- Видео 51
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Don Rusnak
Добавлен 9 май 2008
Teaching Banjo in Arlington, VA
Don Rusnak talks BANJO LOVE & shows 2 finger oldtime Exercises.
Banjo is one I’ve recently restored. It’s a circa 1903 A.C.Fairbanks # 2 Whyte Laydie. I’ve owned many of these and all sound great. BUT. Why does this one sound and play so much better than the rest? I think it’s the the extremely torqued head for the sound, and the low neck angle resulting in the ease of playing. I’m really enjoying this one.
PS: I cannot normally respond to comments, but if you have questions or wish to discuss lessons or banjos I have for sale, please email me at:
Banjodaddy@ hotmail.com
Cheers,
Don - “ I never met a banjo I didn’t like”
Rusnak
PS: I cannot normally respond to comments, but if you have questions or wish to discuss lessons or banjos I have for sale, please email me at:
Banjodaddy@ hotmail.com
Cheers,
Don - “ I never met a banjo I didn’t like”
Rusnak
Просмотров: 252
Видео
Tilton Banjo Patent 1866 4 Sale
Просмотров 223Год назад
Tilton patent 1866 5 string banjo for sale on BHO. New real gut strings.
Uncle Dave Macon “ She’s Got the Money Too” How to play it with Extras. @Rusnakbanjo
Просмотров 257Год назад
Here I break down my rendition of Uncle Dave Macons tune” She’s Got the Money Too” in open C tuning ( GCGCE ) I also talk a bit about the banjo I’m using for this tune. Uncle Dave did not use the picking style I demonstrating in the song I presented original tune, but he could have if he had wanted to. He often referred to his down stroking style as “ Rapping” or” Rappen”.. In one of his songs ...
Uncle Dave Macon’s “She’s Got the Money Too” played by Don Rusnak @rusnakbanjo
Просмотров 453Год назад
This is my take on This Uncle Dave Macon’s tune “ She’s Got the Money Too” I’m in open C tuning. GCGCE, I’m using a picking style with the majority of the right hand being a thumb lead then Uncle Dave’s “ knock down” style Clawhammer. But, I also bring into play my index finger. In this rendition however, I didn’t use his often used right hand technique where he’d hit a melody note with the thu...
RARE OLD BANJO PLAYS SO LONG DON @rusnakBanjo
Просмотров 180Год назад
@rusnakBanjo Don talks ( rambles?) about banjo consigning, pricing, and plays for the last time before shipping it off to the new owner, a rare old banjo - a G. Mein patent 1866. Also a E.B. Mansfield patent 1872.
Crazy Banjo Leaves Me
Просмотров 312Год назад
This rare G. Mein 5 string banjo (PAT 1866) is a flush fret example having an internal head tightening arrangement seen on a few other early banjos. The idea was to eliminate the hardware surrounding the outside perimeter of the shell. These configurations push up on the underside of the head to tighten it rather than the more typical arrangement where the head is tightened by pulling down on a...
Bluegrass on circa 1850’s Banjo
Просмотров 218Год назад
This is a circa 1850’s no-name 5- string banjo discovered in a old house that was scheduled to be torn down. Supposedly found in the attic. Flush fret early style neck treatment “ ogie” on short string side. 11in diameter German silver shell. Mahogany neck. Non commercial hardware for the most part and I believe fabricated by whoever made it. Lots of talented folks in those days many of who cou...
Don Rusnak goes to the dark side and plays “ Somewhere Over the Rainbow” Bluegrass style?
Просмотров 261Год назад
My YT postings are primarily aimed at Old-time styles but a few students have asked me to post a few 3 finger bluegrass tunes every once in awhile. So, I had this one from a few years back. I’m playing an original Gibson PB, serial number 9559-30 (plectrum banjo) converted to a five string neck and having a Steve Huber HR 30 flathead tone ring installed. Odd that it was Gibsons low end example ...
Foggy Mountain Breakdown on Flush Fret Banjo - circa 1870
Просмотров 325Год назад
Don Rusnak plays Foggy Mountain Breakdown on fretless Banjo.
Rare Banjo Resurfaces from Esquire
Просмотров 1352 года назад
Featured banjo pictured in 1978 Esquire magazine resurfaces. Original Vegaphone DeLuxe 5-string. On my want list since then and I was very lucky to acquire it. The gods of serendipity were on my side. Shave and a haircut rendered on her using index lead. Will post more on this banjo at some point. Will show original Esquire article showing this banjo. Thanks for watching. Online lessons are ava...
“Things in Life” What style are You Playing Boy?
Просмотров 4122 года назад
“Things in Life” by Don Stover, rendered by me in a few different, melody based Old-time banjo styles. Open C tuning:GCGCE. Hopefully, Ill perform this tune in its entirety at some point, but this is more of a tutorial on its basics. Thank you for watching. Contact me at banjodaddy@hotmail.com if you’re interested in online lessons.
Goldstar Banjos- Do they need Tweaking?
Просмотров 2 тыс.2 года назад
Here I use the term “machine cut” to explain how the frets are on the Goldstars. That term my be erroneous, as I believe that they may be filled down by a human hand using a straight file. However, if this is the fact, the fret ends are not what one would consider to be professionally dressed and, in my opinion, require dressing to help eliminate the hard edges left by the file, machined or oth...
Up picking slowed down from “Train on the Island” with a little “ Cripple Creek”
Просмотров 2592 года назад
I was asked to slow down the up picking technique I used on “ Train on the Island “ I threw in a little “cripple creek” This technique can be used in any tuning but I like it on open G tuning (GDGBD) and open C tuning (GCGCE). I’ll demonstrate its use on other tunings soon. Please subscribe and share to other banjo folks.
Don Rusnak “Train on the Island” using un-common style.
Просмотров 1992 года назад
This style is a combination of up picking and down stroking. Up picking on the melody line, then down stroking all the strings with the ring finger. I’ve been calling this style “ wrist frailing” but that’s not entirely an accurate term, as it contains elements of both up picking and frailing ( Clawhammer) So, it’s a hybrid? It allows the player to play a lot faster than had he chosen to use th...
Rare Banjo from Don Rusnak Collection. Museum? Collector? Value?
Просмотров 1682 года назад
This is a rare Mansfield 5 string banjo, patented in 1872. Great story about its acquisition. What should the price be? Where does antique value come in when valuing an instrument? Museum bound? Collector bound? I’ll ask you all for your input. Please share this with others. Thanks. To ask questions directly email me at: banjodaddy@hotmail.com I offer online lessons too.
Banjo for Sale A.C. Fairbanks (pre- Vega)
Просмотров 1822 года назад
Banjo for Sale A.C. Fairbanks (pre- Vega)
Clawhammer vs Up-Picking Don Rusnak plays some “Train on the Island”
Просмотров 4232 года назад
Clawhammer vs Up-Picking Don Rusnak plays some “Train on the Island”
Clawhammer “Cluck” Cackling Hen” with Don Rusnak
Просмотров 1902 года назад
Clawhammer “Cluck” Cackling Hen” with Don Rusnak
Soldiers Joy Clawhammer & Index lead by Don Rusnak
Просмотров 3963 года назад
Soldiers Joy Clawhammer & Index lead by Don Rusnak
Don Rusnak - 2 Finger Old-time Banjo, “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” Lesson 2
Просмотров 5143 года назад
Don Rusnak - 2 Finger Old-time Banjo, “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” Lesson 2
Tilton Banjo Pat 1866 Restoration Part 1 Don Rusnak
Просмотров 1093 года назад
Tilton Banjo Pat 1866 Restoration Part 1 Don Rusnak
Don Rusnak Lesson # 2 Two Finger Banjo Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
Просмотров 5443 года назад
Don Rusnak Lesson # 2 Two Finger Banjo Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
Rare Washburn Banjo with Spun Tonering
Просмотров 4793 года назад
Rare Washburn Banjo with Spun Tonering
Two Finger Old-time Banjo Starter Lesson # 1 Thumb Lead
Просмотров 13 тыс.3 года назад
Two Finger Old-time Banjo Starter Lesson # 1 Thumb Lead
Thumb lead 2 finger Old-time “ Hard Ain’t it Hard” Old-time Banjo. @rusnak banjo.
Просмотров 3103 года назад
Thumb lead 2 finger Old-time “ Hard Ain’t it Hard” Old-time Banjo. @rusnak banjo.
Don Rusnak “Blackberry Blossom”Clawhammer - slow then medium tempo
Просмотров 1483 года назад
Don Rusnak “Blackberry Blossom”Clawhammer - slow then medium tempo
Don Rusnak plays “Darling Nelly Gray” Two finger index lead Old-time Banjo, then to Clawhammer
Просмотров 5873 года назад
Don Rusnak plays “Darling Nelly Gray” Two finger index lead Old-time Banjo, then to Clawhammer
Don Rusnak plays “Times Long Passed”- Auld Lang Syne. Goodbye 2020
Просмотров 723 года назад
Don Rusnak plays “Times Long Passed”- Auld Lang Syne. Goodbye 2020
oh yea...it comes across clearly. The sustain is terrific.
Great ..I tried this d out of g in the past but never quite got it...this makes it clear. Got it ..I like the sound.
You;re wearing one of those Fairbanks Hats that John Huerta made up!
I have known a number of players from Kentucky who are down here in Florida who play this way with the thumb and middle finger and they justify it as give more room for the thumb to move around more independently than playing with the index finger. I played so much this way here in Florida, that I had to go drastic to taking lessons in index lead to get more noting on the high strings.
Don Rusnak and Nick Hornbuckle two of my favs on two finger.
What is the best banjo for a beginner who plays classical guitar for almost 50 years?
Where’s a guy get a gryphon hat like that?!
Great explanation sir,,thanks
I really like your style. I think you should call it Clawfinger style. Also I think you would attract more attention if you play a song at speed at the beginning.
Prefer no tab when possible
What are you tuned to here sir.. I am oldtyme beginner tuned presently to double C. gCGCD I am having loads of fun with this tuning so far. I figure I can clawhammer and combine two finger together over time.😊 Thankyou for your videos sir.. signed beginner..😊
Good simple instruction!!
Brilliant way to show the parts Thank you
would you please show the left hand fingering in detail or tab it out. john H
Nice! I’m just beginning clawhammer (at my age!) and this is a very distinctive sound.
Thanks..Take it slow. Practice the basics. No need to force yourself into practicing for hours and hours. 15-20 minutes then put it down. Listen to the song you’re learning and be able to play the melody SIMPLY with your thumb ( or index) all the way through. Simple Clawhammer is basically playing a melody down stroking with your index ( some use the middle) the next is a brush down stroke striking one, two, three, four or all the strings. Then the thumb sounds the 5th string. I’ll be posting another RUclips video to address again, the properly drop your thumb on any string. Thanks again for the comment. My apologies to all for not replying to many comments. I just don’t get to my PC a lot. 🪕
Don, You are great behind any old banjo. Thanks for sharing, Lew
Howdy Lew!…. Thank you…Was recently at a OT jam and saw your old stickers behind some of chairs. Guess they came from Howards estate. I didn’t hear he had passed. He got his first fiddle lessons from my old music store Vintage Music around 1978-79. His teacher was Marilyn ( ? Forget last name) She played it all. Was in a mariachi band too. Hope you are well.
Sounds great Don! Padre
Thanks Padre… Im anxious to hear the details of your trip to Floyd Virginia.
Super clear video -thank you! 😀
Nice job Don! :-)
Mind b!own! I have played with thumb melody since I started playing. Adding the two drone strings is brilliant. Never heard it explained so well.
best old time teacher
Hey Don! So waaaaay back in about 1976 or so I was a student of yours. After several lessons, you basically told me I just needed to play with other people, and I attended the Friday night jam sessions at your shop - what an amazing experience. The old pot-metal Kay got me started, but I fell in love with the Gold Star you had in your shop. Had to move away, but about 1978 I finally got my Gold Star, Flying Eagle archtop from when they were still made in Japan. Been picking that banjo for 45 years. Last year I had John Boulding in Mounty Airy, NC give it a thorough cleaning, fixing, and setup and it is just wonderful. Great to find you on RUclips! Thanks for all you taught me!
Very glad to hear from you. Yes, those Gold Stars were, and are great banjos. The early ones made in Japan, seem to be the sought after examples. I still have one myself and it has held its own through countless lessons ( i calculated I’ve taught over 3 thousand- one on one, students and still counting) One long time friend said to me once- “ you’re not the best player out there but you sure can teach” I like that. Got lots of folks on the right path then our the door on there own. Their love and passion for the banjo will take them to anywhere they want to go after my foundational teaching techniques. Thanks for the note. Keep in touch. Don Rusnak 703 303 0539 CABOMA founder 1978- present
PS: Gold Stars often need the frets dressed on the ends. IT MAKES A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE - at least for me. The addition of a fret in front of the nut was an improvement on mine. Research Zero Glide from Goldtone.
THAnks for post.
Did we ever find out what model/year this Goldstar is ?
How can I follow your next lessons? I like your relaxed style of teaching!
Thanks for this. Extremely helpful. I've watched hours of different tutorials nut this one finally gave me the understanding how to play stuff and how to practise. My family will be delighted for hours of badly played Twinkle :D
I haven't found a clearer explanation than this anywhere! Many thanks!
Thank you so much! Please spread the word that I’m out here on RUclips. I teach online if anyone needs more direct help. Banjodaddy@hotmail.com Keep on picking 🪕
Very cool Don! This beauty needs a good home!🪕
Hello from Alexandria. Great picking. I am self-taught and largely just an improviser. I stumbled into some kind of hybrid style. I think a more regular style would open more rhythms to me. Anyway - I enjoyed your video.
Hey there's the banjo I Bought!
Thanks Don! I really appreciate getting that melody by itself. Usually I have to spend a lot of time listening to recordings to figure out the melody notes so I can "wrap them up" again.
Thanks seems simple.
Where did you get that griffin ballcap. It’s great.
Thank you, Don!
I’ve been looking for something like this. Essentially transposing to open G. Love the sound. I play clawhammer myself but have been trying up picking/mixing the two and now I’m trying to grasp two finger thumb and index. I think I can do thumb lead I guess but I’m just completely making it up and doing what sounds and feels naturally. Making my head spin a little trying to figure out all the differences
I see this man's eyes staring into my soul while I sleep
Hello, Don, great lesson as is your ill fly away. Could you do another lesson for LITTLE BIRDIE? Thanks
Thank you!!!
Love your channel man!
Hot Dog! Thanks Great Video
Some of best playing I've seen!
Great video!
can you give me one
I always liked the term “Thrashing” for claw hammer! 🪕 Awesome tutorial as always brother!
Fantastic playing.
Awesome as usual brother!
great song!
I’m surprised I remembered the lyrics. Thanks for watching Nancy…
Total fun!! Brought a smile to my face this morning!
His eyes definitely should move