East Virginia (Clifton Hicks) on Banjourine

I am playing on a Bay State 309 crafted by John C. Haynes. This is technically a banjourine, which has a standard pot but a shorter scale neck. This size is excellent for travel and was once very popular with ladies and children. The 309 used to belong to Chris Kennedy, as his name and social security number are etched into the pot. I acquired the 309 from an eBay auction and restored it to playing condition.
From my original East Virginia video:
I learned East Virginia from Clifton Hicks of Copperhill, Tennessee with extensive help from Thomas Owen of Gloucestershire. It is also inspired by Nora Brown, who learned it from Clifton Hicks. Mr. Hicks learned it from George Gibson of Knott County, Kentucky.
Clifton Hicks references George Gibson's "Last Possum up the Tree" to describe its history:
"Elmer Slone and McKinley Everage were the first people I heard play and sing this banjo song. East Virginia dates back to the migration from east Virginia to the North Carolina frontier, which began in the eighteenth century. This song most likely originated with African Americans. Early settlers in the Knott County area, including my Hammons, Gibson and Adams ancestors, had previously moved to the mountains of North Carolina from east Virginia. This migration included enslaved African Americans, whose ancestors brought the banjo from Africa."
The song is alternatively known as East Virginia Blues, Dark Holler Blues, and Greenback Dollar. This particular set of lyrics is an amalgamation based on Mr. Hicks' set with a few of my own tweaks.

[@chickenindoubleC]

I am from old east Virginia, North Carolina I did go There I met a fair pretty maiden, though her name I did not know Her hair was gold and curly, her cheeks were rosy red On her breast she wore white linen, there I longed to lay my head Rather be in some dark holler, where the sun don't ever shine Than to see you with some other, and to know you'll never be mine But I must leave old North Carolina, I must leave you all alone Gonna cross those Blue Ridge Mountains, east Kentucky will be my home When I was lost out on that mountain, wild dogs mournin' in the air I miss that gal from North Carolina, with those blue eyes and the golden hair When I'm asleep I dream about her, when I'm awake I see no rest Every moment seems like an hour, many a tear o'er her I've shed I have kept each of your letters, I hold them closely to my heart But this ring that you gave me darling, from my hand shall never part Captain, Captain I am dying, won't you take these words for me? Take 'em back to old east Virginia...tell my darlin' she is free.

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

❤

[@user-oh9ue4fl4c]

I sure miss our personal concert, but I'm liking this. 🥰

[@chickenindoubleC]

I miss you

[@blainechappell5383]

Gettin' good, girl

[@chickenindoubleC]

I'm so honored that you think so! Could not have made it even this far without you!

[@fernandobentayga4782]

🎼💙🪕🎶😌🎶🎙🏡🎼

[@tylerjgifford]

Cool! How does the shorter scale length feel while playing? Is it a noticeable difference in your opinion?

[@chickenindoubleC]

Yes, absolutely! It is definitely more comfortable and better for my short arms and little hands but there is a bit of a difference in sound (couldn't tell you what exactly...I aim to figure this out soon). I will say, the 309 was/is in worse condition than my other instruments, so that might impact how much I like it too!