by David The Good
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Read time:
I really like these gourd banjos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PyKhtmRtjgU
Here’s a guy building one:
It’s a different vibe than the traditional banjo. I found an entire album of gourd banjo music by Adam Hurt you can hear/purchase here.
No resonator and no frets. I’m going to have to make one. Tanning the skin seems to be the hardest part.
I saw that Foxfire Book III covers making gourd banjos. I just bought a copy and I’ll report back later.
I’m David The Good, gardening author, homesteading, survival gardener, nursery owner and plant geek. Let’s grow some food!
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8 responses to “Gourd Banjos”
I play fretless banjo but one in the style of (tho’ not a replica) of Civil War era. I want a gourd one but it’ll have to wait. I look forward to seeing your take on one.
Cedric Watson is a fine player & that’s one of the better versions of Darling Cory on youtube.
Here’s me
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFCGUwrgQgE
That sounds great. Where did you get your banjo?
From this guy
http://www.chloesgarden.com/Banjos%20on%20Web/Banjos.htm
By the way looking through my copy of Foxfire 3 The banjo & dulcimer section doesn’t cover gourd banjos. It has “mountain” banjos (which you’ll probably really like) and the 20th C style resonator. The gourd section is bird houses and dippers.
From this guy
http://www.chloesgarden.com/Banjos%20on%20Web/Banjos.htm
By the way looking through my copy of Foxfire 3 The banjo & dulcimer section doesn’t cover gourd banjos. It has “mountain” banjos (which you’ll probably really like) and the 20th C style resonator. The gourd section is bird houses and dippers.
That’s good enough – I’ll figure out the gourd part by winging it.
Alright, that guy’s banjos are great. Amazing prices, too.
[…] on December 6th I wrote a post on gourd banjos. I’m determined to make one of my own, though I haven’t been able to source a skin for […]
[…] on December 6th I wrote a post on gourd banjos. I’m determined to make one of my own, though I haven’t been able to source a skin for […]
The skin isn’t tanned. It’s just rawhide.