instrument an offensive weapon (no mando)

[Sue Rieter]

We could morph into a whole new thread over instruments that just sound obnoxious. The most obnoxious instrument I ever jammed with was actually one of my favorite instruments...but only when played in competent hands. I attended an Irish session with a guy who played the Uilleann pipes, but he was not very good. It sounded like we were jamming with a dozen cartoon car horns!

Okay, it could be argued that this is not an instrument; it could just as easily be argued that it is. I got it in Virginia on my road trip. My brother would not let me unwrap it in the car

[Ranald]

Okay, it could be argued that this is not an instrument; it could just as easily be argued that it is. I got it in Virginia on my road trip. My brother would not let me unwrap it in the car

What does it do, Sue? (Make a racket, I gather.)


On another topic, one trend I'm noticing in this thread is that loud instruments and unskilled players are generally regarded as an annoying combination.

[Sue Rieter]

What does it do, Sue? (Make a racket, I gather.).

Yes, it is kind of like an extra obnoxious kazoo. Quite loud and buzzy. Only 2 notes, in and out. Maybe it's more like something you might use to call in waterfowl

[Charlie Bernstein]

I used to think banjo jokes were the viola jokes of the folk/bluegrass (or otherwise non-classical) world. i.e. exaggerated concepts as a lever for humor. Then I discovered Rhiannon Giddens and now I think banjo jokes are blasphemy. Maybe you just have to be a beautiful singer to cover it up - idk - but I love her.

We love her, but Rhiannon isn't the only cool player out there. Taj, Ry, Bela, Tony Trishka, and I'll think of some more after I've signed off.

Nonetheless, what's the best pickup to put on a banjo?

— A Ford F-150.

And since you went and mentioned violas, what's the difference between a viola player and a seamstress?

— A seamstress tucks of the frills.

And - since we're talking about obnoxious instruments, I'll announce here that I'm seriously considering getting a melodeon. Get your ear corks ready!

[Jim Garber]

And - since we're talking about obnoxious instruments, I'll announce here that I'm seriously considering getting a melodeon. Get your ear corks ready!

Do you mean melodica?

[Gunnar]

Hi Gunnar...in the US we have learned not to make ANY snarky comments to airport security. Those folks have no sense of humor at all.....

Lol, I don't actually say these things out loud, only in my head

[DavidKOS]

Do you mean melodica?

He could mean "melodeon" which is another name for "button accordion".

[ajh]

Lol, I don't actually say these things out loud, only in my head

Yup, Darn good thing "You can't go to jail for what you're thinking" (from an old Dean Martin tune) or I'd be a goner.

[catmandu2]

FYI, melodeon is quite easy to get with (avoiding sounding offensive) - it's a large harmonica.. I'd recommend it to anyone who desires easy entree into music-making.

Btw, you might find 2-row or 1-row with four bass buttons - rather than the two-bass "spoons" of the popular basic melodeons - easier to handle, or more suitable for general folk music.