Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1882-05-31
The Banjo

stated in English as banjo, a stringed B,i,-
sical instrument
scientific research has proven the origlr
of the banjo Of very recent date. Az
iustrun ent, hearing striking similarity 70
the modern banjo was found IN Eysi
and subsequently, it is stated, anosher xss
discovered in the Pyramids. Tie instru-
ment IN use 10 day. however. is sn s-ca,
an improvement over that of tee ancxai
date, that only close comparison woes
succeed II establishing their similitu,se.
IL is, However, TO the credit OF the MN
stre'sy that the baGjo became a pop1icr
musical instrument, and It's almost exc.r-
sive use from the period Of its early advent
was confined to this new feature in Ma
way Of musical entertain
"How came the banjo to be 30 closfsy
allied with the celored peoplel" was ns1,
pounded.
"Regarding that ponI,' replied the Pss'-
fessor, 1T is to be said that the banjo >.
an instrument of varied prlces.-.he 1hsa:p
ness of some grades making them ctisir-
a lie by the POOR classes s,-aDd the gondl-
full adaptsbility OF its musi; to the plansS-
ton melodies of the southern slaves y &
further reason The bsnjos used at tksi
time, however, were much Inferior 10 the
fine instruments of the present" =
Ii was not until during the war and laic.
that the banjo excited The music ioviIs
world. The crude and inferior iDstrunsr.
soon gave place TO better one, and in TIE
hands Of an accomplished player at tha.
time, notably Joseph Sweeney, famiiiaIss
known as Old Joe. the banjo made rasssi
progression in the musical world
TO what would you ascribe the banjos
present popularityf" -
Listen to tbIs,' and without iurthsT
replying, the Professor dashed oil fea
rhapsodies Of low sweet strains, alternatei
with brilliant staecato effects. That,
remarked the Professor, sis the secret ii
the banjo's success. When it is thoroughly
understood and well-played II is one ei The
most charming OF instruments. AS a
ready SAID, it has been only of late years
that it has received Its merited recognition
in the musical world. ln the first pla.e
the mInstrelsy appropriated 1t In Their
negro Jmpersonatinns, aud adapted II 10
all their songs and dances. principally IN
their clog dancing. From this latter source
the fashionable outside world. thoroughly
sppreciative of its varied musical proper
ties, adopted it as pet instrument. "
This appears to be fine instrument, y
remarked the reporter, holding 1t WITH as
much scientific knowledge as raw ne
cruit would a musSet at his first drill.
How do they value IN price?'
"fes; that is q good instrument, but
;here are great many finer ores manu-
factured. They can be purchased at al
prices-from drumhead at Sl.50 to the
extra superior article, SI5 ana 500.
"What are the valuable qualitIesf'
"There are two grades of banjos, valu
ing from IS to $50. The banjos that sell
under 50, il may be said, are made for sale
only. The grades or qualities have beeu
designated by the manufacturers respec'
lively, cloudy and transparent heads.
Professional banjo players generally perfel
the cloudy or milky heads, which choice
can hardly be accorded as anything signlt.
icant of superiority over the transparent
heads; for, on the other hand, many per-
SONS show decided preference for the lattel
grade of manufacture. There is, however
one slight advantage of the cloudy head
over the transparent drum, ani that i:
the formers durability, which fact is sui
ficlent to strongly recommend its use IL
the minstrel fraternity.
SIS the valuation of banjo adjudged
by the quality of its head?'
''Ob, no: 1t is the finish of the instru
ment and its style of superior workman
ship that fixes its value"
In the society world one will be aston
ished to find such beautifully made bsnjos
S,me persons have them executed in {
styIe and finish regardless of cost. The
nIckel-plated or silver rim that securely
holds by the aid OF brackets of either o
the same material is artistlcslly replaced
BY q gold rim, with silver or gold brackets
Again, the highly polished and generally
decorated frame, which serves for TN
drum, is handsomely carved or mlaid Will
precious stones-tiamonds, pearls. ruble
and emeralds the neck is also con
venIently used for expensive and artistic
adornment. These instruments, of course
are made to order, and command bigi
prices, according to the amount OF labo
required in construction and the quantIt
and quality of the precious stones used
These instruments are mostly, il not en-
t;rely, found in the fashionable world, an
are used by ladies. So much care is re
ouired in their manufacture that dealer
hold this extra line of goods at not les
than SIS. and no instrument Is made I
order under that amount
Observing the awkward manner in who
the reporter held his instrument, the PrC
fessor laughingly remarked: at is piail
YOU know nothing of the banjo. DO no
catch hold of il like you were holding
crab by the claws. Here, let me sho'
yeu."
The right foot was thrown over the le
and the instrument was scientifically hei
at almost arms length. The musica
scale was quickly run, and in few minute
the lively music of the ''Duauesne Greys
made the reporter imagine q brass ban
had suddenly burst into the room, when
an instant the loud notes died away In th
distance and the low numbers of tiEklin
music forciLly reminded him OF moon
llit-labe and two IN boat.
"Isn't tnat varied music?' querled tn
musician, stopping moment to ''tune-up.
1t appears that the banjo has superseds
the guitar 10 q great extent as an effectui
instrument. Elective music is produce
several WAYS. The tremolo effect, who
gives such a sweet blended tone, is pre-
duced by the forefnger of the right hand
The heavy playing, or ''stroke" is produce
by the quick movement OF the forefnge
, protected by ''thlmble," made of silve
, which gives the spirit and musical baish
marches. This method of ''stroke" pla..
ing is confined Principally to the pro'e
sional players, and the effective mar.
J music by the minstrelsy Is produced
this means, notably may be mentioned &
"German Fifth" ''Duquesle Greys," I
"Twenty- second Regiment and MAJ
othe.s
Language in Flowers