my man is using a skill saw barefoot and getting his fingers an inch from the band saw. You know that banjo is gonna rip bc that's some hillbilly shit right there
Much harder making 2 at the same time - well done! I wish I had discovered the wonder of banjos when I was younger, but better late than never eh? Cheers Ben!
This video should be viral. You nailed the thumbnail, and your camera quality is absolutely incredible. But I’d also settle for a Clifton Hicks comment. 😁
You are no Joke my friend ! The finishing looks stunning, then you`re done talking and back it up amazingly, with a high sound quality and a clear show how skillful you are.
im building my first Gourd banjo in New Zealamnd and your knowledge is a big help, first thing i notice is how thin skinned new zealand gourds are compared to yours , yours look 3 times thicker, so i guess im going to have to find some way of reinforcing mine, maybe make a internal rim or something. keep up the good work bro its inspiring , subbed.
I wish I could remember where I learned that tip from, it was definitely another builder on youtube. It's super helpful, especially when you butcher the cut like I usually do
Ur 1😂 of the Mohicans left, ? With, Witt & tenacity of banjo making,? (Like the glogg makers in the, Netherlands ❤ thank u for sharing ,ur original ality😊
Absolutely incredible and entirely inspiring! Where do you learn to even do this !?! I will now be studying this video like a mad woman and attempting to make my own!
thanks! mostly learned from the internet and trial and error. best of luck on making your own! I wanna get some more in depth tutorial videos made when I have the time
Kind of a tongue in cheek comment but only kind of and I mean no disrespect but, Ben cheer up fella. You have some mad skills that so many folk would love to be able to possess. I get you would like better tools etc but I assure you that you are already "killing it" with your craft. It is a genuine thing of beauty how you can turn these raw materials into such wonderful instruments that will create joy for those playing and all who will listen to them in future. Incredible work that you should be immensely proud of.
Thanks! The story is basically just that I wanted a gourd banjo but didn't have any money so I made some crappy ones, then by the time I made a decent one, it had become hobby
They look as beautiful as they sound. How long have you been making them at this point? It’s something I’d love to do one day. I got a long way to go but only way to start is to start, right?
Ben Greco, how bout woodburning in the name Greco on that head there........just a thought. i would. be proud and slap it on there. Im fully impressed. Case usually is somebody can build but can't play, or play but can't cut a straight line if it killed them. Let alone be allowed even next to a band saw. You do both. Subscribed and will be sharing your work to others. Good job. Wish you lived down the road or something like that, lol, need more interesting creative people in my life. Especially if they play banjo! Hell, the whole world does. If u keep at it, i see you totally hitting triple digits one day. Ive made and sold a few instruments in my time, but nothing that special. .........Greco........even looks like a Gibson, or a Fender or Ibanez kinda name, you know?? lol. Fuck yea! Neat. Fucking super neat bro. ....dope. yes, totally dope!! love it live well, and rest easy my friend.
Thanks heaps, inspirational. Enjoyed the tunes too. I've made a few gourd banjos and learnt some things here. Never thought about oiling the skin tho. What oil do you use? John Bramfield South Australia
I learned about oiling the skin from Jason Romero, who's pretty much the master. I'm not sure what he does exactly, but I just put a very thin layer of Danish oil over it, not sure how much it helps but doesn't seem to hurt.
Those are gourdgeous! Congrats :) Very interesting to watch you build them as well. What kind of music do you listen to while building? If you don't mind me asking.
Fascinating stuff to watch!!! However, you need to take a course of the safe use of bladed tools. I kept thinking you were going to lose a finger or worse. Be safe!!!!! Nice work.!!!
thanks! I used only nylon strings on these (aquila nylgut). These types of banjos can only be strung with nylon, steel would put too much stress on the neck and would cause damage to the nut and fingerboard. I think scale length for both of these was a standard 26.25"
Awesome Work! I’m just getting into gourd banjos and I really want to make one. My biggest problem is getting the neck, I don’t have any woodworking tools so my best bet is to just buy a pre-shaped neck? Also if you have any sources on how to learn to make one of these I’d love to know, Thanks!
thanks! you can shape neck with even fewer tools than I have! All you need is a saw and a chisel, and I've even heard of people shaping necks with just a knife. Check out Clifton Hicks' banjo building playlist, he shapes his necks with hand tools and shows the method
thanks! no problem I'm happy to answer questions. I'm not familiar with that dye, but after looking it up I don't see why not. I'd maybe test it out first with a small scrap of skin and see what happens before dying the whole head
Nicely done! I found a thick glass shelf from a display cabinet at a garage sale for next to nothing. I glue sandpaper to it for levelling bodies, neck faces, etc. Works like a champ (plus, I don't think any part of my driveway is flat enough to do that on 😁)
damn yeah that's a good find, my driveway is definitely not flat. It works for the gourd, but now I'm gonna be looking for glass to level my neck faces. Probably a lot cheaper than a granite slab
Ha ha. Yeah it sucks when you gotta deal whatever tools you have. I'll see people on UA-cam who'll make these kinds of things and they'll have table saws and lathes and all this expensive stuff and it's like, well you can afford a banjo. I know that it's not the same but still, the whole idea is this is kind of a poor man's banjo. But I wouldn't want to begrudge anyone for doing what they want. They're welcome to make what they want. It just seems weird that they'd be into this. Or like those cigar box guitars. You know. Not just banjos.
An excellent video on how to lose body parts through ignorance and being too lazy to learn basic tool use. There us an enormous probability that he will never play a musical instrument due to missing body parts.
Make ‘em when you wanna! In your own time! New Sub! Thank you for sharing. Very nice work and playing! Definitely do make some from different Pumpkins! Each would have a unique Sound from the various Bowl shapes. Banjo Regards from South Africa!
Making do with what you have. Very admirable. However the safety issues others have pointed out are real issues. Not understanding machinery safety Will result in you becoming a statistic. Stop and get some training. It will cost you only afew hours of time. It’s not a matter of if but when. Losing a fingertip, or worse, is no badge of honor for a woodworker.
my man is using a skill saw barefoot and getting his fingers an inch from the band saw. You know that banjo is gonna rip bc that's some hillbilly shit right there
I swear you used 3 power tools. Best how to I've seen in years. Sounds great too.
I was gonna say a few things, but at some point it just became, oh, WOW!
Much harder making 2 at the same time - well done! I wish I had discovered the wonder of banjos when I was younger, but better late than never eh? Cheers Ben!
same! took me till after college to discover them, but I''m glad I did
This video should be viral. You nailed the thumbnail, and your camera quality is absolutely incredible. But I’d also settle for a Clifton Hicks comment. 😁
yeah haha was really cool to see his comment, would've never made any of these if it wasn't for him
I like the sound of the beech one best.
My partner bought that first banjo that he showed a glimpse of in this video. Beautiful instrument, beautiful sound.
You are no Joke my friend !
The finishing looks stunning, then you`re done talking and back it up amazingly, with a high sound quality and a clear show how skillful you are.
im building my first Gourd banjo in New Zealamnd and your knowledge is a big help, first thing i notice is how thin skinned new zealand gourds are compared to yours , yours look 3 times thicker, so i guess im going to have to find some way of reinforcing mine, maybe make a internal rim or something. keep up the good work bro its inspiring , subbed.
You should try cobblers pliers when stretching your hides
very good, try use carnauba wax or beer wax after oil absorved on wood.
That’s friggin brilliant to sand it on the asphalt!
I wish I could remember where I learned that tip from, it was definitely another builder on youtube. It's super helpful, especially when you butcher the cut like I usually do
Impressive work. Especially considering the tools that you work with. Nice sound. I hope that you get more commissions.
Both banjos look like pieces of art ! You’re a true craftsman..
Absolutely 💯 delightful ❤ to see u? Reshaping in u tube,! A art, which ,otherwise, would be lost!? Continue , my friend 🧡 😊
Great work. They both look great. And good picking, too.
thanks!! I'm sure you can tell where I learned the picking lol, means a lot!
Ur 1😂 of the Mohicans left, ? With, Witt & tenacity of banjo making,? (Like the glogg makers in the, Netherlands ❤ thank u for sharing ,ur original ality😊
Absolutely incredible and entirely inspiring! Where do you learn to even do this !?! I will now be studying this video like a mad woman and attempting to make my own!
thanks! mostly learned from the internet and trial and error. best of luck on making your own! I wanna get some more in depth tutorial videos made when I have the time
Kind of a tongue in cheek comment but only kind of and I mean no disrespect but, Ben cheer up fella.
You have some mad skills that so many folk would love to be able to possess.
I get you would like better tools etc but I assure you that you are already "killing it" with your craft. It is a genuine thing of beauty how you can turn these raw materials into such wonderful instruments that will create joy for those playing and all who will listen to them in future.
Incredible work that you should be immensely proud of.
hahaha thanks appreciate it! Yeah I try to show my mistakes in the videos, but I can definitely be too hard on myself.
Wow that was impressive hand made skill and such a great finish. Sounded great!
Wow!! Thank you for showing us your Skills🙏 This was a very enjoyable experience! I hope you have great success!!
This is such beautiful art keep going
Ben! Brilliant stuff! Both banjo builds are beautiful. Well done brother! Someone snap up that build #15!
Thanks!! Hope you're enjoying #14!!
I love seeing the process! It would be interesting to hear the story of how you started making banjos
Thanks! The story is basically just that I wanted a gourd banjo but didn't have any money so I made some crappy ones, then by the time I made a decent one, it had become hobby
@@bengreco Cool! I play violin/fiddle and ukulele, but banjo is next on my list of string instruments to learn
Love your work. Fellow builder here, share most of your choices!😊 edit; all choices!
Nice work. Making do without all the fancy tools and still turning out a nice product is a feat. 💯
excellent
Beautiful craftsmanship Ben you make it look too easy! Very nice!
Thanks for sharing the building process. I’m looking forward to my first build. These videos are so helpful. Thanks again
there's a farm near here that sells allkinds of gourds. never been just drove by it a lot. i'm going to go gourd shopping the winter. maybe now.
Did you pick one up? The cure process takes a while.
Amazing to watch. What kind of gourds are those? Can I grow them? lol
Yeah! Any hard shell gourds can be grown in most parts of the country. These are kettle gourds, but canteen gourds are also great for banjos
Banjars great
They look as beautiful as they sound.
How long have you been making them at this point?
It’s something I’d love to do one day. I got a long way to go but only way to start is to start, right?
Ben Greco, how bout woodburning in the name Greco on that head there........just a thought. i would. be proud and slap it on there. Im fully impressed. Case usually is somebody can build but can't play, or play but can't cut a straight line if it killed them. Let alone be allowed even next to a band saw. You do both. Subscribed and will be sharing your work to others. Good job. Wish you lived down the road or something like that, lol, need more interesting creative people in my life. Especially if they play banjo! Hell, the whole world does. If u keep at it, i see you totally hitting triple digits one day. Ive made and sold a few instruments in my time, but nothing that special. .........Greco........even looks like a Gibson, or a Fender or Ibanez kinda name, you know?? lol. Fuck yea! Neat. Fucking super neat bro. ....dope. yes, totally dope!! love it live well, and rest easy my friend.
Good job, dude. Congrats. They look and sound awesome.
Beautiful outcome from a simple skillful process.
Super cool
So beautiful! A true master craftsman.
I am impressed.
Wao!
waooo〜n! 🐺🌕
Oh… oh my god …😱
It's the skin of the moon!!
🌕
Very beautiful😳wao〜😮
Great work!👏
Excellent video! Well done.
Shalom Ben! Todah Rabah for showing us your craft in making these wonderful banjos. Baruch HaShem.
Ficou top tabem fis uma viola louca tanque de motor estacionário kkk
Thanks heaps, inspirational. Enjoyed the tunes too. I've made a few gourd banjos and learnt some things here. Never thought about oiling the skin tho. What oil do you use? John Bramfield South Australia
I learned about oiling the skin from Jason Romero, who's pretty much the master. I'm not sure what he does exactly, but I just put a very thin layer of Danish oil over it, not sure how much it helps but doesn't seem to hurt.
🤩
Ben ur a legend😂❤ thx for sharing
Subscribed. 👍🏿👍🏿
Скпер! SUPER! SONG.Звук.
Those are gourdgeous!
Congrats :)
Very interesting to watch you build them as well.
What kind of music do you listen to while building? If you don't mind me asking.
Thanks! I most listen to audiobooks and podcast while building, but I'll listen to a lot of old blues stuff sometimes to get in the zone
@@bengreco awesome
NICE!
all the people complaining about proper tool use are scared
Fascinating stuff to watch!!! However, you need to take a course of the safe use of bladed tools. I kept thinking you were going to lose a finger or worse. Be safe!!!!! Nice work.!!!
*Safety Boy has entered the chat*
this is amazing.
They look great! What scale length do you use? Nylon or steel strings? Thanks William
thanks! I used only nylon strings on these (aquila nylgut). These types of banjos can only be strung with nylon, steel would put too much stress on the neck and would cause damage to the nut and fingerboard. I think scale length for both of these was a standard 26.25"
Inspiring!
great craftsmanship
Ur amazing ,what, made u? 💖 into, wanting? Too, make, Banjo's pls? Thx😊😂
Awesome Work! I’m just getting into gourd banjos and I really want to make one. My biggest problem is getting the neck, I don’t have any woodworking tools so my best bet is to just buy a pre-shaped neck? Also if you have any sources on how to learn to make one of these I’d love to know, Thanks!
thanks! you can shape neck with even fewer tools than I have! All you need is a saw and a chisel, and I've even heard of people shaping necks with just a knife. Check out Clifton Hicks' banjo building playlist, he shapes his necks with hand tools and shows the method
@@bengrecowill do! Thanks for the feedback, can’t wait to start!!
nice banjo
sorry to keep asking questions, but do you think cochineal dye could work to stain a skin?
thanks!
no problem I'm happy to answer questions. I'm not familiar with that dye, but after looking it up I don't see why not. I'd maybe test it out first with a small scrap of skin and see what happens before dying the whole head
ok thanks@@bengreco
how much do you spend on materials for a banjo like this?
it varies and depends on how good of a deal I can get for the wood, but it usually falls somewhere around $125-175ish
Good work. Hey, what's that very last tune you started playing right at the end? I heard it played by a local player in my town but never sourced it.
that's Walkin' Boss, I learned it from a video of Mike Seeger
@@bengreco haha, I was thinking they said, "walkin dogs". No wonder I couldn't find it, ha.
I am watching your show in Japan. Your technique is great, can you make a 45 mm or 50 mm thick neck Gourd banjo?
thanks! yeah I could make pretty much any dimension
wow !
Nicely done! I found a thick glass shelf from a display cabinet at a garage sale for next to nothing. I glue sandpaper to it for levelling bodies, neck faces, etc. Works like a champ (plus, I don't think any part of my driveway is flat enough to do that on 😁)
damn yeah that's a good find, my driveway is definitely not flat. It works for the gourd, but now I'm gonna be looking for glass to level my neck faces. Probably a lot cheaper than a granite slab
Where'd you get that big piece of flames maple for 20 bucks?
I got really lucky with that, I found it at a Ganahl Lumber in Pasadena, CA. It was just being sold as regular maple for like $5 bf or something
Whats the song you're playing around 16:30? Sounds wonderful
thanks! It's Wise County Jail by Dock Boggs. Clifton Hicks has a great tutorial of it, and I think what I'm playing is his arrangement.
Awesome thank you. Your rendition is magical on the fretless banjo
Nice work Ben!
What is the diameter of your heads?
what strings are you using?
i want one
What is the gourd you used called?
these were both made from kettle gourds
@@bengreco Thank’s
Ha ha. Yeah it sucks when you gotta deal whatever tools you have. I'll see people on UA-cam who'll make these kinds of things and they'll have table saws and lathes and all this expensive stuff and it's like, well you can afford a banjo. I know that it's not the same but still, the whole idea is this is kind of a poor man's banjo. But I wouldn't want to begrudge anyone for doing what they want. They're welcome to make what they want. It just seems weird that they'd be into this. Or like those cigar box guitars. You know. Not just banjos.
haha yeah I started making gourd banjos because I couldn't afford to buy one. Now I finally got a little jobsite table saw and I feel like a king
Tru Oil that used on gun stocks is what I use.
What kind of gourd are you using?
I think these were both canteen gourds that I got from wellburn gourd farm in southern CA
thanks, I'll probably ask alot more questions over the coming weeks@@bengreco
An excellent video on how to lose body parts through ignorance and being too lazy to learn basic tool use. There us an enormous probability that he will never play a musical instrument due to missing body parts.
Could you make a banjo out of a pumpkin?
for halloween?
@@bengreco YESSSSSS 🎃
impossible@@Frownlander
@@bengreco unsubscribing
Make ‘em when you wanna!
In your own time!
New Sub! Thank you for sharing.
Very nice work and playing!
Definitely do make some from different Pumpkins!
Each would have a unique Sound from the various Bowl shapes.
Banjo Regards from South Africa!
Making do with what you have. Very admirable. However the safety issues others have pointed out are real issues. Not understanding machinery safety Will result in you becoming a statistic. Stop and get some training. It will cost you only afew hours of time. It’s not a matter of if but when. Losing a fingertip, or worse, is no badge of honor for a woodworker.
What a disgusting picture! No way I will watch nor share!