This is the best version of this tune I have ever heard. Must have listened to it hundreds of times the last 2 years :) I'm only familiar with frailing/clawhammer style and some picking. Are using the "Seeger" style? (Same as clawhammer but picking instead of using the nail) or is it two finger style? In any case, it sounds fantastic and the sound is so clean and fine!
@QRS666 Thanks for that massive compliment! I use a hybrid picking style reminiscent of Pete Seeger with up-picks on most of the melodic notes but down-strokes too to keep it rhythmic. Also a bit of 3rd finger and drop thumb where necessary. Cheers, John
did you find a number on your banjo -back of dowel ,under the scratch plate,on the rim?i did and another date on the tone ring .just interested if you ve come across any
Then there's a stamp twice on the inside of the 'donut' ring and on either side of the scratch plate which reads:
H.C.DOBSON'S
PAT
NOV.8.1881
Is this consistent with yours? I've noticed different peg head shapes on these instruments, from squared-off to elegant curves (which is what mine is). I even remember seeing one with a slotted guitar style peghead.
thanks for that.i have the same stamps on the scratch plate,with a 35 stamp on the underside..a 35 stamp on the back of the dowel,and on the rim ..the donut has two feint markings.one says dobsons patent 1878&1881,the other says henry c dobson maker n.y usa 1885.these are very finely hand engraved like with a pin
Great tone .. I have an Older Mike Ramsey version of a Dobson but with just a simple brass ring and a deep and very wide pot .Also a very big neck heel . I love the way it plays and sounds .. Thanks for the great clip .. All the best , guy
Thanks! Yes, they have a terrific sound - really meaty without too much boom or clang. Have you seen the modern replica Dobsons being made by Johannes Bonefaas? Love to get my hands on one of them!
This is the best version of this tune I have ever heard. Must have listened to it hundreds of times the last 2 years :) I'm only familiar with frailing/clawhammer style and some picking. Are using the "Seeger" style? (Same as clawhammer but picking instead of using the nail) or is it two finger style? In any case, it sounds fantastic and the sound is so clean and fine!
QRS666 2 months ago
@QRS666 Thanks for that massive compliment! I use a hybrid picking style reminiscent of Pete Seeger with up-picks on most of the melodic notes but down-strokes too to keep it rhythmic. Also a bit of 3rd finger and drop thumb where necessary. Cheers, John
sparkyfiddle 1 month ago
awesome sound
fralin1966 4 months ago
nice but... low down bpm, in my opinion you play too fast
kokezillo 10 months ago
Mighty fine..
rpeek 1 year ago
Hey, a note from Houston,Tex That was awsome. Thanks for the tune You Rock that baby. sandyd
TheJimi2 2 years ago
I have a Dobson Silver Bell Patent - I only wish I could play it like that!
bigjed1971 2 years ago
very cool, thanks.
gyromudd 2 years ago
Nice version.
banjoape 2 years ago
did you find a number on your banjo -back of dowel ,under the scratch plate,on the rim?i did and another date on the tone ring .just interested if you ve come across any
bahnum 3 years ago
Not serial numbers as such, just patent dates.
On all 4 sides of the dowel stick it reads:
'DOBSON'S PAT
MAY 14TH 1879
& NOV 8TH 1881'
Then there's a stamp twice on the inside of the 'donut' ring and on either side of the scratch plate which reads:
H.C.DOBSON'S
PAT
NOV.8.1881
Is this consistent with yours? I've noticed different peg head shapes on these instruments, from squared-off to elegant curves (which is what mine is). I even remember seeing one with a slotted guitar style peghead.
sparkyfiddle 3 years ago
thanks for that.i have the same stamps on the scratch plate,with a 35 stamp on the underside..a 35 stamp on the back of the dowel,and on the rim ..the donut has two feint markings.one says dobsons patent 1878&1881,the other says henry c dobson maker n.y usa 1885.these are very finely hand engraved like with a pin
bahnum 3 years ago
good to see a banjo just like mine!
bahnum 3 years ago
Great tone .. I have an Older Mike Ramsey version of a Dobson but with just a simple brass ring and a deep and very wide pot .Also a very big neck heel . I love the way it plays and sounds .. Thanks for the great clip .. All the best , guy
guywolff 3 years ago
Nice job man.
baanjoguy 4 years ago
Thanks! Yes, they have a terrific sound - really meaty without too much boom or clang. Have you seen the modern replica Dobsons being made by Johannes Bonefaas? Love to get my hands on one of them!
sparkyfiddle 4 years ago
They cost an arm and a leg, unfortunately.
jessyquedens 4 years ago
Great! Im subscribing.
lewdite 4 years ago
Im definately going to have to try them nylgut strings! they sound good
pit032 4 years ago
Great tune!!! I like that a lot! I can just sit back and relax to that tune.
OldtimeFiddler 4 years ago
Very Cool. Very distincive sound. Have fun with that. You can never have too many banjos. And nice playing!
locustvalleystring 4 years ago
'You can never have too many banjos' - now wouldn't that make a great slogan for a T shirt?! Cheers Larry
sparkyfiddle 4 years ago
That combination of "gut" strings,No resonator, and fingernails is so folksy, mind you that is a big assed tone ring
sunbeams7 4 years ago