Beginners' update

[Pen]

If you can find a way to get around using electronics - do it.  The more moving parts you add to your playing, the more difficult it gets imo.  Also, it gets less organic.  It's certainly all personal prefference, but music seems best to me when no electricity is involved.  Often you need it (ie. performances, electric instruments), but nothing is as good as a small group sitting around just playing.

Not sure exactly what the ear clip would be.  I wear in-ear monitors when I'm playing out.  It really helps with the loud stage sound we have - but I wouldn't imagine you'd need it for what you're doing.  Plus - they can be pretty pricey.  Also, any time you're listening to the sound through earphones - you loose the "feel" of what you're creating.  It's done to help the sound for the audience.  I isolate what I need to hear (my vocals and my instrument) so I'm concentrating on what "I" sound like - not what the entire band sounds like.  Doesn't sound near as good to me.  I'm sure the audiance appreciates it though. 

Now - as my granddaddy used to say- "There's no accounting for taste".  If you like what you're doing and it works for you - by all means keep it up.  Experiment, play and enjoy. 

As you tweak your setup though - realize that as you start adding equipment, it can be a slippery slope.  You may find you need a better mic for your vocals.  Then, you need a better mic for your mando.  Then you don't like the mix - so it's on to getting a better board.  Then, you don't like your vocals exactly - so you get a vocal processor.  Now, with all this stuff, you need a better amp.  etc etc etc.

[Pen]

I know this sounds like heresy, but if the sound hole is causing you that much trouble, shove a small piece of cloth in the hole to dampen the sound.  The mando is a tool and there's nothing wrong with tweaking it to make it work for you.

Increased volume through increased pace is quite common.  It doesn't have to happen - but it takes practice to play quickly AND in total control.  It's not a quick and easy thing to figure out - but will come with practice.

Man, I really want to play your banjo killer!

[Sap]

Playing music with a group of folks is gonna be off the charts too cool for words for me. Like goin sideways real fast! Hearing all the parts come together for real instead of just in my head.,

 
Landy your enthusiasm is infectious.   I certainly prefer playing in a group, really makes songs come alive.   It's always nice to hear something besides myself for a change.

We just started Soldiers, so it'll take a few to get down.   Of course we're playing the slow easy version. 

Happy Thanksgiving All! 

[Sap]

Soldiers Joy post on Friday Sap and Pen and Janet... Will you be ready to post?

uh...uh...uhm...I don't know.  I'll ask the boss.

I'll certainly be ready to listen! 

[retsin2000]

I played Soldier's Joy with Janet tonight for about 15 seconds while picking up Sap tonight at their house and she is seriously coming along quickly. Keep it going Janet!

[Pen]

No worries.  I'm slow too.  We're trying out new drummers and it's taking forever.  Spent all day today messing with that.  I promise though -  I'll post this soon!

[MandoGeek]

Hi guys,
I have been busy practicing again, I took a month off and man my fingers hurt again. I decided since everyone else was learning Soldiers Joy to start that one also. Only 6 months until jamming in TP, I gotta get busy. Any other song recommendations?
Hopefully if all works out I will see you in Telluride.
Beth

 Listening to: Lyle Lovett

[Pen]

/taps foot impatiently   

[Sap]

Hey, Happy New Year!        

I haven't checked in awhile, and LandShark has a new tune up!  and an original at that!   Very cool, i'm waiting for the updated version.

The only critique i have is that we can't see you!  it's like you're in the witness protection program.   Turn the spotlight on! 

 Listening to: Mieka Pauley

[Sap]

Hey, Happy New Year!        

I haven't checked in awhile, and LandShark has a new tune up!  and an original at that!   Very cool, i'm waiting for the updated version.

The only critique i have is that we can't see you!  it's like you're in the witness protection program.   Turn the spotlight on! 

  If I could just get through this huge pile of paper on my desk,,, I WILL BE FREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE......


You are very funny, made me laugh. My playing and singin were off. I know I can sound better. So yeah, thanks yer right, somethins not right
How is Janet doing?

Janet's good.   she's getting better on the mando all the time.   we had some people over and she got a chance to play with someone besides me - she loved it.   she seems to have a knack - good timing and tone and a good ear.   and it's pushing me to learn too.


(now where's that new upload - i don't see it yet?)

[Sap]

Nice Job Miki!   

Your vocals are up front more in this version.    (That's something you were working to improve right?)

I can hear the words clearer now - which is something I always listen for in a song.

Is it "pigtails and a tan"?    love it!   

[Sap]

I have plenty of audio recordings, but no new videos.   

Janet has taken a few more, she's not going every week.   I think at this point we can learn plenty by just looking up songs on the world wide web.

[TellurideTom]

Your performance is great!
You just need to find a better place to video.
Although the stained glass is pretty, the bright light in the background hinders the total aspect of the scene with too much and too little light on yourself in varying degrees.

[Pen]

Sure - send me the words and I'll toss up a version.

[landshark]

Hi guys,
I have been busy practicing again, I took a month off and man my fingers hurt again. I decided since everyone else was learning Soldiers Joy to start that one also. Only 6 months until jamming in TP, I gotta get busy. Any other song recommendations?
Hopefully if all works out I will see you in Telluride.
Beth

Blue Night
Bluest Man in Town
Can't You Hear Me Callin
The First Whippoorwill
Tall Pines
Walls of Time
Before I Met You
Rough and Rocky
Darlin, Think Of What You've Done
Ida Red
Down the Road
Head Over Heels
High on a Mountain Top - Version #1
High on a Mountain Top - Version #2
Live and Let Live
Last Train from Poor Valley
Long Journey Home
Man In the Middle
Memories of Mom and Dad
Midnight, Moonlight
Old Home Place
On and On
Some Old Day
Stone Walls and Steel Bars
Sweetheart You've Done Me Wrong
Down to the River to Pray (Added in 2009)
Blue Moon of Kentucky (Added in 2009)
I'm Working on a Building (Added in 2009)
My Little Georgia Rose (Added in 2009)
Used to Be (Added in 2009)
Dooley (Added in 2009)
Sawin' on the Strings (Added in 2009)
Angel Band (Added in 2009)
Little Maggie (Added in 2009)
Ginseng Sullivan (Added in 2009)
I Wonder Where You Are Tonight
 Beth go to the facebook PBG page for an excellent version of Soldiers Joy. They tear it up!