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1. 

   ranchcowgirl

   101 Kudos

   11/19/09

   Well, when a horse gets 'nicked up' by another horse, it's a domination/pecking order thing. But the thing is, the stallion that was in there, didn't quit beating on him even when Tonto submitted. I had to take Tonto out of the pasture, because he got so beat up I couldn't even ride him without hurting him, and he was so scared of the stallion that (even after living in that pasture for nearly 9 years,) he would jump out and run away. He got into someone's corn patch one time x(. So, it wasn't a good deal, and you can still see that he's been nicked up, because of the dark patches of hair in his coat.
   Sorry for going on so long about it...when I get to talking about horses, I can go on forever. Nice to know that you like horses though.:)
   
   Oh really? that's neat that you played those. But I understand what you mean about not getting to be very proficient at any of them. It's alot to keep up with! My bro, Irl, also wants to learn flute and piano. So w/e.
   My other older bro, Sean, is into the horses too, and he plays banjo.
   I used to like fiddle music best, banjo second, and guitar 3rd, but I realized that they all can be just as beautiful in their own sense.
   I like guitar alot, especially in bluegrass. Ever hear Clay Jones? He's really good.
   
   About getting another fiddle, I have a couple reasons. 1, I have a crazy attraction to fiddles. 2, I want to get another nice fiddle, so that I can get one of my brothers (or sisters) to play with me, like in Ashokan Farwell. It's beautiful. And 3. because I want to get into restoring violins/fiddles.
   So do you have a Martin guitar? Just curious. I've heard that they're the best around, (but very expensive.)
   About having more of an inclination to play higher quality instruments, more than low quality, I believe that's definitely true. When I used to have that cheap violin, I often felt like giving up on fiddle, but it just wouldn't let me. I'm so glad I didn't. Now I play this one for about 1hr 30 min. every day. I would play more, with school, chores, and horses, I really don't have the time.
   
   lol, I might play a little better than you have in mind, but nowhere near good.
   I have high goals though. I believe if I keep at it, I'll make it. I've been playing slower songs when people ask me to play a tune for them. My bros are like "Hey, play something fast!" And I'm like "Nope, I'm not good at it yet." It feels like I'll never get there, but when I think back...
   
   Well, I've gone on long enough.
   See ya around.
   -JD
   

   11/22/09

   Reply from banjobenw:

   Hey there,
   Thanks for telling me about horses... I think they're cool and am interested, so don't worry about rambling. :)
   I've actually gone from liking banjo best, to fiddle music, to guitar. I still like guitar the best and am guessing that I've settled into being a guitar player in the long run. I actually perhaps love piano music the best, but piano doesn't really fit with bluegrass (which is almost all of what I ever listen to). Something about the piano just blows me away with it's beauty... Oh yeah.. I've heard of Clay Jones, and I'm pretty sure I've heard him, but I don't remember when. I should check it out on youtube..
   
   As far as guitars... I don't think that there is a better guitar than a Martin, but there are a few guitar makers that are equally nice. Bourgeois, Collings and Santa Cruz guitars are also exceptional and work well with bluegrass. Martin is kind of the standard, and has the perfect "bluegrass sound." Tony Rice; however, uses a Santa Cruz a lot of the time... Yeah, I have a Martin D-28 that I bought new about a year ago. It's very nice and has "warmed up" tonewise a lot in the past year. I get a lot of comments on how nice it is when good guitar players use it, which is nice to hear. Yes, it was expensive (like 2,400 bucks) but it's something that I've used for 1000 hours already and will hopefully contine to do that, so in the long run maybe it's not too bad of a deal I guess. I definitely understand not being able to play as long as you want to every day. A lot of days I get out of work, make some food, do a few other things I want to do and don't have much more time for practicing. I also tend to go hang out with friends most weekends, which makes is very hard to get in practice time. I manage to practice about 15 hours a week these days I think. Sometimes I really don't want to pick that thing up and play and have to force myself to. I also have started taking singing lessons, so that's going to take a little time away from my guitar playing. Fortunately, you can kind of kill two birds with one stone when you sing/play songs.. Sorry.. now I'm rambling.. :)
   
   Seems to me that if you keep playing as much as you are you will be very good! I wish I was playing at your age (14??) and stuck with it and practiced like you do. Keep up the good work!
   
   Have fun,
   Ben

2. 

   ranchcowgirl

   101 Kudos

   11/16/09

   Thanks. I think he's pretty handsome too. He got really nicked up by a stallion that was out in his pasture for a while, though.
   
   Well, my brother likes to do most of the things you have on there, but he loves to fly, so I guess he doesn't know why you don't. lol. He plays bluegrass guitar, and is learning mandolin.
   
   I've been playing the violin since I was 5 actually (so that would be about 9 years.) but I never really improved, till someone gave me a much nicer violin. I practice every day, but I consider myself to play really badly, so I just say that I play it 'a little'.
   

   11/18/09

   Reply from banjobenw:

   Hey there,
   
   How does a horse get "nicked" by another horse? I think they bite each other sometimes right? I love horses but don't often come into contact with them, and even more rarely ridden them unfortunately...
   
   Like your brother, I also have played some mandolin. My problem is that I have played bass, banjo, piano, mando and guitar, which has led to me not being very proficient at any of them. It's fun to play other things, but I'm really trying to focus all my attention on the guitar and I'm practicing about 15 hours/week lately.
   
   So what's the deal with the "much nicer" fiddle that someone gave you? Have you just outgrown that one as far as your abilities now?? Just wondering cause you said you're looking for another one. I have definitely noticed that I learn MUCH better/faster with a good quality instrument. Partially cause you want to play it more, cause it's easier and sounds better etc, but I think there's something else about it too...
   
   Oh yeah... a guy who lives near me told me that as a musician you're not likely to ever think you are good... I bet you're a lot better at that fiddle than you are letting on. :)
   
   Have fun!
   Ben
   

3. 

   ranchcowgirl

   101 Kudos

   11/14/09

   (I replied to your comment, but it didn't reply to here the first time.)
   

   Thanks alot for the welcome =)
   I need to post more, but I have a hard time getting around to it.
   
   Thanks again.
   JD.
   
   P.S. when I clicked on your profile, my bro was reading your 'interests', and he said, "Man, he needs a pilot's license." (he's working to get his.) So, w/e. I think good guitar playing, is more interesting than flying. ;)

   11/15/09

   Reply from banjobenw:

   Hi JD,
   Out of curiosity, what made your brother think I should get my pilot's license? I would like to, but don't really want to put the time/money into it. Also, I'm with you... I care more about being a great guitar player/singer!
   How long have you been playing fiddle?
   Beautiful horses by the way!
   Ben
   

4. 

   ranchcowgirl

   101 Kudos

   11/14/09

   Thanks alot for the welcome =)
   I need to post more, but I have a hard time getting around to it.
   
   Thanks again.
   JD.
   
   P.S. when I clicked on your profile, my bro was reading your 'interests', and he said, "Man, he needs a pilot's license." (he's working to get his.) So, w/e. I think good guitar playing, is more interesting than flying. ;)
   
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