an Alvarez 12 string-with 5 strings by myself Jim is bowing a banjo Jared is playing a home-made electro-acoustic string instrument of his invention played with hammers.
That's interesting. I have two instrument restoration / modification projects in progress. One is a 50's vintage Vega Baritone Uke for my stepdaughter. The other is a 1939 Harmony Stella I've decide to restring as a tenor guitar. Ask your friend Jared if he's read Bart Hopkin's "Musical Instrument Design" -- great book.
By tenor guitar do you mean a 4-string tuned like a banjo? the baritone uke is kinda a step that way in the other direction. I myself love 4 stringed instruments my Alvarez is tuned like a 4-string banjo plus a high drone. I will ask him but I am sure Jared has read everything.
I had intended to tune DGBE but might change my mind. I might even put a buzzing bridge on it like a sitar. I am not a musician and it's not and expensive guitar -- just an old one. It should be a unique instrument by the time I'm done with it though. As for the uke, my step daughter plays a soprano now, which is pretty limiting. I would like to give her something with some dignity. Also, being me, I've made ebony and olivewood decorations, an ivory bridge as nut, etc. I'll post a photo or two when it's done.
D g b d is my favorite it has easy chords in all positions an a major and minor barres that do not require sobriety.
Yep do you how to tell if a bluegrass stage is level. The banjo player drools out of both sides of his mouth.
We have some bluegrass up here (Ohio) but it is rather more popular in Kentucky (big surprise, I'm sure...). I enjoy it in small doses. I hate new country with considerable enthusiasm. Every time I pick up a banjo (something that doesn't happen often) I think to myself -- "This thing would make a pretty decent murder weapon, but I'd like a little more sustain to cover up my lack of dexterity." My stepdaughter wants one, but I don't think she'd be strong enough to lift it. Ever see one of these?