Sometimes I like playing those strange old “mountain modal” Old Time tunes on the banjo. They typically have a simple structure and a hypnotic quality that seems like it comes from someplace very distant in place and time. Here’s me playing one called Boatin’ up… Read More
The core components of the mountain banjo I’m making are now assembled. Fitting and stretching the goatskin was a bit of a challenge. I wanted a snug fit and my hole was a smidge tight, causing me some grief. Also, I used a piece of… Read More
I got a good start making a mountain banjo back in spring, but I mostly stayed out of the workshop through the summer and and fall. Time to finish it off. All the major components are now ready to go. The neck is carved and… Read More
After finding that beautiful maple syrup can recently, I ordered up a neck from ebay. My other canjos have been “A” scale but this is a full length neck. It’s in pretty good shape and I think it will make a nice instrument….once I get around to finishing up the mountain banjo waiting in the workshop for my attention.
Because there is room for people like Dwight Diller who dedicate themselves to mastery of a traditional form way outside the star-maker machinery known as the music industry. Mr. Diller has some excellent music on his YouTube channel. Here’s one I quite like…
Chickens a-crowin on Sourwood Mountain – Oh diddle di di diddle di do (or Hi ho diddle I day…take your pick) So many pretty girls I can’t count-em – Oh di diddle dee Diddle di do Climbing up old Sourwood Mountain – Oh diddle di… Read More
I had a request for a sound sample of the new Heavy Duty Brake Fluid Banjo so I recorded a short video. Notwithstanding the limitations of my playing, I think it gives you a good idea what this machine sounds like. The tune is Greasy… Read More
I just finished the “Heavy Duty” Brake Fluid banjo. This is another A-scale oil can banjo using an “ebay neck”. I replaced the plastic nut on the neck with bone, and I made a cedar bridge. The tail-piece is once again a kitchen fork. I… Read More
This is the “Industrial” with the new bridge and nut. The banjo is tuned to A Modal tuning.
Here are the two oil can banjos together.
27th Street 