Hi Banjo Outlaw, wonderful video. You nailed it. Ever single thing you said about the Stanley sound and Ralph's setup is 💯 % correct. I'm from South East, Ky right near the Virginia state line, and we were all raised up on the Stanley Brothers music. The Stanleys were so much a part of our family that we considered them family. My Mother taught me to play clawhammer when I was 8 years old and I've picked ever since. I love banjos and banjer pickin'. Thank you for "sharing". I love video and so enjoyed watching and listening and I'm subscribing to your channel. Merry Christmas and Happy New Years, from the other "outlaw". - 🪕🔥 💨 "Rock rolls, but Bluegrass Rules" - Ralph Stanley
Great video! Most people don’t talk about how Ralph’s style and tone evolved over the years. You did a good job explaining that. I personally like the late 50s- mid 60s tone, a little bit thicker and deeper than the later years of bright and tight! The old Starday recording of Little Maggie- Ralph on a flat head- but his tone comes out. It’s got some pop but little deeper tone. Keep up the great work!
Hey nice tips man, thanks for it! It's material like this what keeps the Stanley tradition alive. My contribution: I once heard in a Huber commercial how wood type plays a part in tone too, mahogany offering a brighter tone than maple.
Thank you! And yes… the maple will mostly have a brighter tone than mahogany though! Walnut will be somewhere in between sort of…! Tone is a funny thing to describe sometimes!👍
About time there is a Stanley set up video, to me Ralph is so underrated when it comes to banjo picking, everybody is Scruggs this and Sammy that but to me they all sound the same, just like country music today all sounds the same but Ralph style Pickin is where it’s at. I always try and play like Ralph everyone of my banjos is an archtop. Do you have an email my friend? How can I get in touch with you? We could talk Stanley style!!!
Great stuff! I'm glad the Stanley style is living on in your playing. I've always wanted to learn and be proficient in that style. I hope we can all learn from your videos!
I tried a 5 star on my archtop and it had a sizzling sound that I don't care for. A friend of mine has one on his Stelling and it sounds great. I'll be changing my head out this weekend!
Really enjoyed your breakdown of the great Ralph Stanley set-up and sound. I live in Floyd County, KY and it's good to hear the accent I've grown up with. Don't know where you're from but I'd guess the southern part of WVA. Hey, anyhow--top notch presentation.
I've got a '79 Ode C-style banjo, made in Arkansas. It has a nice tone just as it came but I've got a clear Remo head right now that gets me into what I call the Ralph zone. His stuff's all I play but I'll never be able to duplicate that tone. OK, I'll leave ye be. Love your pickin' and your description and explanation.
Hey there! I might have more of these sort of discussion/breakdown videos later on… I’ll try to remember to address that tune and its evolution through Ralph when I do get to making more videos in this style!👍
A quick way you can hear it for yourself is to listen to his very early Columbia/Rich R Tone recordings with his brother and then listen to something from him in the 1980’s…👍
My buddy has a custom made Frank neat archtop banjo and it sounds exactly like Ralph's in the later years bright and tight! It's like a Gatling gun going off haha
Nicely done, lots of good information for the Stanley Style players. I know a few of Ralph’s forward patterns, most are 4/4. You have any patterns to share for 3/4? Maybe something like Ralph did in White Dove?
Excellent video! Where did you find the conversion ring? I've seen some that convert arch top to flat head, but never flat to arch. I'd love to experiment with that!
@@brandonhenson656 yeah man! I still remember the first time I ever heard the old record that one’s on… King 615! Nothin’ but raw Stanley style Mountain Bluegrass on that one! There’s a lot of good banjo tunes Ralph did… but I think my general all around favorite is Coosy. It probably ain’t the most ornate tune he ever did… but there’s something there I’ve always got “that feeling” from in that little tune!👍
coxbanjos.com It looks like they don’t advertise their metal parts anymore though. I’d still contact and ask. Otherwise you’ll have to look for a used one.👍
What is your opinion on the master tone no hole arch top ring, vs 20 hole? I was lucky enough to find a 1927 tb5 conversion with a no hole. I’ve heard they sound more like a flat,head, but I’m not convinced that is,true Also, did you talk about tube and plate flanges vs one piece flanges, and their influence on the sound?
I’m assuming you mean the no hole arch top ring vs. the 40 hole arch top? I like both. Ralph played both too… I’ve seen some of the Stanleytones that were no hole rings. I have heard good tone from both arch top ring variations in different banjos… as far as characterizing their sound? I’d say that a 40 hole may or may not have a little more dry sound. Tone is so hard to describe because it is subjective to each individual who hears it… as I may describe what I hear differently than you would. As far as rim and flange… here is where more of a difference comes in in my opinion. I prefer a tube and plate flange. To me those banjos have more sustain… and a somewhat sweeter tone. My ears like the sound of a tube and plate banjo the best… but that’s not to say that I’ve not heard some really sweet sounding banjos with a one piece flange as well.👍
And as far as a no hole sounding more like a flat head? I’ve heard a lot of people (flat head guys) say that. I’ve heard both variations of tone ring be able to sound more “fat” and “flat heady” sounding… depending on each individual banjo and set up. 👍
@@thebanjooutlaw please do, and I just watched your California video, I’ve heard that tune for years but didn’t know where to start. Now I do, don’t know where your home place is but I wish you lived close I’d be stealing all the banjo licks I could from you
Hi Banjo Outlaw, wonderful video. You nailed it. Ever single thing you said about the Stanley sound and Ralph's setup is 💯 % correct. I'm from South East, Ky right near the Virginia state line, and we were all raised up on the Stanley Brothers music. The Stanleys were so much a part of our family that we considered them family.
My Mother taught me to play clawhammer when I was 8 years old and I've picked ever since. I love banjos and banjer pickin'. Thank you for "sharing". I love video and so enjoyed watching and listening and I'm subscribing to your channel. Merry Christmas and Happy New Years, from the other "outlaw". - 🪕🔥 💨
"Rock rolls, but Bluegrass Rules" - Ralph Stanley
👍 Thanks partner!
Great video! Most people don’t talk about how Ralph’s style and tone evolved over the years. You did a good job explaining that. I personally like the late 50s- mid 60s tone, a little bit thicker and deeper than the later years of bright and tight! The old Starday recording of Little Maggie- Ralph on a flat head- but his tone comes out. It’s got some pop but little deeper tone. Keep up the great work!
Thank you friend! I love the tone Ralph got in those King/Starday years!👍
Hey nice tips man, thanks for it! It's material like this what keeps the Stanley tradition alive.
My contribution: I once heard in a Huber commercial how wood type plays a part in tone too, mahogany offering a brighter tone than maple.
Thank you! And yes… the maple will mostly have a brighter tone than mahogany though! Walnut will be somewhere in between sort of…! Tone is a funny thing to describe sometimes!👍
About time there is a Stanley set up video, to me Ralph is so underrated when it comes to banjo picking, everybody is Scruggs this and Sammy that but to me they all sound the same, just like country music today all sounds the same but Ralph style Pickin is where it’s at. I always try and play like Ralph everyone of my banjos is an archtop. Do you have an email my friend? How can I get in touch with you? We could talk Stanley style!!!
Great stuff! I'm glad the Stanley style is living on in your playing. I've always wanted to learn and be proficient in that style. I hope we can all learn from your videos!
Thank you so much man!👍
Fantastic stuff. Love it!
👍
Not sure how I missed this....excellent video!
Thanks Ben!👍
Excellent my man. Wealth of knowledge
You are welcome friend!👍
The index finger is the strongest finger. A very good lesson.
👍
Love your banjo 🪕
@@pameladahl8274 thanks!👍
I tried a 5 star on my archtop and it had a sizzling sound that I don't care for. A friend of mine has one on his Stelling and it sounds great. I'll be changing my head out this weekend!
Yeah, they ain’t for everybody! Or every banjo for that matter! 😁👍
Really enjoyed your breakdown of the great Ralph Stanley set-up and sound. I live in Floyd County, KY and it's good to hear the accent I've grown up with. Don't know where you're from but I'd guess the southern part of WVA. Hey, anyhow--top notch presentation.
Thank you! North Carolina boy here!👍
Brighter crackle nails it.
I've got a '79 Ode C-style banjo, made in Arkansas. It has a nice tone just as it came but I've got a clear Remo head right now that gets me into what I call the Ralph zone. His stuff's all I play but I'll never be able to duplicate that tone. OK, I'll leave ye be. Love your pickin' and your description and explanation.
I agree! O. Got a Remo frosted top from Sullivan. Hey, I got that tailpiece (Cox) from Clareen. I really like it!
They are good tailpieces for sure.👍
Great video - but would still love your insight in Little Maggie and how it evolved with him!
Hey there! I might have more of these sort of discussion/breakdown videos later on… I’ll try to remember to address that tune and its evolution through Ralph when I do get to making more videos in this style!👍
I had Mike Smith make me a snake wood bridge for my archtop and it's a killer!
👍
I'd love to see some examples of how Ralph's playing style changed throughout the years.
A quick way you can hear it for yourself is to listen to his very early Columbia/Rich R Tone recordings with his brother and then listen to something from him in the 1980’s…👍
Great video, really interesting. Thanks
👍
My buddy has a custom made Frank neat archtop banjo and it sounds exactly like Ralph's in the later years bright and tight! It's like a Gatling gun going off haha
😁👍
great job !! would love to learn salley goodin right hand !!
Clareen Banjos in Ireland have the Cox tailpiece for around $60! 👍👍
😁👍
Nicely done, lots of good information for the Stanley Style players.
I know a few of Ralph’s forward patterns, most are 4/4. You have any patterns to share for 3/4? Maybe something like Ralph did in White Dove?
czcams.com/video/cq5-3mjsCnc/video.htmlsi=xVNzzG65loQal41o
Excellent video! Where did you find the conversion ring? I've seen some that convert arch top to flat head, but never flat to arch. I'd love to experiment with that!
They are hard to find… you just have to keep your eyes open! Banjo hangout is a good place to look sometimes.👍
@@thebanjooutlaw Thanks!
Can you do a video on how you set up the banjo? Tailpiece height? Bent? How tight is your head?
Well, I thought that’s exactly what this was… all I can tell you about that kind of stuff is covered in the video. Lol.👍
How do you get that Cox tailpiece to not be so easy to get bumped out of adjustment?
Another great video, I’m hooked them now! Do you know where I can get hold of Ralph’s backing tracks?
Thank you, but I’m afraid I can’t help you there!👍
Like it buddy. How about a video on Mastertone March, the ending?
Hey man… love that tune! I definitely need to throw that one up on here sometime! I’ll add it to the list! 👍
@@thebanjooutlaw I think that’s my favorite Ralph tune
@@brandonhenson656 yeah man! I still remember the first time I ever heard the old record that one’s on… King 615! Nothin’ but raw Stanley style Mountain Bluegrass on that one! There’s a lot of good banjo tunes Ralph did… but I think my general all around favorite is Coosy. It probably ain’t the most ornate tune he ever did… but there’s something there I’ve always got “that feeling” from in that little tune!👍
@@thebanjooutlaw King 615 is about as good as it gets.
Where can you find a Cox tailpiece now? I haven't had any luck so far.
coxbanjos.com
It looks like they don’t advertise their metal parts anymore though. I’d still contact and ask. Otherwise you’ll have to look for a used one.👍
Hey dude, you got any recommendations for heads these days since 5 star stopped producing their banjo heads?
Only the other options I mentioned in the video…. Top frosted Remo… Bottom frosted Remo if you want the smooth top.👍
Where can you find a Cox tail piece now? I haven't had any luck so far.
What is your opinion on the master tone no hole arch top ring, vs 20 hole? I was lucky enough to find a 1927 tb5 conversion with a no hole. I’ve heard they sound more like a flat,head, but I’m not convinced that is,true
Also, did you talk about tube and plate flanges vs one piece flanges, and their influence on the sound?
I’m assuming you mean the no hole arch top ring vs. the 40 hole arch top? I like both. Ralph played both too… I’ve seen some of the Stanleytones that were no hole rings.
I have heard good tone from both arch top ring variations in different banjos… as far as characterizing their sound? I’d say that a 40 hole may or may not have a little more dry sound. Tone is so hard to describe because it is subjective to each individual who hears it… as I may describe what I hear differently than you would.
As far as rim and flange… here is where more of a difference comes in in my opinion. I prefer a tube and plate flange. To me those banjos have more sustain… and a somewhat sweeter tone. My ears like the sound of a tube and plate banjo the best… but that’s not to say that I’ve not heard some really sweet sounding banjos with a one piece flange as well.👍
And as far as a no hole sounding more like a flat head? I’ve heard a lot of people (flat head guys) say that. I’ve heard both variations of tone ring be able to sound more “fat” and “flat heady” sounding… depending on each individual banjo and set up. 👍
@@thebanjooutlaw thanks for your reply. I just discovered your channel and subscribed. Good stuff. Keep them coming.
@@bobmurphy3061 thanks friend!👍
Outlaw, could you do a demo of Train 45 ?
As Ralph played it in D tuning?
@@thebanjooutlaw Yes sir
@@henrycross8776 Good idea. I’ll add that to the list for the future!👍
What is the trick to that fourth fret to fifth fret hammer on roll? I’ve been trying to get that down for years. Do you have any tips at all?
I’ve thought about doing a video explaining just that lick… I’ll try to make a detailed video of it later on!👍
@@thebanjooutlaw please do, and I just watched your California video, I’ve heard that tune for years but didn’t know where to start. Now I do, don’t know where your home place is but I wish you lived close I’d be stealing all the banjo licks I could from you
Do you still have the 5 star head?
I have one on one particular banjo.
If u ever wanna sell a smooth 5 star I'd be interested
10-4… if I run into anybody else that has some for sale I’ll holler too.👍
@@thebanjooutlaw thanks brother, they're so hard to find these days. I regret getting rid of my old one