Fretless Banjo???

[Wizardgoleman]

Ok, so I just got back from an open mic where my friend and I played a couple tunes, following us there was a bluegrass trio (guitar, fiddle, and banjo)...the banjo player was playing a fretless banjo...is this a common thing? I had thought that bass was probably the most common instrument (not including orchestral instruments) that was played fretless...please oh wise ones enlighten me if this is false...

[Passinwind]

Read this for starters: http://www.appalachiandulcimers.com/fretlessbanjo.htm

Next lesson: slide banjo.

[Wizardgoleman]

very cool thanks for the info...I didnt get a chance to talk to the guy about as it was at about midnight and i had work at 6:30 this morning, but very cool I will need to talk to him next open mic

[Busker]

In the Appalachian mountains, 5-string fretless banjos were made and played as a folk instrument.

Ever heard of Doc Watson, the great guitar picker? He's from Deep Gap, No. Carolina. He said his first instrument was a 5-string fretless banjo that his father made for him when he was a boy.