I remember my grandfather, Richard Hoster Jones II (Gampy to me), as a fascinating and wonderful man. While growing up, I had no idea he was a gifted musician, for his Mastertone Dixie Banjo sat silent somewhere in a case. But I do remember he loved stroytelling, his family, and golf. The story goes that my grandmother was not to fond of the instrument because it was so loud. After his death, his banjo came to stay with my mother. I remember it sitting in its case in the basement. My mother, in her grief, could not look at it because of the sorrow it would evoke. When my parents moved from New Jersey to Vermont, the banjo moved with them and ended up collecting dust in an upstairs closet, once again the victim of memories and sorrow. It stayed there, hidden under bedspreads and boxes, until Jeff decided it was "time" for the banjo to sing again. Acting on the promise Mom told us once that "when she could bear to part with it" she'd like Jeff to have the banjo, Jeff brought the banjo to our home and promised he'd learn a song for her. Knowing that this beautiful instrument didn't deserve to be treated this way, Mom, through tears, agreed. The banjo came home with us, but it was in terrible shape. Years of storage in the basement had warped the neck. We tried to gently straighten it, but it would always have a twist. In spite of that, Jeff painstakingly figured out how to play a song for Mom- You Tell Me Your Dream, I'll Tell You Mine. Jeff actually plays 5 string banjo, but Gampy's Mastertone was a Dixie banjo which only has 4 strings and is played in a very different style. Jeff taught himself the basics and was able to figure out how to play the song. This was quite an accomplishment! Finally, when my parents were visiting New Jersey one time, Jeff played the song for my mother. It turned out that You Tell Me Your Dream, was a beloved song between Gampy and her. Jeff couldn't have chosen a better song. One month later, my mother and her father were reunited, as my mother suddenly passed away. But she had heard Gampy's banjo sing again before the Lord called her home. But, there is still more to the song. The badly warped neck made playing the banjo painful. And once again, Gampy's banjo had to stay in its case. Then we heard about a unique solution to our problem. Other banjo players had converted 4 string banjo necks to 5 strings by totally replacing the neck. We went back and forth over actually doing this for YEARS!! And one time we actually collected enough funds to proceed with the conversion only to hit hard times and resort to using the cash for rent! Finally, on the advent of Jeff's 50th birthday, I had an idea. Instead of all those stupid "over the hill" presents that everyone buys, why not have a party and tell people to donate to the "Banjo Fund" instead. It was a success and about 9 months later, after much research and discussion, Jeff personally brought the Mastertone down to Gibson in Nashville Tennessee, to have the neck converted. It's been four years since we drove to Nashville and picked the banjo up, and now Gampy's banjo sings on a regular basis. We like to think he and mom are up in heaven smiling away every time it joyfully proclaims each happy note. And as a tribute to its Dixieland past, every song Jeff works out includes a riff or technique from the Dixie style of playing within the Bluegrass melody. Some songs are sung because they are fun to sing. Some songs are sung because they express our feelings about life. The song of Gampy's banjo is a legacy that began many years ago, and someday will pass on to our grandchildren and the generations to come. And now, Gampy's banjo will be able to sing every verse.
I love, love, love this story. I’m glad the banjo is back in business. My dad played a Martin guitar and often times sat at the end of our beds at night and we sang together. My brother has the guitar now, and it has mellowed nicely. I can barely look at it without crying because it so symbolizes my dad. It deserves to be played, too, but nobody in our family plays. Maybe one day my daughter, who is musical, will pick it up.
@lisjam1 The place where Martin guitars are made is right near here- about 45 minutes away (yes, that's near in the Poconos!). I do hope someone will someday play your dad's guitar. Who knows, it could even be one of his great grandchildren. Thank you!
@bkbinthecity Thank you bkb for the very high compliment! What's been interesting to me with the S challenge is that the words on the list are "bare bones". They are just words. But each photographer reads those words through their own particular lens. Some will read "song" and take a picture that describes a song they know. My picture actually started the day before on "silent". Once the silent picture was decided, the song picture immediately came to life. I am honored that you wish to share this with your friends on Facebook. You are welcome to do so and you can also include the YouTube link if your friends would like to hear and see Jeff playing Gampy's banjo: http://youtu.be.AlyBas0kBVE.
A most beautiful story of your Grandfather's Banjo and how Jeff brought it back to sing.. so nice that your Mom heard it again before she passed on. It found not only a place in your home but in your heart.
@bruni Thank you Bruni for your touching words. Yes- both banjo and grandfather have a very special place in my heart- as well as my husband and mom! I appreciate all the comments you have left on my photos! I am putting a few comments up before we head to church, but I know I'll be stopping by to see some of your pictures later today!
August 14th, 2011
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