Let's Talk About Banjo Gear -

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  • Опубликовано: 28 дек 2024

Комментарии • 154

  • @jes8288
    @jes8288 3 года назад +23

    As always Jim's the real thing, just a good old boy,, who makes the recording king, sing..

  • @hunterlang578
    @hunterlang578 3 года назад +7

    Jim, your whole channel has been a godsend for a guitar player transitioning to a new instrument. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge in such an approachable and friendly way. Take care!!!

  • @lowcountryboys6575
    @lowcountryboys6575 3 года назад +13

    I love the videos, I've been watching them since I started playing the banjo, and I am very thankful to have had such a great teacher, I've progressed so much because of you, and just wanted to say thanks!

    • @JimPankey
      @JimPankey  3 года назад +2

      Glad you like them! Thanks for letting me teach you!

  • @MutantFarmer130
    @MutantFarmer130 3 года назад +10

    Hey Jim, I’ve recently found my great grandpas old banjo, and decided I would try and learn how to play, it’s my first time playing any instrument and it’s been one heck of a journey but you’ve been such a good teacher for the greenest of the green banjo players. I’m on your 4th video in your series you made a while back for cripple creek, and I’m having a blast learning here. Cant wait to see where this little banjo journey takes me!

    • @JimPankey
      @JimPankey  3 года назад +3

      Thanks for letting me teach you 😊

  • @markusbartell9611
    @markusbartell9611 3 года назад +5

    I just got some of those picks in the mail yesterday and oh man, do I love them! I've only been learning to play now for 7 months and had been using the NP2 's until yesterday. These seem to really help my picking be smoother and I love the tone I can produce with them

    • @JimPankey
      @JimPankey  3 года назад +1

      Glad you like them!

  • @daleradeleff900
    @daleradeleff900 3 года назад +3

    Jim, even before I had my banjo in hand the local Music Store owner, Vince, sold me what is supposed to be the most comfortable strap on the market today, the Neotech Super Banjo Strap. Once you have it mounted on your Banjo either end can be removed for ease of case storage. I'm glad I bought it as this beast weighs over 8 lbs.

    • @JimPankey
      @JimPankey  3 года назад

      I have several students with those.

    • @daleradeleff900
      @daleradeleff900 3 года назад

      @@JimPankey Well Jim, now you have another one ;)

  • @joewalton4698
    @joewalton4698 3 года назад +5

    Jim.you are a awesome banjo teacher.i think you are the best.thx.i have learned blackberry blossum from you.

  • @tinascott7778
    @tinascott7778 3 года назад +2

    I've always used pro picks, both pointed & round tips, brass and regular silver colored (nickel?) ones and read your comments in another video that you use Ernie Ball PP which I've never seen for sale where I buy strings, etc. So.... I just ordered and received some and while they're taking a little getting used to, I LOVE them. The difference in direct contact they make with the string and the resulting strong sound is substantial and

    • @tinascott7778
      @tinascott7778 3 года назад +2

      Finishing my thought.... I hit the send button by mistake, for me, the Ernie Ball picks are definitely adding a better sound, more direct and solid, and my 'attack'' feels more precise. Sounds so good it makes me want to practice more.... in fact I'm heading downstairs to fire up my banjo right now!

    • @JimPankey
      @JimPankey  3 года назад

      Glad you like them!

    • @JimPankey
      @JimPankey  3 года назад +1

      I have a set of the single band propiks that shaped the end to look like EB… they were fine, but always come back to my Pickies.

  • @markglore7196
    @markglore7196 3 года назад +3

    The best string cleaner I've found is Ronsonol or Zippo lighter fluid. A couple drops on a clean cloth (gun cleaning patch works great) pinch the string wipe one end to the other. You'll be amazed at the gunk that comes off!

    • @JimPankey
      @JimPankey  3 года назад +2

      Yup! I've used naphtha too.

  • @MichaelLloyd
    @MichaelLloyd 3 года назад +1

    Ernie Ball Pickey Pickeys - WOW. I've got piles of finger picks that I've tried to use on my guitar with absolutely no success. I tried the Ernie Ball picks today and I'm sold. Don't get me wrong, I've still got a long way to go with finger picking but I can make music with these. Not thumps and loud twangs. I may have to try the thumb pick you mentioned too.

    • @JimPankey
      @JimPankey  3 года назад

      Glad you found something that’s working for you

    • @MichaelLloyd
      @MichaelLloyd 3 года назад

      @@JimPankey Now if I can just get my banjo. 2 months and counting

  • @timungrysr3326
    @timungrysr3326 3 года назад +1

    Thank s for the good advice, Jim!

    • @JimPankey
      @JimPankey  3 года назад

      I’ll do it again…

  • @JordieFilip
    @JordieFilip 2 года назад +1

    The only thing better than a good cookie, is a fine stringed banjo.

    • @JimPankey
      @JimPankey  2 года назад +1

      I dunno… pretty close.

  • @boscorner
    @boscorner 11 месяцев назад

    I found some random thumb pick that worked really well for me and then i saw that it was called clown barf! I was a bit surprised to hear you mention them

    • @JimPankey
      @JimPankey  11 месяцев назад

      Clown barf is always a great option 🤡

  • @elisabethemory
    @elisabethemory 10 месяцев назад

    The Ernie Ball, and the JD bluechip is my banjo pick combo! BUT I bought two bluechip, and it slips around on me...They're medium, and the small wont go on. What a predicament! Lol. So now I'm using the Dunlop Ultex for a while at least. As for my strap, I got a Levys leather strap with fur on the inside. I really need a new capo. Mine was like $18 and you can tell.... Its a Paige Capo. When I first got it, I though it sounded great, but now comparing them to more expensive ones, I can hear a huge difference! Enjoyed this video!!

    • @JimPankey
      @JimPankey  10 месяцев назад +1

      Glad it was helpful!

  • @aydenmorgan9570
    @aydenmorgan9570 3 года назад +1

    Nice video Jim! Much love from England 🎶

  • @daleradeleff900
    @daleradeleff900 3 года назад +3

    OK< I got in my order of Ernie Ball Picky Picks and they work a lot better then the Nationals that I have used in the past near and far but I think Imma gonna hold off on the $40 thumb pick. On your recommendation I also bought 2 of the DAddario Planet Wave Micro Tuners so I can just leave one on my Banjo and one on My Gibson G45 Studio, I really like the smaller size!

    • @JimPankey
      @JimPankey  3 года назад

      Glad you like them 😊

  • @Xt1000
    @Xt1000 Год назад +1

    I prefer Xl plastic golden gate thumb picks and Dunlop 0.18 finger picks. I get hang nails alot on my index and middle fingers if I use the straight type of finger pick.

    • @JimPankey
      @JimPankey  Год назад

      I used to use the Golden Gate clown barfs. Good picks!

  • @bingus2550
    @bingus2550 2 года назад +1

    Thank you very much!

    • @JimPankey
      @JimPankey  2 года назад

      You’re welcome ☺️

  • @jessejames1040
    @jessejames1040 2 года назад

    I tried the PP's and that is what I use now. Thanks.

  • @hal4192
    @hal4192 2 года назад +1

    Great vid. Very helpful to a Banjo novice. 👍🏻👍🏻

    • @JimPankey
      @JimPankey  2 года назад +1

      Glad it was helpful 😀

  • @MrMusic32150
    @MrMusic32150 Год назад

    Hey Jim! It's your pesky Maine mosquito friend again. I bought the picks you suggested and always appreciate your input. Your presentations are always clear, concise and friendly. I'm still having my own issues with three-fingered, (yeah, two and a thumb), picking, but practice may overcome my shortfalls yet. I hesitate to ask, but have you ever heard of anyone using four fingers on the banjo? The first finger roll I ever learned was T-F-M-F-R-M-F-M. When I'm trying to learn banjo picking, my ring finger always wants to get into the act. Thanks for everything you do.

    • @JimPankey
      @JimPankey  Год назад

      You “could” play with four fingers, but instead of creating a new style right off the bat, it’s probably a good idea learning 3 finger first.

    • @MrMusic32150
      @MrMusic32150 Год назад

      @@JimPankey So you're thinking I'm probably not destined for Earl Scruggs fame at 73?...LOL. Sound advice, I'm sure.

  • @captainbeaky
    @captainbeaky 2 года назад

    New to banjos, appreciate the lessons and good advice on your channel. I have a number of those micro headstock tuners (long-time guitar player) that tend to live on the instrument - saves scrabbling around for a tuner when you pick up a guitar that doesn’t have a tuner on!
    I have a couple of questions, if I may:
    Do people play bluegrass with just a thumb pick (ie without finger picks)?
    If using a cradle strap, is there any reason not to feed the neck end strap through a couple of hooks above the neck before going around the neck to the underside of the body, to avoid the banjo tipping forward?

    • @JimPankey
      @JimPankey  2 года назад

      Bluegrass players use thumb and finger picks.
      I suppose you could arrange your strap that way. Never seen it done, but if it works and you like it, then go for it.

  • @ToolsAreToys
    @ToolsAreToys 3 года назад +1

    Thanks Jim!

  • @prestonhogg6086
    @prestonhogg6086 3 года назад +1

    Love the videos.

  • @NEBoddy
    @NEBoddy 2 месяца назад

    Yeah, I like those Picky Picks too. Just need to keep them from getting caught on strings.😁

    • @JimPankey
      @JimPankey  2 месяца назад

      I’ve used them since forever, so for me they’re quite natural at this point.

  • @nicw1826
    @nicw1826 3 года назад +2

    Thanks Jim from Nick in England.I love the tone you pull out of a banjo.Regarding the Blue Chip thumbpick(I use their standard one as there's no chance of you snagging your fifth string whilst picking).Does the Crowe variation have a longer blade?.My Dobro features a really high action and that would be useful.I like Shelor fingerpicks but once again they're pricey.Also a new compensated Snuffy bridge from Mike Smith,Schaller D-Tuners(though they can sometimes let you down),and D'Addario all the way re strings..009.5",.011.5",.013",.022"PBw,.011".My upgraded Aria Pro2 Hearts and Flowers with Steve Ryan flathead tone ring,one-piece flange from the same bronze? metal pour as the ring,and what is presumably a Cox rim will have to suffice Jim while my RK80 though LIVELY and having great future potential remains hard and 'new' sounding.A buddy of mine intends to get back into making his stainless fifth-string spur which sits,with a tiny pin on the fifth fret replacing the pip.The Aria also sports an English-made nickel silver modern replica of an Oettinger tailpiece that's,although costly,beyond superb.Couldn't justify the price re many banjos in my collection though.,but the old Japanese Aria(Kasuga?)took some years to settle down and the changes(done one at a time)HAVE helped to yield a peak tone.

    • @JimPankey
      @JimPankey  3 года назад

      I’m not sure about how the pick length compares on the BlueChips. Well... the Russ Carson one is certainly longer..

  • @jeffevans4663
    @jeffevans4663 3 года назад +1

    Great insight into Jim on the road what was the first sticker on your case?

    • @JimPankey
      @JimPankey  3 года назад

      It was one of three... either the Banjo Revolution, Banjo Newsletter or DuckDuckGo

  • @severinneukom
    @severinneukom 3 года назад +1

    great video! I would be happy about a video with different cool licks ..

    • @JimPankey
      @JimPankey  3 года назад +1

      Wish I knew some. 😜

    • @severinneukom
      @severinneukom 3 года назад

      @@JimPankey haha 😅 should i teach you one? 🤣

  • @markhawkins5324
    @markhawkins5324 3 года назад +1

    Great info

  • @menandrosvonrichter4354
    @menandrosvonrichter4354 3 года назад

    wowee check out that vintage fast fret, my wood handle one like that dried out a while ago when I left it open one night

    • @JimPankey
      @JimPankey  3 года назад

      I actually have an older one that doesn't have the GHS branding...

  • @banjomark9900
    @banjomark9900 3 года назад +1

    Great video Jim. I love this sort of content. I enjoy tinkering with the banjo as much as playing it. I’d probably be a lot better by now if I’d practice more & tinker less 😂
    I bought a drum dial & set it at 90. Just because that seems to be the most recommended 🤷‍♂️
    How or what method do you use to set your drum head tension?

    • @JimPankey
      @JimPankey  3 года назад +1

      Oh gosh... I kinda just tighten it until I like the sound. I’ve never used a drum dial or anything like that.

  • @TheBrowningBunch
    @TheBrowningBunch 3 года назад +1

    Thx Jim for the tips, I'm just starting out and I love watching your videos! Do you happen to have "Lucy in the sky with Diamonds" in your arsenal?

    • @JimPankey
      @JimPankey  3 года назад +1

      I’ve never attempted that one.

    • @TheBrowningBunch
      @TheBrowningBunch 3 года назад

      @@JimPankey oh okay, how about Freight Train? Seems like a really good one! Your videos are very helpful, thank you.

  • @n411xbushpilot
    @n411xbushpilot Год назад

    Jim I have the same picks you use and I was wondering do you off set your finger picks a little or center them I am not an experienced Banjo player just on your # 7 video. I love learning Banjo Thank you.

    • @JimPankey
      @JimPankey  Год назад

      I don’t really angle them…. How to wear Finger Picks - #banjo #guitar #dobro
      ruclips.net/video/3FJlp70MEuU/видео.html

  • @senorsenior9546
    @senorsenior9546 4 месяца назад

    I noticed your WTJU sticker. Is that the UVa WTJU in Charlottesville, VA?

    • @JimPankey
      @JimPankey  4 месяца назад +1

      It is! Played there with the Hamilton County Ramblers in 2016 I think.

    • @senorsenior9546
      @senorsenior9546 4 месяца назад

      @JimPankey There was a small venue there called The Prism Coffeehouse, where many bluegrass and old-time greats played for many, many years. Did you play there?

    • @JimPankey
      @JimPankey  4 месяца назад +1

      @senorsenior9546 I’m familiar with it, but I’ve never played there.

  • @banjosforbreakfast6086
    @banjosforbreakfast6086 8 месяцев назад

    What makes the blue chip thumb pick worth it to me is the lack of buildup from the strings. I'm not constantly cleaning oxidation residue and dirt off of my pic so that it doesn't feel and sound scratchy.

    • @JimPankey
      @JimPankey  8 месяцев назад +1

      It’s also super durable. I love the feel and fit of it too.

  • @sheilabrooks7182
    @sheilabrooks7182 3 года назад +1

    Can you please tell me the better of 2 banjos. An Ibanez b200 or the Washburn b10 please. I'm just starting and these are my two choices. Thank you so much for your help. And thank you for your lessons on RUclips. You make it easy to understand.

    • @JimPankey
      @JimPankey  3 года назад +1

      I really don’t have much experience with those, but I’ve had a couple of students with the ibanez and it seemed fine.

  • @donaldfair4259
    @donaldfair4259 2 года назад +1

    Jim is this banjo your RK R35 ? I recently bought a travel case that looks like yours . My case was $300.00 , but well worth the price . Ned compared the case to the Crossrock .

  • @doubleridgecattle5482
    @doubleridgecattle5482 2 года назад

    Loved it Jimbo! Hey, can I borrow your tuner? I lost mine! 🤣

  • @bricklifter1749
    @bricklifter1749 Год назад

    On the case was a sticker for WTJU.....UVa's radio station?.......wahoowa!! I grew up in Charlottesville and grad. UVa in '91.

    • @JimPankey
      @JimPankey  Год назад

      Yup! Played there in 2015

  • @mohergenrader2113
    @mohergenrader2113 3 года назад +1

    Amazon has the speed picks but I doubt I'll ever need 24! I like it because my picks don't hit at 90deg (note to self: work on that) and they are more forgiving. And I think the sound's nicer.

    • @JimPankey
      @JimPankey  3 года назад +1

      I go thru a set about every six months. They’re a little softer, so I don’t mind buying them in a pack of 24.

  • @MrEh5
    @MrEh5 3 года назад +1

    By some of the stickers on your case. Do you rock climb Jim?

    • @JimPankey
      @JimPankey  3 года назад

      Saw that petzl sticker, eh??

  • @jackcline9594
    @jackcline9594 3 года назад +1

    Hey Jim, question about stuffing the head for live sound. Any recs? I have heard everything from t-shirts to foam. The group I play with makes it hard to use an instrument mic and I like to use compression + a bit of delay. Cheeeers!

    • @JimPankey
      @JimPankey  3 года назад +1

      I’ve never done that.... I do have a pickup in my RK35, but I just plug in and go.

  • @SuperDannybobo
    @SuperDannybobo 2 года назад

    Hi Jim, I am new picker. I got this banjo and I seen these nails on the neck and thought it was coming apart so I nailed them flush. Just thought share this with y'all.

  • @Chance-ry1hq
    @Chance-ry1hq 3 года назад +1

    I tried these finger picks, and it amazes me Jim gets the tone he gets with them. I do not like them at all. I use the same thumb pick, and I love it.

    • @JimPankey
      @JimPankey  3 года назад +1

      Yup... they're odd for sure - like me! LOL🤣

  • @charleskemp6849
    @charleskemp6849 3 года назад +2

    When i took your classes at kaufman you had a yoyo in your bag. Are u still a champion yoyoer? Charlie kemp

    • @JimPankey
      @JimPankey  3 года назад

      Yup... Still throwing a yo-yo. :)

  • @randymorris1001
    @randymorris1001 2 года назад +1

    Yesterday I was introduced to a banjo mute, which I see as a handy dandy lil' gadget, any input on these contraptions??

    • @JimPankey
      @JimPankey  2 года назад

      I’ve used a mute in the past to create a different sound, but I’ve never used it as a practice device.

  • @johnschreiner2047
    @johnschreiner2047 Месяц назад

    Jim, what bridges do you recommend? I know you posted it somewhere, but I can't find it. Thanks.

  • @Mando287Banjo
    @Mando287Banjo 3 года назад +1

    i was wondering, i may have missed it in the description but, where can i get d tuners like that?

    • @JimPankey
      @JimPankey  3 года назад +1

      Most of the online stores that sell banjo stuff have them. Look for Cheat-a-Keys

  • @lovethatbluegrassmusic9899
    @lovethatbluegrassmusic9899 3 года назад +1

    I like the strangs made up and sold by Warren Yates. He like Jim Pankey is also a good man.

  • @marinevet7273
    @marinevet7273 2 года назад

    Jim, have you or do you plan on doing a review on Black Mountain Thumb Picks?
    Not much about banjo players using them, I believe there are 3 thicknesses and curious which is best for playing Bluegrass Banjo, also wonder if a different thickness is better for open back thumb lead style

    • @JimPankey
      @JimPankey  2 года назад

      Doubtful… doesn’t look like something I’d ever use.

  • @vladimirknyazev8650
    @vladimirknyazev8650 3 года назад +1

    hi Jim! How do you feel about Aquila synthetic strings?

    • @JimPankey
      @JimPankey  3 года назад

      I have a set on my old Dobson, but I still prefer steel.

    • @vladimirknyazev8650
      @vladimirknyazev8650 3 года назад

      @@JimPankey Thank you! I recently started learning to play the banjo, I want to try different strings, but you are probably right - steel is somehow more familiar!

  • @austinoliver1949
    @austinoliver1949 3 года назад +1

    How do like the rim mounted tuners vs head mounted like you got.

    • @JimPankey
      @JimPankey  3 года назад

      Rim mounted??

    • @austinoliver1949
      @austinoliver1949 3 года назад +1

      Tuners that attach the the hooks, or around the head

    • @JimPankey
      @JimPankey  3 года назад

      Ooooh.... I found that the headstock mount seems to pickup better.

  • @billymack4258
    @billymack4258 9 месяцев назад

    Question are Washburn b16 banjo's made in the usa? Thanks

  • @thecgapblitzpodcast4148
    @thecgapblitzpodcast4148 Год назад

    This guy is so cool 😎

  • @donaldcoakley9368
    @donaldcoakley9368 Год назад

    Hay Jim I'm new to banjo. I have an old Leo Master how can I make it sound brighter? Or is that even possible?

    • @JimPankey
      @JimPankey  Год назад

      Not really sure without seeing your banjo. One easy way to brighten the sound is to tighten the head a little.

  • @RadekNiec
    @RadekNiec 3 года назад

    Could you please tell me your experience with precise tuning - do you mute/separate the rest of the strings from the one you particularly tune? or are not bothered and tune them all at one without muting?
    I do experience strange interference and perhaps buzz when I precisely tune string one by one and mute the others using an electronic tuner. Nevertheless, I do have better result when mute the whole banjo
    ​without muting strings - sounds more natural and ​also I've noticed when tune with muting and then check again separate single strings tune is slightly sharper.

    • @JimPankey
      @JimPankey  3 года назад

      I rarely mute anything when I'm tuning. I might... if I'm planning on trusting my electronic tuner, but I'm more concerned with how they all sound together.

    • @randallvaughn9318
      @randallvaughn9318 3 года назад +2

      I'm not as good at tuning banjo but for me on guitar, electronic tuner is just a starting point. I not sure too many acoustic instruments have perfect intonation.
      For instance I tune the b string and low E on second and third fret.
      And second guess the tuner often when the strings don't blend when using some chords

  • @janekenyon8748
    @janekenyon8748 Год назад

    I am a small lady. Is there a light weight banjo that is easier to hold?

    • @JimPankey
      @JimPankey  Год назад

      There are lighter instruments, but even the heavier banjos are only about 13 pounds. I've seen little kids playing them.

  • @jimgearheart1342
    @jimgearheart1342 3 года назад +1

    Is it normal for the bride to put a dip in the head when in tune?

  • @MrEpmonroe
    @MrEpmonroe 2 года назад

    The JD Crowe thumb pick is about the best $50 I ever spent. I will use nothing else.

    • @JimPankey
      @JimPankey  2 года назад

      I really enjoy mine.

  • @seamusbrowne4909
    @seamusbrowne4909 3 года назад

    Hey man what kinda Finger Pick do you Claw Hammer with???😎😎😎

  • @mutangpadan5311
    @mutangpadan5311 3 года назад +1

    Sadly for me it’s EXTREMELY difficult to purchase good strings like D’Addario or Ernie Balls over here in my country simlpy bcos there’s perhaps one in a hundred or more Banjo player here. It’s just not worth hanging them on the shop wall. Since I bought my Banjo abt a yr ago I’ve only changed strings once cos I can’t find a good set.

    • @JimPankey
      @JimPankey  3 года назад

      Is ordering them not an option?

    • @mutangpadan5311
      @mutangpadan5311 3 года назад +1

      @@JimPankey It is uncle Jim. Only if one has several other items that comes with the order. Otherwise, it won’t be worth it with the international handling charges that comes with it.
      I’ll just hv to be patient while I save for an RK35 or a Deering Special and lump all the accessories in one order.
      By the way what is the shelf life of an unused (new) set of strings?

    • @JimPankey
      @JimPankey  3 года назад

      Be sure to buy sealed sets like DAddario... they have a very long shelf life.

    • @mutangpadan5311
      @mutangpadan5311 3 года назад +1

      @@JimPankey a million thanks for the tip on strings.

  • @thebunnyman367
    @thebunnyman367 Год назад

    Thank you so much for making these videos
    Decided to sell my banjo as I never new just
    How much this instrument is hated .
    Selling mine fed up with the abuse I get .
    Happy New Year xx

    • @JimPankey
      @JimPankey  Год назад +1

      I've never received any abuse because I've played the banjo. Most people are curious and like it.

  • @jezuswizardspatula5804
    @jezuswizardspatula5804 3 года назад +1

    I use my Thumbnail 🌠🧙‍♂️👍

    • @JimPankey
      @JimPankey  3 года назад

      Instead of a thumb pick?

  • @davidstanich9369
    @davidstanich9369 9 месяцев назад

    Did u say 40 bucks for 1 thumb pick!

    • @JimPankey
      @JimPankey  9 месяцев назад

      I did. Paid for itself quickly since I was going thru 1 or 2 plastic picks a month.

    • @davidstanich9369
      @davidstanich9369 9 месяцев назад

      ​@@JimPankeyI thought 15$ for 4 nationals was out of control

    • @JimPankey
      @JimPankey  9 месяцев назад

      @davidstanich9369 had I not lost the first one I got in 2009 I’d still be using it. I replaced it in 2015 and 9 years later I’ve still got the same pick - and I’m playing at least 3 hours a day. They’re very durable.

    • @davidstanich9369
      @davidstanich9369 9 месяцев назад

      @@JimPankey bit more to it when your rivet plastic and metal together

    • @davidstanich9369
      @davidstanich9369 9 месяцев назад

      @@JimPankey don't they say you can put the plastic ones in hot water and reshape them.

  • @kenttatum1526
    @kenttatum1526 3 года назад +1

    Same finger picks for me,, same story