The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1886-03-27
EITHER AND BANJO.
Two Musical Instruments which Are Ex-
ceedingly Popular at Present.

ceedingly Popular at Present.
Observation-Disclosures, are the
sounds heard almost any afternoon or
evening by person ascending rather
dingy staircase in two-story build
ing adjoining the Milwaukee, Street, car
company's barn on West Water street.
A sign on the outside door bears the
legend "Cigar manufacturer. and the
odor of the weed permeates the entire
building. Entering room at the
head of the stairs number of men at
work rolling tobacco leaf are seen, and
one is directed to small Office whence
comes the banjo's strains. The cigar
manufacturer is engaged in giving a
lesson on the banjo to a young man
well known in social circles. 1t is said
that he is the only instructor of
banjo playing in this city. Speaking
of the extent of drumming done here
he said: II have been giving instruc-
tions on this instrument for the past
five years, and though my classes have
always been of good size, have more
pupils this year than ever before. 1t is
an accomplishment that is being cult
waited quite generally in all parts of
the country, and L believe that the
banjo business, both for manufacturers
of banjos and instructors, has been I'M
precedentedly large everywhere. At the
beginning of the winter gave all my
lessons in the evening and went around
to the pupils residence, but now L
have fitted up this little Office and
only 60 out for lady pupils
'Who are your pupilsP"
''They are all of them young people
and include some very well known
ladies and gentlemen. The ladies as a
rule learn to play very well and easily,
while the gentlemen, especially this
year, are also ready at acquiring the
art"
"What is the price of banio?'
That varies according to the quality
of the instrument. You can buy one
for almost any price, but if you select
one of the best make and finish you
will have to pay in thene!ghborhood of
fifty dollars. 1t is the same as with
other instruments. Those producing
the best tone are the most desirable,
and, therefore, the most expensive.
No, don't have many German patrons.
The banjo is essentially an American
instrument and is not cultivated much
by foreigners.
An investigation suggested by this
last remark showed that the Germans
do not take to the banjo much, but
prefer the either or the guitar. A
teacher of the either said: 81 can only
estimate the number of either players
as they have never been counted and
there are several other teachers besides
myself. However, Judging from what
l know about either players, | should
say there were upwards of two hundred
in the city. There are already two
either clubs and a third one IS in pro-
cess of formation. Almost all of my
pupils are Germans. 1t is not very
difficult instrument to learn, but re-
quires assiduous practice. The concert
either gives by far the best tone and is
the kind used by good players. The
good zithers are imported from Ger
many and you can get a fine one from
fifty to one hundred and twenty dollars
according to the finish. The cheaper
zithers have but thirty-one strings in
stead of thirty-eight and do not have as
good tone. These can be had from
eight up to thirty dollars. Neither OF
the clubs has yet appeared in concert,
but the effect of dozen or more nth
ers is very fine. "-MiJlDGtkee Sentinel.