Roy Smeck, the wizard of the strings

What a great performer!! December 3 is my personal "Roy Smeck Day". As a kid on this day in 1961, I heard Roy play at the old Louisville, Kentucky Armory. First performer/musician I had ever met in person. After his concert. Roy signed and dated a photo of himself and graciously gave it to me. Great memory!! Rest in Peace Roy!!!

....simply the best who ever lived.

the best clip of banjo playing ive ever seen and heard is here below. check it out mindblowing: must be seen to be beleived..enjoy

watch?v=tc13cPihvqA

Wonder what his tuning was. It sounded like a G6th.

I think it's an open E tuning, but the key of the piece (i.e. Laughing Rag) is A at the 5th fret. You can also find it on 'Voice of the Blues - Bottleneck guitar masterpieces' and 'Roy Smeck plays...' on the Yazoo label. Crackly old recordings taken straight off the 78s by the sound of it - this film version almost sounds better!

He is such a delightful chap too...
Greatness...A True Dinosaur..:-)
He is dancing with that Banjo!

His tenor banjo playing.......
Im speechless.

What is it with these early 20th century muso's - did they all sell their souls? There's a very creepy vibe in this clip! I guess they did sell their souls and the Devil don't need no more muso's in hell now, it's full of 'em, so no-one plays like this no more

You are joking aren't you....aren't you? This guy is a true genius, the original guitar hero.

What I'm trying to say is that no-one plays like Smeck anymore. And its a damn shame. He is undoubtedly a genius. Still, the footage still creeps me out.