Such an inspiring sound. The outdoor one that I heard last time was awesome but this one has something extra. Someday I want to make my banjo sound like this.
This is so beautiful. I play clawhammer in my band, but I've never been able to find a teacher, and your videos really keep me going and keep me learning. Thank you.
Hey Bonnie & the Mere Mortals. Thanks for this comment! I checked out your music and think it's the bee knees. I love to see clawhammer at the cutting edge, so here's a little encouragement to keep on truckin! Best, Tom
Evocative like a contemporary christian version of an old spiritual. Irons out all the raw ugly parts and makes struggle so much more clean, romantic, palatable.
Love your graceful playing, Tom! I'd still like to get in touch with you for a private lesson. Already tried reaching out to you here, on FB and Banjohangout.
Absolutely beautiful playing. I wonder if you could recommend some banjo makers or talk a bit about the various banjos you have? I didn't see a video like that in your catalog. Been looking at custom banjos and aside from the steep price tag, a lot of makers have REALLY long wait times it seems.
Hi Michael, I almost exclusively play Ome banjos and have for 20 years. They're my daily drivers. I also love Jim Hartel's fretless instruments. Rickard makes some absolutely top notch banjos as well (and I have one on order from him!). Out of all the makers out there, I would have no problem ordering an Ome online, sight unseen. They are so incredibly consistent....and they have tone for days. I'm playing a Tupelo in this video, which is usually my goto recommendation to someone wanting an heirloom instrument that won't (totally) break the bank. You get what you pay for, so I think it's better to save up and get something really special! Good luck! Tom
Thanks so much for getting back to me and do u find that humidity is something you have to worry more about with those organic heads. Do u mind me asking what woods are used in the tupelo as I've seen them on sale on uk websites using mahogany. Where as the ome website shows them as being composed of cherry. Thanks again
@@glenmc517 Yes! Humidity changes the head dynamics for sure. There is no way around it. I tighten my hide heads for the summer months, and loosen them for our dry New England winters. You get used to the changes, and it's kind of exciting to have a "new banjo" every season! My Tupelo is an oddball apparently. It was one of the very early ones. The pot is very curly maple, and the neck is mahogany. Honestly though, between you and me, I don't think woods matter all that much. Every single Ome I've ever played has been a show stopper without exception, which is why I recommend them to people even if they have to purchase them sight unseen. If Ome made it, it will sound fantastic regardless of the woods used!!! Mahogany is a very stable wood, so there are some small advantages there. If there's a Tupelo on sale near you, jump on it! They're a bargain at any price for what you get.
Thanks again Tom you are a gent unfortunately I have to buy unseen as they don't sell these types of instruments in Ireland. I'm tempted to take the plunge and get one. They seem to have a beautiful tone no matter what video I watch. Would you say they are good investment as a banjo for life do u think they are extremely resonant for a banjo without a metal tone ring.
Ome are amongst the most resonant banjos I've played, even without a tone ring. I was totally shocked when I played my Tupelo as I had sworn off wooden rimmed banjos as they seemed vague and dull to me. The Tupelo almost matches my Omega for clarity, but has a more lively bass response. The one word I use to describe all of Ome's instruments is "bell-like". They are absolutely a banjo for life. Simply put, you can't do better. I would easily buy one without playing it first. I wouldn't hesitate. Also, Ome is a pleasure to work with, and when you buy an Ome you join a family. Good luck! Tom
Absolutely beautiful, Tom! Is this a lesson over on your Patreon? I'm getting back to clawhammer and may have to get back on there. Your online lessons and Patreon content were invaluable to me before I stepped away to the "dreaded geetar" again. Not sure if you will remember me. Hope all is well.- Mike Rebitzke
Yes indeed Mike! A whole module of Last Chance, brilliantly presented, as usual. Also, a boot camp coming up! So, it would be a good time to get back on Tom's Patreon. Cheers!
Mike Rebitzke!! Of course I remember you. You were making some great progress before you went to the dark side. Come on back, baby! We got a March boot camp coming up, and lots of wonderful folks to spend quality banjo time with!
@@TinaJonesMusic Appreciate it Tina. I took a quick look at Tom's page again and saw it was on there. I think I'm ready to pull the trigger here. Waiting on some strings. can't wait to get back into it.
