Getting Organized
No…don’t worry! I am not trying to organize your kitchen, closet, or garage. Heaven knows mine could definitely use some TLC in that direction!! I mean getting your “bits and pieces” organized to go to those festival jams and bluegrass camps. It’s so much fun to go to these activities, but when you go to reach for something you need and it is a) not there or b) hidden SOMEWHERE amidst the clutter in your case, THAT is when the frustration kicks in and the joy can fly right out the window!
Storage of all of the goodies you need can be found in the case pocket of a hardshell case or even a zip pocket in a gig bag. There are all manner of cute pick pouches on the market. We even have one that is a toad. This pouch can help keep your picks easily accessible. Use whatever container you like to keep the items organized within your case/gig bag.
What should you put into your treasure bag of banjo “must-haves”
- Extra string sets: Don’t leave home without them! Several sets will easily fit in the quart size bags. I went on vacation once and forgot to pack an extra set because “I never break a string.” Well….we all know what happened. I broke one and was lucky enough to find a little shop in town that carried some…this shop was in the middle of the mountains in Joseph, Oregon. Boy was I lucky.
- Maintenance Tools: These will easily fit in the quart size bag.
- T-wrench to tighten your head. We have ONE that has three sides but otherwise be sure to have the right size hex nut wrench. See Deering’s online store if you need one.
- Small screw driver to fit your truss rod cap.
- Truss rod wrench to adjust the relief in the neck if it gets too hot/humid out there and your banjo neck decides to go south/north; usually a ¼” size.
- ½” open ended wrench to adjust the action using the nuts located on the coordinator rod by the tailpiece on the pot assembly.
- Small wire cutters to cut the excess strings.
- Banjo tuner …they make some lovely small ones nowadays; Deering Banjos even has a new “rechargeable model!
3. Care cloth set: SURPRISE!! These already come in their own plastic baggy so all you have to do is REMEMBER TO USE THEM!! They will keep the wood and hardware in good condition…wipes off the oils and moisture of your hands from playing out in the open.
4. Finger picks and thumb picks: several sets. These items have a way of “walking off” as if they had feet of their own! Now, there are all kinds of cute pick pouches out there but there are some very practical methods as well. I have seen pharmacy pill bottles, black film canisters, plastic baggies, and I am sure you can think of others. At Deering we sell the most unusual one I have ever seen…it is a cane toad from Australia!
Find all of these items and more on our online store!
Aside from a strap for your banjo, sunscreen, a hat, and sun glasses, you should be all set to go and enjoy your time in the great outdoors with your banjo. I know all of this sounds pretty basic, but it’s the basics that have a chance of slipping away from us as we progress down life’s road. Oh yes…don’t forget the banjo!
