Clifton Hicks Clifton Hicks
submitted 1/31/2009
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Submitter |
scruss |
Where Purchased |
(direct from the artist) |
Overall Comments
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I'd seen some of Clifton Hicks's videos on YouTube, and could tell he was an accomplished old-time player. But the sound quality on those tiny videos doesn't do his playing justice - it's extremely good. He plays a few tunes on low-tuned fretless, and his voice has world-weary edge to it. A couple of the tracks have some background noise, but otherwise this is a truly fantastic album.
Tracks - Jubilee; Cackling Hen; Going Across the Mountain; Wild Bill Jones;
Little Birdie; Morphine; Bright Sunny South; East Virginia; Frankie
And Johnny; Prodigal Son; Single Girl, Married Girl; German War.
Available direct from the artist: http://cliftonhicks.com/ |
Overall Rating |
9 |
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Mike's Mute Mike's Mute
submitted 7/5/2008
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Submitter |
scruss |
Where Purchased |
rom Mike Stidd via Banjohangout.org |
Overall Comments
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Slightly easier to fit than the Fielding-Cutler, and sounds a little better when installed. There are some rough edges on the aluminium bracket, though, and the nylon bolts may not survive heavy use. |
Overall Rating |
7 |
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Gold Tone Bob Carlin BC-350
submitted 11/21/2007
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Submitter |
scruss |
Where Purchased |
The Twelfth Fret (Toronto) |
Year Purchased |
2006 |
Price Paid |
$899 (CAD)
historic exchange rates / currency converter
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Sound
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Loud, plunky sound - just about right for clawhammer. Initially there was too much sustain, so some foam between the head killed the brightness just right.
|
Sound Rating |
8 |
Setup
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Rather nice - Grant fitted spikes while I waited, which is a tough job with this banjo's very low (mandolin) frets. Head tension just right, and likewise action.
Only major change I've made was shifting the armrest around. Stock, it's just plain in the wrong place. If you shift it round one bracket towards the tailpiece (which requires you to release some brackets and swap the shoes) it's much more comfortable. |
Setup Rating |
8 |
Appearance
|
It's a very dignified, simple banjo. Big wide black fretboard, single star inlay on the peghead, and basic dots on the frets. Translucent head and dowel stick make for a handsome banjo.
I'm not wild about the high-gloss lacquer on the neck. It isn't the most enjoyable to play in hot, sticky weather. |
Appearance Rating |
8 |
Reliability
|
Tuners have a little more play in them than I'd like, but I haven't had it go wrong so far |
Reliability Rating |
7 |
Customer Service
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No dealings with the company, but The Twelfth Fret are great.. |
Customer Service |
8 |
Components
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Tuners are of middling quality, and no-knot tailpiece is rather flimsy. |
Components Rating |
7 |
Overall Comments
|
It's a nice instrument and good value, but if you want more plunk for your buck, try the Enoch Tradesman. |
Overall Rating |
8 |
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