Old-Time Music and Bluegrass: Separate But Intertwining Branches

There are certain questions that anyone who plays bluegrass has encountered more than once from well-intentioned (mostly) listeners.  “Is that a ukulele?” to the mandolinist.  “What’s the difference between a fiddle and a violin?” (Generally, about $50,000 a year). “Do you know ‘Wagon Wheel?’” (No!!!) Right up there amongst them is, “What’s the difference between bluegrass and old-time music?”  This is one that usually defies simple answers.  You could point out characteristics of the instrumentation, probably starting with the banjo and focusing either on the innovations of Earl Scruggs’ three-finger style versus clawhammer or frailing, or the use of a resonator or an open-back banjo.  You could elaborate on the mandolinist’s rhythmic role serving as an ersatz snare drum on the backbeat and how that alters the rhythm.  You could pretend for a few glorious seconds that you’re Neil Rosenberg and speak of the urban path that