Banjo Wireless Solution That Works (for me) - Pt 3

All right … Pt 3 of my Banjo amplification search

When last we left off … "I was stuck in amplified banjo sound hell … and then to top it all off I added to my troubles and decided to go wireless …"

Actually it was the wireless desire that changed everything. One of our NEVAH band members a wonderful bass player, singer, song writer, arranger and harmonizer, plus all around nice guy, Phil Pitula, bought a Line 6 G-30 wireless set up. I was thoroughly impressed as he walked around the rehearsal space with a wide range of full mobility and 100% clarity. No long chords. The only thing keeping him in one spot was singing into his microphone, an issue we will address in the near future with wireless headsets. I went on-line and looked at the device, then went to a local music store in Bangor Maine, Northern Kingdom Music … they had one in stock, sooooo … I bought it.

Line 6 G-30 Wireless Rig

I took my newly acquired Line 6 G-30 wireless system and rushed home. I plugged the receiver into my Fender Acoustasonic 150 amp, then, after putting the battery in the transmitter, plugged that into my fishman pick-up and NADA, nothing, zip, no sound. AHHHHHHHHHHHHH! 

I was a bit perturbed to say the least. I called Fishman and spoke to a super nice technician who explained to me why the Fishman Banjo Pick-up probably wasn't working with the Line-6, nor would it work with the wireless system. Technical stuff, I think he said Ohms, that had my head spinning. In plain terms … the Fishman and the Line 6 G-30 were not compatible.

I hung up the phone, and then it hit me … I saw the MTV music awards, or one of the numerous music award shows and Taylor Swift, yes, Taylor Swift was playing a Deering six string banjo, moving about the stage freely and her Banjo Head had a built in pick-up. The Banjo sounded fantastic, albeit the sound equipment and crew was a little out of my budget and could possibly be the reason the six string Deering sounded so good –  I now had a direction. The solution was right in front of me. I googled Deering Banjos and there it was … the KAVANJO banjo head. I called Deering and they directed me to John Kavanaugh inventor, patent holder, designer and manufacturer of the Kavanjo banjo pickup system. I went to his site, called and left a message. 

Kavanjo White Banjo Head

A short while later my phone rang and it was John Kavanaugh. I asked him numerous questions especially the one concerning the Line 6 G-30 and John assured me it would work. I then asked him if he had made one in BLACK. He had not, but would be happy to provide me with the FIRST BLACK KAVANJO Banjo Head pick-up system … with black screws of course. Don't ask me why, that's a whole other story. Let's just say, I wanted it in Black. I also asked for an external 1/4 inch jack setup as opposed to plugging the wireless chord directly into the head. John said, "no problem" - he was shipping it out the next day, and pointed out that there were video installation guides on his site …

Yes … I was in amplified banjo heaven …

Next Blog: Kavanjo Banjo Solution - installation and the real TEST.

Banjo Fishman Magnetic PickUp a Solution - Pt 2

Amplifying my Stelling Sunflower banjo wasn't as easy as I thought it would be … picking up where I left off … being in NEVAH, Maine's Progressive Bluegrass, NewGrass, Prograssabilly band with eight (8) talented band members, I needed to be heard. After hoisting the banjo up to my vocal mic during a good portion of one of our shows the conclusion was … NOPE. Then trying to mic it separately standing real close to it for most of the show and playing as loud as possible during the breaks, again for me … NOPE.

Therefore …

Third Banjo Sound solution:
I broke down and decided to see what was out there in the way of pick-ups. At the time I started looking there weren't too many. I'd discussed this with Tony Trischka at one point and if I am not mistaken Tony had a "custom made" pickup that had been tweaked for his needs. I am certainly no Tony Trischka, anyone who has heard me can certainly attest to that, so I thought I'd see if an off the shelf pickup would work.

Violà … I found the Fishman Magnetic Pickup for my banjo. Highly recommended by tons of banjo folk and used by at least 3/4 of a ton of banjo folk. I didn't know anyone up in Maine, at the time, who had one so I took a chance.

Hal's Fishman Banjo Pick-up

The Fishman pickup arrived and after carefully installing it … it worked. They recommend it should be professionally installed. And I agree, installing micro electronics needing to be soldered at any point in the procedure should be professionally installed …

… mine wasn't, and that could be the reason why, after months of using it I had "issues." I spent a lot of time trying to figure out if my soldering joints weren't right, and I took it to a professional to double check. Everything was soldered correctly. Then, again, I replaced the battery even though it was the first thing I checked, it was fine …whatever the reason was, whatever excuse I came up with for WHY I wasn't getting the consistent sound I wanted … was merely an excuse.

I even went out, on the recommendation of Philip Zanon - who runs sound for the Kruger Brothers and purchased a Fender Acoustasonic 150 Amp thinking that maybe the marshall acoustic amp I'd borrowed wasn't working. I'm pretty sure that Yens Kruger has a Fishman Pickup in his Deering Banjo  and his works fine. So I concluded that it must be me.

I was totally stuck in amplified banjo sound hell … and then to top it all off I added to my troubles and decided to go wireless …

Next Blog: Fourth Banjo Solution - A Terrific Wireless Banjo Setup that Works for Me

Banjo Dynamics in a Newgrass Bluegrass Band - pt 1

I want to discuss my take on BANJO dynamics or being heard in a NewGrass / Bluegrass Band. And in particular my experience playing in NEVAH, Maine's own Progressive NewGrass, Bluegrass, Prograssabilly band. This will be in several parts … each one describing a "different" approach to solving my banjo sound.

To start with Nevah is an 8 piece band, hardly your typical Bluegrass Band. Our instrumentation is more a progressive newgrass, country, with a twist. Our music selection is hard to pin down to any single genre  … we have: An acoustic lead Guitar, Electric Bass, Mandolin, Banjo, Pedal Steel, Drums, Percussion, Flute … and we double down with acoustic rhythm guitars, dobro, sax, penny whistle and all sorts of percussive devices.

NEVAH at the Blue Hill Fair

Plus we have anywhere from 2 to 5 part vocal harmonies … lots of vocal sound along with the instrumentation. I dare say we've filled up our 16 channel board and are ready for 24 channels plus.

NOW, here was my personal dilemma … my banjo, a beautiful - very loud Stelling Sunflower - was getting drowned out. Acoustically speaking if you stood in front of the instrument (6 to 8 feet away) you would vibrate from the intense sound, however, when performing live I was never able to get the sound to be heard over all the other instruments. Everyone is plugged in, amplified, etc … and due to many factors I will touch upon I just couldn't deliver the sound I wanted.

Stelling Sunflower (oops - one solution revealed)

The factors were simple to identify:

1) My lack of experience performing with a lot of electrified instruments …
2) My lack of banjo mic-technique
3) My desire to be able to move around while playing
4) For some reason I couldn't hear myself
5) I know nothing about sound … I thought you simply play and let the sound technician take care of everything.

Once I identified the factors I was able to attack the problem.

My first Banjo Sound solution:
To amplify my banjo without any cost, I thought would be to simply raise the banjo up near my vocal microphone and play harder. This proved to be difficult, very difficult … for me. The Stelling Sunflower banjo is incredibly well made, heavy, and I could never get it close-enough to the raised Shure SM58 microphone and at the same time play to my best ability (another story, another time).

Second Banjo Sound Solution:
Therefore, when the initial solution failed to provide adequate sound I figured that by putting another mic in place I could play into it and be heard without any problem. After all I'd seen countless banjo players do this effectively. So, I purchased an extra mic, put it on a stand, aimed it at my banjo and during setup, sound checks, it was fine - very nice, really good-ish. However, during the show I tended to back away or move from side to side and the sound would get lost. Not the microphones fault, merely my own. And of course you didn't want it turned up too loud because then it would drown out everything or pick up unwanted noise. And without a dedicated sound person at all performances there would never be any consistency.

Next Blog: Third Banjo Sound Solution

You're My Home by Billy Joel - From Banjo to Nevah

Hey there … Hal the Nevah prograssabilly Banjo Guy here …

When I first brought "You're My Home", a song by Billy Joel, to a NEVAH practice I hadn't quite worked out the entire arrangement. All I had was an opening lick and an interesting descending chord progression ending. However, as with all the material we choose to perform everyone pitched in an idea or two and before you know it … a Nevah twist.

After we worked out the Nevah Band arrangement I played with my own variation, a really sweet banjo instrumental played on my Stelling Sunflower that sounds flashy, looks harder to play than it is, travels up and down the neck and makes me feel like I have "chops." I find it's fun to play fast, however, when singing it I like to keep a medium tempo.

Below you will find some information about the song and I've included the lyrics. The next time you come to a NEVAH performance, if you'd like to hear our arrangement of the song, let us know. After the show I'd be happy to demo the banjo instrumental version too.

"You're My Home"
music and Lyrics by Billy Joel  (a You Tube link to a 1976 performance by Billy Joel)

"You're My Home" was introduced on Billy Joel's album Piano Man, in 1973. It appeared on four other albums and was covered by several well known singers including Helen Reddy.


When you look into my eyes
And you see the crazy gypsy in my soul
It always comes as a surprise
When I feel my withered roots begin to grow
Well I never had a place that I could call my very own
That's all right, my love, 'cause you're my home

When you touch my weary head
And you tell me everything will be all right
You say, "Use my body for your bed
And my love will keep you warm throughout the night"
Well I'll never be a stranger and I'll never be alone
Whenever we're together, that's my home

Home can be the Pennsylvania Turnpike
Indiana's early morning dew
High up in the hills of California
Home is just another word for you

Well I never had a place that I could call my very own
That's all right, my love, 'cause you're my home

If I travel all my life
And I never get to stop and settle down
Long as I have you by my side
There's a roof above and good walls all around
You're my castle, you're my cabin and my instant pleasure dome
I need you in my house 'cause you're my home.
You're my home.

Bluegrass and Country bars in Tokyo

Hal here, the NEVAH Banjo Guy …

I kiddingly mentioned to the group that one of my goals, for NEVAH, was to get us on tour in countries who appreciate our type of progressive New Grass, Blue Grass Music … Japan just happens to be one of the countries I would like to see us tour.

I personally visited Japan many years ago, I love the people, the culture, the food, Aikdio (the martial art) and was excited to find there is a rich Bluegrass, Country, NewGrass culture throughout the land.
A friend and Teacher of mine … Tony Trischka has toured Japan several times and been well received.

Below is a list of some bluegrass and country bars in The Tokyo Area. Nevah has these on their mailing list and hope that someday we'll get an opportunity to perform at a few of them.

Japanese Bars and Restaurants with Live BG and Country Music

Knowles Benefit - Nevah in concert

Nevah, Maine's newgrass-ish, prograssabilly band, will be performing on Sunday, October 14th - at the Knowles Family Benefit.

Come join us at the NEW … MORITA'S School of Dance Studio in Hermon to help support this family.

For more information please see the poster below …

NEVAH BAND NEWGRASS at The Blue Hill Fair

NEVAH a SMASH HIT at BLUE HILL FAIR

NEVAH, Maine's progressive bluegrass, newgrass, prograssabilly band appeared at the Blue Hill Fair Sept 1, 2012 …

Here are some images of the event that captivated the fair attendees and drew a huge crowd for the hour and a half performance of NEVAH fan favorites including original songs, soon to be featured on the upcoming NEVAH Album …

The day was perfect, the sun was shining, and there was a slight breeze as the Men of Nevah arrived at the Blue Hill Fair Mid-Way stage.

Set-up was a breeze and the sound check went without a hitch … before you knew it was
"SHOW TIME"

Midway Stage at the Blue Hill Fair - as Nevah Set's Up

NEVAH on Stage at the Blue Hill Fair 2012

Phil Pitula Bass & Vocals  & Ed Russell Lead Vocals, Flute & Sax from Nevah 

NEVAH's Larry LeBlanc Lead Guitar & Vocals

Nevah's Banjo Guy Hal Meyers a Singin & Richard Silver Singin and playing Mandolin

Jack Anderson - Pedal Steel, Dobro & Guitar next to Dick Knipping on Drums

Kent Palmer - Making NEVAH sound great!

Nevah's Jack Anderson on Pedal Steel

Ed on FLute and Phil on Bass

Dick Knipping NEVAH's drummer settin' the beat

Crowds gathered around during NEVAH's Show

Sultans's of String in Concert with Abbott Hill Ramblers

Hey fans of NEVAH, Maine's progressive new grass, prograssabilly band …

… this just in from our good friend, Chris Prickitt, of the well known group EVERGREEN:

In Concert

The Sultans of String

Chris McKhool (violin) and Kevin Laliberté (guitar),

with

The Abbott Hill Ramblers

OpeningThursday, October 4

Ridge View Community School

Fern Rd. Dexter

Time: 7:00 p.m.

Suggested Donation   Adults: $8   Students: $3

For further information please call:  924 -6000 or  924-4121

Press Release:
Touring  Sultans of String to Make Dexter Appearance! 
(Abbott Hill Ramblers to Open October 4 Show)

An award-winning duo from Toronto, Ontario, Chris Mckhool and KevinLaliberte (the “Sultans of String”) will be in concert in Dexter onThursday, October 4at the Ridge View Community School.

The Abbott Hill Ramblers will open the show at 7:00 p.m.

The Sultans’ music is an organic mix of rhumba, gypsy, jazz, MiddleEastern, and Spanish Flamenco.The group will also conduct a workshop for students at Ridge View that afternoon.       

Suggested donations at the door are $8 for adults and $3 for students.       
For  more information, call 924-6000 or 924-4121.

NEVAH Appearing at 2012 Blue Hill Fair

NEVAH … 

Maine's Atypical Progressive, Newgrass … Prograssabilly band is appearing at this years 2012 Blue Hill Fair 

This Saturday - Sept 1 from Noon to 1:30 pm 

on the Midway Stage

NEVAH, Maine's atypical, newgrass, prograssabilly band flyer for the 2012 Blue Hill Fair

Make sure you stop by to see us! 

Email us if you don't get a chance to say hello … nevahband@gmail.com

JUST THE BEST BAND IN THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD!! – NEVAH

NEVAH band  - IS JUST THE BEST BAND IN THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD!! (Borrowed from the movie "Cars" - Mater!!) 

We plan to enjoy your music again (as we always do!) this Saturday!! "Break a leg"!!  God Bless

NEVAH Appearing at the 2012 Blue Hill Fair

Maine's progressive NewGrass, Prograssabilly Band will be appearing at the OLD TOWN RIVERFRONT PARK on Thursday 

AUGUST 2nd, 2012

– 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm –

NEVAH - Maine's Progressive NEWGRASS BAND
As seen in the BANGOR DAILY NEWS 7/17/2012

Listed in the Bangor Daily News EVENTS section …

NEVAH - PROGRASSABILLY Music in Portland Maine

NEVAH brought their special brand of "PROGRASSABILLY" music to Andy's Old Port Pub in Portland Maine.

To unofficially help kick-off the Portland Performing Arts and Port Fringe Festival NEVAH performed for three hours at Andy's Old Port Pub. 

Throughout the evening a full house of patrons were thoroughly delighted by the song stylings of  Phil, Ed, Richard, Larry, Jack, Dick and Hal as they wove their way through a wide variety of tunes, including several NEVAH original songs. 

As you can tell by the band configuration, we were squeezed into a very tight space … and it worked perfectly. As Larry put it, "this is the closest we've ever come to performing in a setting that matches Phil's living room".

We knew all was well because at the end of the evening the staff from Andy's Pub asked when NEVAH could return for another performance. Nice!

Good Food, Good Drink, Good Folks, Good Music …

A Good Time was had by all …

Hal

The Nevah Banjo Guy

Portland Performing Arts Festival and Portland Fringe a NEVAH Opportunity

Hey fans of Nevah … this is the Portland Performing Arts Festival and Port Fringe Festival Kick-0ff Week and it just so happens that Nevah is going to be in Portland performing at Andy's Pub … 

NEVAH will be appearing at ANDY's OLD PORT PUB

94 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101

This Wednesday June 27th

8:00 PM to 11:00 PM


Come in for some "Great Food & Good Fun"

Hope to see ya there!

NEVAH in Concert at BOWMAN BENEFIT

Hellooooo … NEVAH fans, please put June 24th on your calendar and help us raise funds to support the BOWMAN BENEFIT from 6 to 9pm at the Church of the Open Door, Rt 1A in Hampden. 


There will be a tremendous Silent Auction (we're talkin' good stuff), Amazing Desserts, superb camaraderie and a Concert by NEVAH along with the appearance of surprise guests (and we're not letting the cat out of the bag on this one, it's a real surprise).


Check out the Flyer below and call the number listed - 207•356•5166 - if you have any questions.


See you there …


Hal
The NEVAH Banjo Guy

Been a While

We don't want you to think we – NEVAH – have vanished, lost in the Maine woods, so I thought I would send out a quick update on where we will be this summer …

June 24th, 6 p.m. at the Church of the Open Door in Hampden we will be helping to raise funds for some good friends of ours who have had some medical bills to contend with …

June 29th at the Buchanan Alumni Center at the University of Maine we will be ushering in our third Doctors graduating class from their internship at Eastern Maine Medical Center …

July 9th at the Veterans Home in Bangor, our 13th year entertaining those who have served our country allowing us the freedom to play our music …

August 2nd we will be playing in the park in Old Town as part of their summer concert series starting around 5:30 p.m. …

one last venue for now on September 1st at the Blue Hill Fair one of the best in Maine.

Thats all for now, stayed tuned (no pun intended) for more from NEVAH.

NEVAH on MIKE & MIKE Kiss 94.5

NEVAH … actually a portion thereof, will be appearing tomorrow morning from 7am to 9am on the MIKE & MIKE show … Kiss 94.5


Yes … That's tomorrow morning WEDNESDAY APRIL 4TH (it's not April 1st - so you know it's not an April fools joke).


Ed Russell, Lawrence LeBlanc and Hal Meyers will be with Mike Dow from 7 am on until 9 am. Hopefully we will have a surprise guest with us too. But, we don't know if they'll show up, so it will be a surprise if they do appear.


I'm going to bed now - gotta get up real early …


Hal
TNBG (The Nevah Banjo Guy)

NEVAH Draws Record Crowd to Bangor Grange

A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR FANS!

Nevah would like to thank everyone who attended this past Saturday's show - March 17th -  at the Bangor Grange. A fun time was had by all as we performed a wide range of songs along with some Irish tunes in honor of St. Patricks Day. For those of you who have not been to one of our recent shows we've added several surprises to our repertoire, including six original tunes.

According to the Bangor Grange folk Nevah drew the "largest crowd the Grange has ever had for a show and the largest crowd they've ever had for a show and suppah combination." And, I must tell you, the SUPAH was AMAZING!!! It's worth going to one of their suppahs even if you just have dessert. Believe it or not, they served ten (10) different kinds of pie along with incredible corned beef, mashed potatoes, turnips, cabbage and handmade rolls. Yuuuuummmmy!

Make sure to check out the Bangor Granges schedule, in the Bangor Daily News, for their up coming shows. Nevah would especially like to thank Rolf Staples and the dedicated Bangor Grange crew for their hospitality and a wonderful evening.

Check back at the Nevah site, often, as we will be announcing our up coming performances for the next several months. We've already booked the summer concert series in Old Town and the 2012 Blue Hill Fair, with more gigs on the way.

Best regards,

Hal

Nevah Banjo Guy

NEVAH at Bangor GRANGE

Friends and fans of the NEVAH BAND …

SATURDAY AT THE BANGOR GRANGE

MARCH 17th

NEVAH in concert AT 7:00 PM ($7.00)

ST. PATRICK'S DAY GRANGE SUPPAH AT 5:30 PM ($7.00)

– GET BOTH SUPPAH & SHOW FOR $12.00 –

We hope you will come out to catch the show, maybe come early and have a St. Patricks Day Meal

Tell your friends …