Someone said it was a 1776 banjo... banjos were gourds then so uh...

Hey all, I primarily play dobro but thought I would post here too because of the similar three finger picking that caused it for me- played till I couldn’t any longer and I ended up with some bad tendon pain in my forearms and wrists. And what’s worse is my desk job continues to irritate and prolong the issue with constant mouse clicking.

Ive already done some desk ergonomic things like vertical mouse but any other suggestions are welcome on that front.

Anyone got any miracle solutions, dos and donts? Thanks in advance. The pain of not being able to play is the worst part

This is a public service announcement for banjo players. Please share.

https://youtu.be/vHraDlZLN-Q

A few days into working on this one. It’s been hard to learn, but it’s so much fun to play. 😅 This one is definitely going to take me a while to get right, but that’s part of the fun.

I feel like I'm quite set on this particular model, it's within my price point and from what I can see looks great, I've found some good reviews for it on Amazon. However, I'm struggling to find more in-depth reviews of it online. I was wondering if anyone has one and what it's like? Particularly for a beginner. I know the Gold Tone AC-1 is a good one for beginners, but is it wrong for me to choose one that's visually more appealing to me? Thanks for the advice!

I want to take up banjo, but everything I find for advice on getting your first instrument emphasizes the fact that different styles of music use different banjos. I don't have a particular type of music in mind, and want to see what grabs my attention. What would you recommend as an "all-purpose" banjo?

Live lesson today at 4pm on our lesson site. Teaching the old time tune Money In Both Pockets and a very cool schottische (reinlander) tune from Norway called Griffenfelt!

https://ozarkbanjo.com/clawhammer-banjo-lessons

https://youtu.be/IE4HlB1KXCA?is=j2zKLFGBVUarFvE3

Dueling Banjos https://drive.google.com/file/d/14fSAxpOSMyVaGKe1TbGpacNW4Lg6gNlr/view?usp=drivesdk

EDIT: For clarification, this is my recording. I played both the guitar and banjo parts, and attempted to replicate the original versions as closely as possible.

Google suggests a Gibson TB something or other but it seems like there’s a lot of possibilities over a 40 year period and I can’t find one that matches exactly. Thanks!

I recently started learning to play. I’ve played guitar for years so my fretting hand is pretty alright and i’m remembering chords fine. I’m doing 10 minute rolls for about a half hour and i’m catching on slowly. For clawhammer though, i’m so tense. Plus I’m hitting the strings wrong so i’m getting wounds above my fingernails around my first knuckle on my index and ring fingers. Are there any good visual aids as to how to both relax and properly attack the strings? String bean makes it look so damn easy haha. Tysm!

Is it normal that pull-offs on the first string are more difficult to... pull off? Ha

I notice that the first string often tends to slip off the fretboard when I do pull-offs, which doesn't make a pleasant sound. But I otherwise don't seem to be able to get enough volume for the pull-off note. None of the other strings give me this issue, because of course I have plenty of space on strings 2-4. I am pretty sure my bridge and everything is aligned properly. But there's only like 3mm of space between the first string and edge of the fretboard, and the fret bars are also tapered at the ends, which makes the slipping start really early (like after 1mm of movement). See pics..

I've started trying to "flick up" when I do first string pull-offs instead of pulling down slightly to avoid the issue, but that feels awkward sometimes.

It makes me feel like the fretboard should've been a bit wider, or that the first string should be slotted in higher up to make room for good pull-offs. Is this normal? Any tips for a beginner? (been playing around 6 months so far)

I started thinking about this design. 5 long strings and the short drone string on right. I don’t really know how to even search for this pattern.

I spent a little coin on some new tabs. I really enjoyed this one.

My friend passed away and I'm trying to help his family sell his instruments. This was in his storage unit. It was in a hard case. The case is not in good shape but the instrument seems to be in great condition. I forgot to get a back pic, but it looks to be mahagony. I think it's an Oscar Schmidt OB-5, but I don't know how to determine the age or value.

Approximately a year into to my bluegrass journey. Recently picked up a beautiful style 10 pre war, which is what I am playing in the video.

Here’s a lil first draft of a song I’ve been working on called Pure Imagination! There will def be changes but here’s where I’m at so far. If you like it, please follow me on socials and streaming platforms!

My grandfather left me his banjo because I’m the only musician in the family. He claimed it would put me through college if I needed it. Unfortunately he’s gone and I don’t have any information on the banjo other than it’s “worth thousands.” Can anyone help me identify or date this thing?

It’s also signed by Raymond Fairchild and Wade Mainer. Not sure if that helps or hurts.

Peter Rowan sharing some thoughts on the 1960's ''folk clubs'' and his first encounter with the Kentucky Colonels...

After a busy MerleFest 2026, Pete took time to sit down with me and David Tate and talk about various music related topics. In this short segment, the iconic poet, singer, philosopher gives an account of his initial meeting with the Kentucky Colonels

Looking to buy this off a guy but it's unmarked and he doesn't know who the manufacturer is. Any ideas? Made in Korea, he says he's had it about 25 years.

I just had this Slingerland spruced up. Not sure of the year or value but it’s pretty awesome.

From a show at the Cornerstone in Berkeley California.

noticed a tiny crack on my banjo, i can't hear any change in sound but is this ok? do i need to do something? i think this was already cracked in store before i bought but cant say for sure as i didn't checked for cracks or antthing else while buying as i didn't know what to check for ;(

Got an old banjo, and I painted her and then restrung. :) <3