Bela Fleck playing a cello banjo

Bela plays a Tanzanian folk melody a Gold Tone CEB-5 cello banjo, during a show in Falls Church, Virginia, on April 9, 2009.

Bela is touring again in February, 2010, with slightly different group of African musicians. He has also released 14 new recordings from his 2005 Africa journey.

You can hear some of the music, see photos and buy all 14 unreleased tracks at www.throwdownyourheart.com/unreleasedtracks (also up at www.belafleck.com).

Category:

Music

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• MVI
• 0718

[sxipshirey]

I love it's muddy sound, washed out and delicious.

[honeyman1964]

I have been playing bluegrass banjo for nearly 30 years now,but this thing I dont like,I mean if you like it thats fine,but its just not my thing,terrible sound to me.

[oakpianist]

@Deathwysh

It is definitely the recording. There are great recordings of cello banjo out there. It has a wonderful tone. It is a banjo with a larger pot, tuned one octave lower than standard and it does use nylon strings similar to a classical guitar. Check out some of the great recordings by the youtube user "strumstering." This is my favorite: watch?v=9rZf3ewfWSw (Put the youtube url in front of it.)

[jessupar]

@Deathwysh i'd say its the instrument. nylon strings, an octave lower. he's basically playing a standup bass with a banjo head in an open tuning, so obviously its not going to have nearly as much presence or trebble as a normal banjo.

from what i've seen of them, they're only really useful for a band that has a normal banjo player in it aswell..

[Deathwysh]

Sounds very muddy and washed out to me. Could be the recording, could be the instrument.

[dh5string]

Very nice!!!  I want to hear more!!!

[dh5string]

Very nice! I want to hear more!!!