For enthusiasts of early banjo
Four-string gourd banjo
I just made this one to see how much "Pre-Sweeney" fun you could have with no bass string. The answer is 80% as much as you can have with it. It actually sounds great on those extra funky tunes like "Kick Up De Debbil" and "Charleston Gals". I strung it up with whatever used gut I had around the house which turned out to be the bottom three strings and thumb string of a regular set. They're now serving as the top three strings so it seems happiest tuned a little low. (nice string tension though!) I didn't set out with any plan in mind but the skinny neck reminds me of the instrument on the front of the "Alabama Joe" sheet music.
Views: 187
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Comment by Bart McNeil on August 22, 2011 at 8:38am
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Very interesting banjo. Nice size gourd!! May I ask where you purchased your gourd? I was a bit startled by the narrow neck until I counted the strings.
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Comment by Ian Bell on August 22, 2011 at 8:53am
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I'm in Ontario so I got it from Northern Dipper Gourds near Cookstown. They have a website and will ship.
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Comment by Strumelia on August 22, 2011 at 9:35am
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Looks like a dipperful of fun!
Very nice. :D
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Comment by Scott House on August 25, 2011 at 7:01pm
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"It was a 3 string gourd with an old pine stick...."
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Comment by Bell Banjos on August 25, 2011 at 9:11pm
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Hey, I don't knock pine. A violin maker told me pine is 3 times stronger than maple running WITH the grain. Mighty cool banjer.
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I was quoting Picayune Butler.
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