MOUNTAIN BANJOS by Clifton Hicks

Музыка

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

Пікірлер: 132

  • @Emg2016
    @Emg20163 жыл бұрын

    Where do I need to sign up at to get the KZread 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 жыл бұрын

    Here's the join link: kzread.info/dron/0fRKB_T-2yrNajqoz9VWAg.htmljoin The only exclusive content I've done there so far are behind-the-scenes videos and stuff like that.

  • @Emg2016

    @Emg2016

    3 жыл бұрын

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

  • @bloomsandthreads8519
    @bloomsandthreads85192 ай бұрын

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

  • @Willy_Tepes
    @Willy_Tepes3 жыл бұрын

    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 жыл бұрын

    thank you for explaining.

  • @gregerfulgerman7802

    @gregerfulgerman7802

    Жыл бұрын

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

  • @Popcorn_Kernel

    @Popcorn_Kernel

    Жыл бұрын

    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

    Жыл бұрын

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

  • @Popcorn_Kernel

    @Popcorn_Kernel

    Жыл бұрын

    @@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.

  • @davidpayne3146
    @davidpayne31463 жыл бұрын

    Fine craftsmanship and playing.

  • @ElTio.45-70

    @ElTio.45-70

    3 жыл бұрын

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

  • @jaredkerswell3396
    @jaredkerswell33963 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @bobsyeruncle4841
    @bobsyeruncle4841Ай бұрын

    great singing and playing just great

  • @simonolsen9995
    @simonolsen99953 жыл бұрын

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

  • @kborak
    @kborak3 жыл бұрын

    My grandma would have loved the sound off those.

  • @learningandgrowing7746
    @learningandgrowing77463 жыл бұрын

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

  • @franksabatino7576
    @franksabatino75763 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @Tristannn303
    @Tristannn3032 жыл бұрын

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

  • @lilithangel9268
    @lilithangel92683 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @EmilyJane888
    @EmilyJane8883 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @redbeardthepink4809
    @redbeardthepink4809 Жыл бұрын

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

  • @shortforcowboy
    @shortforcowboy5 ай бұрын

    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
    @cantweallplaynice39123 жыл бұрын

    WVa gets positive attention. Thank you

  • @deandickens2203
    @deandickens22032 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @Shade_tree_garage01
    @Shade_tree_garage012 жыл бұрын

    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..

  • @williamnye478
    @williamnye4782 жыл бұрын

    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?

  • @davewaits7562
    @davewaits75622 жыл бұрын

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

  • @dlkline27
    @dlkline27 Жыл бұрын

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

  • @TALONTEDGUY
    @TALONTEDGUY3 жыл бұрын

    Great craftsmanship. Beautiful sound

  • @7octillionatoms476
    @7octillionatoms4763 жыл бұрын

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

  • @baningobarge
    @baningobarge2 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @theAussie01
    @theAussie013 жыл бұрын

    Unusual instruments for here in Australia . Very interesting indeed

  • @snarledx
    @snarledx3 жыл бұрын

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

  • @jeffalbillar7625
    @jeffalbillar76253 жыл бұрын

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

  • @hillwooky
    @hillwooky Жыл бұрын

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

  • @drewby613
    @drewby613 Жыл бұрын

    Great job! Love hearing you play them as well.

  • @justsomeyeti5814
    @justsomeyeti58142 жыл бұрын

    Your videos have brought a lot of... moments...to my life since I found your channel. I was combing through KZread 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.

  • @dandy6360
    @dandy63603 жыл бұрын

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

  • @alexveidel7528
    @alexveidel75283 жыл бұрын

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

  • @boneal4942
    @boneal4942 Жыл бұрын

    Awesome 👍

  • @rob.taylor
    @rob.taylor10 ай бұрын

    Nice work.

  • @MsClaytown
    @MsClaytown3 жыл бұрын

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

  • @PHIL-ts8si
    @PHIL-ts8si3 жыл бұрын

    Awesome job. Never stop learning

  • @boardingcrew2768
    @boardingcrew27683 жыл бұрын

    Pure inspiration! Bright blessings to you

  • @DylanKDowd
    @DylanKDowd9 ай бұрын

    Lovely

  • @feraltweed
    @feraltweed9 ай бұрын

    Ok I’m starting mine now

  • @adamlewis4522
    @adamlewis45223 жыл бұрын

    That WV banjo has a real nice sound to it.

  • @arlie505
    @arlie5052 жыл бұрын

    awesome !

  • @ollesiden8468
    @ollesiden8468 Жыл бұрын

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

  • @Chief-Solarize
    @Chief-Solarize2 жыл бұрын

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

  • @ProfesserLuigi
    @ProfesserLuigi3 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @plethoraofpinatas.
    @plethoraofpinatas.3 жыл бұрын

    Beautiful!

  • @MountainHomeJerrel
    @MountainHomeJerrel10 ай бұрын

    Well I simply MUST subscribe. Cheers!

  • @jameshopkins145
    @jameshopkins1453 жыл бұрын

    Love the sound!

  • @joshz8803
    @joshz88033 жыл бұрын

    So badass. Keep it up Clifton.

  • @jeffalbillar7625
    @jeffalbillar76253 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @waltzingpeter
    @waltzingpeter3 жыл бұрын

    Amazing.

  • @noahcartermusic2546
    @noahcartermusic25463 жыл бұрын

    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!

  • @X976V3T
    @X976V3T3 жыл бұрын

    enjoyed this - thanks. love the tone s

  • @oakridgeboy2023
    @oakridgeboy20233 жыл бұрын

    Love em but the gourds are best

  • @robin8404
    @robin84043 жыл бұрын

    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!

  • @scottivy5925
    @scottivy59253 жыл бұрын

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

  • @scottedelen5325
    @scottedelen53253 жыл бұрын

    Nice banjos and great sound!

  • @garberwarren
    @garberwarren3 жыл бұрын

    Those sound amazing!!

  • @MassHysteriaHD
    @MassHysteriaHD2 жыл бұрын

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

  • @BolognaRingRanch
    @BolognaRingRanch3 жыл бұрын

    Man I'd love to have one of those.

  • @evanblythe1933
    @evanblythe19333 жыл бұрын

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

  • @whiskeytangofoxtrot5244
    @whiskeytangofoxtrot52443 жыл бұрын

    My home style music , Bravo !

  • @daveyjoweaver6282
    @daveyjoweaver62823 жыл бұрын

    Kind Thanks Clifton! Fine instruments indeed! DaveyJO in Pennsylvania

  • @toadeepants
    @toadeepants3 жыл бұрын

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

  • @bendummitt888
    @bendummitt8882 жыл бұрын

    Very cool...

  • @rotisseriebear5394
    @rotisseriebear53943 жыл бұрын

    Man, those banjos are handsome.

  • @aaronflinner6431
    @aaronflinner64319 ай бұрын

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

  • @charleswatson7154
    @charleswatson71543 жыл бұрын

    Charlie Glenn, NC

  • @68breezer
    @68breezer3 жыл бұрын

    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 !!!!

  • @maineguitarists
    @maineguitarists Жыл бұрын

    Are they tuned like a regular five string banjo?

  • @thadnipper9411
    @thadnipper94113 жыл бұрын

    Very cool Clifton

  • @veroldaley1
    @veroldaley13 жыл бұрын

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

  • @mglenwright09
    @mglenwright093 жыл бұрын

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

  • @ChrisThompson-nn2pv
    @ChrisThompson-nn2pv2 жыл бұрын

    👍

  • @aldiaconsami2405
    @aldiaconsami2405 Жыл бұрын

    I need one please.🙏🙏🙏

  • @d.ag.b1135
    @d.ag.b11352 жыл бұрын

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

  • @CliftonHicksbanjo

    @CliftonHicksbanjo

    2 жыл бұрын

    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: kzread.info/dash/bejne/iK5nu5qEk9a0pKg.html

  • @d.ag.b1135

    @d.ag.b1135

    2 жыл бұрын

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

  • @nulsh331
    @nulsh3313 жыл бұрын

    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 жыл бұрын

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

  • @stagelifelv9324
    @stagelifelv93243 жыл бұрын

    Beautiful instruments.

  • @PermacultureAppalachia
    @PermacultureAppalachia2 жыл бұрын

    KILLER

  • @Yallquietendown
    @Yallquietendown9 ай бұрын

    Is it complicated to replace the hide?

  • @CliftonHicksbanjo

    @CliftonHicksbanjo

    9 ай бұрын

    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.

  • @charlenenelson6749
    @charlenenelson67492 жыл бұрын

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

  • @isaac958
    @isaac9583 ай бұрын

    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

  • @MrMarkkrtm
    @MrMarkkrtm Жыл бұрын

    What is a reasonable head tension for a mountain banjo?

  • @CliftonHicksbanjo

    @CliftonHicksbanjo

    Жыл бұрын

    As tight as you can get it without making it bust.

  • @kennethmassie860
    @kennethmassie8603 жыл бұрын

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

  • @CliftonHicksbanjo

    @CliftonHicksbanjo

    3 жыл бұрын

    That's called "Morphine Blues" or just "Morphine." Old recording by Banjo Bill Cornett: kzread.info/dash/bejne/fIl8rJKadpbahNY.html ... and here's my version: kzread.info/dash/bejne/fIl8rJKadpbahNY.html which I learned from George Gibson of Knott County, Kentucky.

  • @crazyscott2646
    @crazyscott26462 жыл бұрын

    I have a wooden banjo.

  • @rustyshackleford4728
    @rustyshackleford47283 жыл бұрын

    Do you make the banjo necks too?

  • @CliftonHicksbanjo

    @CliftonHicksbanjo

    3 жыл бұрын

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

  • @gobadgego
    @gobadgego3 жыл бұрын

    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 жыл бұрын

    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: kzread.info/dash/bejne/inmal9ayd8zPYZM.html

  • @joshuawallerful

    @joshuawallerful

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@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?

  • @cdreery7304
    @cdreery73043 жыл бұрын

    Clifton I would be interested I buying one,

  • @zoysiaguy3757
    @zoysiaguy37573 жыл бұрын

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

  • @taylormorris_
    @taylormorris_3 жыл бұрын

    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 жыл бұрын

    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 жыл бұрын

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

  • @Robert-ch8hf
    @Robert-ch8hf3 жыл бұрын

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

  • @CliftonHicksbanjo

    @CliftonHicksbanjo

    3 жыл бұрын

    "Morphine" 👉 kzread.info/dash/bejne/k5Z12rKOkrvNeLw.html

  • @bryandovbergman5654
    @bryandovbergman56543 жыл бұрын

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

  • @CliftonHicksbanjo

    @CliftonHicksbanjo

    3 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @Tony_02
    @Tony_02 Жыл бұрын

    What was the song played in the beginning?

  • @CliftonHicksbanjo

    @CliftonHicksbanjo

    Жыл бұрын

    "Boots and Leggings" from Aunt Molly Jackson.

  • @DixieHomestead
    @DixieHomestead3 жыл бұрын

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

  • @CliftonHicksbanjo

    @CliftonHicksbanjo

    3 жыл бұрын

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

  • @DixieHomestead

    @DixieHomestead

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@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.

  • @milemarker_oscar_mike
    @milemarker_oscar_mike3 жыл бұрын

    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 жыл бұрын

    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 жыл бұрын

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

  • @northupupgrages09
    @northupupgrages093 жыл бұрын

    🌱😎❤⚠️🇺🇸 Awesome

  • @hannahdelahanty3098
    @hannahdelahanty30982 жыл бұрын

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

  • @ChudActual
    @ChudActual3 жыл бұрын

    What was that first tune?

  • @CliftonHicksbanjo

    @CliftonHicksbanjo

    3 жыл бұрын

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

  • @boxxidraws7690
    @boxxidraws76902 жыл бұрын

    Ooh whats that first song you played?

  • @johndeere8429
    @johndeere84293 жыл бұрын

    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?

  • @MarkWYoung-ky4uc
    @MarkWYoung-ky4uc3 жыл бұрын

    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.

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