Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1882-04-08
THE BANJO.
sIcAL INSTRUMENT N FASHIONABLE CIRCLES
THE PLAYERS AND HOW TT Is PLAYED.

There are probably very few persons, besides
those Of musical tastes, who are aware Of the
popularity the banjo has achieved a home
musical instrument. Possibly, IL would not be
going too far to say that the major part OF the
public only know Of the musical qualities OF this
brilliant instrument from what they have heard
from the minstrel organizations which visit this
city.
IN AN INTERVIEW
with Professor W. G. Collins of this city, an in
structor and apt performer on the banjo, some
very interesting and instructive information was
given on the subject.
''The banjo" remarked the young Professor,
giving his instrument few rapid strokes by
way Of emphasis, ''or, properly speaking, the
bandose. which may be briefly, though not def
nitely, stated in English as banjo, stringed
musical instrument"
Scientific research has proven the origin of
the banjo of very ancient date. An instru-
ment, bearing q striking similarity to the
modern banjo was found In Egypt, and sub
sequentlv, 1t Is stated, another was discov-
cred in the Pyramids. The instrument In use
to-day, however, is 30 great an improve
ment over that of the ancient date, that only
close comparison would succeed in establish
ing their similitude. It is, however, to the
credit of
THE MINsTRELsY
that the banjo became popular musical in
strument, and its almost exclusive use from
the period of its early advent was confined to
this new feature in the way of musical enter
tainments.
''How came the banjo to be 80 closely
allied with the colored people9" was pro-
pounded.
Regarding that point" replied the Pro-
fessor, cit is to be said that the banjo is an
instrument of varied prices,-the cheapness of
some grades making them attainabe by the
poor classes,-and the wonderful adaptablity
OF its music to the plantation melodies Of the
southern slaves is further reason. The
banjOs used at that time, however, were much
inferior to the fine instruments of the pres
ent."
1t was not until during the war and later
that the banjo excited the musc-loving world.
The crude and inferior instrument soon gave
place to better one, and in the hands Of an
accomplished player at that time, notably
Joseph Sweeney, Familiarity known as "Old
joe" the banjo made rapid progression in the
musical world.
THE BANJO's POPULARITY.
''To what would you ascribe the banjo's
present popularity"
"Listen to this. and without further replying,
the Professor dashed off few rhapsodies of low
sweet strains. alternated with brilliant staccato
effects. ''rhat" remarked the Professor, handing
baDjO's success. When it is thoroughly under
stood and well-played it is one of the most
charming OF instruments. As already said, it
has been only of late years that it has received
its merited recognition in the musical world. In
the nrst place the mnstrelsy appropriated it in
their negro representations and adapted it to all
their songs and dances, principally in their clog
dancing. From this latter source the fashion,
able outside world, thoroughly appreciative Of
its varied musical properties adopted it as a
pet Instrument
''This appears to be fine instrument" re-
marked the reporter, holding it with as much
scientific knowledge as a raw recruit would a
musket at his first drill "HoW do they value
in price,"
THE PRICES AND QUALITIES.
EYES, that is good instrument, but there are
a great many finer ones manufactured. They
can be purchased at all priees-from drum
head at s so to the extra superior article, $75
and $10O."
What are the valuable qualitiess"
'There are two grades of baajos valuing
from s. to $50. The banjOs that sell under So
it may be said. are made for sale only. The
grades or qualities have been designated by the
manufacturers respectively, cloudy and trans
parent heads Professional banjo players gen.
orally prefer the cloudy or milky heads.
which choice can hardly be accorded as any
thing significant of superiority over the trans
parent heads; for. ON the other hand, many
persons show decided preference for the latter
grade of manufacture. There is, however one
slight advantage of the cloudy head over the
transparent drum. and that is the formers Gu-
rabity, which fact is sufficient to strongly rec
ommend its use in the minstrel fraternity"
lis the valuation Of banjo adjudged by the
quality of it's head 2" -
''Oh, no; it is the finish of the instrument
and its style of superior workmanship that
fixes its value"
EXPENSIVE FASHIONABLE INSTRUMENTS
In the society world one will be astonshed to
find such beautifully made banjos. Some per-
sons have them executed in style and finish
regardless Of cost. The nckel-plated or silver
rim that securely holds by the aid of brackets of
either OF the same material is artistically re-
placed by gold rim, with silver or gold brackets
Again. the highly polished and generally deco
rated frame. which serves for the drum, is hand
sOmely carved or inlaid with precious stones
diamonds. pearls, rubies aud emeFalds-while
the neck Is also conveniently used for expensive
and artistic adOrnment These instruments of
course, are made to order and command high
prices. according to amount of labor required
in construction and the quantity and quail
ICY OF the precious stones used These instru-
ments are mostly, if not entirely found in the
fashionable world. and are used by ladies. So
much care is required in their manufacture that
dealers hold this extra line of goods at not less
than SIS and no instrument is made to order
under that amount.
HOW To PLAY THE BANJO.
Observing the awkward manner in which the
reporter held his instrument, the Professor
laughingly remarked: 1T is plain you know
nothing of the banjo. Do not catch hold of it
like you were holding crab by the claws
Here, let me show YOU"
The right foot was thrown over the left and
the instrument.was scientifically held at almost
arms length. The musical scale was quickly
rum and in few minutes the lively music of
the "Duquesne Grey" made the reporter
imagine brass band had suddenly burst
into the room. when in an instant the loud notes
died away in the distance and the low numbers
of tinklng music forcibly reminded him of a
mOon-lit-lake and two in boat.
''Isnt that varied music?" queried the musi-
clan, stopping moment to ''tnne-up''
1t appears that the banjo has superseded the
guitar to great extent as an effectual instru-
ment.
EFFECTIVE MUSIC
is produced several ways The tremolo effect,
which gives such sweet blended tone, is pro-
duced by the forefnger of the right hand. The
heavy playing, or sstroke'' is produced py the
quick movement of the forefinger, protected by
''thimble, made of silver which gives the spirit
and musical finish to marches. This method of
stroke" playing is confined principally to the
professional players, and the effective march