Looking for information on building a gourd banjo. Any information such as type of gourd, size, and possible sources would be appreciated. Thanks in advance
10 Comments |
 | Jonnycake White says:
3/9/2011 10:48:07 PM
I just linked a discussion on where to buy gourds. Gotta do that myself some time. I want to make a 4-string gourd banjo (3 melody and one short drone). Most of the good songs can be played on 3 melody strings.
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 | rudy says:
3/10/2011 6:58:02 AM
David Hyatt's gourd banjo instructions in pdf format:
dhyatt.com/craft_workshop/gour...aking.pdf
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| rudy says:
3/10/2011 7:00:10 AM
Another comprehensive gourd banjo instructional:
clawhammerbanjo.com/instrument...uild.html
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 | fzartvaark says:
3/10/2011 7:48:42 AM
Thank you gentlemen.. Rudy, I bought the wood to start making a Mountain Nouveau per your plans..I'll keep you posted on the progress
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 | MountainBanjo says:
3/12/2011 5:47:43 PM
Too bad few sites make recommendations on type of gourd to use, since you dont know how thick one is until you've bought it an cut it. I know I've seen bushel gourds recommended somewhere. I think I've seen canteen gourds mentioned, though I'm not positive anymore, those are often smaller but nicely shaped. I was looking at bottle gourds (or Chinese bottle gourds) today and had a chance to compare their thickness with bushel gourds, and they seem comparable, and a lot easier to find- at least in New Mexico, where I happen to be at the moment. These bottle gourds look like what Adam Hurt is using here
youtube.com/watch?v=YxKlpK2_vlY
but I am no expert. I've already told you more than I know. But I think I'm going to pick up a couple bottle gourds while I'm here. Easy to find in 8-10" diameter.
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madatcows says:
3/20/2011 11:08:56 AM
I saw a picture of an African gourd instrument with a very symmetrical gourd. The caption said it was grown in a mold. I'm thinking of trying it.
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| MountainBanjo says:
3/20/2011 5:44:04 PM
I'm having second thoughts about using a bottle gourd after looking at some more of various types. But somebody gave me one for free so I still may try. They certainly are good sized, and I really dont want to have a gourd shipped from California just for a banjo, unless I have no choice. Seems ungreen.
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| fzartvaark says:
3/20/2011 7:47:52 PM
I ordered two gourds from an Amish farmer in Pennsylvania. less than $10 apiece. A kettle and a canteen. I went with 9". I think I should have gone a bit bigger but we'll see. They look pretty good but have yet to cut them open . I'll post when I get the project going. That banjo that Adam Hurt plays is pretty cool looking though. Here is the link: amishgourds.com/site/1278922/page/441664
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 | John Herrington says:
3/25/2011 9:53:14 AM
Just joined this group, and noticed the interest in where to buy gourds. I highly recommend the Welburn Gourd Farm in California. Tremendous selections and prices. I have bought 10 or 12 in the 10-12 inch size. I like their cleaned gourds where all you have to do is cut off the top to obtain the best location for the head. and then clean up the inside. By all means, buy their canteen gourd; it best turns into a usable instrument. I have built and sold 9 instruments and many of them are pictured on my Home page. Take a look.
Old John on the Bighorn
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| John Herrington says:
3/26/2011 2:46:00 PM
I just a wrote a lot of new material on my Home Page Blog on building a gourd banjo. Please read it and perhaps it will help you as you build the banjo.
Old John on the Big Horn
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