Posted by Steve Nelson on July 17, 19101 at 13:20:34:
Hi Earl:
Hope you are in fine health.Back in 1965 I started taking banjo lessons from Mark Barnett in Kokomo,Indiana.I had this old Sears Silvertone and Mark had a nice old Gibson Mastertone.I think it was an RB-3 but can't remember.I do remember that it had a case with purple lining.He told me that it was one that you had given him from your personal collection.Was that a banjo that you used in any of your albums with Lester?I've always been a big fan of yours and try to play note for note some of your songs.I strive for perfect timing and smoothness.I have a 1926 Gibson RB-3 archtop now that is real sweet.What do you think of archtops compared with others?
Mark Barnett was working at Delco Radio in Kokomo when he gave banjo lessons,I think mostly for gas money.He was and is a super nice guy.I'd like to hear from you Earl.Hey Mark if you're reading this e-mail me too.Steve Nelson........kickass bluegrass