Richard Atkinson from Harrisville, NY!

[WillCoop]

I decided to build a house and learn to play the banjo at the same time…lol. I did manage to get the house built.

Classic Quote of the day!

Congrats - Richard Atkinson on Gold Picker of the Week Honors, Sir.

Enjoyed the profile! Thanks for the sprinklings of Pearls of Wisdom throughout!

[TrevlyncM]

If a note is worth playing then its worth playing clean.

Wow that is a good saying to go by!
Congratulations on being Goldpick Member of the week.

[Flatpickin_Libby]

Congrats on being Gold Picker of the week Richard!

[Archie]

Congrats Richard on being selected as this weeks Gold Pick Member

[Luke_L]

Congratulations, Richard!

[xmark]

Congrats Richard on being the gpotw! Fun to read your answers and glad to learn a little about your musical journey.

[Stuart.Gamble]

Great advice to just enjoy and have fun with your playing. I enjoyed your biography, congrats!

[christian.lindgren5]

REally awesome. Thank you.

[Archie]

Hi Christian, Good to see you back on the Forum.

[Dragonslayer]

Congrats and welcome Richard! Lots of wisdom in your responses, I hope to see you around the forum!

[rooster.1948]

Richard, You and me have a lot in common and I salute you. I am unable to practice like I want to and should, but I’m kind of hanging in there the best I can. Your history is very much like mine, musically speaking. I am about the same age as you, maybe a little older, but music has driven my life and continues to still. I just wanted you to know that I am a supporter of folks like you and I wish you much success in your musical career.
Lee Smikrud

[WillCoop]

@rooster.1948,

Thank you for posting and sharing. Now that you’ve broken the ice, I hope to see you stop in more frequently here on the Forum!

[ratkins4]

Thank you everyone for looking at my interview and for all the kind words.

[Archie]

to @BanjoBen 's Forum Richard always great to see a new face here.

[WillCoop]

Thanks for posting @ratkins4. Hope to see you post often!

[BanJoe]

I normally do not check out the Gold Picker of the Week. I’m too intimidated. It’s like going to church and being told how wonderful the saints are, while in your heart you know you are a sinner.
So it was a huge surprise to discover that this particular Gold Picker is someone I have seen in concert on many occasions, and one in particular that involves the world’s largest cheesecake.
And he lives about 21 miles down the road from me!
Congratulations, neighbor!

[ratkins4]

Thank you for the kind words. As far as practice I like to tell people to have their instrument where is handy to grab at any given moment. I leave mind in a stand except during dry season in the winter. That way I can pick it up several times a day even if its only for just a few minutes. I think playing several times a day even for a short amount of time is better than trying to have one long practice session.

[BanJoe]

I think playing several times a day even for a short amount of time is better than trying to have one long practice session.

I’m glad t hear that, because that’s what I’ve been doing.

Al Worthen told me you’ve been tinkering & making some pretty good bridges.
Any chance I can get my hands on one? I’d love to give you some product feedback. I bought my Sierra from Al. It has the standard 5/8 Deering bridge (not the Smile.)

[ratkins4]

Yes I have quite a few depending on what height you want. Al may have some in stock also .

[Treblemaker]

If a note is worth playing then its worth playing clean. I like to tell people starting out don’t worry about speed, that will come, learn to play clean with good timing. Timing is everything! When I’m playing with the Atkinson Family I ask myself what can I do to make the person singing lead or playing a cut sound better. Sometimes the answer is nothing. Learning when to not play and learning not to walk on whoever is being featured at the moment is very important. It seems some players never learn this.

That great advice!