Subject: Mickey - easiest to play with no fingerpicks
Date: Tue, 3 Sep 2002 23:57:57 -0400


Greetings Phil,

Mickey,
1. I don't use fingerpicks and was thinking maybe a Stelling would get me a
little more projection - what do you think?

The Stelling is powerful and responsive...I'm not too sure about how much more projection you'll gain without fingerpicks...I would suggest that you use your fingernails to gain a sharper clearer note than just the flesh of your fingers...you may already be doing this...

2. Are Stellings a fairly high-tensioned instrument or just average.

Yes, they are high-tensioned and sound best with their heads tightened up so that when you tap it, it rings out with the strings in sympathetic vibration...

3. Any other thoughts on what plays well for those who don't use finger
picks?

Again, be sure to at the very least use your fingernails...Additionally, if you're performing, consider using a small transducer and amp set-up.

4. I tried lots of banjos and was prepared to spend a little to get
something I liked but I couldn't get past the Goodtime II. I fell in love
with the plain sound and it is so easy to play. What would you put in same
class as the Goodtime II in terms of a lower tension, good sounding, easy to
play banjo?

I don't believe there's another banjo like the Goodtime in existence. It's possesses a very unique tonal range...lots of woodiness with tremendous presence.

You might also try a Deering Black Diamond...the black mylar head contributes to crystal clear highs...while the mahogany body adds warmth...also, very responsive for fingerpicking without picks...especially if you have the head tap-tuned to an A...

If you like the woody tone of the Goodtime, you might consider a John Hartford model...

Hope this helps, Mickey

Great Web Site, Thanks
Phil

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Subject: pick-less playing
Date: Thu, 8 Aug 2002 21:07:55 -0400

Hi Mickey - Great FAQ page - I enjoyed all the info. So here is MY question:

I have to pick bare-fingered (no picks) due to medical problems in my right index and middle fingers. Therefore, which banjo plays loudest in this manner (Scruggs-style) - specifically, I wonder about an arch-top vs a Stelling vs ????  Do you have any you could play to test for the loudest, and let my know the results? 

If the Stelling does, do you have any in stock and how much are they?

Appreciate the help with this unusual request!! dave 

Greetings Dave,

Nice to hear from you...I believe we touched on this topic before...Hope I can be of further assistance:

If you want, you can experiment with arch-top banjos at a relatively reasonable upgrade price...Deering offers this upgrade on most of their models...however, I personally feel that an archtop really only works well in a band setting. And, I'm not sure if it would really contribute to more volume...as much as it will contribute to a more trebly tonal quality.

The Stelling certainly is one of the all-time loudest banjos available...however, if you take the banjo you have now, whichever you may be playing today, and try tightening the head even further for more response, you may find what you're looking for in attaining more volume without picks. Additionally, go with a light gauge string for more response and less "thuddiness". Try a Snuffy Smith bridge instead of the standard bridge...these bridges usually contribute to a more responsive tone.

And, if none of this works, consider a Deering Crossfire.

Hope some of this helps...

Mickey

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