Music Instrument Vendors

[37th Tennessee]

Hello All,

I've spent some time searching to find vendors who reproduce Civil War era music instruments, but have thus far been unable to find what I am looking for. I don't know how to play yet, but I am very eager to learn how to play the fiddle or banjo. I get tired of having to go to these farb dances at events to hear music. I'm not really looking to form a band or anything, just looking for something to do to occupy my time when there is a lul in activities. Also if anyone knows where I can find information on fiddle or banjo players in the ranks, such as how they may have carried their instruments, while on campaign or if they were left with the wagons, or if said musicians would bother with the burden of having the instuments with them at all. Any information will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
J. Hicks

[tater_cuffie]

Re: Music Instrument Vendors

For a GREAT repro banjo I'd try James Hartel

https://www.minstrelbanjo.com

or George Wunderlich

https://www.wunderbanjo.com

I play a repro of an 1850's style banjo made by George Wunderlich, it's Killer! Hope those links help

[Cpt Boone]

Re: Music Instrument Vendors

Try this one to. He has kits as well as completed banjos.

http://www.flesherbanjo.com/minstrel4.html

[OldKingCrow]

Re: Music Instrument Vendors

To tag on to an earlier thread you will get a huge head start by committing the popular tunes of the era to memory. They are pretty catchy tunes, many with keen historical insight in their clever lyrics and enjoyable to listen to. You may already know and sing some of them as a reenactor.

Two of my favorite musicians are Martin Liebschner and Clarke Buehling. There is also a lot of history in Bobby Horton's recordings of period tunes (w/ historical liner notes) though the great majority is done on modern instruments.

The violin / fiddle is a cruel mistress even for musicians who play other instruments. Quite a bit of touch and finesse required..but it can surely be done if you are committed.

I jumped on and took to the low bass tuned fretless banjo like nobody's business as a modestly accomplished modern guitar player.

I would go for an early fretless banjo, gourd or hoop..that is gwine set you back $450-$1850, a good tuner $50-$200 (I like strobe tuners, but chromatic are the most popular and cheapest), the Briggs and /or Converse Banjo tutors $50 (redone by Joe Weidlich) and every early /gourd / minstrel banjo CD I could get my hands on. If you can get it tuned right (not too hard) and you can carry a tune in your head...with enough work you will start to pick it up...it is easier than learning the guitar IMHO.

Good luck and most importantly have fun...I am enjoying it so much I am ready to trade the musket for blackface.

CjR

[37th Tennessee]

Re: Music Instrument Vendors

Thanks for the information of the banjo's everyone. I don't know why I was having such a hard time finding vendors that sell them. My interest in learning to play music is fairly new though, so I haven't spent as much time searching for them as I have other things. I'm also interested in learning to play the Fiddle. Probably more than the banjo. But I really don't know anything as far as where to find a period one. Thanks again for the information on banjo's, and thanks in advance for any info anyone can give me on where to find period Fiddles.

[BorderRuffian]

Re: Music Instrument Vendors

If you are in the market for a violin/fiddle that was around in the 1860's and in playable condition you will most likely pay an arm and a leg for it.What I use is a circa 1890's student violin that has been restored by a luthier.No chinrest on it and I play with gut strings.The cost for the restoration ran around $400 a few years ago.I had bought the wooden coffin case and the violin came with it.
I think it has been covered in other threads as far as transportation.I think most likely there would have had to been a friendly teamster involved to stash in a wagon.Cigar box fiddles were fashioned too.I have not done any research on them but would seem logical these would be crafted during winter encampment rather than on campaign.

My .02

[Company Fiddler]

Re: Music Instrument Vendors

Mr. Hicks,

You are to be admired Sir for your desire to learn the fiddle. Do you have previous experience on any other instruments? If so, it will be helpfull in learning the fiddle. If not, you should be aware that it is a very difficult instrument to learn to play. I would recommend starting with a modest priced student fiddle to find out if you would like to make the time committment necessary to play at at resonable level. That would minimize your initial investment. Once you have determined that you'll continue, you can then find a fiddle that would work well for a CW impression. There are many fiddles available that will work fine without it being an actual period instrument. Any older fiddle with the right appearence will suffice ( you don't want a shiney, new looking fiddle). By removing the chin rest, modern tail piece & fine tuners and installing gut strings, you'll be period correct. A very acceptable sounding fiddle, set up to be period correct, could be purchased for about $300 to$400.
The very best way to get started on the fiddle is with a teacher! Without one, self taught players tend to form many bad habits that actually retard their progress. Best of luck to you Sir! I hope your efforts will result in many smiles around the campfires!

[37th Tennessee]

Re: Music Instrument Vendors

Mr Krugman,

Thank you very much for your advice, and it is greatly appreciated. This is something I've been wanting to do now for many years. Though I don't have any experience with musical instruments, I am well aware of how difficult the fiddle is to play. But it is also one of the most beautiful sounding instruments I've ever heard. I only wish that I'd had a better appreciation, and love of it earlier on. Lately I've found myself obsessed with it, spending hours watching instructional videos, without even having a fiddle. It's a fascinating instrument. Thanks again for the encouragement.