An introduction

[Herzen]

Greetings!
Upon further reflection I came to the conclusion that my first post was not much of an introduction, so I figured I'd better do it right.

My name is Brian and I live in Western New York, not far from Buffalo. I started on the tenor banjo in college 15 years ago playing in a string band (square/contra dances, Irish stuff), and have since moved on to mandola, mandolin, tenor guitar, 5-string, etc.

I am self taught on all of these instruments, and consequently, not very good. But I love playing and I get joy from it so I guess that's what matters. I even dabble a little in repair/building.

My instruments (currently) are:

1928 Gibson TB-1 tenor banjo
1932 Regal tenor guitar
1950s Stradolin mandolin
2003 home made Whyte Laydie for clawhammer
2006 Michael Kelly mandola
2008 Breedlove Quartz KF mandolin
2005 K'anilea ukulele
Waiting on: Weber Absaroka mandola just won on ebay

I have enjoyed lurking here for a while, and have found this site a great resource. I look forward to interacting with you all more in the future.

[onassis]

Welcome, Brian! I, too, am self-taught, and this site has proven to be a gold mine of information! I'm much more of a "lurker and observer" than I am a frequent poster, but it's also been fun taking the first steps into the world of internet forums. Look forward to seeing more of you!

[mandozilla]

Hello Brian and welcome to the Cafe!


I am self taught on all of these instruments, and consequently, not very good.

"not very good" is in the eye, or ear, of the beholder. The personal satisfaction, joy and love of playing are the bottom line...besides, I'll bet you're just being modest. :grin:

~o):popcorn:

[allenhopkins]

Hey Brian, if you ever get to Rochester, give me a call. We have a couple great instrument dealers here, a pretty extensive array of jams of different types... Western NY is a good area for music!

[Herzen]

Hey Brian, if you ever get to Rochester, give me a call. We have a couple great instrument dealers here, a pretty extensive array of jams of different types... Western NY is a good area for music!


I know Rochester quite well. I went to school at Geneseo and was (and occasionally still am) a member of Jim Kimball's Geneseo String Band. I used to go up occasionally to the monthly Irish jam (mostly as an observer).

And I was thrilled when Bernunzio's opened their showroom!

I am hoping to come up to catch a little music during the Rochester Jazz Festival in a couple of weeks. Hot Club of Cowtown is going to be there, as is Jake Shimabukuro and Taj Mahal.

[allenhopkins]

I work with Jim K at Genesee Country Village, and have done so for 25+ years. Many fine alumni of the SUNY Geneseo string band.

I may be volunteering at the Rochester Education Foundation booth at the Jazz Festival a day or two, though I have gigs on the 13th and 14th. Perhaps our paths will cross...

[woodwizard]

Allen,
I just realized that you live in Rochester. Never been there but that's where I just recently purchased my vintage A4 from John Bernunzio. A really nice fellow ... as a matter of fact Greg and the whole gang there in his store seem to be really experienced & helpful people when it comes to vintage instruments and repair work. It must be pretty nice to live close to places like Bernunzio's Vintage Instruments. I have been enjoying the A4 everyday... really happy to get it. You might have seen it in there.

Oh! and welcome to all the mando madness here Herzen :mandosmiley:

[allenhopkins]

It must be pretty nice to live close to places like Bernunzio's Vintage Instruments. I have been enjoying the A4 everyday... really happy to get it. You might have seen it in there.

Several wonderful instrument shops in Rochester:
Bernunzio Vintage Instruments (http://www.bernunzio.com/)
Stutzman's Guitar Center (http://www.stutzmansguitarcenter.com/)
Lehmann Stringed Instruments (http://www.lehmannstrings.com/)

I've done business frequently with all three, and have worked at Stutzman's, and can recommend all of them highly. Anyone within driving distance, looking for a selection of good quality stringed instruments, would be well-advised to block out a day in Rochester.

[Chris Keth]

And if you're into a little rock, check out The House of Guitars on Titus Ave. It's a fun place to look around and the record store (record heap) downstairs is a good diversion. I went to school in Rochester and a trip to the HoG with a garbage plate afterward was a good couple-times-a-year tradition between my friends and I.

[Herzen]

Many fine alumni of the SUNY Geneseo string band.


Very true, though I'm no Glenn McClure... My wife and I still play with them from time to time, and she's a caller. Jim's a great guy.