That skin really makes a difference! Golly it sounds terrific! I will get myself one of them bridges next time! A veritable fountain of wisdom and banjo joy! Thank you very much!
Looks and sounds great. Thanks for explaining the spine stripe on the skin. I'd been wondering about how and why you laid it the way you did. Information on 'crow spaced' bridge most appreciated. That's really my favourite look for a banjo. Just the right amount of bling too.
I just received a 1890 H.C. Nelson banjo and it needs a new head. What thickness of skin is best for the banjo head. This will be my first time doing one. Love your channel. Keep them coming.
I have two questions: (1) I recently purchased a Harmony ResoTone 5-string. It is an older, cheap instrument but it has a good old-timey sound and possibly the original rawhide. However, the action is a bit high. I was not able to find much in the ways of adjusting the neck on the internet. Would it be a good idea to get a shorter bridge or sand down the original? (2) I would like to possibly start building my own instrument sometime in the near future. Would coffee/espresso stain work well?
Yes, try a shorter bridge--try several. And you can stain banjos with anything. Most of the old homemade banjos aren't stained at all, but I stain mine to make them look cool.
Is it possible for steel strings to make too much tension for a skin head? I bought my banjo with nylon strings. Eventually I replaced them with steel strings, and noticed the bridge pushing into the head an alarming amount.
The Pisgah sounds great. At 6:18 in you started playing "Southern Texas". You really let the notes just hang there. Then you do, I'm not sure what it's called, but on something like it is called vibrato on violin. I really like that style. Can you make a video on the technique, and where in the song you would put them?
His name is Jeff Menzies and you can find him easily on the big social media sites. Menzies always offers free int'l shipping and is currently (May, 2020) selling these hides at a significant discount.
This sucker is 21/32" so just a hair taller than 3/4". This Pisgah banjo has steeper neck angle than most antique banjos, plus the 12" rim might have something to do with it. Anyhow, this is a taller bridge than I normally use but it works great on this banjo. And, yes, I think Sosebee will be my bridge of choice going forward. It definitely sounds superior to the stock maple bridge I had on it before _and_ I like that he's only a couple hours away from me in Kennesaw.
If you're interested in the banjo and its history consider supporting this project at patreon.com/cliftonhicks
instaBlaster
What tuning are you in? It sounds flat and not in tune to what I'm used to.
Wow. A lot crisper sounding than I would have imagined. Gorgeous looking banjo. Nice job.
That skin really makes a difference! Golly it sounds terrific! I will get myself one of them bridges next time! A veritable fountain of wisdom and banjo joy! Thank you very much!
The Banjo sounds KILLER
My new favorite channel.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the goat and it's family.
That goat got eaten, it was tasty.
Thanks Clifton, I’ve learned much! DaveyJO in Pennsylvania
In love with the tone of this banjo! Need to make my own just like this
Good job sir
Thank you, sir!
Looks and sounds great. Thanks for explaining the spine stripe on the skin. I'd been wondering about how and why you laid it the way you did. Information on 'crow spaced' bridge most appreciated. That's really my favourite look for a banjo. Just the right amount of bling too.
Sounds great
Good info. Thank you.
You are so great! I like your videos!: Banjo, rhythm, picking, singing, background,... You are very interesting figure on the RUclips!
I just received a 1890 H.C. Nelson banjo and it needs a new head. What thickness of skin is best for the banjo head. This will be my first time doing one.
Love your channel. Keep them coming.
Rawhide heads are typically marked thin/light, medium, or heavy. The best banjo heads are medium calfskin with few clear spots.
Thank you.....
I have two questions: (1) I recently purchased a Harmony ResoTone 5-string. It is an older, cheap instrument but it has a good old-timey sound and possibly the original rawhide. However, the action is a bit high. I was not able to find much in the ways of adjusting the neck on the internet. Would it be a good idea to get a shorter bridge or sand down the original? (2) I would like to possibly start building my own instrument sometime in the near future. Would coffee/espresso stain work well?
Yes, try a shorter bridge--try several. And you can stain banjos with anything. Most of the old homemade banjos aren't stained at all, but I stain mine to make them look cool.
Ok, thanks!
Great song!!
Reckon you could put a strip of tape (masking/regular/electrical) on the back of your remo heads under the 5th string too?
Gut strings? And what model is that?
What did u use for the flesh hoop?
Sounds waaay better than that plastic.👍
Do you think you could use copper to make a bridge? Or would that be a detriment to the sound?
I don't think it'd sound great. Dense hardwood seems to work the best, followed by bone or antler.
I’ve used brass. Not happy with it but it was heavy.
wow that sounds wild
Is it possible for steel strings to make too much tension for a skin head? I bought my banjo with nylon strings. Eventually I replaced them with steel strings, and noticed the bridge pushing into the head an alarming amount.
Yes. If the banjo is older than 1940s you'll probably want to stick with nylon strings. You can also tighten or replace the hide.
@@CliftonHicksbanjo thanks a lot brother!
The Pisgah sounds great. At 6:18 in you started playing "Southern Texas". You really let the notes just hang there. Then you do, I'm not sure what it's called, but on something like it is called vibrato on violin. I really like that style. Can you make a video on the technique, and where in the song you would put them?
What song are you playing in the opening?
Drunkard's lone child
Does your Jamaican friend sell the goat skin heads and ship to US?
His name is Jeff Menzies and you can find him easily on the big social media sites. Menzies always offers free int'l shipping and is currently (May, 2020) selling these hides at a significant discount.
+1 on the bridge. Gary's are all that I use now. A nice cheaper way to make your banjo sing. What height do you use by the way?
This sucker is 21/32" so just a hair taller than 3/4". This Pisgah banjo has steeper neck angle than most antique banjos, plus the 12" rim might have something to do with it. Anyhow, this is a taller bridge than I normally use but it works great on this banjo. And, yes, I think Sosebee will be my bridge of choice going forward. It definitely sounds superior to the stock maple bridge I had on it before _and_ I like that he's only a couple hours away from me in Kennesaw.
@@CliftonHicksbanjo 24/32 = 3/4
Nice, what tuning?
F#dgad
That goat tasted great bbq,d
Your barn could stand some paint.
We don't paint barns down here.
@@CliftonHicksbanjo such a response there. Was a good laugh.
That sounds about as bright as a lightbulb. Next deer I kill I’ll make raw hide