MOUNTAIN BANJOS by Clifton Hicks

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  • Опубликовано: 31 июл 2021
  • Banjo Heritage 👉 / cliftonhicks
    In this video I compare my two latest mountain banjo builds: a rare hexagonal type that emerged in Kentucky before World War 1, and a West Virginia type dating to the Great Depression.
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    #CliftonHicks #BanjoHeritage #banjo #oldtimemusic #bluegrass #folkmusic #countrymusic #blues #tradmusic #worldmusic #afrobeat #rootsmusic #appalachia #americana #clawhammerbanjo #oldtimebanjo #OldLeatherstocking #mountainbanjo
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Комментарии • 132

  • @Emg2016
    @Emg2016 3 года назад +14

    Where do I need to sign up at to get the RUclips videos that say I need to join the channel to get members only content and exclusive perks? I’ve looked a few times but can’t figure out where to join at. Thanks to whoever can help me out.

    • @CliftonHicksbanjo
      @CliftonHicksbanjo  3 года назад +4

      Here's the join link: ruclips.net/channel/UC0fRKB_T-2yrNajqoz9VWAgjoin The only exclusive content I've done there so far are behind-the-scenes videos and stuff like that.

    • @Emg2016
      @Emg2016 3 года назад +2

      @@CliftonHicksbanjo okay thank you! I had found them on your Patreon but still couldn’t view them. Thank you so much!

  • @Willy_Tepes
    @Willy_Tepes 3 года назад +38

    I like how the framerate of the video and the vibrations of the strings coincide to make it look like they are slowly waving back and forth.

    • @firebird77clonefirebird89
      @firebird77clonefirebird89 3 года назад

      thank you for explaining.

    • @gregerfulgerman7802
      @gregerfulgerman7802 Год назад

      Dude I always thought he was doing something crazy with the playing or string type. I feel silly lol

    • @Popcorn_Kernel
      @Popcorn_Kernel Год назад

      That's actually the way the sun reacts with the camera lense and the vibration of the strings
      Useless fact but interesting

    • @Willy_Tepes
      @Willy_Tepes Год назад

      @@Popcorn_Kernel The sun has nothing to do with it. How the fuck did you come up with that idea?

    • @Popcorn_Kernel
      @Popcorn_Kernel Год назад

      @@Willy_Tepes The sinusoidal vibrations are real, and an illusion created by the sun in the camera lens allows you to see them. The strings on a Banjo create sound by vibrating, and each string vibrates at different frequencies to produce a different pitch.

  • @jaredkerswell3396
    @jaredkerswell3396 3 года назад +19

    These earthy toned banjos speak to the soul! It’s a replication of something special and I am happy to be able to listen to this unique sound.

  • @davidpayne3146
    @davidpayne3146 3 года назад +24

    Fine craftsmanship and playing.

    • @ElTio.45-70
      @ElTio.45-70 3 года назад +2

      Yes, it is always nice to admire well made woodwork.

  • @simonolsen9995
    @simonolsen9995 3 года назад +9

    Congratulations. They're beautiful. I got into a fantasy argument with myself about which one I'd choose.

  • @bloomsandthreads8519
    @bloomsandthreads8519 2 месяца назад

    Those are beautiful, sound beautiful and you have a nice singing voice that goes with it well. Enjoyed it.

  • @franksabatino7576
    @franksabatino7576 3 года назад +13

    Thanks Clifton for presenting this beautiful music and your great craftsmanship. I hope your instruments are in the Smithsonian someday so alot of people without ties to this regional culture will be exposed to it.

  • @learningandgrowing7746
    @learningandgrowing7746 3 года назад +4

    The sound of the WV banjo, is just wonderful, I could listen to that all day ❤

  • @lilithangel9268
    @lilithangel9268 3 года назад +1

    my dad grew up in a single room dirt floor shack in northeastern oklahoma. he always had trouble finding the music he grew up with but shared what he could find with me. he died almost two years ago, and i just found this channel so i cant share it with him but i appreciate it so much because it makes me feel happy and close to him. this music lives deep in my soul.

  • @kborak
    @kborak 3 года назад +4

    My grandma would have loved the sound off those.

  • @Tristannn303
    @Tristannn303 2 года назад +3

    Growing up around “birch river West Virginia” I have seen some of these banjos and they always sound good!!

  • @bobsyeruncle4841
    @bobsyeruncle4841 Месяц назад

    great singing and playing just great

  • @EmilyJane888
    @EmilyJane888 3 года назад +2

    Those are gorgeous, they sound beautiful too. You're such a beautiful player and singer. Thank you for bringing joy to our ears and hearts.

  • @shortforcowboy
    @shortforcowboy 5 месяцев назад

    Ive been looking for an old banjo to fix up but after seeing this Id really like one you made. Youre a living legend Clifton, itd be an honor to learn and play a banjo you crafted.

  • @cantweallplaynice3912
    @cantweallplaynice3912 3 года назад +4

    WVa gets positive attention. Thank you

  • @baningobarge
    @baningobarge 2 года назад +1

    I got my first banjo 24 days ago, all of your videos are an inspiration. Those banjos are beautiful and I’d love to build one like that some day.

  • @deandickens2203
    @deandickens2203 2 года назад

    I originally picked up the banjo because I moved to Pennsylvania from Kentucky (Louisville) and was feeling homesick. Now I just gotta get me one of those Kentucky mountain banjos.

  • @davewaits7562
    @davewaits7562 2 года назад +1

    As a hobby wood worker that was very interesting information. I’ve thought many times of trying to build a mountain banjo.

  • @redbeardthepink4809
    @redbeardthepink4809 Год назад +1

    I didn't know these things existed, but I love the sound they make.

  • @7octillionatoms476
    @7octillionatoms476 3 года назад +1

    Love that eastern KY sound! Beautiful work, Clifton. Thanks for posting this. Wonderful.

  • @justsomeyeti5814
    @justsomeyeti5814 2 года назад

    Your videos have brought a lot of... moments...to my life since I found your channel. I was combing through RUclips searching for an old archive video of my grandfather and his sister playing on the Bobby Lord show in the 60's, and for anything I could find about my family and their involvement in the Dunbar cave music scene.
    I came across this wonderful channel, and I am so glad I did. Thank you.

  • @theAussie01
    @theAussie01 3 года назад +3

    Unusual instruments for here in Australia .
    Very interesting indeed

  • @dlkline27
    @dlkline27 Год назад

    Being a WV resident, the title of this video caught my eye. And, I love the sound of a banjo. Thanks for sharing.

  • @TALONTEDGUY
    @TALONTEDGUY 3 года назад +1

    Great craftsmanship. Beautiful sound

  • @williamnye478
    @williamnye478 2 года назад +1

    Love those old-style mountain banjos. Been playing one for 37 years, and don't see any reason to get a modern one! What's wrong with me?

  • @snarledx
    @snarledx 3 года назад +2

    I would love to get an updated full version of Boots & leggins on that first banjo! Great work Clifton sounds great like always !

  • @drewby613
    @drewby613 Год назад

    Great job! Love hearing you play them as well.

  • @MsClaytown
    @MsClaytown 3 года назад +1

    Love both of them, but the KY one was my fave, and very impressive builds on both

  • @Shade_tree_garage01
    @Shade_tree_garage01 2 года назад

    You should play a version of Brushy fork of johns creek with the east Kentucky banjo, considering the song is based on a place in East Kentucky, specifically Pike County..

  • @boardingcrew2768
    @boardingcrew2768 2 года назад

    Pure inspiration! Bright blessings to you

  • @hillwooky
    @hillwooky Год назад

    Sweet banjos neighbor. I love that sound. I am studying to build an old time bass banjo and found your work. Vivat!

  • @ProfesserLuigi
    @ProfesserLuigi 3 года назад

    Thank God, I was just looking at this documentary that had an old banjo player and was wondering what technique he used. Your playing sounds and looks to be the same with clearer footage.

  • @PHIL-ts8si
    @PHIL-ts8si 3 года назад

    Awesome job. Never stop learning

  • @jeffalbillar7625
    @jeffalbillar7625 3 года назад

    The hexagonal banjo is absolutely beautiful.
    Georgia black walnut.
    Nice.

  • @robin8404
    @robin8404 3 года назад

    This video came along at a good time, I've been wondering about using up some of the hardwood offcuts I've got lying around from other projects to put together something like the Kentucky design! Should turn a few heads at folks jams over here in England on top of sounding good!

  • @noahcartermusic2546
    @noahcartermusic2546 3 года назад

    Hey Clif. I absolutely love your material. Been a watcher for about a year now. You've inspired me to create my own channel and this winter/spring I'm going to make a gourd banjo. Currently I just have a cheap 1920s style clawhammer/commercialized minstrel style banjo. I'll be playing/singing a lots of your songs once I make a gourdy. learn the tunes from your videos but also Noah Cline and Nora Brown. I'm just a kid, so the funds are not there yet, but someday I'm going to be a patreon. I'll get a banjo heritage shirt though really soon and wear it in my videos!

  • @alexveidel7528
    @alexveidel7528 3 года назад +2

    The starting song sounded like Morgan Sexton's "Old Grey Beard"!

  • @adamlewis4522
    @adamlewis4522 2 года назад

    That WV banjo has a real nice sound to it.

  • @joshz8803
    @joshz8803 3 года назад

    So badass. Keep it up Clifton.

  • @ollesiden8468
    @ollesiden8468 Год назад

    Great banjos, great playing and I also like the the singing! awesome!

  • @plethoraofpinatas.
    @plethoraofpinatas. 3 года назад

    Beautiful!

  • @jameshopkins145
    @jameshopkins145 3 года назад

    Love the sound!

  • @X976V3T
    @X976V3T 3 года назад

    enjoyed this - thanks. love the tone s

  • @68breezer
    @68breezer 3 года назад +2

    Clifton,
    On the “ West Virginia” style banjo, did you use regular cut tacks to nail down the skin or peg it ?
    Thank you for all your videos !!!!

  • @waltzingpeter
    @waltzingpeter 3 года назад

    Amazing.

  • @MassHysteriaHD
    @MassHysteriaHD 2 года назад

    Absolutely beautiful sounding. I want one!! :) Have a good day!

  • @scottedelen5325
    @scottedelen5325 3 года назад

    Nice banjos and great sound!

  • @Chief-Solarize
    @Chief-Solarize 2 года назад

    That walnut neck is awesome man. Those are pretty banjos.

  • @boneal4942
    @boneal4942 Год назад

    Awesome 👍

  • @garberwarren
    @garberwarren 3 года назад

    Those sound amazing!!

  • @arlie505
    @arlie505 2 года назад

    awesome !

  • @evanblythe1933
    @evanblythe1933 3 года назад

    Beautiful stuff Cliff. 👌 - tadpole Tallahassee misses your bardship.

  • @rob.taylor
    @rob.taylor 10 месяцев назад

    Nice work.

  • @jeffalbillar7625
    @jeffalbillar7625 3 года назад

    I was subscribed and I looked for your channel and I wasn't subscribed all of a sudden.
    I re-subscribed.
    Thank you for your teaching.

  • @daveyjoweaver6282
    @daveyjoweaver6282 3 года назад

    Kind Thanks Clifton! Fine instruments indeed! DaveyJO in Pennsylvania

  • @whiskeytangofoxtrot5244
    @whiskeytangofoxtrot5244 3 года назад

    My home style music , Bravo !

  • @dandy6360
    @dandy6360 3 года назад +1

    I definitely dont need a banjo, but i need a banjo now

  • @BolognaRingRanch
    @BolognaRingRanch 3 года назад

    Man I'd love to have one of those.

  • @DylanKDowd
    @DylanKDowd 9 месяцев назад

    Lovely

  • @maineguitarists
    @maineguitarists Год назад +1

    Are they tuned like a regular five string banjo?

  • @mglenwright09
    @mglenwright09 3 года назад

    awww good work cliff. you's a good one. keep doing the good work man

  • @feraltweed
    @feraltweed 9 месяцев назад

    Ok I’m starting mine now

  • @MountainHomeJerrel
    @MountainHomeJerrel 10 месяцев назад

    Well I simply MUST subscribe. Cheers!

  • @charlenenelson6749
    @charlenenelson6749 2 года назад

    Just wondering if you have any sound holes on the banjos?

  • @toadeepants
    @toadeepants 3 года назад +1

    Wow, look at those tiny pegs in the overlay!! Amazing, Clifton! ❤️

  • @charleswatson7154
    @charleswatson7154 3 года назад

    Charlie Glenn, NC

  • @MrMarkkrtm
    @MrMarkkrtm Год назад

    What is a reasonable head tension for a mountain banjo?

  • @thadnipper9411
    @thadnipper9411 3 года назад

    Very cool Clifton

  • @ChrisThompson-nn2pv
    @ChrisThompson-nn2pv 2 года назад

    👍

  • @bendummitt888
    @bendummitt888 2 года назад

    Very cool...

  • @gobadgego
    @gobadgego 3 года назад

    How do you get the break angle on the headstock… did you just carve that out of one piece of wood? This stuff is really cool. Hope to see more DIY videos on the channel in between the songs.

    • @CliftonHicksbanjo
      @CliftonHicksbanjo  3 года назад +2

      Thanks for the encouragement! Yes, I carve the necks from one block of wood. I purchase black walnut scraps from a local furniture maker, or I order pre-cut "turning blanks" online. I prefer walnut, but maple, cherry, beech, apple, poplar, oak, heart pine, etc. etc. etc. are all suitable.
      Here's a sneak peak at my next DIY banjo building video: ruclips.net/video/XEf5tyGii10/видео.html

    • @joshuawallerful
      @joshuawallerful 2 года назад

      @@CliftonHicksbanjo good day, what woods did you use for what main parts for the Kentucky and round mountain builds? What does a narrow vs thick dowel do?

  • @oakridgeboy2023
    @oakridgeboy2023 3 года назад

    Love em but the gourds are best

  • @nulsh331
    @nulsh331 3 года назад +1

    Nice work! I originally came here (via Shrunken Planet on WFMU) mainly for the songs and the playing. But I really enjoy seeing the banjo builds, and the old ones too! Keep 'em comin' Clifton! Much obliged.

    • @CliftonHicksbanjo
      @CliftonHicksbanjo  3 года назад +1

      At first I thought WFMU was the college radio station at Florida A&M University, but I'll take Jersey City also.

  • @taylormorris_
    @taylormorris_ 3 года назад

    Awesome video, as usual. I do have a question. Was there an intentionally large gap between the 1st and 2nd string on the west Virginia banjo? If so, what is the significance? I don't play banjo, im currently just a dreamer, which means that my ignorance is plentiful . Thanks mane!!

    • @CliftonHicksbanjo
      @CliftonHicksbanjo  3 года назад +2

      That "large gap" you're seeing is actually just a dark brown bass string disappearing on-camera next to the other strings, which are bright white. No difference in string # or spacing on these two banjos.

    • @taylormorris_
      @taylormorris_ 3 года назад +1

      @@CliftonHicksbanjo Gotcha. Thanks for taking the time to answer, much appreciated.

  • @Yallquietendown
    @Yallquietendown 9 месяцев назад +1

    Is it complicated to replace the hide?

    • @CliftonHicksbanjo
      @CliftonHicksbanjo  9 месяцев назад +1

      This is one of the easiest hides to replace. Tap the thin wooden ring off with a chisel and hammer, clean off excess glue/hide, then glue down flat a fresh piece of _dry_ rawhide, glue/peg the wooden ring back on PRESTO you're done.

  • @rustyshackleford4728
    @rustyshackleford4728 3 года назад +1

    Do you make the banjo necks too?

    • @CliftonHicksbanjo
      @CliftonHicksbanjo  3 года назад +1

      I surely do. Hand-carve each neck from 2.5" x 2.5" x 24"+ turning blanks.

  • @isaac958
    @isaac958 2 месяца назад

    do you have any schematics that you used to make the west virginia style banjo? i am wanted to make my own and am a little lost on finding some plans i can base off of

  • @aaronflinner6431
    @aaronflinner6431 9 месяцев назад

    I would be interested in purchasing one like the hexagon one if you built me one.

  • @DixieHomestead
    @DixieHomestead 3 года назад

    What is the significance of the dark colored 4th string on the West Virginia banjo?

    • @CliftonHicksbanjo
      @CliftonHicksbanjo  3 года назад +1

      That's just a different pack of strings that comes with a dark red bass string for some reason.

    • @DixieHomestead
      @DixieHomestead 3 года назад +1

      @@CliftonHicksbanjo oh ok. I was just curious. Didn't know if that was the case or if it had any historical significance. Thanks for letting me know.

  • @d.ag.b1135
    @d.ag.b1135 2 года назад

    Please do a complete cover of that intro song, it's beautiful.

    • @CliftonHicksbanjo
      @CliftonHicksbanjo  2 года назад +2

      Thanks. That is "Boots and Leggings" (gDGBD) from the singing of Aunt Molly Jackson. Here's a performance I did on gourd banjo years ago: ruclips.net/video/Vz3Y8KcsNtE/видео.html

    • @d.ag.b1135
      @d.ag.b1135 2 года назад

      @@CliftonHicksbanjo appreciate it sir! Wonderful playing and voice as always!

  • @veroldaley1
    @veroldaley1 3 года назад +1

    Fine job Clifton , you look like the cat that got all the cream

  • @kennethmassie860
    @kennethmassie860 2 года назад

    Whats up with that last song about morphine?
    Like to see you do a video with that whole number, sounded 👍 !

    • @CliftonHicksbanjo
      @CliftonHicksbanjo  2 года назад +2

      That's called "Morphine Blues" or just "Morphine." Old recording by Banjo Bill Cornett: ruclips.net/video/JUHJ0aF3tTs/видео.html ... and here's my version: ruclips.net/video/JUHJ0aF3tTs/видео.html which I learned from George Gibson of Knott County, Kentucky.

  • @rotisseriebear5394
    @rotisseriebear5394 2 года назад

    Man, those banjos are handsome.

  • @scottivy5925
    @scottivy5925 2 года назад

    you will never steal his bajo.i tried and almost died.

  • @Tony_02
    @Tony_02 Год назад +1

    What was the song played in the beginning?

  • @PermacultureAppalachia
    @PermacultureAppalachia 2 года назад

    KILLER

  • @Robert-ch8hf
    @Robert-ch8hf 3 года назад +1

    What's the song about taking morphine called? Thanks for your work.

    • @CliftonHicksbanjo
      @CliftonHicksbanjo  3 года назад +1

      "Morphine" 👉 ruclips.net/video/abAxPUbXgHY/видео.html

  • @aldiaconsami2405
    @aldiaconsami2405 Год назад +1

    I need one please.🙏🙏🙏

  • @hannahdelahanty3098
    @hannahdelahanty3098 2 года назад

    Do you sell these ?? I would love to have one made.

  • @stagelifelv9324
    @stagelifelv9324 3 года назад

    Beautiful instruments.

  • @milemarker_oscar_mike
    @milemarker_oscar_mike 3 года назад

    Cliff do you inscribe a date , put your signature on or number your banjos that you personally build? Be a neat idea to design a special small stamped brass tag that identifies each banjo as a true genuine "Clifton Hicks" banjo so 100 years from now all the banjos you produced can be identified by future generations 👍👍 🪕

    • @CliftonHicksbanjo
      @CliftonHicksbanjo  3 года назад +1

      Yes, I write my name & date inside each one (where it's hard to see). I also carve a simple maker's mark near the heel of most banjos I build.

    • @milemarker_oscar_mike
      @milemarker_oscar_mike 3 года назад

      @@CliftonHicksbanjo True beautys.... they each have an awesome distinct sounding personality

  • @ChudActual
    @ChudActual 3 года назад

    What was that first tune?

    • @CliftonHicksbanjo
      @CliftonHicksbanjo  3 года назад +2

      That's "Boots and Leggings" from Aunt Molly Jackson (gDGBD): lomaxky.omeka.net/items/show/1363

  • @boxxidraws7690
    @boxxidraws7690 2 года назад

    Ooh whats that first song you played?

  • @bryandovbergman5654
    @bryandovbergman5654 3 года назад

    Cool! Works of art. I guess they were too poor to buy or make metal parts

    • @CliftonHicksbanjo
      @CliftonHicksbanjo  3 года назад +3

      That's what I'm going for: either built by someone who couldn't afford hardware, or who lived in a place/time where hardware was scarce.

  • @northupupgrages09
    @northupupgrages09 3 года назад

    🌱😎❤⚠️🇺🇸 Awesome

  • @cdreery7304
    @cdreery7304 3 года назад

    Clifton I would be interested I buying one,

  • @johndeere8429
    @johndeere8429 3 года назад

    Hey clifton i would like to get in contact with you about a vintage banjo that needs repair.how can i get in contact with you?

  • @zoysiaguy3757
    @zoysiaguy3757 3 года назад +1

    I think the one guy who thumbed down had his or her phone upside down

  • @crazyscott2646
    @crazyscott2646 2 года назад

    I have a wooden banjo.

  • @MarkWYoung-ky4uc
    @MarkWYoung-ky4uc 3 года назад +1

    Hi Clifton! Those are 2 great looking banjos and they sound even better!😊👍👍 If you get a chance, go on Instagram and check out a lady who goes by Cousin Bailey. She plays old time banjo and has a picture of a banjo she got that looks like it was carved and may have come from Africa. She said she did'nt know it's history but it is obviously very old.