OK-4 - Posted - 11/05/2011:  21:15:34

I like the sound of gourd banjos, but read somewhere that the gourds are prone to split, and this may be why no one ever finds old gourd banjos anywhere.

Does anyone have experience to share with this one way or the other? I'd like to know before investing in one.

Deaf Lester Crawdad - Posted - 11/05/2011:  22:06:30

quote:

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Originally posted by OK-4



I like the sound of gourd banjos, but read somewhere that the gourds are prone to split, and this may be why no one ever finds old gourd banjos anywhere.



Does anyone have experience to share with this one way or the other? I'd like to know before investing in one.

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 They can crack when they get old; which is one reason you want to find a banjo that was made using a nice thick -and very hard- gourd for the pot.

A  common 1/4" or so wall thickness probably isn't strong enough to hold up to regular knock-around usage, and I'd suggest 1/2" as a minimum, with 3/4" or 1" being even better -if you can find one.

~Pete

pastorharry - Posted - 11/05/2011:  23:38:24

I sent Jeff Menzies several gourds that i had harvested and dried, they were all too fragile. He knows what he's doing and makes wonderful instruments. he usually has at least one at Elderly instruments and they are very reasonable.

WGE - Posted - 11/06/2011:  03:16:08

I just got a Menzies gourd banjo a little over a week ago.  Jeff built this banjo very quickly and to my specifications.  The price was reasonable.  The gourd he used for this banjo seems to be about 5/16" thick, measured at the sound hole.  Obviously I can't address the long-term durability issue yet but I think with reasonable care it will hold up; I don't plan to use it as a canoe paddle anytime soon.  I was quite amazed at how light the banjo is.  I got him to do a short-scale neck that has a nice profile up to about the 10th fret position.  One thing I have found that I had not anticipated is how slippery the gourd is.  It keeps slipping around on me when I play.

Bart McNeil - Posted - 11/06/2011:  03:32:50

Good information Pete and pastorharry.... I have thrown out two attempts at drying and carving out goards and have two more nice sized goards drying right now., hoping for better success in drying and cutting. Some sellers offer them nicely dried and even hollowed out if you want..... And yes, I understand that Jeff Menzies offers a good product. I think many builders spray the interior at least with laquer.... That should hopefully reduce the tendency to split from dryness.

One of my drying goards is one ugly goard with bumps all over it. It should make about the ugliest banjo ever, if I succeed in the drying process. I have a couple of necks waiting for goards and I may just buy a couple pre-dried big ones if I don't succeed this time.

cbcarlisle - Posted - 11/06/2011:  08:51:25

This is not an advertisement, just a testimonial. I only use gourds from Welburn Farms, and not just because they're a leisurely drive from me. All gourds are not created equal; these folks are professionals. Unreservedly recommended.

welburngourdfarm.com/

Curt Bouterse

curt.bouterse.com/banjers

Strumelia - Posted - 11/06/2011:  10:37:45

WGE, concerning the gourd slipping around-  I got a cheap roll of rubberized shelf liner mesh at the hardware store in the kitchen section.  I found some in a nice unobtrusive tan color.  I cut a piece and I just lay it in my lap and when I set my gourd on it it does not slip around at all then.  I heard others glue a piece of suede on the lap side of their gourd, or a piece of real chamois may do well too- either glued on the gourd or just laid over your lap or your thigh.  I think you can buy real chamois cloth (thin soft suede leather) and a good car care store.

Edited by - Strumelia on 11/06/2011 10:38:18