Banjo NewsLetter subscribers are encouraged to complete the 2006 BNL Reader’s Survey online. The survey involves a few dozen questions about subscribers’ musical interests, skill level, and length of time studying/playing the banjo, as well as instrument and accessory preferences. There are also a number of questions about the magazine’s content and what readers might like to see included in future issues of BNL.

The information is not shared with any entity outside of Banjo NewsLetter, though the aggregate data will be displayed in an upcoming issue of the magazine. Any subscriber who completes the survey will be entered into a drawing with grand prizes of either a Ritter banjo gig bag or an Elliott capo. 75 sets of D’Addario banjo strings and 5 BNL subscription renewals will also be awarded in the drawing.

The survey can be completed online, or subscribers (current or past) may choose to download a PDF version which can be returned by postal mail (Banjo Newsletter Survey, P.O. Box 3418, Annapolis, MD 21403).

Survey responses must be received by March 15, 2006 to be eligible for the prize drawing.

We just got a note from BNL publisher Don Nitchie about the February 2006 ssue, about to be mailed to subscribers.

“This month we feature Jody Stecher”s interview with Steve Arkin, who plays clawhammer with the Troublesome Creek String Band. We also feature Aaron Youngberg, who plays banjo with the band Hit & Run Bluegrass; Roger Siminoff”s column “Tech Talk” about banjo rims; Steve Garner”s transcription column “Listen Up!;” Jack Hatfield”s “Concepts and Systems,” about composing for banjo; Bob Piekiel”s “Earl”s Way;” Steve Harvey”s profile of two-finger player Chip Arnold, and two arrangements of John Reischman”s tune “The Eighth of February” (one by Alan Munde, and one by Dennis Caplinger).”