What was it that first got you interested in playing the guitar, mandolin or banjo?
Guitar interest bloomed when I moved to Mexico in 1951. It expanded in 1962 when I discovered The Weavers. I took up the mandolin at 60 after seeing Chris T. with Nickel Creek and discovering Rolfe Gerhardt’s Phoenix Mandolins.
How long have you been playing and what’s your motivation to play?
I have been playing for 70 years. I love the music.
What’s your favorite lesson on Ben’s site and how has it helped you improve?
Everyone of Ben’s mandolin lessons are terrific. His teaching method is superb, and the different speed videos plus the tab make everything very easy to learn. This is genius material.
What’s your goal when playing?
Enjoy!
Are there any other instruments or genres of music that you enjoy playing?
Charango from Bolivia and autoharp which I learned from Mike Seeger.
How long have you been a Gold Pick member?
Couple of years.
If you could play in anyone’s band, who would it be and why?
The Original Highwaymen or with the Weavers or Tommy Makem.
If money was no object, what would be your dream instrument(s)?
Martin 12 fret Norman Blake Rosewood model.
If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?
Fish or study history
How did you find out about Banjo Ben?
Bumped into him on YouTube and Google.