Remember the Planjo Banjo project?

Well, some may recall that over the summer I let myself get wrapped up in the project of trying to build an instrument.  NO I am NOT a Luthier... and trust me the craftsmanship on this Banjo I built lacked a lot!

The important thing was more about what I learned and whether I thought I could suffer through learning an instrument.  This project told me that if I had the patience to see this through, whcih I did... perhaps I deserved a well built instrument?

Lo and Behold I started looking around using the knowledge I gained while building my Banjo.  I was first shocked at the cost of a new instrument.  Like many other things though the theory "buy the most you can afford" holds true for instruments as well.  I just began scouring ads and postings for a decent lightly used Banjo.  Then after many weeks and months of looking I came across a perfect price point for a Classic Goodtime 2 Banjo made by Deering, and the best part is that it was new and un-opened.  Could not pass up the deal so yes I treated myself early... now I gotsta' lern to play the banjer'

Tired Dog Saloon - The adventure begins

For a couple of years now we've been tinkering with the idea of building a bar.  Not just any bar with a top but something themed.  We took an excellent roadtrip to Montana last summer and did some extensive research all along the way.  I can't count how many bars and saloons we checked out, but by far and without doubt our most succesful research was of that in Virginia City, Montana.  This place has the most incredible history and some great stories that are still being told.

Where the bar will go

Upon return from our trip we tried to sort through what pictures we could and make a pile just for Saloon and Bar ideas.  It seemed the right thing to do for conveying an appropriate theme was to remodel the entire room, not just add a new piece of furniture.  So forward we go!

We are taking the front room space and over the next 6-15 months (due to other project constraints and cost) and will turn this space into a an "Old West Saloon".  It's going to be a lot of creative work since we still want some current technology in this room, but not detract from the theme. 
The plan already went into motion by tearing out the grey carpet and installing a tile floor which mimics the color and shape of old wood planks.  Now we are starting with the bar...

The Banjo moves forward through the knowledge of its past

The piano may do for lovesick girls who lace themselves to skeletons, and lunch on chalk, pickles, and slate pencils. But give me the banjo... When you want genuine music—music that will come right home to you like a bad quarter, suffuse your system like strychnine whiskey…ramify your whole constitution like the measles, and break out on your hide like the pin-feather pimples on a picked goose—when you want all this, just smash your piano, and invoke the glory-beaming banjo!




~ Mark Twain

Nov. 4th, 2011 on PBS "Give me the Banjo" airs for the first time... I can't wait