Mandolin Banjos Group

[Tezzerh]

Sorry to dare to utter the dreaded ‘B’ (for banjo) word on the Forum. I sincerely hope it won’t evoke a torrent of scorn! I already owned two mandolins (see my signature below) but, yes, I unashamedly admit to liking the banjo sound, too. So I have taken the plunge and bought a British-made Grafton mandolin banjo (or banjo mandolin). It gives me a different sound, is ideal for banjo-type tunes (Oh! Susanna, Yankee Doodle, etc), and is great fun to play - all without the need to learn new fingering. Oh, and my wife says it isn't too loud!
Don’t worry - I still play my other two mandolins, especially my vintage bowlback, which provides a wonderful contrast to the banjo mandolin. I then found there was a Mandolin Banjos Group on the Cafe which had lapsed somewhat, got in touch, and was promptly invited to own it! Not something I had anticipated, but what the heck…
So, call me a brave man (or an idiot), but I would like to revive the group. It would be nice to have discussions about this instrument with other BM aficionados, without incurring the wrath of banjo haters (oh yes, I know you are out there. Lol). If you'd like to join me, please do so. You'll find it listed as Mandolin Banjos Group (I think I prefer the term banjo mandolin but that's something that could be discussed). If you don't want to join, or think anything involving the 'B' word is sacrilege, then please pass on after wishing me luck. Somehow I think I might need it!

[allenhopkins]

Good luck to you! I think the mandolin-banjo is a much maligned and misunderstood instrument; I own two of them a Vega Little Wonder and a no-name that was a gift, and while I don't play them frequently, I think they have a definite role in the mandolin family.

They tend toward the raucous, but there are genres of music -- ragtime, jug band, some old-timey -- where their particular sound fits well, and where an expertly and tastefully played mandolin-banjo adds quite a bit. I play in a Celtic band with a mandolin-banjo player, and it works fine on Irish-trad dance music.

So, haters gonna hate, but don't let an interesting and serviceable type of instrument be relegated to the clown car. Pick that mandolin-banjo!

[LazyRiver]

I suddenly found a use for my mando-banjo (or manjo?) - it makes a great jazz banjo. I like it better than the tenor banjo because it's pitched higher. I tried it yesterday with two friends who were playing tenor sax and baritone horn. No problem. The mando-jo held its own.

A side benefit is it fits in my 22" carry-on backpack. Whoopee!!

~ Al

[HonketyHank]

I guess I better find that group or else change my avatar.

[RustyPickup]

Finally, a group of people who will appreciate my MB-4! Most everyone in the band, and definitely everyone in the house, scatters to the winds whenever I open the case ... Should I take it personally?

[aphillips]

Is a group of mando-banjo players called a "murder"?

[Tezzerh]

Is a group of mando-banjo players called a "murder"?

More than 200 views before we get a (bad) "joke". Not bad going, I reckon.

[mandroid]

It's here , in community/social groups..
http://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/group.php?groupid=270

A subset: ukelele banjo players that sting them to tune in 5th intervals .

[tkdboyd]

I hope to have a banjolin for Christmas. Been enjoying Ragtime lately, thought a mandolin banjo would be appropriate.

[aphillips]

More than 200 views before we get a (bad) "joke". Not bad going, I reckon.

Aww dang! I was going for witty not bad. I'll try harder next time. ;-)

[Bill Foss]

Finally, a group of people who will appreciate my MB-4!

I own an MB4 as well. They are beautiful looking and sounding instruments! They are the same red color as A4 and F4 mandolins. My has a trap door to let out even more mandolin banjo sound goodness! Great for Ragtime blues and jug band.