It is an archtop Stelling Staghorn and if I remember correctly very fancy engraving and inlay. I grew up in the same area where Ed played a lot. His style is mainly based in Don Reno but his ability and versatility are astounding. He was also Clyde Blaylock's first banjo student. Oh yeah you should here him play ragtime.
This is the Big Ugly Bass Player in this video. THe band consists of: Ed James on Banjo, Me John Thatcher on Bass, Dennis James Guitar and Donnie McRae on Mandolin. I was a beginner 2 years ago when I met Ed and am truly blessed to be able to play with such a great person and musician. My son, John Jr. has recently joined the band as guitar picker and we are working on Deuling Banjos with him. Come the April show i will tell Ed to kick it up a notch! Thanks so much for posting this video
I never noticed but you're right. Trust me, they have to back his mike down as that thing has some serious punch to it. I don't play the banjo (guitar is my thing) but I've heard enough banjos to know when one has a loud, clear, punch to it and his does. That he's a fantastic picker doesn't hurt. It's hard to tell from the video but he is usually about 18" or so from the mike. Otherwise, he'd really blow folks out.
Just remember that, just as with any stringed instrument, it's as much about the musician as it is the instrument. Sure, some instruments sound better than others but the same instrument in another musician's hands can sound completely different. The guy in the video plays really cleanly and very relaxed so the notes ring. I know a guy with a $2,500 Nechville banjo that sounds bad because he's not a good musician.
From my experience of listening, a higher quality banjo makes only a minor difference, so I agree. I also realize and already noted on several comments of how good a banjo picker that fella is...really freakin good! I do see what ur sayin. Thanks and keep in touch!
Five people who watched this video wouldn't know good banjo playing if it bit them on the a**.
jocwalk 8 months ago
No offence, but why do large fellows always seem to play the Mandolin? He's no slouch on that mandolin.
BreathDoctor 2 years ago
Sweet! Thx for thee vid:)
Artionis 2 years ago
It is an archtop Stelling Staghorn and if I remember correctly very fancy engraving and inlay. I grew up in the same area where Ed played a lot. His style is mainly based in Don Reno but his ability and versatility are astounding. He was also Clyde Blaylock's first banjo student. Oh yeah you should here him play ragtime.
spanishdbl 3 years ago
That was amazing picking!
Thanks for sharing.
Banjoistically yours,
Jon Eric
JonEricMusic 3 years ago
Where was this being played? I like what I hear.
OldAndBlue 3 years ago
whoa that guy on the end is fat. good music tho :)
danjohnstone 3 years ago
This is the Big Ugly Bass Player in this video. THe band consists of: Ed James on Banjo, Me John Thatcher on Bass, Dennis James Guitar and Donnie McRae on Mandolin. I was a beginner 2 years ago when I met Ed and am truly blessed to be able to play with such a great person and musician. My son, John Jr. has recently joined the band as guitar picker and we are working on Deuling Banjos with him. Come the April show i will tell Ed to kick it up a notch! Thanks so much for posting this video
tennecjonn 3 years ago
This fellow is playing an archtop banjo, and they do cut better down a mike than a flathead. He's a great picker !
5picking 3 years ago
I never noticed but you're right. Trust me, they have to back his mike down as that thing has some serious punch to it. I don't play the banjo (guitar is my thing) but I've heard enough banjos to know when one has a loud, clear, punch to it and his does. That he's a fantastic picker doesn't hurt. It's hard to tell from the video but he is usually about 18" or so from the mike. Otherwise, he'd really blow folks out.
jocwalk 3 years ago
wow... great stuff.. thanks
TrixieTrickx 4 years ago
Wow that banjo sounds amazing. One of the clearest, loudest tones I've heard! Great all around string music thats got some serious drive...whew!
jdpkbb 4 years ago
I can't remember whether it's a Stelling or a Sullivan but I think it's a Sullivan.
jocwalk 4 years ago
Both are great banjo companies I've heard. Someday I hope I can afford or make a banjo that has that much POP in it. Take care.
jdpkbb 4 years ago
Just remember that, just as with any stringed instrument, it's as much about the musician as it is the instrument. Sure, some instruments sound better than others but the same instrument in another musician's hands can sound completely different. The guy in the video plays really cleanly and very relaxed so the notes ring. I know a guy with a $2,500 Nechville banjo that sounds bad because he's not a good musician.
jocwalk 4 years ago
From my experience of listening, a higher quality banjo makes only a minor difference, so I agree. I also realize and already noted on several comments of how good a banjo picker that fella is...really freakin good! I do see what ur sayin. Thanks and keep in touch!
jdpkbb 4 years ago
You are totally correct people spend big bucks on on these ornate banjos and a good picker comes by with a plain jane banjo and can blow em away
2ndfret 4 years ago
Fantastic! Thanks for posting this. Great players all.
comment99 4 years ago
Unfortunately, the original guitarist left the band. They used to do a version of "Dueling Banjos" that would have blown you away.
jocwalk 4 years ago