! We certainly enjoyed recording it.

All the tunes were recorded at Wilborn's Music in Ringgold, Georgia. We recorded in a live setting direct to 2 tracks and finished up with no overdubs, or any other sneaky studio trickery, so we're proud to present this audio snapshot of ourselves for your listening amusement.

For now you can get it as a download at CDBaby, but I'm told it will be on iTunes and variety of other services. I'll keep you posted. I have just a handful of physical copies, and even fewer that we initialed and numbered. If you might want one of those you'll have to track me down. Until then i hope you'll be happy with the downloads.

Are you ready to learn some old-time banjo?

2010-03-23T17:24:00.005-05:00

I'll be teaching at Steve Kaufman's Acoustic Kamp again this year (June 13-19) and I can hardly wait! I've got ideas to share and you can have my attention all week. It only takes a moment to register.

Be sure to check out the online brochure for more detailed information.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

-=Jim

Banjo Mutes

2010-03-12T14:33:00.004-05:00

I've never practiced with a mute. Oh sure, I own a couple, and I'll use them from time to time for a different sound or effect, but I just don't practice with one.

Now, I know you're probably saying, "But my situation requires a mute... my wife... my kids... my neighbors..." Yes, I get that. Really I do. Thing is, my life probably isn't much different. That said, I still don't use a mute to practice. Am I just a big old meany that tells my family to stuff it when I'm practicing? No. I'm considerate, but I also have practice goals, and using a mute interferes with my own personal goals.

See, for me, it's never been just about the notes. Let me reiterate: it's never been just about memorizing and playing back strings of notes. No, for me, it's always been about the whole thing - the three T's if you'll allow me to use that cliche (you know, Tone, Taste, Timing). It was never enough - even in the beginning - to be able to play a roll/tune/whatever. It had to sound right too. From day one I was concerned with tone (though listening to many older recordings I made along the way makes me wonder just what I was hearing back then). I was, then as I am now, concerned with dynamics. When I listened to my heroes on their recordings or live I could tell that while I might know every single note they played, there was more to it than just the notes. I knew it was the tone and dynamics. Practicing with a mute didn't allow me to learn that.

So, you're asking, "Jim, just when or where do you practice?" I practice when the other people around me are awake and moving around. If someone is watching a movie, or studying, I don't practice. I always have the option of going to another room if I need to. I've also been known to practice in the evenings - even when people are asleep - but it's rare, and only if I'm tucked away somewhere in the house out of direct earshot of anyone that might be disturbed.

Now, don't think I've not considered that maybe I'm lucky when it comes to practicing when I need to. However, as a kid, my parents never discouraged me from playing - ever. I was never told that I needed to be quieter, nor was I sent outside. I even remember on long road trips riding in the backseat of the car practicing my banjo. Maybe my folks were gluttons for punishment, or maybe they liked me enough to tolerate my playing. In college I practiced in my dorm room - never once did anyone complain. I got married in 1986, and I'm still married to the same - obviously patient - woman. She's never once indicated that maybe I should stop practicing. She understood from the very beginning that I'm a banjo player, and being such a thing requires a bit of effort. My son doesn't seem to mind either. Perhaps it's because he grew up around it?

Finally, you may be wondering if I'm recommending that you shouldn't use a mute? Well, no, not really; you can use one if you want. I'm just suggesting that maybe the benefits of practicing without one outweigh the reasons to use one.

2010 Awana Grand Prix

2010-03-07T17:37:00.004-05:00

This is our third year for Awana Grand Prix at The First Baptist Church of Chatsworth. We had a great turnout and a lot of fun. We had hot dogs, chips, and all sorts of refreshments, but best of all we had a good, fair, and fun race.

We figured the competition would be tough this year, and we figured right. The cars looked good and were every bit as fast as you might have expected, and the top cars were all very fast. Each division had some close races and the kids' excitement was obvious. You know races are close when the time separating racers are measured in the ten thousandths of a second (that's .0001 if you were wondering).

Samuel won each of his races, and placed first in his division. He also had the best time overall, and also holds the track record. This makes our 3rd time to win the Grand Prix, so we're betting that next year the competition will be even tougher. We'll be ready!

2010 Cub Scouts Pinewood Derby

2010-02-27T19:41:00.002-05:00

This is just a short note to brag a little about Samuel's win for his pack. He was overall champion.

His care this year was a very sleek, lightning fast, silver and blue speeder. We had an opportunity to run it against last year's car (which was over all champ in the pack and 5th in District). The silver sliver was noticeably faster. I think we dialed this one in just right.

The race this year was fun, and everyone had a blast. The kids and the parents enjoyed the racing and the fellowship. I got to see an old friend and that's always great.

Dads & Moms, get your boys involved in scouting. This year marks 100 years. If you're not involved you really need to be. Don't just take my word for it. Visit your local Cub Scout pack or Scout Troop and talk to the leaders, boys and their parents. For those of you with Cub Scout age boys (Kindergarten - 6th grade) Samuel and I will be looking for you at the Pinewood Derby races. :)

Tolerance for Courageous Sucking

2009-12-18T09:29:00.001-05:00

It's been a while since I've posted anything, so today I thought I'd drag up something from the archives from over on the Banjo Lounge Blog.

I found some pretty good wisdom. There are things that you should know. You might even know these things. We're often needing to be reminded of them.

The following quotes are from "Photography, and the Tolerance for Courageous Sucking."

I accept upfront that the improvements ... will be slow, incremental, and, largely undetectable to anybody but me — a fact that’s never more painfully clear than when I swoon over the work of the more talented friends who inspire me...

...as far as I can tell, dedication to the process can’t help but make you a better photographer — or a better whatever, for that matter.

Nobody likes feeling like a noob, especially when you’re getting constant pressure on all sides to never stick out in an unflattering way. And, in this godforsaken just-add-Wikipedia era of make-believe insight and instant expertise, it’s natural to start believing you must never suck at anything or admit to knowing less than everything — even when you’re just starting out. Clarinets should never squawk, sketch lines should never be visible, and dictionaries are just big, dumb books of words for cheaters and fancy people. Right?

Good stuff, eh? Applies to so many things, including the banjo.

Go read the article at Merlin Mann's site 43 Folders. Oh, if you're offended by a "bad word" or three, then consider this your warning. Skip over those words, replace them in your mind with some other word, but read the article.

-=Jim

Playing the Banjo?

2009-05-30T17:01:00.003-05:00

Songs? Technique? Fundamentals?

Yes... but.

I think folks get in too big of a hurry in general. Very few seem to really spend anywhere near the time they should polishing and refining even the simplest things they know. Sure, that sort of thing takes a while, but the results are worth it.

Knowing a few things, understanding why those things work, and how to take them apart and reconstruct is essential, and that's not something you learn by going from song to song to song - or roll to roll to roll.

For a clawhammer player just being able to play a bum-ditty or a basic drop thumb pattern isn't the end of the process. The same applies to a Bluegrass player; 32154215 isn't the end of that roll. You really need to know how to take those pieces apart and move things around. Memorizing patterns really doesn't get you there.

Wax on! Wax Off! Repetition is essential. Listening is essential. Take your time and have a finished product that you'll be proud of. Not only that, you'll have gained skills that you can utilize when you move to the next tune. Do that enough and you'll have skills that will help you in the jam when those tunes come up you've never heard before.

An analogy, and I'll shut up...

Imagine you have to build a step stool. What sort of tools do you need? I'd say for a beginner you could use a handsaw, a hand drill, screwdriver, and a combination square. Mind you, it won't be the most ornate step stool, but it would be recognizable as one. Furthermore if you built a couple hundred of them they'd look pretty sharp. You know, one could spend their life in pursuit of this sort of perfection right here - taking a few simple tools and becoming a master of them. Others like to try new things.

So, they buy a router. Suddenly there are a lot more options and you can do things that you just couldn't have done before. Your step stool now has nice rounded edges and the joining edges look great.

Some folks wind up building a nice wood shop with all sorts of tools: planers, joiners, table saws, band saws, and even a CNC lathe. :)

Imagine how fancy your step stool could be.

The tools, however, are only part of the equation. You need knowledge of each tool and a lot of practice.

Same goes for your banjo playing.

You have to decide. Do you want to be the guy with the huge shop? Do you want to be the master of a few tools?

It's totally up to you. Do you want to be Norm Abram or Roy Underhill? Or maybe you'd just be happy being Bob Vila doing a bathroom demolition? ;)

Spit. Polish. Repeat!

Netflix - It's a Love-Hate Thing

2009-05-04T20:41:00.006-05:00

A little over 2½ years ago I signed up for Netflix. It was a joyous moment. I imagined all the cool movies I could have delivered right to my door. I made my queue of about 150 movies and sat by the mailbox. Today I got my 300th DVD from Netflix.

Without going back to look, I don't remember the first movie I got, but I'm sure it was great. (Okay, I went and looked. It was The Lake House). I've watched all sorts of stuff: westerns, dramas, documentaries, comedies, concerts, and all sorts of other things - things I'd probably not have bothered renting from a regular movie rental place. It was just so easy to click the "Add" button and have the DVD added to my queue. The things I wanted right now I moved to the top. The things that didn't matter I let sit quietly in the queue until they showed up in my mail box.

The joy didn't last long though. Oh, it wasn't Netflix's fault - not directly. Sure, I think that since they're sending out the DVDs they may be responsible, and I'll go into how they deal with their end of the problem later. The problem - scratched and broken DVDs. Broken ones are really rare, and I blame the USPS for that stuff. I expected a broken one from time to time based on my experience with the USPS. However, the scratched ones are my main gripe.

Just what the heck are the other Netflix users doing with these DVDs? Some of them look as if they've been used as an air-hockey puck at the local poolhall & gameroom. Seriously, how does this happen? Do they drop them and the scuff them across the floor when trying to pick them up? Do they put sandpaper skids in the tray of their DVD players? Are the other Netflix users using them for dinnerware? I don't get it. Do people really just abuse these discs because they think it doesn't matter? None of my personal DVDs have scratches, why do these?

Message to other Netflix users: Stop screwing up my DVDs before I get to watch them!

It's very irritating to be a 3rd of the way through a show to have everything freeze up or skip. At that point I usually remind myself that I should have probably made sure it was clean beforehand. So now I go through the process of ejecting the movie, cleaning the disc, starting the movie again and trying to get back to where it got stuck or jerky; all the while hoping that it will work this time.

Most of the time I can get the DVD to work. Sometimes I have to skip forward a bit to get to a working section of the movie. That's anonther aggravation, because I paid to watch the whole thing; if I wanted to miss parts of a movie I could have gone to the theater and got up to go to the restroom or get more popcorn just as the "best part" comes on.

So that's the "hate" part of the relationship. Sure, like any sort of endeavor there are bad parts. All in all, that's probably the worst of it, and Netflix is pretty nice about resolving the problem. You just log in, tell them the movie doesn't work and they'll send you a new one out. Of course you lose that day, but at least they don't make you send the defective one back before they send out a (hopefully) working copy.

Netflix is a great idea. In a perfect world it's a perfect solution to getting the movies I want to see. In a not-so-perfect world, it's a not-so-perfect solution, but I'm happy and I've saved a little money. I've also watch a lot more DVDs; I've considered turning off cable because of it too.

Well... that's probably enough of a commercial for Netflix. I'm not one to rant or rave about much, but did want to share.

Wrong Number

2009-04-19T15:39:00.017-05:00

The following is an all day conversation that took place between myself and a stranger that sent me a text message. I'm not quite sure where this went wrong, but for whatever reason, my initial attempts to tell the "texter" that he had the wrong number didn't go as planned.

I imported the conversation from my phone and converted it to a format that I can use here, but the spelling or lack of spelling is all original. I couldn't make this up if I tried. :) I made one or two minor edits and I changed the names, but nothing that changes the dialog.

I'm getting in the car for lunch, it's 1:25pm on Friday, and I get the following text.

Him -- 1:25pm - Was up this is Shane do u wont 2b buddey if so text back if not dont but dont tell diane please.

I should probably translate that, but I think you can figure it out. I did.

Anyway, I ignored it. Figured if I didn't respond back he'd get the idea, and check his number. I was wrong. Almost an hour later I get another message.

Him -- 2:17pm - U dont wont 2be frands

Frands? Yes, I live in the South. I responded:

Me -- 02:18pm -no

I hoped that would do it. The next message I got gave me hope that it was over.

Him -- 02:19pm - Cool

I was wrong. In a few minutes I got the following:

Him -- 02:31pm - Do u wont me 2 lose ur number

To which I responded

Me -- 02:32pm - Since i have no idea who you are, yes.

The next round of text took an interesting turn.

Him -- 02:50pm - U going 2 tell on me

Me -- 02:53pm - Why would i? I don't know you.

Him -- 03:35pm - U can get 2 know me by text me

Me -- 03:36pm - Rather not

Him -- 03:50pm - Dam y not your somking ass hot we would be frands i have a sweet boat i go 2 the lake all the time iam not a bad person iam realy cool

Now, I'm a nice looking guy (my mom says so). But "somking ass hot" has, as far as I know, never been used to describe me. When I showed this to some friends and to Tina they all laughed. So much for my ego. Anyway, on with the story...

When he mentioned the boat, I was reminded of an old joke so I responded

Me -- 04:00pm - Send pic of boat

He sent me a picture of the boat!

Him -- 04:04pm - dont seen 2 her

I can only assume he doesn't want me to send it to Diane. He's apparently worried.

Him -- 04:28pm - So u going 2 black male me with my pic lets see your pic
Him -- 04:42pm - Did u not like pic
Me -- 04:44pm - nice boat.

Now here's the segue into him asking me out. I say me, but I'm guessing he really doesn't know it's me... unless he does, which I'm hoping he didn't, but you never know. Anyway, I figure, he had his chance to terminate our "relationship," but since he didn't I figured I could play along a little.

Him -- 04:45pm - I here u leav close 2 the lake
Me -- 05:17pm - Close enough
Him -- 05:29pm - Yal iam go 2mor
Me -- 05:31pm - What time
Him -- 05:41pm - If the kids r mean and u need more money let me know u like fishing
Me -- 05:44pm - More into tubing or swimming, but fishing is ok too
Him -- 05:45pm - Litt cold 4 that unles ur crazy
Me -- 05:54pm - Been known to be crazy
Him -- 06:02pm - So r u telling me u wont 2 go

At this point I figure it's a good idea to bring up Diane again.

Me -- 06:04pm - Don't you think she'll be mad?
Him -- 06:30pm - Yal but its all good i like 2 have fun u in

Now he wants a picture of me. Since he thinks he knows who he's texting, I resist. No reason to end this ride so quick. I've been at this since lunch.

Him -- 06:40pm - Seen a pic
Me -- 06:41pm - Why
Him -- 06:44pm - Y not just 1

I thought since I didn't send him a picture he had given up. Wrong... again.

Here's the next round.

Him -- 07:55pm - Yal u wont 2 go
Me -- 08:02pm - Not this time
Him -- 08:17pm - Scaird
Me -- 08:18pm - Not even. Is diane going? [Seemed like a fair question to me]
Him -- 08:20pm - Hell no just me
Me -- 08:21pm - i'll go if she goes
Him -- 08:26pm - Hell no
Me -- 08:27pm - I thought you liked to have fun [He did say that, didn't he?]
Him -- 08:34pm - Fun yes stuped no were the pic [Could have fooled me]

Again I refuse to send him a picture.

Me -- 08:37pm - No pic for you. Maybe Diane Will send you one. why don't you send me one
Him -- 08:54pm - Y u wont my pic 0
Me -- 8:54pm - Just do

A minute later he's sent me his picture. I've debated posting it, but probably shouldn't. I've been amused at his stupidity, but the last thing I want to do is set him up for even more difficulty with Diane if anyone recognizes him.

I figure he's thinking he's got a date lined up. He asks me again if I'm going fishing with him. I've played with him long enough, it's time to cut him loose.

Him -- 09:38pm - Ur going ri ght
Me -- 09:39pm - i don't think so. I'm probably not your type
Him -- 09:44pm - Y
Me -- 09:46pm - Too old for you
Him -- 09:50pm - What
Me -- 09:53pm - remember today when i said i didn't know you? I was serious. I'm obviously not who you think i am.
Him -- 10:05pm - What i dont get it

Holy Moly, what's it take to get through to him? He's as sharp as a bag of wet mice. So I ask:

Me -- 10:06pm - Who do you think i am?
Him -- 10:10pm - Just tel me
Me -- 10:14pm - Just someone twice your age. I told you several times that i didn't know you. You obviously didn't believe me. Maybe you do now
Him -- 10:15pm - Who r u
Me -- 10:18pm - no one you know. I have no idea who you are. Why not just delete this number and try another one. Maybe you'll get the right one next time

I guess that wasn't clear enough. The saga continues.

Him -- 10:20pm - U know diane so who r u
Me -- 10:23pm - you're the one that mentioned her. I have on clue who she is
Him -- 10:42pm - I look at all my text i did not say her name so who is this
Me -- 10:45pm - It was in the first message you sent.

How hard is this stuff? Really, it's just text messaging.

The final round.

Him -- 10:47pm - Y your number in her phone
Me -- 10:50pm - I have no clue. But you've got the wrong number
Him -- 10:51pm - Sweet

The 10:47 message brings up a couple other questions I'd like to ask him, but I leave it.

The next thing I did was take the few things I knew about him based on the conversation and do a Google search. I got a hit right off. I found Diane's Myspace page, and a link back to Shane's Myspace page. It was him. The pictures proved it out. He was 23, married to Diane and has 3 kids. Yet he figures to have himself a little extra-curricular activity with a number he found in his wife's phone. Idiot.

Message to Shane

You're 23. You're young. Don't screw this up. You've got a pretty wife that loves you (she says so on her Myspace page). You have three little kids. You can throw all that away and wind up paying child support for the next 18 years. You have something that many people can only dream about.

Finally, if you're still compelled to cheat on your wife, don't get a number from her phone! Sheesh!!!

-=Jim

Saying Goodbye to a Friend

2009-04-15T15:22:00.008-05:00

Last May I posted a story here about my new kitten Phantom. If you don't remember you can go back and read it here.

Today I had to tell him goodbye.

He had been sick. He was only a year old, but had been sick with a variety of problems, but all relating to his blood, and bleeding. Teething was even difficult for him, and we had to watch him carefully during that time to make sure he didn't lose a lot of blood. He got through that, but the major trauma for him came in the form of bruises. Just a tiny bump or jar could create a hematoma. With his blood issue these could be devestating. The first instance he had with one was several months back, and we almost lost him then. However, after a blood transfusion and a few days in the hospital we were able to nurse him back to health. Unfortunately the incident changed him. He would become lethargic from time to time, limp a bit and just be unhappy for days at a time. He didn't want to play much, and when he did it was for only short periods and he would have to rest. It was as if we had an older cat. I guess almost dying takes a lot out of you, even if you're a cat.

Sunday Phantom moped around a lot, and mostly stayed in his basket. That evening when it was time for bed I found him laying on the couch in his regular spot. When I started to rub him a bit and tell him good night he reacted with a low growl. I knew something was up, so I checked him over good and discovered another hematoma (it was near his back leg). I rubbed his neck and ears good, told him to rest.

Monday morning, he was still mopey, but we knew that there's not much can be done for a hematoma, so we decided to give him a day to recover a bit before we called the vet. That evening, I picked him up and discovered that the hematoma was larger than I had expected. Tina and I decided we'd take him to the vet in the morning.

Tuesday morning, we took him to the vet. He was very tired, draggy, but alert. X-Rays and a variety of tests showed that it was a hematoma (as we had guessed). His blood work looked was fine, and we brought him home. As the evening progressed he got worse.

This morning we took him back to the vet. He had camped out in the bathroom last night, and this morning he was still in the same spot - not good. That was 5:30Am. The veterinarian office doesn't open until 8:30. A long three hours pass and we take him back in. We get a call that he needs another transfusion, and probably another several day stay at the hospital.

I had gone through this before and it was not something I was prepared to do again. I had to make a decision. It wasn't easy. Today I made the decision to let my friend go. He was hurting. He was sick. His chances of surviving something like this again was slim. We didn't even know if the transfusion would would work. What I did know is I didn't want him to suffer. I couldn't allow him to hurt.

I felt it only fair that Samuel get a chance to tell Phantom goodbye. Tina stayed with Phantom while I went to get Samuel from school. He's a good kid, smart, and known to always do the right thing. He's only 8, but I trust his judgement on things like this. We talked on the way back to the veterinarian clinic and he understood. He understood my decision.

I knew I was staying with Phantom for the whole thing; it was my decision to let him go, so it was my duty - no - my priveledge and honor to stay with my friend as he passed. He was my buddy. I didn't expect Tina or Samuel to stay, but Samuel insisted that he would stay (remember: he's been known to do the right thing). So, we all three were there to tell him goodbye.

He was a champ and a real pal. He was everything I ever expected and more. I've always had a horrible allergy to cats, but Phantom cured that for me. I can romp and play with cats and kittens now with no bad allergy issues. I really never imagined that I'd ever be over my cat allergy.

Phantom was my cat.

We buried him in the yard along with a paperwad, his stuffed toys, and some of his favorite treats. He lies just outside the kitchen and diningroom windows near "Samuel's Tree". Samuel decided on that. It's a nice spot - always cool there in the hottest part of the summer, and always shady.

On his box I wrote the words to a little song I made up for him when he first came home with us.

You've got a cute little nose
and everybody knows
about your fuzzy little chin
I'm gonna sing it all again
about your funny little fuzzy ears,
No telling what he really hears
About his cute little nose
That everybody knows.

You can hear the song here: Cute Little Nose (Phantom's Song)

Samuel and Tina also wrote a special notes on the box about how they'll always miss him and remember him.

Today I said goodbye to a most special friend.

-=Jim

Green Truck Tour

2009-03-19T23:13:00.004-05:00

Our local telephone company is Windstream. If you're from a Windstream area you're probably aware of the Green Truck in their advertisements; if not, this probably won't mean much to you.

Anyway, Windstream is doing a promotional tour, and they decided to schedule the bank as one of their stops. You can check out their tour schedule at the Windstream Green Truck Tour.

I snapped a few shots of the truck, and you can see some of them on my Facebook. I uploaded more to my Picasa Web Album.

My experience didn't end with pictures though. I got to rip through town in it - and rip I did.

Here are some specs for you:

Crate ZZ4 Engine; 8 cylinders, 350 c.i. with 380 h.p.
Edelbrock carburetor and manifold.
700 R4 Transmission;
148-mph top speed; 0-60 in 5 seconds

It even had a built-in DVD player with dash-mounted flat screen; Garmin GPS; and a premium Pioneer stereo system.

Not bad for a '53 Chevy, eh? It was, to say the least, peppy. I can't attest to the 148 mph, but I can assure you that the 5 second 0-60 is accurate.

I hope you can catch the Green Truck Tour near you.

-=Jim

Pinewood Derby - District Race

2009-03-15T22:39:00.004-05:00

If you read the previous posting you're aware of Samuel's winning performance in his Pack. That win allowed him to enter the District race.

District is always the best of the best, and we really had no idea how that was going to play out for us. We knew going in that it could turn out to be a last place day... or a first place day. We'd much rather be on the winning side, but it's all fun.

There were some awesome cars at the race. Some of the times were astonishi

ng, and by the time Samuel got to race his I knew what sort of times his car would have to get to be in the run

ning. His first race was pretty good, he won it. The next seven heats he placed 1st in one, 2nd in five, and came in 4th in the other.

His times were good, but I knew it wasn't going to be a 1st place day. His times were good enough to place him 5th overall. He wasn't so thrilled about 5th, but considering that we built the car here in the dining room over a couple days I'm thinking we did quite well considering that a lot of the kids had parents with a lot more tools, time and resources to put into their cars.

For me it proved that Samuel and I could build an awesome car with simple tools. It was a positive experience for us both.

I guess our next race will be the Awana Grand Prix. I think that's in May.

See you on the track!

-=Jim

Cubscout Pinewood Derby 2009

2009-02-14T16:15:00.004-05:00

Well folks, another year has come and gone and the ritual of the Pinewood Derby happened today at noon.

We only had a couple of weeks to get our car planned and built, We usually have a month. This time we had to make some hard choices. Did we want a fast car? Did we want a car that looked really awesome? Did we want a car that was fast and looked awesome too?

Under optimal conditions we'd have probably chosen the latter. But that was going to be tough considering my lack of personally owned power tools and the short amount of time we had. We also didn't think we'd have time to make a car that we thought might win best of show, so we had only one option left. We'll build a fast one!

As you can see from the picture we opted for a thin wedge design. Samuel chose to paint it black. So that was it, a solid black wedge. We stretched out the wheel base a little, got the weight close enough and allowed ourselves some wiggle room when it was time for weigh-in. It really doesn't look all that spectacular, but we figured it was a speed machine, and fancy looks doesn't add speed.

Race time!

I had a good feeling about the car. Samuel had already said he thought it may be the fastest one we've built yet. It certainly looked like it had potential, but the only way to know that is to put it on the track and run it.

Watching the race we picked out a few of the better cars. There were 2 or 3 that had really good potential, and soon became the cars to beat. We kept tabs on them, and felt like we still might have a chance, but you never know what might happen. We knew our car was pretty good, but the finish line is the proof.

Samuel's up. He will race against each car in his division. Some we've already seen run, and we knew that we wouldn't be last, but the better cars could still pose a challenge.

Truth time. Samuel, so far undefeated, comes up against the car we figured would be the best challenge. Samuel's car won that race by about a car length! Our plan to build a fast car paid off! Samuel won his division! Hooray for him! Hooray for us!

With that done now we're on to the race to see who was the fastest in the Pack - all divisions. There was only one other car we thought might pose a threat, but again, we were ahead by better than a car length, giving Samuel the fastest car in his Pack. He was happy, I was happy.

So, as you can see from the picture he's a proud Cubscout! It was a fun day, and we went to have a good time no matter what. We built the best car we could in a short time, and we knew there was no guarantee that we'd even place, much less win. No, winning isn't everything, but it's a nice way to end the afternoon!

Dad's, Mom's, families, get your kids involved in Scouting. If the only thing you did in Scouting was Pinewood Derby, it's a great way to have quality time with your kids.

-=Jim

Ron Block – A Fresh Look at Bluegrass Banjo

2009-01-16T20:51:00.001-05:00

For the past couple of days I've had a white DVD mailer from AcuTab on my desk. In it is a copy of AcuTab's latest instruction DVD, Ron Block – A Fresh Look at Bluegrass Banjo. I've been waiting for the weekend to roll around so I would have time to give it a good look. The weekend arrived so I popped open the mailer.

As I inspected the cover (no, you probably shouldn't judge a DVD by the cover, but I'm thorough) something immediately caught my eye. This wasn't just a DVD, it was two DVDs with, according to the cover, over three and a half hours of instruction! I consider my task, drag out the banjo, a notepad, and settle in for the ride.

First impressions are always important, and I'm instantly impressed with the quality of the production. The audio is good, the lighting is good, and everything just looks and feels good. The conversation between Ron Block and John Lawless is relaxed, but not so much as the pace feels slow. As a matter of fact nearly and hour goes by before any formal instruction takes place. “Was that really almost an hour?” I asked myself. It sure didn't seem like it.

There's a lot of information in that hour. John Lawless and Ron talk about his learning process. How he started, who is influences were (some may surprise you), and how he thinks about the banjo are just a few of the things he covers in that time. Listening to him discuss his progress from beginner to where he is today should be encouraging and helpful to any student of the banjo. I found this section of the DVD loaded with all sorts of tips and advice about practicing and playing. It was also great seeing Ron go through some of his practice routines, and to just see him think out loud musically. I think it was very important for Ron to take the time to explain his approach; I found it very helpful in understanding his style, and without it, I'd still be scratching my head over some of the licks, and wondering where he came up with the ideas. The explanation makes all the difference. Too many instruction DVDs just dive into the tunes with no explanation of the style. I think I could have turned the DVD off right then and felt that it was a great value, but there was more.

The balance of the two disks is made up of eight tunes: Cluck Old Hen, Tiny Broken Heart, Man of Constant Sorrow, I'll Remember You Love in My Prayers, Every Time You Say Goodbye, Bright Sunny South, My Poor Old Heart and Smashville. As with most instruction videos Ron plays the tune, then breaks the tune down bit by bit and then plays it at tempo, then slowly. This is where I noticed that I had more than one camera angle available to me. I had already thought the production was very good, now I'm really impressed. Each angle has a split screen with emphasis on the right or left hand, or both equally represented. I could focus on each separately making the learning process much simpler. If I was confused about a roll I could switch to the right hand angle; if the left hand was tricky, I could switch to it. Having a choice was helpful, and fun.

So, Ron goes through the first tune (Cluck Old Hen) and then John and he discuss the other takes they did with the tune, and then they show a couple of them. This was great. Each was a little different and you get to see that Ron isn't just playing back things he's worked out or memorized. The tunes happen as they happen, each time different from the last. This is where the previous discussion of his style begins to make sense. Ron's playing is in the moment and it's very improvisational.

There's just so much to take in. It's like having Ron Block move in with you for 3½ hours. The amount detail he goes into is substantial, and teaching style makes it easy to understand. As he explains each lick he also explains why he does certain things. So, you're not just getting the how, but you get a good dose of the why. In my opinion, the whys are often more important than the hows. Knowing why something works, or why a player chose a particular sound or lick helps you use those ideas in other songs.

Final Thoughts

The two DVDs are packed with all sorts of advice and concepts. It's not something you'll absorb in an afternoon, or a weekend, or even a month. Some of the things just take time to sink in, and that's just part of learning the banjo. Just because you know how, and can play through the tabs provided doesn't always mean you understand the why. Honestly, even though I'm in the process of internalizing some of the ideas presented here it will take a while to really assimilate them and populate it into my own playing. Even some of the things Ron covers that I thought I knew, I've discovered even more depth to the ideas, and I hope to apply those ideas somewhere too.

So, who is this DVD for? That's a fair question. The tunes, while they're presented in a very detailed manner, are not geared for the beginner. I'm not trying to suggest that a beginner wouldn't get something from the instruction; Ron's ability to articulate his ideas so simply should leave a good impression and be a sense of encouragement to the beginner. However, for the intermediate and advanced players there's a plethora of ideas, concepts, licks and tunes to work on. However, don't expect to sit down with this set and rush through it; there's enough material here to keep you coming back again and again.

I feel like I should mention the band assembled for the DVD. Kenny Smith, Sierra Hull, and Zak McLamb provided remarkable backup for Ron. The group was a treat.

Finally, if you're a fan of Ron's playing you'll enjoy watching him play and listening to him talk about his approach to learning and playing. That said, I feel very comfortable recommending this DVD set to anyone interested in Ron Block's playing style, or anyone looking for a fresh approach to bluegrass banjo.

Ron Block – A Fresh Look at Bluegrass Banjo is available at http://acutab.com/ and other stores that carry bluegrass instruction material.

Breeze & Wilson

2008-12-10T22:13:00.000-05:00

Last summer Toby Wilson of Breeze & Wilson asked me if I would like to record a track for their latest project. Now, I've done session work before, but this would be a first. It's a trans-Atlantic project. They're in Staffordshire Moorlands - that's somewhere in England. Google it.

If you're not familiar with Breeze and Wilson, you need to check them out.

I had the honors of playing on they're cut Old Zoey. It's on their latest release, "Oh, Nova Scotia".

Be sure to visit their homepage Breeze and Wilson and you might as well check out their Myspace too.

Be sure to tell 'em Wild Jimbo sent you!

-=Jim

Caution: Funny Signs Ahead

2008-11-22T21:34:00.005-05:00

There are signs along the side of the road that make you chuckle. Sometimes you just wish you'd have brought your camera. Wouldn't it have made it a lot easier to explain it to your friends if you would have had a picture? Yes, it would. I know. Some things are just funnier when you're there. If you can't be there, then a picture is the next best thing.

Luckily for us Mark Sedenquist and Megan Edwards made it a point to start collecting pictures of signs. You can see a bunch of those signs at Roadtrip America. Prepare to spend some time there, because you can't just look at one sign and move on. If you're like me, you'll "just one more" your way through the entire online collection. While you're looking through there you might just find a couple of mine.

Yes, that's right, I took a few pictures that Mark and Megan found amusing, and they've graciously included them on Roadtrip America. Awesome, eh? You can see one of them here. Go ahead, click it. It's funny.

Guess what. Oh, c'mon, guess. They've published a book! You can get it at Amazon. It's not going to break the bank either; it's only $11.95. Buy one. Buy a couple. Give them to your friends. No friends? Give them to the mailman and the guy that reads the water meter.

Oh, when you get your copy turn to page 58. I took that one. Oh, turn to page 128. I took that one too. I have pictures in a book. I'm happy about it; giddy even. Well, maybe not giddy, but hey, it's not a bad feeling.

So go visit Roadtrip America and check out the signs and other great resources there. It's an awesome website. While you're at it, grab a book, or two. :)

-=Jim

Soccer: the Brutality!

2008-10-30T21:01:00.006-05:00

Samuel played soccer again this year. His team was the team to beat in the 8-9 year old age group. Unfortunately, for the other teams, no one even came close. His team played hard, and consistently kept the other teams' defense busy and mostly confused. They racked up a total of 64 goals in an undefeated season with only 3 goals scored against them.

Coach Kevin Johnson and assistant coaches Cesar Chavez, Sergio Pulido and Tyler Johnson deserve a lot of credit too. Their expert guidance and assistance made a huge difference and the score card shows it! Also thanks to the Murray County Parks & Recreation for continuing their Soccer program.

It was a great year and all the other kids on the team were great and very supportive of Samuel and each other.

See you next year on the field!

-=Jim

Audio for Clawhammer Banjo Tunes Book

2008-08-17T13:23:00.003-05:00

As you probably remember I finished up a couple of Tab Books back in June. I've finally scratched together some sound files for the Clawhammer book. I apologize for the delay. However, for those that have already purchased the book I hope by now you've worked through the tabs and your getting your fingers around some of the licks and tunes. If you've not purchased a book yet feel free to download these tunes - if you would like a tab of any of them, they're in the book. I've a limited number left, so don't put it off too long if you want one.

I hope these audio files serve as a reference for you. Remember what I said in class. "It's easier to make one alike than two alike." That still applies. I tried to play the tunes exactly as I have them tabbed in the book - and I realize you expect that. However, I know from my own experience that each time I play something I take a different path - no matter how hard I try. I think that I got "close enough" on most of these to give you an idea of the feel and tune of the song. After all it's the song that matters - not just playing what I have in the book. I sincerely hope that none of you are spending your time memorizing these things note for note.

Here's a couple more disclaimers before I post links. These files were created sitting here in front of my computer using an inexpensive computer mic and Audacity. Audacity is great, the mic isn't. It does, however, serve the purpose of getting the tunes in a format that I can easily share. The tunes may also vary a bit in tuning. Sorry about that. I discovered that after everything was recorded. I suppose I could have gone back and fixed those errant tracks, but they're not that far off, and I'm guessing you may drop these files into some sort of software that allows you to slow things down. (Audacity does this, as does Best Practice - both are free.) I played some of the tunes at a slower pace than normal, and others I just played them at a regular speed.

So, without further excuses or stalling here are the tunes:

Barlow Knife
Buttons and Bows
Cluck Old Hen
Cripple Creek
Last Chance
Leather Britches
Mississippi Sawyer
Old Molly Hare
Old Joe Clark
Rock the Cradle Joe
Rock the Cradle Joe (variation)
Sally Ann
Shortening Bread
Sleepy Eyed John
Soldier's Joy
Sandy River Belle
Sandy River Belle (variation)
Sugar Hill
Wave the Ocean
Way Lazy Hop

Zip File of all of the Above

Thanks again for buying my book!

-=Jim

Learning from DVDs

2008-08-15T13:15:00.008-05:00

Jack Baker posed a question on the Banjo Hangout recently. He asked. "Can you learn from DVDs?" It's a good question. Is an instructional DVD or Youtube video instruction enough, or does one, at some point, really need to seek out an instructor?

I pondered a bit. Here's my response:

Thinking back to the way I learned...

In some respect I learned without any teachers - at least ones I paid. My parents got me the Earl Scruggs Instruction Record - no book, just the record - and I learned Cripple Creek and everything else I could put to quick use off that record. Then I daily spent hours on end with LPs trying to figure out what the banjo player was doing. I picked up some of it... made up what I couldn't figure out by using the things I learned off the Earl Scruggs Record. I also had a book by Lee Elliot that was very helpful in mapping out how to put things together.

I spent about 8 months or so playing along with records before I ever encountered any real players. However, by that time the woodshedding really paid off and I could actually participate in some jams. I was able to finally watch other players and get new ideas. Seeing the lick wasn't as important to me as hearing the idea in context. I knew at that point that playing with others was a great way to get new tunes, licks and ideas.

So, as I consider how I learned, in many ways I envy those starting today. The volume material available is almost unfathomable. DVD's should be incredibly helpful. I've encouraged my students to play along with records and not worry about messing up because those guys on the recording really don't care; they'll play that song again and gladly stop for you in the middle and let you take your break over and over until you get it right. :) Same applies with the DVD instructor. True, he/she can't tell you what you're doing wrong, but they can show you the right way as many times as you need it - and they never tire of doing it.

I realize the DVD or even Book methods of learning aren't for everyone, but for the observant and non-self-delusional student they can be a suitable substitute for a live teacher.

So, do I think I'd have progressed more quickly with an instructor? Maybe. I'd have perhaps learned more tunes, techniques and licks in a shorter amount of time, but would I have gained the sort of confidence to just go ahead and figure stuff out without having to be shown? Not sure. I'm pretty stubborn, and I like to figure out things my own way... so maybe so. But I also know that I'm pretty lazy, and if I can find a shortcut I'll often take it - and that lack of virtue on my part might have held me back.

Regrets? None. I still think the way I learned was the most beneficial in the long run - at least for me.

Can I learn from DVD's? Yes, but it probably took getting to where I am now first.

So, how do you feel about the current state of instruction material available?

-=Jim

Steve Kaufman's Acoustic Kamp

2008-08-03T13:55:00.013-05:00

Wow... did I say wow? Yeah, well, wow.

Acoustic Kamp was an incredible experience. Teaching banjo is something I enjoy, but teaching banjo to players that have enough interest to travel across the country and pay for a week long session is incredible!

I had 2 classes - beginner and intermediate/advanced. I spent 2 hours a day with each group, and we covered everything from the very basic stroke to the ever elusive cluck. And while I covered a lot of material I think I learned as much or more than my students. There's probably nothing better for me than to have a student or students that ask tough questions that make me think.

Remember, I'm that guy that just plays. I've never really analyzed everything that I do; I just do it. So this Kamp was not just motivation for me to take a closer look at how I approach the banjo, but it forced me to look at how to explain those things that I "just do." There's a silly little quote that came to mind while I was teaching: "It is easier to make one alike than two alike." Meaning that I often find it difficult to do things exactly the same way twice.

I met a lot of great folks - students and teachers alike. I made some friends, reunited with old friends and I look forward to seeing them/you all again. Laura Boosinger was my other teammate for Clawhammer banjo, and it was a real treat working with her.

Evening concerts...

Each night instructors at the Kamp provided entertainment. I was not excluded. I call Roy Curry and pleaded with him to come and accompany me for my section. Roy, being the champion he is, showed up and we ran through my setlist and all was ready. Our set went without any significant problems - at least nothing that couldn't be handled with humor. We had a good time, and I think everyone enjoyed that show. No one threw anything at us, so we count that as a positive.

One afternoon a few of us were standing around and someone asks if I had a yo-yo handy. I happened to have one in my banjo case, so I did the obligatory couple of tricks when Barbara Lamb spotted me. She had just been in Chico and bought a yo-yo at the museum, so she was excited to meet someone that she could mooch a yo-yo lesson off of. We talked a bit and I helped her get her started with just the basics.

(In bluegrass & old-time music the fiddle and the banjo represent a very common duet. It wasn't uncommon for just the pair to perform without other instruments.)

So, she gets the huge grin and tells me that I'd be yo-yoing on her portion of the concert. Her portion wasn't until Thursday of that week, so each time we saw each other we chuckled about the concept of a Fiddle/Yo-Yo duet. Yeah, it's one of those things where you'd have had to be there, but we chuckled. We did. Really.

There were a couple of evenings that I got to participate in the "Open Mic." One time I just soloed alone with my "Early Banjo". The next evening I got to play with "Just Us" as a guest along with Gary Davis. It was a blast!

The pictures you're seeing here (with the exception of the group photos) were taken by R. Brian Porter. His shots are great. Makes me wish I had a better camera, but I'm not so silly to think that a camera will make the difference for me. He's spent as much time behind the lens as I have behind a banjo. It's obvious from his shots that he's spent a lifetime honing his craft. I'm glad he was so willing to share these photos with me - and allowing me to share them with you.

There are a couple of folks I really look forward to seeing again. Hopefully sooner than later. Tony McManus - you know what you did - I'll always remember it. Mark McCluney - not only did you touch my heart, I saw you do the same with others.

-=Jim

New TAB Books from Wild Jimbo!

2008-06-03T09:01:00.037-05:00

Clawhammer Banjo Tunes

18 Tunes and Chord Charts for G Modal, Double C, and F Tuning.

Includes the following tunes: Barlow Knife, Buttons and Bows, Cluck Old Hen, Cripple Creek, Last Chance, Leather Britches, Mississippi Sawyer, Old Molly Hare, Old Joe Clark, Rock the Cradle Joe (2 variations), Sally Ann, Shortening Bread, Sleepy Eyed John, Soldiers Joy, Sandy River Belle ( 2 Variations), Sugar Hill, Wave the Ocean, and Way Lazy Hop.

46 Pages Coil Binding.

Audio For Clawhammer Book

Only $10 plus $2.50 shipping

Three Finger Banjo Tunes

Thirty Two tunes in TAB for 3 finger Banjo. Tunes include: Ain't Gonna Work Tomorrow, Banjo Lounge Theme, Banjo Lounge, Breakdown, Banjo Signal, Barlow Knife, Bob the Builder, Bonanza Theme, Buffalo Brain, Can't Help Falling in Love, Coo Coo's Nest, Cora is Gone, Cotton Eyed Joe, Cripple Creek, El Cumbenchero, Footprints in the Snow, Frosty the Snowman , Heffalumps and Woozles, I Have Decided to Follow Jesus, I'll Fly Away, Jerusalem Ridge, Last Chance, Life's Railway to Heaven, Little Sadie, Okie Dokie #5, Rabbit in a Log (Key of G), Rabbit in a Log (Key of D), Red Haired Boy, Rose Connely, Sunny Side of the Mountain, Up On the Housetop, Watching Scotty Grow, You Win Again, and The Zipper

48 Pages Coil Binding.

Only $10 plus $2.50 shipping

C-C-C-Combo Deal
If you want both books you can save on shipping and get both for $20 plus $2.50 for shipping. To get the combo deal click

Despite the fact that I've had no luck in getting Paypal's buttons to work here I'll still take a payment via PayPal. You are more than welcome to send your PayPal payments to wildjimbo@wildjimbo.com. Please indicate which books and include the proper payment amount.

If you prefer you can also send me a check or money order for the books to:

Jim Pankey
501 South 5th Avenue
Chatsworth, Georgia 30705

Thanks!

-=Jim

I Bike to Work

2008-05-25T17:56:00.006-05:00

I ride a bike. No, I'm not a Lance Armstrong wannabe, but I do enjoy pedaling to work. It's relaxing, it's a bit of exercise, and it's a good stress relief on the way home. I'm generally in my work clothes (business casual), so I'm not doing anything to get really hot or sweaty in the mornings, but in the afternoon I make it a point to sprint home as quickly as possible.

There are a couple of small hills, and I try each day to get up and over them quicker than the day before. This means I'm probably moving quicker than you might guess. No, I'm not setting any speed records, but 25 mph isn't out of the question, and hey, that's the speed limit on these city streets anyway.

Between work and home I have 3 stops signs that I deal with. The rest of the trip I have a clear shot on one street with no stop signs, but there are total of 11 cross streets for my trip. I'm leery of the cross streets - in the years I've lived in this neighborhood I'm very aware that people in cars just don't stop at the cross streets. Even before I was riding my bike to work there were many instances where some knucklehead would run the stop signs and almost hit me.

It's a bigger issue now on a bike. At least in the car I felt I had some protection, but on a bike my only protection from these irresponsible drivers is my own awareness and common sense.

This past week there were two instances where I encountered someone that didn't feel it necessary to yield any sort of right of way or obey the stop signs. In both cases I made eye contact with these individuals before they decided to cross directly in front of me. Each time they recognized me, and I assumed they were going to allow me to go by. Each time I was partially in the intersection when these licensed drivers decided to go. Both times required me to stop way more quickly than I like. Fortunately, both times I was expecting such behavior from the drivers, but gee whiz -- it's one thing to just be unaware that I'm on the road, it's another to look me directly in the eyes, and then decide that since you're in a car that I will just have to stop where I'm not required to allow you to give in to your impatience and self-importance.

Look, I'm moving pretty quickly. Frankly, I'm going just as fast as I would be even if I were in a car. You would have waited for me if I were in a car. You can wait on me if I'm on my bike. For that matter, you're supposed to wait. I'm following the traffic rules -- and not just because I'm just being a goody-two-shoes, but I follow the rules for my own safety. If I can make the effort to follow the rules, you should too.

It's a shame that there are drivers out there that just don't care about bicyclists. It makes it tough to encourage other people to ride their bikes to work. They know that these idiots are out there and they're just too afraid of getting run down by people that don't care or just aren't paying attention.

Share the road.

-=Jim

I'm Allergic to Cats

2008-05-20T20:25:00.008-05:00

As far as I know, I've always been allergic to cats. I sneeze. I cough. My nose runs. My eyes water, itch and turn a beautiful color of pink. It's a miserable thing. That said, I've always been fascinated with kittens and cats. They're bright, funny, amusing and , for the most part, self reliant.

A few weeks ago a cute, pink nosed, female, stray cat showed up. She acted hungry, so Tina fed her thereby making her ours. She's a good cat for the most part - jumps too much, but she's nice. I keep my distance and I don't handle her much. If I do, I wash my hands immediately before I goof up and touch my face. So far I've kept the allergy under control without any medication. We've been calling her Miss Kitty. Clever, eh?

Fast forward to this past Saturday. I needed a 10mm wrench, so we stopped at Sears at Walnut Square Mall in Dalton, Georgia. Found a wrench, paid for it, and we decided to walk through the mall. We usually just cruise from one end to the other and look at the people and occasionally stop in the stores.

First store we spotted was the Pet Store. We usually stop there and check out the puppies, fish, reptiles and the assortment of rodents. There's the occasional ferret, chinchillas, guinea pigs and sometimes rabbits. This day they had a cage with kittens. They were a cute lot too. $25 later we're the proud owner of a kitten.

Meet Phantom... he's a cute one. He's a bundle of kitten ready to pounce, run, climb, jump, play, and sleep. He's a good kitten, doesn't scratch too hard, doesn't bite too hard, and is more content with a paper wad than a store bought cat toy.

The first morning (that was Sunday) he woke me up wanting to play "paper wad". He was beside the bed meowing. I called him, and he climbed up on the bed with his paper wad - cute.

Today may have been a bit stressful for him; Tina spotted a couple fleas. So he got a very gentle flea treatment (according to instructions from the vet), and two baths. I'm sure he was stressed out for the better part of the afternoon, but as of this moment, he's quite rambunctious, playing with Samuel and a ping pong ball -- the afternoon is ancient history.

One positive for him today was his encounter with Miss Kitty. So far they're not friends. I think sworn enemies may be the current state, but today they both got a good sniff of each other before the hissing started. After the confrontation he went back to playing with Samuel, and she ate quickly and immediately went back outside. Though that may sound fairly serious it's an improvement in the diplomatic relations.

Technically Phantom is my first cat. Tina and I had a cat when we were first married, but she was our cat. Phantom is all mine. Of course, Samuel and Tina like him too. But when it's time to sleep or just crash, he tracks me down.

My allergies? Well, honestly I've not had it so bad. I have taken a couple of loratadine tablets, but for the most part I've endured without the itchy watery eyes.

Oh, almost forgot - his name came by a suggestion by a Banjo Lounge regular and friend - Karyn. Thanks Karyn. It's a great name, has multiple meanings, and it just suits him.

I think it's time to go play with the kitten.

Awana Grand Prix

2008-05-04T20:45:00.006-05:00

Our church's Awana program had their first Awana Grand Prix today. It's a Pinewood Derby race, much like the Cub Scouts.

Samuel, Tina and I had been preparing some cars for the race, and today was the day we found out how they would run. We've been sanding, painting, adjusting... our living room has been looking like a wood shop for the past month. I know Tina is glad to have her living room back.

For this pinewood event we had each decided to build a car. We actually wound up building four cars (they're just fun to build). So that gave us an extra car to experiment with. When we found out that we'd have access to the track the day before we gave Samuel the option of choosing the fastest of the four we had built.

One thing we did discover during the time we had access to the track was that one lane (the red lane / lane #1) had a tendency to allow the car to jump track. It was also consistently producing slower times than the other three lanes. Lane two (the blue lane) was also proving to be the fastest lane.

Lanes are assigned at registration, and being "lucky" Samuel was assigned the Red lane! Grrr... not a happy moment, but we knew his car was fast - hopefully fast enough to overcome a lane disadvantage. But my bigger fear was that if it did come off the track it might be damaged.

Races were run four cars at a time, and the best four times from each division raced for their final placings - the winner advancing to the final event where they race the cars from the other divisions.

On to the first race!

First time down the track... Samuel's car derails! Rats!!!! Sure, if a car derails they re-run the race, but it's hard on the nerves. Second time down the track Samuel's car turns a 2.66 second run and wins that race qualifying for the finals. My heartrate slows, Samuel is stoked.

Race 2

This time we've got lane 3 (green lane). It's not a bad lane, but up to this point we hadn't seen anyone jump track there. Samuel's car easily wins this race guaranteeing him a spot in the Final Event.

Final Race

Samuel gets the green lane again. The other two cars he's up against have been quick, both getting times in the high 2.6s. The cars come down at blinding speeds and it's close - really close. Times posted: 2.664, 2.675, and 2.683 - just hundredths of seconds between them. Samuel wins! He's excited, we all were - parents, grandparents, friends.

Samuel also got 3rd place in design, so he brought home three trophies!

The part you've been waiting for...

So I know, you're wondering. What happened with your car and Tina's car? Remember we had access to the track so we had opportunity to see how it was all going to turn out. Her car was faster every time we ran it. Oh, it wasn't a lot faster - just faster. I think if I'd have been able to run in the blue lane I might have had a better chance, but she beat me. I'll have to live with that for the rest of the year.

It was a fun day. Samuel's win helped, but honestly, there's just something fun about building these little cars and letting the run down the track that makes for a lot of good feelings. If you have a child that's 3 years old through the 5th grade and you and there's an Awana program near you - get involved, regardless of if they do the Grand Prix or not.

Timara String Drops

2008-04-26T22:40:00.002-05:00

Thanks to Tim Wallis over at the Timara Custom Shop I'm sporting a couple of his String Drops on the Phantom today. Now, mind you I'm still getting used to them, but so far I'm happy with the results.

I saw a video of Tim a couple months back, and was excited about his device. It looked simple enough, but most importantly it looked like it would be just the trick for the Phantom. Installation was a breeze, and I had them up and running in minutes.

Check out this video:

So, do you have a banjo with a different peghead shape that just wouldn't work right or look right with the other tuners on the market? If so, think about these. Be sure to check them out at www.stringdrop.com. Oh, and tell Tim I sent you!

Steve Kaufman's Acoustic Kamp

2008-03-12T15:52:00.003-05:00

I'll be teaching Old-Time Banjo this year at Steve Kaufman's Acoustic Kamp. This is my first time teaching at the Kamp, and I'm really looking forward to working with everyone that signs up.

I do admit some apprehension about it, but I'm sure it's just "pre-camp jitters." I have some ideas and concepts I hope to share, but I admit that many of the things I do I just do... does that even make sense? I'm sure after you see some of these things first hand it will make more sense. Anyway, I think you'll find my teaching style more hands-on and less paper work, and I hope to give everyone plenty of opportunity to test drive some tunes and techniques.

Oh yeah, I'll be there June 8-15. Hope to see you there!

-=Jim

Pinewood Derby 2008

2008-03-02T00:06:00.004-05:00

Pinewood Derby has come and gone in a flash. Samuel picked a pirate theme this year, and the car was a blast to make, and race.

This year we didn't have the benefit of computer timing, so we ran eliminations. That allowed everyone to race a lot more than before. Because of that this years event was a lot more fun. I'm getting ahead of myself...

After deciding on his design Samuel traced out a "sloop" pattern and we cut out the car. He picked out black for the color, and we added all the other details in white. Everything was hand painted, so it's not "perfect," but we thought it looked really neat!

We also decorated the bottom for a nice touch too. No one really got to see that bit, but we knew it was there. I wound up adding the flag the day before.

Race day... we weighed in at 4.9 oz, and could have added .1 oz, but opted not to. We figured it was "close enough." We didn't place this year in the show, but there were some really nice looking cars this year. We did have the best looking boat though. :)

Samuel won all but two of his races - pretty good I think. Though we both wish we'd have won, we'll try not to complain much about getting 3rd.

I think I could have perhaps made some better wheel adjustments, but everything at this point is mere conjecture. It would sure be nice to have a track that we could practice with, so if anyone out there has one they'd like to unload, I'd be glad to talk to you about it!

I think everyone had a good time. I learned some stuff, and got ideas for next year. I also got some ideas for the upcoming Awana Grand Prix. I'll keep you posted on that too!

-=Jim

Pictures with the Banjo

2007-11-25T17:42:00.001-05:00

Most folks when they take off on the journey of learning to play the banjo they want a picture with it. I'm no different. There are probably hundreds of snapshots of me with various bands that have been taken by all sort of folks. Some of those good, some of those bad. None of them were "professional" enough to include with a resume though.

Over the years I've had a couple of opportunities to drag my banjo to the local photography studio and get some pictures made. Yeah, they're goofy, but hey, it's a good way to keep records of the banjos I've had, and how I used to look.

This first picture was done in oh... 1979 I think. I'm in my best late 70's attire with matching vest. Yes, I know, the strap is a a guitar strap, and yes, it's on backwards. I liked it that way, and frankly didn't know any better. The banjo is an Alvarez Silver Belle. I think it cost $425, and I got it from a local music shop (Bigham's Music in Dalton, Georgia). I installed the sliding 5th string buzzer, er, I mean capo, and I changed out the head to the frosted one in the picture (It came with a clear head originally). This Alvarez was a really good banjo - at least for me at the time. Come to think of it, it's probably still a good banjo - 3 ply rim, decent sound, and easy to play. It was a huge step up from the Kay that I started on.

This next picture is from 1984, not that you couldn't tell from the clothes. You'd probably not be surprised, but I do still have that coat. The pin on my lapel is the Banjo Man from Banjo Newsletter.

The banjo is a 1978 Stelling Gospel. It is one of three that Geoff built for Ralph Stanley. You can see Ralph holding it in the book Masters of the 5-String Banjo. I have more pictures of it here - Stelling Gospel. I got this banjo from Blaylock Music in Hixson, Tennessee.

I still have this banjo, and play it from time to time. It's a great sounding archtop, and although I don't play it very often it still feels like home.

So, I got to thinking, it's been since 1984 since I had a "nice" photograph taken with my banjo. I knew I needed to do it, and even made a couple of attempts on my own, but never really succeeded at capturing anything I liked. Then Steve Kaufman requested a photo for the Acoustic Kamp advertising information. That sealed it. I called Brenda's Photography and scheduled a sitting.

So without further ado here's the photos. I'm more casually dressed (obviously), and much older. It's amazing what 23 years will do!

The first one here is the picture I submitted for the Kamp. That's my Ramsey Woody. The next one is my Nechville Phantom.

I do have other banjos, but these are the ones I play most. If you have some time check out Ramsey Banjos and Nechville Banjos. No, I'm not a paid endorser, but I think they're great!

So, now that I have these really spiffy photos, I should put them to work (no not in the yard to scare birds... well yes, I agree that would probably work.)

-=Jim

Tina's photo-work featured on Schmap

2007-10-09T23:26:00.001-05:00

I sometimes fantasize about being a photographer in my next career move. However, it'll probably be Tina that makes it big as a freelance photographer. She has a good eye, and can push the button on the camera.

Seems that the folks at Schmap liked one of the pictures in my Flickr gallery, but it happened to be a photo that Tina had taken. They used the picture in their Chattanooga Neighborhood Guide.

But while you're poking around on Flickr, feel free to check out some of the other pictures I have there. If you'd like, you can find more in my Picasa Web Album.

Tina Bought a Road Bike

2007-09-30T12:03:00.000-05:00

I'm sure I had a lot to do with this purchase. She enjoys her mountain bike, but I've been riding more and more road miles lately and we like to ride together. We looked at and test rode a couple of road bikes for her (Specialized, Trek and Giant). She was very impressed with how easy they all were to ride. The local bike shop - Bear Creek Cycles (formerly Dalton Bicycles) - had a 2007 model Giant OCR3 that she liked the best, so she put it in lay-away.

Tina had some travel money owed her, so when she got her travel check she brought the bike home. She's going to be a formidable road biker. We went riding yesterday (her second road ride) and she did great. It was a 12 mile out and back. I didn't tell her how far, because I knew she'd never agree that she could make it. I knew differently, and I was right.

She was proud of herself, I was too. I think it really boosted her confidence. I just wonder how long it will be before I'm struggling to keep up.

-=Jim

Two Cars in Two Weeks

2007-09-27T22:31:00.000-05:00

Car #1

Anyone that's seen me on the road has probably scratched their head in wonder. Why does he continue to drive that ugly, and beat up 1988 Ford Crown Victoria? Well, it was cheap. Heck, I got the car in a trade. I traded a guitar for that car, so the price was right, and it was super dependable for almost 10 years. The maintenance was negligible, and the gas mileage was probably a lot better than you'd have guessed. But nothing lasts forever, and there were a couple of issues that it had which caused me to not really want to drive it much anymore.

Last Christmas (2006) I was out shopping for gifts and I got a call from work. They needed me at one of the branches and it didn't matter that I was an hour away. So, I hurried to the branch and discovered that they had fixed their own problem about five minutes after they had initially called me and then didn't bother to call me back - saving me the trip. As I left the branch I noticed that the transmission slipped a little and by the time I got home it was slipping a lot. It was still driveable, and I drove it this way up until last week, but I certainly didn't want to strike out on a long trip with it. Yes, I could have fixed it, but as long as it got me back and forth to work I didn't see replacing or repairing the transmission on a car that was really soon to be replaced especially after this past Easter morning when Tina backed into the driver's side rear fender and left an enormous dent (her car was fine - not a scratch). So with the enormous dent, and flakey transmission I decided that it would be nice to have a car by winter.

My dad has been working for the local Ford dealership (Chatsworth Ford) as a driver (picks up and delivers cars) for about a year now, and has a good opportunity to find some great deals. He told me about a 2007 Ford Taurus SEL that he had driven and how impressed he was with it. Leather seats, sunroof, "Gold Ash" paint and all sorts of other niceties were probably enough to get me to think about it, but the 29MPG he reported getting with it on a trip he made in it was all I really needed to get me into the car.

Now knowing that I was willing to drive the 1988 Crown "Vic Jordan" (as my bandmates called it) for so long, you know I just don't like spending money on a car. It just seems like a bad place to put hard earned money. However, it does seem that there is a time that one must make this sort of expenditure. So, I did.

Car #2

About a week after buying the Taurus dad stops by the bank to show me another car. He asks, "Do you think Tina would like this car?" It's a Titanium Green Metallic 2006 Ford Fusion SEL. I think to myself, "How could she not?" I tell him I'll talk to her about it and we'll swing by the dealership after work to check it out and let her drive it.

We got to the Ford place just in time to see someone driving it off the lot for a test drive. Slight disappointment, but not a big deal if these other folks buy the car. There'll be more cars, and it's not like either Tina or I were set on buying it. A few minutes later the car comes back from it's test drive and we get to run it around the block.

Tina drove it, and really liked it. It had more than enough power, handled well, and had a smooth ride. I drove it back to the lot and we decided to buy it. It seemed like a simple decision. Her car was several years old and it was time to trade it in anyway, and now was a good time.

Tricks of the Trade?

We had bought a 2001 Ford Focus SE for her about 3 years ago. It was used, had very low miles, and was just what we needed at the time. She liked her Focus. We figured we would get about $4,000 in trade since it was still fairly low mileage and in good shape. What we didn't figure on was the question that was asked next. "When did you wreck your Focus?" Okay, we really didn't expect that question at all. Yeah, she put a dent in the Crown Vic at Easter, but remember there was no damage to the Focus at all. We quiz the buyer for the dealership a bit and he takes us out and shows us a couple of things. He had spotted a place on the drivers side fender that had been sanded and painted - it was obvious, and we wondered how we had missed it. It didn't seem like a big deal, but it was a clue that cause him to look elsewhere. Opening the hood he showed us where the whole front-end of the car had been painted. Not only painted, but the fenders had been removed, the front bracket had been removed, the hood had been removed, and the doors had been removed. We weren't quite sure how to feel - angry, sickened, and irritated came to mind. We are angry that this wasn't disclosed to us. We don't plan on visiting or recommending the dealer we purchased it from. I'd post a link, I'd say their name, but it's probably best left alone.

Neither Tina nor I knew anything about "Carfax" at the time - we do now. It's tempting to pull a Carfax report on the Focus, but honestly, I'm not sure I want to know what happened. I'm also not really interested in spending the $25 to find out about a car I don't have. I'm just glad the car gave us no problems and we didn't have an accident to find out if the repairs were done properly. Needless to say, this dropped the trade value a bit, but not horribly, because it was a 2001.

Tina really likes her new Fusion. She looks good in it. It's a little smaller than the Taurus, and a lot roomier than her Focus was. It's a very nice car, with a lot of comfort features that I know she'll enjoy. It has a 6 disc changer, climate control, 4 wheel disc brakes, 24V DOHC V6, and a 6 speed automatic transmission (very smooth). It seems to get really good gas mileage too. No, it doesn't get the same mileage the Focus did, but we both work less than a mile from home, so we're not buying a lot of gas anyway. I'm happy for her too, and it's probably best that she's driving the Fusion; with that much under the hood I'd get in trouble before the week was out.

So, there's the story, two cars in two weeks. I guess we can now be counted among those that have car payments, and I'm slowly coming to terms with that... at least until the payments start coming due. My main comfort is we allowed someone else to be the first owners, thus absorbing the new car price.

Oh, and by the way, both cars checked out clean on Carfax.

-=Jim

Good Thing My Head is Attached...

2007-08-01T16:39:00.000-05:00

So, I have a stupid bike story. Well, not really a bike story. It's bike related, but it's more of a stupid Jim story. There's a moral at the end, and it's not too long, so bear with me.

Since the weather was nice I took off from work today a little early to ride my bike. I came home, got lunch and headed out.

Just out of courtesy to Tina I stopped by the store where she works to let her know I was going for a ride. While I was standing there talking to her I spotted an el cheapo bike lock & chain. I figured it would be fine for when I stop in town and have to leave my bike out of view. It's nothing major, but it would be at least a deterrent if I do happen to leave it somewhere. We're officially a small town USA kinda place, so bike theft isn't really high on the crime list, so it'll do.

Proud of my el cheapo purchase I head out and toss the chain in my handlebar bag. Saddle up, and I'm off.

A little over ten miles later I'm back home.

During the last couple miles of the trip i noticed a clicking noise from the front wheel. I figured it was either a loose spoke, maybe something on the tire. It was no biggie but irritating none the less, but this story isn't about that.

When I get home I decided stop at the drive way and see if I could determine what the clicking noise was. So I toss my glasses in my handlebar bag, take off my helmet... wait... where's my helmet? Hey! I'm missing a helmet here...

I lost my helmet.

How in blue blazes do you lose a helmet????

I don't recall it falling off anywhere. Let's face it, the helmet is strapped to my head.

So looked at the mailbox thinking that maybe I had already took it off and sat it there. Nope... it's not there.

Shoot!

I looked in the yard. Nope, it's not in the yard. I didn't go as far as the yard.

I decided to retrace my steps mentally.

I stopped at a church parking lot. Got a drink. I don't remember taking off a helmet.

I stopped again about a mile from the house to figure out how to navigate a gnarly intersection at 5 o'clock -- and took another drink. There was no reason to take off a helmet there either.

Dang!

I bet I left it at the store!!!

So I called Tina.

Of course she laughs at me.

"How can you lose a helmet? It's attached to your head," she chirps.

"Yeah yeah.. leave me alone." I mutter.

"Just go see if anyone turned in a helmet."

"Yes, there's the helmet - lucky you," she reports.

You know, as I write this I remember exactly where I left it. I left it at the U-Scan when I paid for the chain.

The stupid chain!

So the moral of the story that I promised: Just leave the helmet on. No matter if you're at a wedding, or having supper with the family - just wear it. That way you'll be safe, and won't have to replace it.

I amaze me.

-=Jim

I'm a Water Color!

2007-07-02T18:55:00.000-05:00

At a couple of recent Lone Mountain Band shows Marie Spaeder Haas, an artist, sat on the fron row and made sketches of us. I'm quite flattered, honored and humbled to have been the inspiration of a sketch.

I think her sketch captures me in a very "me like" stance, and it's genuinely an ego booster!

I posted the other sketches of the Lone Mountain Band on the band's news site. You can check them out here, or you can follow the following links to Marie's page for the pictures.

Bobby - Mandolin
Diana - Bass
Roy - Guitar
Jim - Banjo

Be sure to check out Marie's web page and galleries. She has some great artwork there and most of it is for sale.

-=Jim

Rain Gutter Regatta

2007-06-18T21:29:00.000-05:00

The Cub Scout Raingutter Regatta came about quickly. Almost true to form we didn't have the boat kit until the day before the race. Not only that, Samuel and I had an engagement that evening, and we didn't get home until 10:PM. Fortunately Tina had done all the shaping and had painted a primer coat on the boat, so all we had to do was paint , sail decoration, and final assembly. Samuel helped with the color choice and the sail decorations, and I got busy painting.

The finished boat turned out okay. I would have liked more time, but it did what it was supposed to -- float. And float it did, but more on that later. Samuel christened it "The Remphibian" since it had a Frog on the sail and Snake on the sterm.

Race Day

The setup is simple - two rain gutters on sawhorses filled with water. The boats are placed in the gutter and blown gently toward the other end. Simple? Perhaps, but there's obviously some finesse to piloting one of these boats without capsizing it, or burying the bow in the water.

Samuel was undefeated in his races and brought home the 1st Place ribbon! He puffed gently to the finish line each time. After the last race he commented, "I think I'm getting dizzy!"

I was very proud of him. His sportsmanship was at its best and he made sure to commend the other competitors on their effort.

Although we had a lot of fun previously with the Pinewood Derby, the Rain Gutter Regatta was just as much fun -- maybe more. Blowing the boat down the course allowed for the boys to take an active part in the race. That added to the excitement.

So, get out there. Make some boats!

Jim Bought a Road Bike

2007-06-07T19:38:00.001-05:00

I'm not quite sure what came over me, but I decided to buy a road bike. It seemed like the right thing to do. I'm not exactly sure if I'll ever make any long rides, but it's nice having a good bike. I figure if I do no more than commute to work as many days a week as I can it will be worth what I paid for it.

I visited the folks are Dalton Bicycles again and wound up purchasing a Specialized Allez Triple. It's a beautiful bike - and speedy. I've only put 10 miles on it, but it was a fun 10. I'm still a little shaky on it, and I'm slowly getting the hang of getting in and out of the toeclips. I figure in a few more days I'll be comfortable with that.

Enough of that for now, but I just had to share! See you on the road or trail, or if not there, in the Banjo Lounge!

Samuel Pankey - Baptism

2007-06-03T23:04:00.000-05:00

Title speaks for itself, but first a little background...

It was April of last year. We (Samuel, Tina and I) had gone to Marietta for no particular reason, but wound up shopping. Tina was in one store and Samuel and I decided to walk across the parking lot to the Guitar Center.

A car zipped by us pretty quickly. I said, "Wow, you better stay close; your mom will shoot me if you get squished!" He chuckled. I told him I thought that would just be a mess as we'd probably both wind up dead and asked him what he thought.

His comment was sobering; he said, "You would go to heaven, but I wouldn't."

"Why not?" I asked.

"Because I'm not saved," he replied.

"We need to talk," I said.

We talked and walked to the store. He understood, but I wanted to make sure he really understood. That week the topic came up a couple of times, and we were clear that it had to be his decision alone. Then, here at home Sunday evening (April 9, 2006), after church, he asked Jesus into his heart. He knew he was saved!

Today he was Baptized. He was excited, but you can also tell from the video that he was a bit nervous. This was at the First Baptist Church of Chatsworth; the pastor is Bobby McGraw.

So, without boring you any more, here's the video.

Thanks for letting me share.

-=Jim

Pulled the Trigger on the Mountain Bike

2007-05-12T17:09:00.000-05:00

I know you just can't wait to know what I bought. I should let you all take bets. I bet some of you already have bets going. So, what did I get?

Did I buy the Jamis? Maybe I got the Trek? Maybe I got the Ironhorse that I didn't tell you about? Maybe it was the Motobecane that Richard showed me on eBay. I really liked the looks of the Gary Fisher - maybe it was that one? Okay, okay... enough teasing.

I bought a bike! Heck, I bought two bikes! I bought a bike for me, and one for Tina too. We've already put a few miles on them today and I can hardly wait to ride again.

Tina isn't nearly as picky as I am. She just wanted a bike. She saw one, it fit her, she rode it - liked it - done! Gee, why can't I be like that. She wound up with a Giant Rincon. She liked the blue color. It fit her quite well, but she did opt for a better seat. I figure it's her butt, she should know what feels right, and I honestly don't want anything to discourage her from riding. I suppose it's her Mother's Day gift, and Birthday, and Christmas -- just kidding.

I bought the Specialized Hardrock Sport Disc. Yes, I know, I had looked a all kinds of bikes. Test rode higher end stuff, cheaper stuff, and had worried and stressed about the varying quality of components, but I took the advice of Bob and Richard and went with the bike that just felt the best. Nothing else I rode really felt as right as the Hardrock. I'm happy, and oddly, I'm not feeling any of the buyers remorse that I usually feel when I make a big purchase. I did my homework. I annoyed my friends. I carted my family to nearly every bike shop I could think of. I tried several bikes. I followed my gut on this one. I'm glad I did!

I'd also like to thank Dalton Bicycles for their patience throughout this whole process. I had been going in there for probably 6 months just looking at bikes trying to decide exactly what I want. In the end I got treated right, and Jason and Ross were very helpful and made us feel welcome. I believe in supporting the local stores and they made it easy to do that.

So, without further ado, here we are with our new bikes.

The Search for a Mountain Bike

2007-05-11T10:17:00.000-05:00

It's been years since I've ridden a bike. Well, with any seriousness, but for about a year I've been wanting a bicycle. I've looked at all sorts. I've made good use of my friends in the education process too. Richard Williams and Bob Bowden have probably had enough of me and probably sigh in frustration every time they see an instant message from me.

Here are the bikes I've looked at locally:

The first I tried was a HardRock Sport Disc from Specialized. It is also the least expensive bike I've considered. The fit was good and the components seemed good at that price point. I wasn't really thrilled about the red paint on the model at the shop, but it looks better in person. The same shop also carried Giant, but they didn't have a Yukon in my size to check out. The whole sizing aspect of this purchase process would become a sticky issue when it came to trying out bikes in particular models

The next bike on my list was the Gary Fisher Wahoo Disc. The riding position is a little different on this bike, but it felt pretty good too. The Fisher had a good feel too. However, once again the dealer didn't have a Wahoo in my size. They did have a Marlin that was was able to try. It was the same frame and layout, just different components. One thing that struck me as odd was though the specs online stated certain things, but the Wahoo at the shop was slightly different. For instance the front derailleur on the bike was a Shimono SIS, but according to the specs it should have been a Shimano Acera. While I'm not entirely sure it makes much of a difference, it was just puzzling to a neophyte mountain bike purchaser.

Trek's 6000 was another bike I liked, but, as usual, there wasn't a 6000 in stock at the dealer. They did have a 4900 (basically the 2006 version of the 6000) for me to try. It had a great feel, and seemed like a very well made bike. This bike had some nice features, and I wish I could have just bought it, however the 4900 was on hold for another customer. As a matter of fact, when I walked through the door I saw the salesman putting a tag on a bike - turns out it was the 4900 - just my luck!

The last bike on my list today is the Jamis Durango 2.0. It's probably the better of the bikes that I've considered. It's in a higher price point ($775) than the others. I've also considered the Durango 1.0 (same price range of the others).

It has been my goal to buy a bike by the end of this month, but as I get closer to making a real decision I'm starting to get anxious about having the bike. Of the bikes above I feel drawn to the Specialized. It just felt really good when I was riding it. I'm almost ready to grab that one, but I want the most value for my hard earned money. I'm hoping I can get the dealer to get close to my budget with the Specialized Hardrock Pro Disc.

Now that I've tried out a few bikes, and in the process of negotiating prices less than MSRP, I can hardly wait!!!

New Railroad Video

2007-03-29T21:36:00.001-05:00

Although we had a slight breeze and the pollen count was nearly 6,000 today I decided to record this tune and share it. It's probably not as polished as some of my other tunes, but I really like the song.

Hope you enjoy it!

Pinewood Derby

2007-03-12T17:42:00.000-05:00

Over the past couple of months Samuel and I have had the opportunity to build a Pinewood Derby car for Cub Scouts. I had promised myself that I'd make sure Samuel had plenty of help building a car, and make sure we could make it as speedy as possible.

He got his kit from the Scouts and Samuel drew several designs for the car. After going over the designs with him he decided on a shape and we cut it out. Samuel handled the bulk of the sanding and I cleaned and shaped areas that were difficult for him.

Painting was fun. It was Samuel's first time using spray paint, so needless to say we painted - sanded it all off - painted - sanded - painted - sanded. You get the idea. He finally got the hang of it and he settled on a red car with a black bottom. I thought it looked really good. We added pin-striping from the auto-parts store and a number from the original kit.

I took charge of the wheels and axles. I figured if there was to be a major contributing factor to the outcome of any of these races the wheels and axles were going to be a major link. The kit comes with four nails that are used for the axles. I carefully cleaned the burring and flashing from them and smoothed them out - finally using 1500 grit sand paper. I also beveled the heads slightly. The wheels, just plastic, came with mold marks and flashing from the manufacturing process. I cleaned those up as well.

Mounting wheels and axles turned out to be a bit trial and error and a lot of guess work at first, but I finally managed to get them in straight. The car held a good straight line and the wheels didn't wobble or pull in or out on the axle. I applied graphite to the wheels, axles and anywhere else I thought might be a contact point.

My other job was adding weight to the car. The maximum weight is 5 ounces. Not wanting to go over I settled on 4.8 ounces and hoped the scales used at the race wouldn't weigh heavier than mine.

Race #1

We took our car to the race. Weighed in at 4.8 ounces as I had hoped. I made sure everything was still straight on the car and Samuel and I checked it in.

Samuel won both of his races at the Pack Race and was 2nd place in the Tiger Cubs and tied for 3rd for all the divisions. I was thrilled, he was happy, but he came into this race knowing that he would have a fast car, and really expected to do well. He obviously had some confidence in our design and building skills. His first run down the track took 2.67 seconds. His second run was a bit faster at 2.65 seconds.

A nice surprise was getting 3rd place in Best of Show! As many times as we had sanded and painted, we really didn't expect much in terms of looks. We were just proud to get a decent coat of paint on it. The pinstripes must have been just the trick.

Race #2

This was the District Race. Unfortunately I didn't get to attend this one, but Tina filled in for me and they headed out for the race early this past Saturday morning. Samuel won 4 of 8 heats, and had an average time of 2.327 seconds - his best time was 2.310 seconds. The average scale speed was 212.5mph, his fastest was 214mph. Speedy!!!

The final results put Samuel in 5th place. He was only 0.343 seconds from the 1st place car. I was thrilled! For a couple of first timers building a Pinewood Derby car I think we did pretty good. We didn't have a lot of tools, or any way to test the car. With the exception of cutting out the car at the pack meeting on the band saw, everything we did was by hand or with small hand tools. Neither of us really qualify as "highly competitive" either. We just wanted to have a good time! We have the car on display here at home now, and we can hardly wait until next year.

If you've got a boy that's Cub Scout age, you should really get involved - even if only for the Pinewood Derby. It's a lot of fun for a Dad and Son!

-=Jim

Interview - World Wide Bluegrass

2007-03-07T11:21:00.000-05:00

About a month ago Becky Taylor from World Wide Bluegrass asked if I would be available for an interview on her show. Interview? Me? Internet Radio? Well, sure, why not. Looked like a good opportunity to get a little publicity and have some fun at the same time.

I took an early lunch to come home and set everything up. Found my way to the World Wide Bluegrass chatroom, and from there Becky contacted me through Google Talk. After fiddling with my settings on this end and discovering that I had somehow changed my recording settings from Mic to Line in we were on the air.

Becky provided such an introduction I almost wondered who she was bringing on. Turns out it was me. We discussed my early interest in banjo and music and how I learned. There was talk about some of the other bands I've performed with through the years, and about the current group I'm with, The Lone Mountain Band.

Becky played a couple tunes from Highway of Regret (Ten Mile Tennessee and Stoney Creek) and I also had the opportunity to play a few banjo tunes live. For those that are interested, my 3-finger bluegrass selection was Ring of Fire. I played to clawhammer tunes: Cluck Old Hen and Angeline the Baker.

We also spent some time talking about the Banjo Lounge and what I'm trying to do there. Becky is one of the moderators at the Banjo Lounge and has been very helpful in promoting the "Lounge."

Everyone was very great there, Becky, Gracie, and everyone in the Chatroom. I hope I didn't scare away too many of their listeners with my playing and scattered comments.

Be sure to visit World Wide Bluegrass!

-=Jim

The Georgia State Yo-Yo Championship

2007-02-12T19:48:00.000-05:00

I've been some part of the GSYYC for several years now. I've done everything. I've watched, hungout, organized it, judged it. promoted it, built the websites, and even somehow managed to participate from long distances.

Yes, long distances. Over the past few years I've had music jobs that have coincided with the day of the contest. It's tough, but the paying job has to come first, even though I enjoy seeing my yoyoing friends. I plan everything, I get sponsors, I build the website, I seek sanctioning, I put together rules and a tricklist, and everything else that has to be done. Then as it approaches the day of the event I hand everything off to Rob Tsou. Rob's a great guy. He takes my effort, and then turns it into a real contest. Even though I have some mental attachment to the event, I know I can trust Rob to make it run as planned. This year Rob did all of the major planning. Best of all I got to attend and participate!

Dick Stohr flew down to assist. Frankly, we couldn't manage this without Dick. He's got a lot of experience with contests, and the tools (spreadsheets, wireless microphone, etc) to make everything easy on us. I can honestly say without Dick we'd have to work a lot harder than we might have to.

Congratulations to all the winners! You can read the results at Yoyoing.com. Samuel Pankey, age 6, was the photographer assigned to the freestyle event, so be sure to check out the pictures. I wish I could have had more time to meet everyone. Maybe next year.

I did put together the website for the contest, which you can see by clicking on the logo at the top of this post. That logo was also featured on some very limited Duncan Freehand Zero sidecaps provided by Greg Cohen, owner of Infinite Illusions! I'm not sure, but I think there are less than 20 sets of these! Everyone that got a set of these needs to take the time to thank Greg for making these. They're great!

The contest is held in conjunction with the Atlanta Jugglers Association's Groundhog Day Juggling Festival. Because of this we have access to a large venue, and an audience that we wouldn't have. It's a great way to show off the hobby and attract new players from a group that's already predisposed to the manipulation of objects.

I was asked to be a judge, and I had reservations about it, but I agreed. I'm glad I did. It was a learning experience, but I also discovered that when I compared my scores to the other judges I wasn't out of line at all. There were differences, of course, but nothing that skewed the contest unfairly. That was a relief. I'm a lot of things to a lot of different people (good and bad things), but I hope to always remain fair and just, especially when scrutinizing people that give their all in a competition. (That goes for yo-yoing, music, or any other contests where I'm called upon to judge.)

I know I've already mentioned Infinite Illusions, but they were at the festival with all sorts of yo-yos and juggling equipment. I wound up spending my allowance on a Yo-Yo Factory 401K yo-yo. I had been wanting something new, and this one came highly recommended by Rob. Though I have more expensive yo-yos in my collection (you can see part of the collection here) it represents the most I've ever spent on a single yo-yo. I am glad to report that it has quickly become a favorite!

I hope to see you all again next year at the GSYYC!

-=Jim

Blast from the Past!!!

2007-01-20T00:17:00.000-05:00

In 1987 & 1988 I lived in Athens, Georgia where I met up with a fiddle player named Andy Carlson. For a short while we played a five hour set together on Sundays for breakfast, lunch and about $40 a piece for our efforts at a restaurant call Skeeters. Why? For no other reason other than it was fun. It's quite sobering to think about the amount of time that has passed since then. I really miss playing with Andy sometimes. It was so much fun.

We've gotten together a few times since then, but not often enough. Since our Athens tenure Andy has moved on to bigger things. Primarily he's over the Music Department at Denison University in Ohio. About seven years ago (which coincides to about the same time I started playing with the Lone Mountain Band) he started a bluegrass program for the students.

Wednesday, out of the blue, I got an email from Andy telling me his Bluegrass Ensemble would be in Dahlonega, Georgia (a little over and hour from me). I knew I had to go. He had also suggested that I bring a banjo. Shucks, I never leave home without one anyway, so Friday evening I tossed the banjo in my car, loaded up the family and made the short drive through the mountains to The Crimson Moon in Dahlonega. It's a small venue, but cozy, and everyone was very friendly.

When we got there the group was already playing, but I spotted a couple of other folks I knew - Earl Murphy (Andy's Grandpa) and Dennis Helmrich. I spoke with them a moment then found me a spot to listen to the concert. The students were quite capable musicians, and the music was great. Vocals were clean, and the arrangements were clever.

Andy had a spot saved for me on the second set, so I did three numbers and blundered my way through each of them. You can see me struggling in the picture there with Andy on guitar. Never the less it was a lot of fun and the crowd was appreciative. The students were polite and didn't push me off the edge of the small stage or openly make fun of my lack of musicianship. Obviously graciousness and politeness still thrive among the music students at Denison.

I dug around in the Wild Jimbo Archives and came up with a photo of Andy and I from 1988 at Skeeter's; the now long out of business restaurant where we played. Golly, I hope we had nothing to do with it's demise.

The short drive really paid off in a lot of good feelings and good memories. I hope it's not another 10 years before we do it again!

-=Jim

Boots!

2006-12-24T11:36:00.000-05:00

Maybe it's just nostalgia, or maybe even a mid-life crisis, but whatever it is I'll take it. I've not had a pair of cowboy boots in a very long time. It's not like I never wore them though, it was the footwear of choice for me for years. I've had more than my share of boots and I'm not entirely sure how I came about not having boots. Oh, there's a pair of cowboy like work boots suitable for trudging through the odd pasture, or through the woods, or into the dungeon when the combination of space heater, microwave oven and electric griddle get the best of a breaker, but they're not anything I'd slip on as casual attire.

This wasn't just some passing fancy either. Heck, I was married in a pair of boots. Oddly enough, that was the last decent pair of boots I had. I bought them specifically for the wedding, and wore them about 5 years. They were very nice, super soft, caribou hide Dan Post boots. So, what happened to these special boots? I was at a music store hanging out and the shop owner commented on my boots. I jokingly offered to sell them to him. He chuckled and asked, "How much?" Like the bonehead I am I told him $100. I went home barefooted.

A few months ago I wandered into the Corral West store looking for a jacket and this gentleman was behind me trying on boots. He asked me "What size boots do you wear?" I told him and he tossed me a pair and insisted I try them on. I figured if a customer was this sold on these boots and liked them so much that he would suggest them to a complete stranger, I should try them. Holy moly! These were comfortable. My boots never felt this good! They were Ariat Cobalt XR Pros. I had never heard of the brand, but of course I hadn't shopped for boots in 15 years. I had to have these boots!

So each time we'd go by Corral West I'd stop in, try out the boots and wonder what was stopping me from biting the bullet and taking them home. The last time we were there Tina said, just stick them in lay-away and each time we come by we'll pay a little on them, and it'll be like they're free. I sure like the way she thinks.

Samuel, our son, loves boots too, and a couple of days ago he announced that his were too small. Ok, so he needs boots too. So, with Christmas money in hand we head to the western store to get him a pair of boots and pick up mine. While we were their Tina found a pair of boots that she wanted so all three of us spent our holiday allotment on boots. Yes, all three of us bought Ariat boot. As I've already noted, mine is the Cobalt XR Pro. Samuel's pair is the Heritage Crepe and Tina finally opted for the Canyon style.

Does this sound like a commercial for Ariat and Corral West? Probably, but we're all thrilled with our new boots. We're also happy to have discovered a new brand that is incredibly comfortable - beyond anything I've ever had on my foot! Perhaps it's just the nostalgic mid-life crisis along with the fact that it's just darn nice to have a nice pair of boots again! I'm excited, can't you tell?

-=Jim

Winter Wonderslam

2006-12-09T13:49:00.003-05:00

Tina (my lovely wife) heard an advertisement on the radio regarding a concert that was going to feature the band Family Force 5, a rock group from the Atlanta area. Mind you, I'm not exactly what you'd call a rock and roll concert goer. I've been to less than a handful of concerts in my life, but this was different.

It was different in the respect that I knew of the drummer, Jacob Olds. He's the boyfriend of Bethany Dick. Some of you may remember that Bethany played with the Lone Mountain Band for about a year as a regular guest.

A few months ago I heard about a Family Force 5 video that Bethany was in, so I went looking for it. You can watch it on their MySpace site. I recommend it, but even more, my son Samuel recommends it!

Now, back to the concert...

I realize most concerts are not the place you'd consider taking a 6 year old for an outing, and thought I thought it would be a lot of fun, I really needed to get an idea of what I should expect, so I got in contact with Bethany, realizing she'd be my best source of information regarding what we might hear or see at the concert.

She indicated that Family Force 5 shows were fun with a lot of dancing, and no bad language or content. She warned that the show would also be loud. This was good news. I was still concerned about the other groups, but she explained that the other groups were Christian and played what I figure would be best categorized as Christian rock. It was Toby Mac's Winter Wonderslam Tour. I figure at this point that Samuel and I would go to the concert. Ticket prices were well within my budget, and we wouldn't have to drive too far, so I figured this would be a great "father-son" outing and a great first-time rock concert experience for Samuel.

Samuel had the bright idea to take earplugs, and we're glad we did. It was loud, but honestly, we had a blast. The other groups (Hawk Nelson, Ayiesha Woods, The Afters and Toby Mac) were great and Family Force 5 was awesome!

We hung around after the concert and met Jacob (Crouton) and talked with him a minute or so, got autographs and the picture of him and Samuel. I felt as if I should know him after spending so much time with Bethany, and knowing what a great person she is. He was as nice as I had expected and hoped for.

Oh, I almost forgot. Here are some pictures of the Family Force 5 show!

Family Force 5

-=Jim

I set up a Flickr Account

2006-11-25T10:39:00.000-05:00

As long as I can remember I've liked to take pictures. Granted, I'm not good at it, but I do like to press the button and make the camera do that clicky sound. However, in the thousands upon thousands of pictures I've taken I found a few that I'd like to share, and you can find them on Flikr.

Feel free to leave a comment or two, and don't hesitate to shoot me message if you see something you really like.

Wild Jimbo's Flickr

See you again soon.

Music from My Past

2006-11-08T09:56:00.001-05:00

It all started out Sunday. My Dad's Church was having their homecoming meeting and he had decided it would be fun to have me and his sister (my Aunt) come play and sing. Well, that sounds pretty safe, right? It did to me too - at least until it occurred to me that the three of us haven't played together in 20 years. Shucks, Dad probably hasn't played guitar in 7 or 8 years. Now, back then, 20 years ago, we were playing fairly regularly, and had a "set list" of sorts.

Sunday morning comes, I carry banjo and my Dad's guitar to church. I carry them to the back and get in tune. Dad casually walks through and checks to see if everything was ready. I told him it was. He heads back out front. I follow.

Service begins as usual, and then we're announced. Dad and I walk to the back to grab my banjo and his guitar. Dad strums a chord to make sure the guitar is "close enough" - his fingers a bit clumsy from the lack of practice - hey, it's just 8 years, how bad could it be? :) I worry that he'll have some difficulty. I know he'll be there, regardless of what my aunt throws at us; I'm just all to aware of what his fingers are going to be feeling.

We meet my Aunt who's already made her way to the front with her little notebook (list of songs). She mentions something about how it's been a while. We play 3 songs, and it's just like old times. It's funny how this stuff stays in your head after so long. Everything was there. It was the same as it ever was... same same same. Other than the fact that we're all 20 years older, it was like a trip back in time.

The next day I discovered some old cassette tapes of me when I'd have been probably 15 or 16 years old. It was fun though kind of strange, listening to myself as a teenager that was just coming to terms with what would turn out to be the instrument I'd spend the rest of my life with. That said, I'll just post a link to one of those tunes.

These would have been from '78 or early '79, so I'd have been playing around a year (since I started banjo in the fall of '77).

Foggy Mountain Breakdown
Fox on the Run

..and from a little later that year: Long Gone

Thanks for listening!

Recent Yo-yo Stuff About Me!

2006-10-28T09:04:00.001-05:00

A few days ago Mário Troise, a yo-yo designer for Vulto (a Brazilian Yo-Yo Company), contacted me to do an interview. A couple of emails later and it's done, and on their website! It's a huge honor for me to be featured in Brazil by such a prominent yo-yo maker.

You can read the interview here: Vulto

Drinking Straw Quality Control

2006-10-26T20:08:00.001-05:00

Perhaps I should have titled this post the LACK of Drinking Straw Quality Control! Where will this end? I'm 43. I've used drinking straws as long as I can remember. I remember using paper straws, but mostly plastic ones. For the better part of my life I've had pretty much no problems with a straw. Oh, occasionally I'd happen upon one that had been bent and cracked, but that was obviously not a QC issue.

However, over the past year I've encountered several straws that were sealed on one end.

Apparently during the cutting process the end gets fused. Or maybe this is just the first or last straw in a run. Either way since the first one of these I got earlier this year I've had a half dozen of them. So, if I don't get one before the end of the year that's averages out to one every 2 months. While I'll admit to eating out more than I should, that part of my life hasn't changed. The Straw QC program obviously has.

Now, it's not a big deal to get another straw, but if you don't spot the problem you're in for a surprise as soon as you try to take a sip. Tonight's amusement was trying to get the straw to stay in the glass.

So, you straw manufacturers out there, get your act together. It's time for a ZERO DEFECTS policy on straws!

They Told Me To Stall

2006-10-10T21:10:00.000-05:00

Some of you know that I play banjo in a bluegrass band. Some of you could care less. Some of you even know that I yo-yo. Some of you might even know that our band features a yo-yo segment. Some of you didn't know that, but now you do...

The job was your ordinary, run of the mill, evening gig that was an opening event to a fall festival for the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, NC. Brasstown's a tiny place, so this festival is huge doin's for everyone. We were booked for their concert series, and it's just a great place to play the type of music we play. The crowds are generally very interested in Bluegrass and Old-Time music - many are musicians. All in all, it's probably one of the best places we play.

Our guitar player and I rode together and we arrived on time. We set up what little gear we had, and tuned up. My phone rings and it's the other half of the band - the bass player and the mandolin player. They're late... and they suggest we stall. I told them to step on it and make up the time. Of course that's no small feat going thru the gorge on Hwy 64 by the Ocoee River... curvy, and a lot of tourists. I realized that when I suggested that they should hasten, but I wasn't particularly optimistic.

Stall... it's really hard to stall with an auditorium full of people that are waiting for their entertainment.

Yo-yo....

I begin some small talk with the front row and begin to yo-yo a bit. Only reason I'm chatting with the front row is we don't have sound yet. They're amused. I chat. I yo-yo. I smile A LOT.

As I yo-yo I watch the wave of attention slowly spread through the auditorium. It begins with an elbow... a "hey look"... and it just spreads. I finish some simple trick without knocking out an eye and there's a smattering of applause. Okay... this stall may work.

I talk some more, now I've picked up my volume a bit with my "school teacher voice" and continue. No super complicated stuff. These are just things I can do in my sleep. By now the mic is set up and I can talk to the whole auditorium.

What now...

I fall back on the basics. I walked the dog... jumped it through the hoop... and finished with a dogbite. I thought I'd go deaf from the applause. They like this stuff?

Well... if they like that I thought. I introduce the Man on the Trapeze... his brother... their sister... and finish up with the Mother-In-Law bouncing off the floor. More applause, but this time with laughter... amazing.

Rock the baby.... Eiffel Tower... yup... you guessed it - Rock the Baby on the Eiffel Tower. Chuckles and Applause from the crowd.

Out of the corner of my eye I noticed that the rest of the band had arrived and was ready to come on. I finished up with some simple 2 handed stuff. Applause again...

About that time the EmmCee begins introducing the band and they join me on stage. 30 seconds later I've ditched the yo-yos, strapped on a banjo and I kick off the first song of the night...

Is there a lesson to be learned here, or perhaps a moral to this story?

I have no clue... but I do know that it doesn't take fancy tricks to entertain folks. What it took for me, was honest chatter with the audience and good old fashion stuff they could recognize.

So, the next time you're out there waiting for your bandmates to show up, and you're told to stall. Grab a yo-yo and just talk to the crowd. The rest will take care of itself.

The Doc Stock Banjo Method...

2006-04-01T13:46:00.001-05:00

...or Any jerk can play the banjo so why not you too?

Lesson 1: Beat It!

The most common mistake of the beginning banjo player is to play too gently. True, musical instruments require great care and special handling, but banjos should not be confused with these. There are three basic licks that are used in playing the banjo: the hit (abbreviated h in tablature), the harder hit (H), and the beat (B). Learn these three licks, and soon you'll be able to play anything! Remember -- Hit 'em again, hit 'em again, harder, harder!

Lesson 2: Stage Presence

A dignified stage presence will do more than anything else to create the impression that you are a serious, professional musician. This is to be avoided at all costs--you have a reputation to maintain, after all! While playing on stage, you should: (1) slouch, (2) drool, (3) pick nose, (4) bump fiddler, (5) cross eyes, (6) pour beer on self, and/or (7) stare off into space. The more you can do at once, the better.

Lesson 3: Tuning your banjo

Musicians make a very big deal about "getting in tune." Fortunately, you're a banjo player, and therefore need not be so hung up. There are three basic ways to tune a banjo:

With a tuning fork: Tap the fork on a hard surface. Listen to the clear bell-like tone. Make sure none of your strings duplicate this tone.
With an electric tuner: Tap the tuner on a hard surface. Continue as with method (1).
With a fiddle: Tap the fiddle on a hard surface. Continue as above.

Lesson 4: Tunes and Tablature

It's a well-kept secret that there are really only four tunes in old-time music: the G Tune, the A Tune, the D Tune, and the C Tune. It's an even better-kept secret that these four tunes sound exactly the same. Tablature is a simplified form of musical notation used by musicians to preserve music on paper. Avoid all tablature--you will get nowhere as a banjo player by imitating musicians.

Lesson 5: Drugs & Banjo Playing

Just say, "Why not?"

Lesson 6: Playing with Musicians

Playing with musicians is always scary for the beginning banjo player. You should not be intimidated, though, because musicians like to have a banjo player or two around. Even the most mediocre group of musicians will sound great by contrast when a banjo player is added. So get in there and start jamming!

Lesson 7: Banjo Paraphernalia

A capo allows the banjo player, once out of tune in one key, to quickly be out of tune in any other key.
A case protects your banjo from abuse, except when it is being played. This is really unimportant, but where else can you put all your cool bumper stickers?
A dog will follow a banjo player around and keep everyone uncertain as to which is responsible for the odor.
Beer is the experienced banjo player's favorite liquid to spill on the dance floor, dancers, and/or musicians. Sometimes it is filtered through the kidneys first.

Lesson 8: Name That Tune

As mentioned previously, there are only four tunes, and they all sound the same. It is definitely uncool, however, to let on in public that you know this, so here's a list of titles for The Tune: Turkey in the Straw, Bug in the Taters, Bonaparte Crossing the Turnpike, Fire on the Mountain, Billy in the Lowground, Drugs in the Urine Sample, Christ on a Crutch, Monkey in the Dog Cart, Logs in the Bedpan, Ducks in the Millpond, Pigeon on a Gate Post, Water on the Knee.

Lesson 9: Three Myths Dispelled

Myth Number 1: It takes hard work and talent to play the banjo. Fact: The only talent most banjo players have is a talent for avoiding hard work.
Myth Number 2: You can make good money playing the banjo. Fact: People will frequently pay you much better money to stop.
Myth Number 3: Your banjo will make you friends wherever you go. Fact: This is only true if you never go anywhere.

Lesson 10: The Universal Banjo Tune

----H----B---h---B----------H-------B---B-H--------
--h---H--B---------B--------H---H---B-H-B---H------
---------B-----h-----B------H-B---------B-----H----
-----------h-----------h----------h----------------
------------------------------------------------B--
h=hit it! H=hit it harder! B=beat it!

This article was reprinted from the February 1990 issue of The Daily Clog, Julie Mangin, editor.

My Collection of Banjos

2006-02-20T15:03:00.005-05:00

Over the years I've started a small instrument collection. The crazy part is I attempt to play most of these from time to time. I have very few (well none really) museum pieces. All are tools and all are fun to play!

All My Banjos - More than I can play in a day.

Ramsey Woody - An amazing Banjo - Very Loud - A blast to play!

Price Knight - Beautiful Wood, Beautiful Tone!

Stelling Gospel - My prize. #777, formerly Ralph Stanley's. See it in Master's of The Five String

Nechville Phantom - Fantastic Tone - Great Looks

Ramsey Minstrel - Big mellow sound - I Love it!

George C. Dobson Victor - A-Scale and a treat to play.

Unknown Mini/Piccolo Banjo - Wow, it's tiny!

I hope you enjoyed looking at all the banjos!

-=Jim

How to Practice: A Music Lesson

2006-02-19T14:22:00.000-05:00

Here's another lesson I wrote when I was active in #guitar on dalnet many years ago. I hope you find it helpful!

1. Goals

A. Long Range Goals

What precisely is it that you really want to accomplish? Is it your goal to be a professional performer or teacher? You need to decide. Or perhaps you'd be just as happy as an amateur musician, for there's nothing embarrassing about that. Many people have enjoyed music for years just playing for their own pleasure.

B. Weekly Goals

Regardless of your long range goals you'll need some weekly goals. Having a goal to work toward reduces boredom as well as gives purpose to all the practicing. I'd recommend no more than 3 goals per week - examples could include: memorizing a piece of music, smoothing left hand movements in a difficult passage of music, etc. If you meet your goals before the week is up you can always modify or choose another goal.

C. Daily Goals

What do I plan to accomplish today? This is VERY important. It's the one thing that keeps you from sitting and "noodling." Too many people spend too much practice time not practicing. An example of a daily goal could be as simple as: I will learn the first eight measures of the piece I've chosen. (tip: When practicing don't criticize! That's why you are practicing. Negative comments to yourself only distract you from your goal - comments like: "This is awful" or "I'll never learn this". Rather - identify what you think is giving you the problem this will help you reach your goal.)

2. Practice Schedule

A. How much time will I spend today?

Only you can decide this. But let me help. Time is very important in the overall scheme of things; regardless of how efficient your practice time is time will come into play. Let's just make some comparisons, then some simple math. First, you are good at what you do a lot. When was the last time you fell down while just simply walking? Probably not in a long time, why? Because you've spent a great deal of your life walking. So let's assume it takes you 2500 hours to be a "good" guitar player (I'm not sure if 2500 is correct and I won't define "good"). If you are practicing a half hour a day it will take you approximately 13.7 years to be a "good" guitar player. So if you want to speed that up a bit, simply bump your practice up to an hour a day. Voila, seven years. Not happy with that? What about 3 hours a day? What about 6? I think you see where I'm heading?

B. Is that time consistent with the goals I have set?

Remember that very first long term goal you set? Is the practice time you've scheduled enough to meet that goal? Remember your goals!

C. When have I scheduled this practice session?

You know better than anyone when you are best at learning new things. Some musicians learn best with their practiced scheduled throughout the day; others learn well in a single session. Which ever you choose schedule a regular time to do it. Don't just say, "I need to practice 2 hours today, sometime, at least before I go to bed." Make a time slot for it, and stick by it. By doing that you can avoid interruptions.

3. Preparing to Practice

A. Relax

Without me going into it here, there are a plethora of relaxation techniques. Pick one that works for you. Being relaxed makes the learning process much easier.

B. Regular Exercise

"Whoa, exercise? You mean it?" Yes, I do. It's hard to practice when you are tired or lethargic. Light exercise on a regular basis will help you avoid being lethargic.

C. Leave your instrument on a stand or leave it's case open

If your case is sitting there open, and you can see your guitar, it's certainly a constant reminder to practice. By eliminating having to open the case may be the one thing that motivates you one those really tough days.

D. Listen to recordings of your favorite artist.

This will certainly get you motivated. It works for me as well as many other musicians, as it can be inspiring. It also makes you feel good!

4. Mental Practice

A. Study the piece you are learning

Always read through and try to memorize as much as possible of any new piece you are learning. Decide what fingerings might be best. Look for things that might give you trouble.

B. Try to hear the piece mentally

Play the tune through in your head. This is a good time to visualize what you'll have to do to get through the tune.

C. Sing or hum the piece

Can you sing or hum the tune? This is important, as it will help you when you actually sit down with your instrument and try to work it out. You can have a mental reference to the notes you are trying to play.

D. If available, listen to recording of the piece

This can really help with phrasing, timing, and countless other problems you may encounter. Remember, you are not trying to copy the recording, but merely listening to see how another musician worked through problem areas.

5. Technique

A. Daily and Weekly Goals

Are the goals you are setting including technique related goals?

B. Focus on coordination

Yes, you should think about coordination when you are practicing. Practicing slowly, thinking about what you are doing, and listening closely to what is being played will help with your coordination.

C. Work on Reflexes

Work on "letting go" of your control, playing at fast tempos and strive for fluid movements.

D. Endurance

Problems with endurance are usually indicative of insufficient coordination.

E. Focus on various physical aspects of playing

Are you holding your instrument properly? How's you posture? Is your right hand where it should be? Is you left hand where it should be? Does anything hurt? The old adage "No Pain, No Gain" does not apply here. I know an Upright Bass player who is very good; he uses a number of slides and various techniques in his playing and was asked, "How long did it take to develop callouses to do the things he was doing?" His response was basically that he didn't have calluses and as long as his technique was correct there wouldn't be any, as it didn't really take that much pressure to move the strings. (tip: Don't practice mistakes. They will be come habits. If you find yourself repeating a mistake stop, and identify the problem and work slowly "without" the mistake until you get it to speed.)

6. Problem Solving

As you practice you will certainly encounter many problems and difficulties learning, but most of these can be separated into two categories:

A. Mechanical

Is the problem you are having a physical challenge? This is perhaps the easiest to fix. Analyze your right and left hand movements and focus on your coordination, reflexes, and endurance.

B. Musical

A lot of things can go wrong here. Check your phrasing, fingerings and rhythm. These are the first things that you want to check; in many cases it's one of these things that is causing the problem. Next what about the dynamics, tone, and articulation? These are a bit more difficult to identify but if it's not one of the first three then it's like to be one of these. I have a couple more that I'd like to mention. First, are you really hearing the piece? And have you checked your transcription? Listening once again comes into play. Always Listen.

7. Listening

Learn to hear. Just do it. It's important. Nothing will help you playing more than improving your ear. From my own experience I know that the things I have learned "by ear" have been the tools I've used since. Pieces simply memorized from tab or notation really mean little to me if I don't take time to listen.

What, you ask, do I listen for? Here's a list:

1. Musical Direction
2. Harmony and Harmonic Direction
3. Tone
4. Structure
5. Musical Tension and Release
6. Phrasing
7. Accuracy
8. Style
9. Rhythm

Practice listening for these things. Not only when you are listening to others but also and especially when listening to yourself.

8. Reading Practice

Remember your goals? Is this important? Most likely it is. This should take no more than 30 minutes of your daily practice schedule. Also remember that your reading skills will probably always be behind your actual technical skill, that's okay. But remember when you are choosing music to practice your reading be sure to choose something that is suitable.

There are two approaches. The first is to choose something that is just below your actual playing level.. With this piece look for where the piece would be most likely played. Find the difficult sections and workout a solution. Count the rhythms out loud. Mentally practice the piece. And finally set a metronome at a moderate tempo and play the piece.

The second approach: use a piece that is at your current playing level, or one you will be learning in the near future. Mark phrases and harmonic groups. Study the rhythmic structure. Play through the piece (slowly) keep track of trouble spots. Select fingerings and try to read at least two beats ahead.

The second method certainly is more difficult, but will, in my estimation, work for the active learner. The first method has merit as well. I recommend that you attempt the first method; if you see little or not enough progress then perhaps maybe the second method would serve you better.

9. Repertoire Maintenance

It's a good idea to keep a list of tunes that you have learned. This will help you when you are preparing for a performance or recital. The pieces you plan to play can be practiced daily, but i recommend putting them in rotation, that is, if you have four pieces you plan to do, practice 2 of them today, two others tomorrow. This will give you more time to work on the pieces.

10. Keep a Journal

This is highly recommended. It will allow you to evaluate your progress by giving you written documentation of what you've accomplished. Write down your goals for each day and an evaluation of each thing you did in practice.

11. Playing with Others

There comes a time when you just have to get out there and play with other people. A good way to get a head start on this is to pick up a copy of Band-In-A-Box and start playing along with some of the songs you've worked out. It's not quite the same as having real people, but it's great practice and it will allow you to work at different speeds, and it'll never get tired of playing the same song over and over. It will help your timing and your ability to just "keep going" when you make a small mistake or miss some notes.

Playing along with recordings is of value too. You'll be forced to play along with people, albeit recorded. In many recordings you'll discover that there is an ebb and flow to the beat, and you'll also begin to pick up on the dynamics of playing with a group.

Finally, get out there and find people to play with. The above steps will make the transition from the practice session to the jam session much simpler.

12. Be Creative

Don't neglect taking some time to sit and find new things on your instrument. You might just surprise yourself at some of the ideas that you might have. Remember, if it sounds good, then it's good. Keep a recording of the better ideas so you can refer to them later - you'll be glad you did.

Bibliography:

I borrowed liberally from:

The Art & Technique of Practice - Richard Provost - Guitar Solo Publications of San Francisco - 1992

Mel Bay's Complete Flatpicking Guitar - Steve Kaufman - Mel Bay Publications - 1991

Tune Your Guitar!

2006-02-19T14:15:00.000-05:00

Many years ago when I was an active member of #guitar on dalnet I wrote the following lesson for tuning your guitar. I hope you find it helpful.

I can think of nothing more irritating than not being able to get my guitar in tune, unless of course it would be listening to someone else who didn't think it was necessary to even "get close." I suppose this frustration is what prompted the phrase, "Tune it or Die!" I've certainly heard musicians(?) with their instrument so badly out of tune that killing them would have probably been, "Too good for 'em."

I hope the next following paragraphs can help you solve this sometimes simple, often times impossible task of getting in tune.

Tone Deaf? You are kidding right? No? Well, I promise it's likely only a temporary condition. Hearing degrees of pitch is something that you learn over time; the more you do it the better you get.

Here are some simple guidelines to follow:

When you first pick a string it will tend to be sharp. Allow it two or three seconds to settle to its actual pitch.
Always tune slowly, and LISTEN to the pitch or beat of the note.
Always tune UP to the note you're are trying to reach. If necessary loosen the string a bit first and tune up to the pitch. If for some reason you can't seem to find the pitch, chances are you've gone too far, loosen the string 3 or 4 turns and start over.
Tuning takes practice. Practice tuning every day.

Devices to tune with:

Pitch Pipe - This was probably the first device I recall using to tune with. Basically six cylindrical reed pipes joined together with each representing a string on the guitar. The principle here is to select a note blow it and match the corresponding string to it. This is a tried and true method, but requires practice. Even as a beginner I was able to use a pitch pipe without much difficulty.

Advantages - Small and covers all the notes necessary to tune you guitar to standard pitch.
Disadvantages - As it ages it will likely go out of tune itself and become a very useless dust collector.

Piano - Many times you'll need to tune to a piano, as it's easier to tune your guitar to it as opposed to tuning it to you. Just find the corresponding notes and tune to the piano. If it's an acoustic piano, there is a good chance that it will not be in tune with itself, which means you'll only be close to in tune. So you'll have to make adjustments. If you are tuning to an electronic keyboard then you will likely not have that problem.

Advantages - Keyboards can be very precise.
Disadvantages - Too big to fit in your guitar case.

Tuning Fork - Struck against your knee, the prongs of this fork will vibrate at a predetermined frequency. While it's vibrating you can hold the base of it between your teeth and then match the appropriate string to the tone now resonating through your head.

Advantages - Small and very precise.
Disadvantages - Only good for one note; you're on your own for the rest.

Electronic Tuner - I bought my first electronic tuner in 1978. I still have it. I paid $99.50 for it and you better believe I'm proud to still own it. Electronic tuners have come way down in price since then, as a similar tuner now will cost about $30. Electronic tuners range in price from $10 to several hundred dollars (The one on my repair bench sells for about $300).

Advantages - Tuning with one of these devices is extremely easy and very precise.
Disadvantages - You really never learn how to tune; you become dependent on the device.

On to the Tuning!

TUNING METHODS

Relative Tuning

If you have a piano or access to one, try to match the 6th string (the biggest one) to the 12th white key to the LEFT of middle C (it's also the 12th white key starting at the far left). Once you have matched these you're ready to go to the next step. If a piano is not available then a pitch pipe can help you with this note. 2. Fret the 6th string at the 5th fret and strike that note (it's an A). Now match the 5th string to that pitch. Remember to tune UP to the pitch, so loosen the 5th string and tune slowly until the pitches match.
Fret the 5th string at the 5th fret and strike that note (it's a D). Now match the 4th string to that pitch. Remember to tune UP to the pitch, so loosen the 4th string and tune slowly until the pitches match. One of the most common mistake when tuning is tightening the string too much and going past the desired pitch. If you feel this has happened, loosen the string and start over.
Fret the 4th string at the 5th fret and strike that note (it's a G). Now match the 3rd string to that pitch. Once again remember to tune UP to the pitch, so loosen the string and tune slowly until the pitches match.
Fret the 3rd string at the 4th fret and strike that note (it's a B). Now match the 2nd string to that pitch. Yes, I'm going to repeat it - Remember to tune UP to the pitch, so loosen the string and tune slowly until the pitches match.
Fret the 2nd string at the 5th fret and strike that note (it's an E). Now match the 1st string to that pitch. Remember to tune UP to the pitch, so loosen the 1st string and tune slowly until the pitches match. (It's important - that's why I keep saying it.)

Ok... you're almost done. You should go back to the sixth string and check it with the piano or pitch pipe repeating the six steps. It's good to check it a couple of times; try to get it as close to 'in tune' as you can. This method can be reversed and tune from high string to low string. This is handy when using a tuning fork; most common tuning forks used with guitar are E-329.6 (same as the first string) and A-440 (first string fifth fret). So by reversing you start with the high E and fret the 2nd string at the 5th fret and match the fretted note to the open string, etc. etc.

Harmonic Tuning

If you are interested in this method of tuning chances are you've experimented with harmonics. If you've not tried it, try it now at the 12th fret. Just a light touch, (not pressing) directly over the fret, after the string is picked, quickly take your finger off. If you've done it right a bell-like tone will have just sounded (this is called the first overtone).

Other positions create natural harmonics as well, and we can use those positions to tune a guitar.

Here's how:

Start with your guitar (or at least your 6th string) close to 'in-tune.'
Match the sound of the harmonic of the 5th string at the 7th fret with the harmonic of the 6th string at the 5th fret.
Match the sound of the harmonic of the 4th string at the 7th fret with the harmonic of the 5th string at the 5th fret.
Match the sound of the harmonic of the 3rd string at the 7th fret with the harmonic of the 4th string at the 5th fret.
Match the sound of the harmonic of the 2nd string at the 5th fret with the harmonic of the 3rd string at the 4th fret. This may be difficult for the beginner, so you can also match the harmonic of the 6th string at the 7th fret to the open 2nd string.
Match the sound of the harmonic of the 1st string at the 7th fret with the harmonic of the 2nd string at the 5th fret.

You might want to repeat those steps a couple of times to make sure everything is as close as you can get it.

Tuning by Beats

After you've played and practiced tuning for sometime and your ears are more sensitive you may be able to hear what is called beats. Whenever you strike to notes together, if they are not in tune with each other the intensity (or volume) of both notes will pulse at a regular frequency. These are the 'beats' - listen carefully. The number of beats per second is equal to the difference in vibrations per second of the two notes. The slower the beats the closer the pitch of the two notes. When you can't hear the beats then you've succeeded in matching the two tones.

Octave Tuning

I find this to be a handy method of tuning, but even handier in checking your tuning. The following steps can be followed to use this method of tuning.

Fret the 1st string at the 7th fret (it's a B). This note is an octave higher than the note you'll tune the 2nd string to. Match the 2nd string to the fretted note on the 1st string, but remember you will be an octave from that note.
Fret the 2nd string at the 8th fret (it's a G). This note is an octave higher than the note you'll tune the 3rd string to. Now, match the 3rd string to the fretted note on the 2nd string, again remembering you will be an octave from that note.
Fret the 3rd string at the 7th fret (it's a D). This note is an octave higher than the note you'll tune the 4th string to. Like before match the 4th string to the fretted note on the 3rd string, and remember you will be an octave from that note.
Fret the 4th string at the 7th fret (it's an A). This note is an octave higher than the note you'll tune the 5th string to. Again, match the 5th string to the fretted note on the 4th string, but remember you will be an octave from that note.
Fret the 5th string at the 7th fret (it's an A). This note is an octave higher than the note you'll tune the 6th string to.
Finally, match the 6th string to the fretted note on the 5th string, don't forget you will be an octave from that note.

Once again, you should do this procedure a couple of times to make sure you are as close to being in tune as you are presently able.

Closing

I'd like to add here that the condition of your instrument certainly will have an effect on your ability to tune, play in tune, and stay in tune. A fresh set of strings is always a good place to start. Worn frets, nuts, and saddles can also affect tuning along with probably a hundred other things I've failed to mention.

In conclusion, there are certainly other methods of tuning (I've only covered a very few), and I'm sure with some experimentation you will find one that works best for you. I also neglected to discuss Pure Tuning as Opposed to Temperament - which is certainly a subject for later discussion. There is, I suppose, no right or wrong way to tune. There is, however, a standard tuning, and you need to attempt to be as close as you are able, regardless of the method you use to get there.

Bibliography

Mel Bay's EZ Way to Tune Guitar - Roger Filberto - Mel Bay Publications - 1979
Guitar Tuning for the Complete Musical Idiot - Ron Middlebrook - Centerstream Publications - 1981

Music Bio

2006-02-19T13:51:00.000-05:00

I started playing banjo in 1977. I'm self taught... the old fashion way - I'm a firm supporter now of the listen and learn approach. I've ruined many records by dancing the needle across trying to hit that particular spot on record.

I soon found myself playing in the FFA Stringband in High School. We played all over Georgia and even had the honor of playing at the FFA National Convention in Kansas City.

I have done assorted session work. While living in Athens, Georgia In the late 80's I even played banjo for the "soundtrack" of a FedEx commercial.

I have played and recorded with the Dalton, Georgia based bluegrass group Shady Hollow. I also played and recorded with Country Comfort.

From the beginning I loved teaching others to play the banjo. I've had as many as 50 students a week. On of the greatest opportunities as a banjo teacher came when some of my articles were accepted and used by Banjo Newsletter. I later had the opportunity to teach at the Maryland Banjo Academy.

While in college in the early 80's I took up playing the clawhammer style of banjo playing. I worked from a book I got from Grandpa Jones. I learned the basics and then spent hours trying to figure out Soldier's Joy from the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band's Will The Circle Be Unbroken Album. Years later and many hours of practice I think maybe I finally understand the style. I think all of the effort paid off in 1999 when I won the Old-Time Division at the Georgia State Championship in Hiawassee, Georgia.

I am the 2005 Tennessee Bluegrass Banjo Champion.

I'm currently playing with, quite possibly, some of the best musicians in the world. The Lone Mountain Band, made up of Bobby Burns, Diana Phillips, Roy Curry and myself has been the most fun and challenging group I've ever worked with. I hope to see you at some of our shows!

Yo-Yo Bio

2006-02-19T13:33:00.000-05:00

I got my first yo-yo sometime in the late 60's. It was a slimline Russell Championship Model that was used in a McDonald's Restaurant promotion. I really don't recall much about the promotion, but I remember a demonstrator and getting a yo-yo. I was young and not in the habit of getting names and details.

From that point I always remember having a yo-yo of some sort. If I ever misplaced or found myself without one I would make my way to the store and buy something - usually a Duncan of some sort (Imperial, Professional or Butterfly). Limited to what I could find in the local department stores I was basically bound to the "back of the card" tricks found with most yo-yos of the time.

Let's fast forward to 1996. I was shopping with my wife and some friends when I found a shop that had these "new" yo-yos. Some that they had would even return to your hand automatically - Yomega Brains and Fireballs. I bought a SaberWing Fireball and found myself re-addicted to this marvelous toy. Since then my collection of yo-yos has grown from a half dozen to several hundred.

In 1998 I received a Playmaxx Turbo Bumble Bee as a gift. This was my first ball bearing yo-yo. It was also about that time I found the "online" yo-yo community. Through this medium I've met many people involved in yo-yoing and I now find myself more involved than I ever imagined.

I've helped plan and promote the Georgia State Yo-Yo Championships. I've also helped with the Southeast Regional and Worlds Yo-Yo Contest.

From 2002 - 2006 I was on the American Yo-Yo Association Board of Directors.

Does Jim Really Play the Banjo?

2006-01-19T14:40:00.004-05:00

I know some of you might be wanting to hear some banjo tunes. You might even be asking yourself, "Does he play, or does he talk about playing?" Well, here are some banjo tunes that I've recorded with my computer mic. All of these are presented with no frills.

Three Finger

Ain't Gonna Work Tomorrow
Alabama Jubilee
Angeline the Baker
Ballad of Jed Clampett (D-Tuners)
Barlow Knife
Beaumont Rag
C Lick
Black Berry Blossom
Black Berry Blossom (fast)
Cripple Creek (Price)
Cripple Creek (Stelling)
El Cumbunchero
Footprints in the Snow
Goodbye Liza Jane
Grandfather's Clock (D-Tuners)
Little Liza Jane
Sandy River Belle
Sunny Side of the Mountain

Clawhammer

Angeline the Baker
Chicken Reel
Cluck Old Hen
Cripple Creek
Gypsy Davy
June Apple
Leather Britches
Liberty (Dobson - A Scale)
MacaBanjo
Nashville Blues
Sally Ann
Shortening Bread (Banjo Uke)
Sleepy Eyed John
Soldier's Joy
Soldier's Joy (Minstrel)

Classic Banjo

Berkeley March

Banjovia Article

2006-01-13T12:13:00.001-05:00

In this month's issue of Banjovia - a quarterly publication by Nechville Musical Products you'll find an article about none other than yours truly. Yes, me, Jim Pankey, the webmaster and banjo player for Lone Mountain Band is the headline story this quarter.

I'd like to thank Tom Nechville and Al Price for doing this. The interview was fun, and Al was a lot of fun to talk to. Tom builds a great banjo and if you've not tried one, you owe it to yourself to play one. The workmanship is great, and the sound is exactly what I'm looking for in a banjo. Here's a homemade clip of just the banjo: Sunny Side of the Mountain. Then again, you could always make it out to a Lone Mountain Band show and hear it live.

As for Banjovia - you can visit the Nechville Website and get a copy of the newsletter - it's in the downloads section, or you can grab it right here: Banjovia - Winter 2006

On the Radio with the LMB and The Tennessee State Championships

2005-03-21T14:02:00.000-05:00

It was a long weekend. It was made even longer by the lack of sleep. Where should I begin?

Friday afternoon we (The Lone Mountain Band) recorded a show for WPLN's Bluegrass Breakdown with Dave Higgs. We all had a great time. Dave made us feel right at home. It was great seeing Dave again and Emily! I'll keep you posted as to when the show may air.

After the radio show Roy, Diana and I decided to ride up to the State of Tennessee Old-Time Fiddlers' Championships in Clarksville, Tennessee. Roy and I competed in Guitar and Banjo and both won our respective divisions. We then made our way back home. I walked in the door at 5:30am, showered, shaved and went directly to work - no sleep for me.

Saturday evening we played a show for the Cleveland Community College in Cleveland, Tennessee. Thanks to everyone that came out! Finally... we all got some sleep.

Until Next Time...

-=Jim

Grand Ole Opry

2003-09-15T12:02:00.000-05:00

For those of you who may have missed the blog entry on Yoyoing.com, I spent the weekend in Nashville as a guest of the Grand Ole Opry.

First, no, I wasn't on television, but given the fact that the Opry is a 6 hour long deal and having only one hour televised really makes it a bit tricky to get on the televised portion. Frankly it could have happened, but after watching how it all comes together I'm very surprised how any of it happens at all.

You'd think in nearly 80 years they'd have a really structured and minute by minute chart of what's going to happen when. You'd be wrong. Sure there's a schedule, and everyone makes an attempt to keep up, but a live show such as the Opry has many opportunities for unexpected changes. However, no one seems to be bothered about any of this at all. Vince Gill pointed out that it was chaos but, "Really laid back chaos."

I started out yo-yoing outside where people were waiting to get in. Just yo-yoing, chatting, and creating "yo-yo atmosphere". Keeping in mind that most Opry attendees are over 50, and all know about Roy Acuff, it was very well accepted. Yes, I had a lot of requests for Walk the Dog, Rock the Baby, Around the World, and "That thing where it goes up in the air". It was fun.

As it's getting close to show time someone decides that maybe I should go on with the opening act. So the race was on - Get back stage, get set up, dodge some Opry stars, change strings, and then wait until I'm called out. So the curtain comes up and I step out to the edge of the stage and notice it's a long way down to the front row - I made a quick mental note to not fall off the stage. I yo-yoed while the Minnie Pearl impersonator did her thing... If I stopped, she'd prod me to keep yoyoing. I'm sure she made fun of me more than once... and I know she was funny, because the crowd kept laughing - either that or they were laughing at me. I’m sure it was her. I’m not nearly that funny, especially with a yo-yo. Am I?

Then it was over, much like it began, but slower. I wander backstage, look around, see the Opry stars and finally make my way to my seat to watch the rest of the show. It was, indeed, an impressive production.

Best of all I was treated with the greatest respect. The Opry paid for our room, and food. The gentleman that invited me there shuttled me back and forth from the hotel (Opryland Hotel - wow - http://www.gaylordhotels.com/gaylordopryland/ ). If you’re ever just passing through Nashville go check it out. Tina, Samuel and I felt like special guests of the Opry. Too often I’ve done shows where I felt more like a burden than a guest.

Thanks to Joe Mitchell for passing along the “job” - Thanks to Jason Parrish for having something else to do. Thanks to Richard Williams for keeping the AYYA site functional, and to Greg for keeping it online. And a huge thanks to the folks at the Opry, Texas Ruby, Cousin Minnie and more than anyone, Dan Rogers for inviting me and taking time out of his busy schedule to be a chauffeur to a yo-yo player’s wife and kid.

-=Jim

p.s. Yes, that's me in the picture - no, not in the dress, sheesh... Wish I had better pictures, but given the size of the Auditorium I should probably be glad I showed up at all. :)