IMO, completely unique instrument with a very unique sound, cross between guitar and mandolin with a little dulcimer 'chime' and a tiny banjo 'twang' thrown in! Much better sounding than a regular banjo!
She’s a beauty the gear tuner makes it look even more bad azz like a musical shotgun blasting us with those sweet sounds. I am so glad I. Ran across your videos my brother you have an amazing channel like the heart worn highways 🛣 oh and she sounds dang fine great pickin
i know im asking randomly but does anybody know of a tool to log back into an Instagram account?? I somehow lost my password. I would love any tricks you can offer me.
@Colby Deandre I really appreciate your reply. I got to the site through google and im waiting for the hacking stuff now. Seems to take a while so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.
@@drysdale1979 Usually the difficult part is making the round body, or pot which requires a lathe. I don't have a decent lathe so I often make an octagonal pot. Sometimes a 16 sided one but octagonal is easier.
@@morbanjo2503 thanks for the tip. I have a pretty small lathe so I might start with 8 segments to begin with. I really like the hole for the 5th string using a normal guitar tuner too. Thanks again!
Very impressed with the pleasing tone and volume of the wood top. What a beautiful and unique banjo.. Thanks for the demo.. Really fine !! Nice playing too. "Waynesboro" is a beautiful tune that showed off the instrument very well. A real treat..
I did the same, built a wood-top and made it electric. I found that the wood top cuts down on the resonance and feedback but still gives enough of a "banjo" sound.
Hey Jim, Nice build! Just happened to come across it on my late-nite perusal of UA-cam lol. I like the sound of it -- nice and mellow. Haven't attempted at making a wood top banjo yet, but seeing yours has perked my interest. Too busy with school and working on a cherry mountain banjo for a BHO member in New Mexico to work on a lot of projects, but oh well, there's always summer. Might have to bring it with you to a jam -- I'd like to pick on it.
I love what you did with the tuner on the 5th string. Is there any drawback to doing it that way? I am building canjos with my 3 year old son and plan to graduate to cbg and banjos soon. We don't have a proper workshop yet but I want to learn and practice before we move to a house and get a proper workshop set up.
Thank you! The main drawback to using a guitar tuner for the 5th string is the need to drill a new hole in the shaft since the existing hole is too close to the tip. The new hole needs to be closer to the gears to line up properly. The advantage is not having to purchase a separate 5th string tuner.
That banjo has an interesting sound! It sounds like my banjo when you put lots of pressure on the head while playing, I started out frailing with my hand anchored so it sounded like that. I like it!
Hi, curious if you read music or tab or how you know and play so many tunes so easily. Maybe years of practice but you can do it on various instruments. I enjoy watching your postings, you make it seem effortless! Regards, Jimp
Thank you! Yes, since both my parents were musicians I learned to read music at an early age and later tab. After I retired I've pretty much dedicated myself to making and playing instruments and learning songs and tunes in lots of styles. Most of what I play now is by ear but when I teach folks we often use music so I try to stay comfortable with reading those fly specks, lol
I put my fifth on like that with a hole in the neck. Did it on my second banjo about seven years ago. Its on my youtube channel. Great minds hey! Nice sounding banjo too!
Thanks! I knew got this idea from somewhere. It may have been from seeing yours back then. I've done tunneled 5th string up to the head also. That works pretty well. I'll check yours out.
This is great! I build ukes, but just started my first mountain banjo (cause my grand daughter wanted one) I sure wish I had seen this earlier; I really like the sound. BTW, great work. Thanks for the vid.
Thank you! I hope the mountain banjo turns out well. You can see on my channel that I love all sorts of homemade instruments. Banjos were my first and still my favorites.
I checked out your instruments...wow! We must be distant cousins! On your solid top banjo. I'm still waiting on parts for mine, so I'm going to make a solid top in the meantime. I'm thinking of using counter top laminate (formica type material) for the top. Maybe it'll give more twang; which, I think my grand daughter would appreciate. What do you think?
@@pwrouzaud Thanks Peter. I've never tried laminate before. Certainly worth experimenting with. From my work in a cabinet shop I've used laminate for other things and I suspect it would require some reinforcement to take the string pressure. I don't know if you saw my banjos with heat shrunk pete 1 plastic. They sure give a lot of twang if that's what you want.
I built one using a piece of PVC drain pipe for the “pot”…. Ugly but I painted it. Your’s sounds better…. I expect because of the larger-diameter head.
@@morbanjo2503 Yes that maple really is and a million fenders can't be wrong, but I just love the mahogany neck of my Martin mando. Martin had access to the best. I am going to recycle a really cool tenor banjo neck that I got off ebay for 2o bucks. It has a groove on the neck for comfort..can't wait to get my electronics in the mail.
@@stanhenderson7393 Yup, I love mahogany too. I usually try to use hardwoods that are native here in WV but when I can get mahogany I definitely will use it!
Yeah, I like this 5th string design. If yours was posted on utube I may have stolen it from you! If so, thanks! I've also used a tunneled 5th string design so the string goes on up to the heads. I like that a lot too.
morbanjo hey sir, can you please contact me about a custom banjer. I'm looking for a, wood top, fretless, tenor. Cheers man. - kris I'm really would like you to build it.
Come for the banjo, stay for the music! Both are beautiful man, keep it up!
Thank you!
Incredible. Sounds like a guitar and a banjo had a baby
That's what I thought. Doesn't sound like a banjo or a guitar. Very unique. Very pleasant.
Sounds FANTASTIC...maybe one of the most unique beautiful sustaining banjos Sounds I ever heard in my life.
Thank you!
IMO, completely unique instrument with a very unique sound, cross between guitar and mandolin with a little dulcimer 'chime' and a tiny banjo 'twang' thrown in!
Much better sounding than a regular banjo!
I'm always watching this just for your rendition of Waynesboro. Perhaps you'd consider making a longer recording? I'd be glad
Thanks! I was just practicing Waynesboro yesterday but on fiddle. I'll try to do a longer version next time.
Damn right. Best sounding banjo I've ever heard
Thank you!
Sounds like a banjo. The Baltic birch top is perfect. No drum head. I love it.
Thank you. The wood top still sounds like a banjo for sure!
Sounds fantastic..I think you have a winner there
She’s a beauty the gear tuner makes it look even more bad azz like a musical shotgun blasting us with those sweet sounds. I am so glad I. Ran across your videos my brother you have an amazing channel like the heart worn highways 🛣 oh and she sounds dang fine great pickin
Beautiful banjo, beautiful playing
Thank you.
WOW!!! That thing sounds amazing, beautiful craftsmanship as well !! Great job !!
Thank you! I'm working on a similar one right now.
@@morbanjo2503 how much cash?
Looks and sounds nice your a good player. Thanks for posting
Thank you.
beautiful tune you played at the end!
Thank you.
Absolutely beautiful. Beautiful workmanship. Beautiful sound🙂
Thank you!
Sounds amazing
Thank you.
What a beautiful crisp sound.
Cool!
I’m surprised that it still sounds like a banjo when it has a wooden top.
🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸😎👍🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
🇸🇳🇬🇲🇮🇪🇺🇸 The four countries that made the banjo as we know it today exist
i know im asking randomly but does anybody know of a tool to log back into an Instagram account??
I somehow lost my password. I would love any tricks you can offer me.
@Terrence Lachlan instablaster :)
@Colby Deandre I really appreciate your reply. I got to the site through google and im waiting for the hacking stuff now.
Seems to take a while so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.
@Colby Deandre it did the trick and I actually got access to my account again. I am so happy!
Thanks so much, you saved my ass !
Your music is peaceful and reminiscent of days gone by. Beautiful hand crafted instruments. Music makes new friends and lifelong memories.
Wow, it sounds terrific. Just now seeing this after it’s upload to UA-cam 5 years ago.
Thank you! I've made several others very similar since this one.
I love the sound, very nice Banjo.
Thank you.
Gorgeous sound.
Thank you!
Absolutely fantastic!!
Thank you.
Sounds great! I was thinkin' of makin' a regular skin head banjo. Now I'm leaning toward a wood head.
Thank you. Nothing wrong with making one of each, lol
Fantastic! I feel inspired to make one of these!
Thanks! You'll find it to be a fun project.
@@morbanjo2503 Thanks! I’ve started getting some timber and tuning pegs together!
@@drysdale1979 Usually the difficult part is making the round body, or pot which requires a lathe. I don't have a decent lathe so I often make an octagonal pot. Sometimes a 16 sided one but octagonal is easier.
@@morbanjo2503 thanks for the tip. I have a pretty small lathe so I might start with 8 segments to begin with.
I really like the hole for the 5th string using a normal guitar tuner too.
Thanks again!
Breath catching sound. Inspired to build such thing. Thank you for inspiration.
Thank you!
Love the way this sounds. Bell like but mellow and not overly bright. Nice response and balance on the note volumes. Really nice!
Thank you!
Великолепное исполнение на Вашем инструменте задевает приятно струны души. Респект!
Beautiful sounding.
Thank you.
Sounds really nice.
Real nice and good tune too..
Thanks!
beautiful song
Very impressed with the pleasing tone and volume of the wood top. What a beautiful and unique banjo.. Thanks for the demo.. Really fine !! Nice playing too. "Waynesboro" is a beautiful tune that showed off the instrument very well. A real treat..
Thanks for your kind words!
I like the sound of that one kinda mellow sound to it ,I also built a wood top banjo and put a pickup on it .
Thanks Gary.
I did the same, built a wood-top and made it electric. I found that the wood top cuts down on the resonance and feedback but still gives enough of a "banjo" sound.
Beautiful!
👍👍 man you make some nice toys ☺️
Thank you.
it sounds great. good job man.
That sounds absolutely fantastic, I really like it ! Great idea 🏆👍.
Thank you.
fine sound!
Thank you.
Good job sir. Congrats! And thanks for the sweet melodies... 😉
I don't know why but listening to banjo really makes me happy
Me too Francis!
Nice unique sound. Great workmanship. Now that's something to be proud of. Well done!!
Thanks Bradley.
It's like a flat top guitar, but with the trebly clunk of the open back. Beautiful instrument
Thank you! Yes, it certainly combines a couple of different instrument ideas.
This banjo is truly a masterpiece and a stunning work of art! Great craftsmanship and also an excellent performance of Waynesboro!
Thanks Dan!
Very nice!
Thanks!
Wow man that’s a fantastic sounding banjo, excellent picking hand
Hey Jim,
Nice build! Just happened to come across it on my late-nite perusal of UA-cam lol. I like the sound of it -- nice and mellow. Haven't attempted at making a wood top banjo yet, but seeing yours has perked my interest. Too busy with school and working on a cherry mountain banjo for a BHO member in New Mexico to work on a lot of projects, but oh well, there's always summer.
Might have to bring it with you to a jam -- I'd like to pick on it.
+Noah Cline Thanks Noah. I'd certainly love to hear you play it so I'll bring to the next get together.
It really has a nice sound to it. Thanks for sharing this.
Thanks!
Love the sound of that wood top! One of these days I'll make one. I already have the pot.
Thanks Lou. I've made four of these for other people. Need to make myself a keeper.
Hey !! Likin' the sound !!! Good job ! :-)
Thanks!
That's lovely! Really wasn't expecting that 'banjo' sound from a wooden top. Lovely playing too, thanks.
Thank you! These wood top banjos do have a surprisingly banjo-ish tone.
I love what you did with the tuner on the 5th string. Is there any drawback to doing it that way? I am building canjos with my 3 year old son and plan to graduate to cbg and banjos soon. We don't have a proper workshop yet but I want to learn and practice before we move to a house and get a proper workshop set up.
Thank you! The main drawback to using a guitar tuner for the 5th string is the need to drill a new hole in the shaft since the existing hole is too close to the tip. The new hole needs to be closer to the gears to line up properly. The advantage is not having to purchase a separate 5th string tuner.
Beautiful work, and sounds great! It would be interesting to see what a resonator would do. Nice playing as well. Top drawer all the way around.👍👍
Thank you!
That banjo has an interesting sound! It sounds like my banjo when you put lots of pressure on the head while playing, I started out frailing with my hand anchored so it sounded like that. I like it!
Thanks Isaac. I've made several like this and like the sound of them a lot.
Brilliant 👍
Wowser that man! What a grea t sound
Thanks!
Really love this song, listen to it on a regular basis! Great posting, thanks!! Regards, jimp
Thanks!
Beautiful sound!! Spakly and warm,, well done , love it, and great tune too!
Thank you!
Just love this song and that beautiful tone of the banjo, not to mention you fretboard facility! Great!!
Thanks for your kind words Jim!
Hi, curious if you read music or tab or how you know and play so many tunes so easily. Maybe years of practice but you can do it on various instruments. I enjoy watching your postings, you make it seem effortless! Regards, Jimp
Thank you! Yes, since both my parents were musicians I learned to read music at an early age and later tab. After I retired I've pretty much dedicated myself to making and playing instruments and learning songs and tunes in lots of styles. Most of what I play now is by ear but when I teach folks we often use music so I try to stay comfortable with reading those fly specks, lol
Very nice Jim!
Thank you!
sweet job
Thanks.
Beautiful sound.
Thank you Morris!
Still the best version of this great song!
Thank you!
So glad I came across this video! Great sound and nice playing!
Thank you!
I put my fifth on like that with a hole in the neck. Did it on my second banjo about seven years ago. Its on my youtube channel. Great minds hey! Nice sounding banjo too!
Thanks! I knew got this idea from somewhere. It may have been from seeing yours back then. I've done tunneled 5th string up to the head also. That works pretty well. I'll check yours out.
Glad if I could help!
Wow, such a great sound.
Thanks.
im in love - thnaks for sharing - god bless your work dude
Thanks!
This is great! I build ukes, but just started my first mountain banjo (cause my grand daughter wanted one) I sure wish I had seen this earlier; I really like the sound. BTW, great work. Thanks for the vid.
Thank you! I hope the mountain banjo turns out well. You can see on my channel that I love all sorts of homemade instruments. Banjos were my first and still my favorites.
I checked out your instruments...wow! We must be distant cousins! On your solid top banjo. I'm still waiting on parts for mine, so I'm going to make a solid top in the meantime. I'm thinking of using counter top laminate (formica type material) for the top. Maybe it'll give more twang; which, I think my grand daughter would appreciate. What do you think?
@@pwrouzaud Thanks Peter. I've never tried laminate before. Certainly worth experimenting with. From my work in a cabinet shop I've used laminate for other things and I suspect it would require some reinforcement to take the string pressure. I don't know if you saw my banjos with heat shrunk pete 1 plastic. They sure give a lot of twang if that's what you want.
ua-cam.com/video/lMbJNlxLd20/v-deo.html Here's one of them
ua-cam.com/video/M5XBbv_A27c/v-deo.html And here's how I usually do them.
what a beautiful song. I'm going to try to learn it
Thanks! I learned this from the playing of Ken Perlman on the CD Southern Summit with Allen Jabbour.
Amazing build,This has some vibe in it!!!! SO soulful ! Really love your playing. Big up Jim :-D
+Dave David Thanks Dave. I really liked your last two posts on CBN.
Sounds amazing!! Nice work! Enjoy his banjo music at 1:40 :)
Thank you!
Really nice sound.
+C Schmidt Thanks !
I built one using a piece of PVC drain pipe for the “pot”…. Ugly but I painted it. Your’s sounds better…. I expect because of the larger-diameter head.
Thanks! I've used pvc drain pipe before too. Turned out pretty well.
THAT IS MAGNIFICENT!! well done
Thank you!
Wow❤
Thanks!
Love it! Great song too!
Thanks!
Awesome sound! Great playing too
Thanks john!
Beautiful sound!
Beautiful work, Jim. And the playing's not bad either. :)
+Stephen Gura Thanks!
Stunning work as always my friend
Thank you jason.
very nice earthy sound
Thanks Wade.
Did you ever try a back on it? Still have it?
This one sold a while back. I have put a back on some, but I prefer the open back sound.
Very nice with the best wood top sound I’ve heard so far! I have to ask what’s the tune?
wow that's so cool! did you use plans for this? and if so could u show me how to find them :)?
Thanks Apples. I don't really use plans - just ideas in my head. I did get a lot of inspiration for banjos from volume 3 in the Foxfire books.
Wow! Thats amazing how you can just create an instrument in your head then make it happen! And ok cool ill check it out thank u for replying!
Hello ! Is this tuning Open G ??
Yes, standard open g tuning.
@@morbanjo2503 Thank you !
Love this banjo, do you put a 3 degree back angle on the neck?
Thanks! I usually do put about a 3 degree back angle on banjo necks.
Wow, sounds beautiful can you share them tabs/chords?
It's beautiful, what's the name of the piece? :)
This is Waynesboro which I learned from Alan Jabbour's playing.
Mmm! I designed the use of the guitar machine head for the 5th and posted it on youtube 11 years ago!
That may be where I stole the idea from!
@@morbanjo2503 I'd be very pleased to have been the inspiration!
Oh that has a nice tone...I love walnut but it's so dense, ya know?
Thanks Stan. True about walnut but I think maple is even more dense and I often use it too.
@@morbanjo2503 Yes that maple really is and a million fenders can't be wrong, but I just love the mahogany neck of my Martin mando. Martin had access to the best. I am going to recycle a really cool tenor banjo neck that I got off ebay for 2o bucks. It has a groove on the neck for comfort..can't wait to get my electronics in the mail.
@@stanhenderson7393 Yup, I love mahogany too. I usually try to use hardwoods that are native here in WV but when I can get mahogany I definitely will use it!
I see you’ve used the 5th string design I used on my banjo. It’s a great idea isn’t it.
Yeah, I like this 5th string design. If yours was posted on utube I may have stolen it from you! If so, thanks! I've also used a tunneled 5th string design so the string goes on up to the heads. I like that a lot too.
What is your scale length
This one is 25.5" scale.
Think I found my calling!
Cool! That's the feeling I had around 7 years ago when I made my first instrument.
Sweet Banjo
Thanks John.
morbanjo hey sir, can you please contact me about a custom banjer. I'm looking for a, wood top, fretless, tenor. Cheers man. - kris I'm really would like you to build it.
Yes, I can make a fretless, wood top tenor. Contact me at morbanjo@gmail.com
That's morbanjo@gmail.com
Great!!! would love to lay my bottleneck on it, so to speak!
Thanks! Slide banjo is fun!
Is that ply Baltic birch?
Yes, 3mm. Baltic birch ply.
@@morbanjo2503 Thank you! Starting to build a WT and debating what to use
@@theslowgrassrollers6821 I would have used some thin spruce if I'd had it but the baltic birch was on hand and it worked pretty well.
Does anyone remember the name of the irish tune this song is based on?
thank you
The Irish tune "The Boys of Bluehill" is usually cited as the basis for Waynesboro.
Its based on the reel called Over the moor to maggie.
Wow - and not so much loud than the other with a drum!
Yes, a bit quieter
Ot kinda lose the vibration but gives it another style
Its a reverse banjitar
That's one way to look at it!
what about an mdf body banjo?
That should work.