Making a Banjo

[@johnjriggsarchery2457]

"I ran out of superglue so I built a chemical factory out of a bit of cardboard and a dead squirrel and made my own."

[@AndrewThorne-b7p]

😂😂😂

[@JohnHeisz]

Incredible! No shortcuts taken, even making your own hardware, jigs and tools! Homemade rasps!! Sewer pipe binding!!!

[@BurniStrange]

Hands down one of the best KZbin videos I've ever seen in effort, skill, creativity, quality of tutorial, editing, jokes, personality and end result. Totally killed it.

[@tomsensible3999]

Snazzy! Super! Great job! Everytime I have to hide some wonky angle of a smash-mark I did, I remember an old carpenter saying: "Putty and paint, makes me the carpenter I ain't!". Your covering those happy mistakes made it awesome-er.

[@robdevenney]

Nothing but admiration for you that was a incredible build mate and loved your response to every problem that you faced during the build and the sheer determination displayed when a lesser person would have given up.

[@creamofthecrop4339]

this guy encounters literally every problem in the making of this banjo that is possible and still finishes it. Inspiring

[@JonathanTaulbee]

I am so impressed with tour skills! From woodworking to metal work! I would extremely proud to show this fine instrument off! Thanks for showing us your process.

[@flaviobei]

and the string inside the neck is one of the most elegant solutions I've ever seen on a banjo

[@Makify1]

Wow, incredible build! Talk about making something from scratch, you did everything but grow the tree.

[@geofo60]

Fantastic project, enjoyed every part, including fabricating your own tools. You're a very talented man & kudos to you for seeing it through. I've made a few rudimentary mountain banjos but nothing as complex as this. Hope you have many hours of enjoyment, I couldn't be without playing mine most days. Geof

[@Lasher638]

Mr. Tool... I wish I had all your tools. You are certainly brilliant enough to work around problems. I love it!

[@ronaldnickell6110]

7 Great craftmanship, and ingenuity. I didn't know about the offset on the neck for the truss rod. I thought the making of the hardware was really ingenious, although I would have thought the tail piece would have been made out of brass sheet. I have made a four string, split tail backpacker guitar, and a wood top banjo, with piezo pick-up. The pickup will pick up conversations, like a mic. The wood top was from an old drawer bottom from a scrap piece of furniture, that had been thrown out for heavy hauling.

[@Wintergatan]

Thanks so much Simon for this, i have been waiting eagerly for more videos from you!!

[@dangrundel]

Thanks very much. I was looking at your videos a couple weeks ago and was really blown away by them.

[@unkn0wnf0revah56]

yoo wintergatan! *c:*

[@RetiredRhetoricalWarhorse]

I admit I am envious. The making of the banjo. The making of the tools for it. The 8-bit graphics for the video... not to mention having learned to play the damn thing and here I am feeling having accomplished something after cleaning my desk... Where do you people take the motivation and energy?

[@dangrundel]

I think a problem with videos like this is that it looks like I built the thing in no time at all, with it all condensed into a single video. But it took me a good while to do all this! I half cleaned my desk a few days ago and felt i'd accomplished something too, but it's already back to being a mess...

[@RetiredRhetoricalWarhorse]

Simon Heslop Well, that does mollify me a bit. Still, you have my respect. I have a saxophone hanging on the wall that I am going to learn some day. At least I keep telling myself that.

[@BrysonMichaelRC]

Your patients and attention to detail is stellar! Enjoyed the video very much

[@theexchipmunk]

This is the archetype of "I don´t have this specific tool i need so i am going to build it really fast." but then it devolves into a project all by itself. :D But great work man.

[@brh4015]

I don't know how I missed this video for so long. This is really outstanding. I wish I had your determination.

[@chrislewis4830]

wow fantastic i wish i had your tools ive made a few banjos but not the the hooks n lugs to though. Its intresting that you found the hex method of neck shaping the best too ive always used on banjos. guitars.dulcimers. and so on. a pleasur to watch and what a lovely sound

[@conorcassidy5301]

Incredible stuff. Nothing was going to stop you. I especially like the wooden crosslide table!!

[@DaleHubert]

An astonishing journey of overcoming obstacles, finding clever solutions, and perseverance.

[@timothygoodman2972]

A major great job! You work like I do. A bit quickly and sometimes mistakes happen. But, you learn to be creative and fix it all up. Its a lot of fun problem solving. It all looks good in the end! Also, your bench looked to be a wee bit messy! Just like mine! Congratulations on a job very well done! Tim

[@tomdenny8507]

Wow. That wasn't a build as much as it was a journey. I found it tremendously interesting. The banjo looks and sounds absolutely great. My hat is off to you, sir.

[@BoneheadGuitars]

Wow dude. The metal work blew me away. And the fretboard was awesome. Big ass thumbs up.

[@GrumpyTy34er]

So I'm going to be building a banjo soon and I guess I'm just confused as to why you built it as a 4 string instrument with an extra string and not just a 5 string instrument. Obviously yours is going to be 1000 times better than mine, but the neck centering comment is the item that makes me think

[@dangrundel]

Man, 6 years ago is long enough to forget the finer details of the process... I'd recommend doing some research instead of trusting what I'm half remembering... But, if I remember right, the alignment was mostly just decorative. That, at the top of the neck where it meets the nut, it’s just more “Visually Pleasant” for the centre-line of the laminations to run down the centre of the back of the neck - between where he 2nd and 3rd strings are. And so the neck is constructed and carved where those laminations meet. Laminated wood, of course, being more dimensionally stable than solid wood. But for where the neck meets the rim… the banjo is a 5 stringed instrument, even if the 5th string stops short at the 5th fret before it reaches the nut. So for where the neck meets the rim it’s ideally cut/ sanded with the “centre line” running down where the 3rd string is - right in the middle of the actual 5 strings. Otherwise tension from the strings would slowly pull the bride sideways to align between the 2nd and 3rd strings as you play it. In reality though, the banjo neck is really long and a tiny misalignment on where it meets the rim could cause the thing to be whole millimetres out of alignment… and then on top of that the thing is made from wood. So there’s a good chance it’ll change shape with age, seasons, relative humidity, and misaligned chakras. But one of the big advantages of the banjo is that since the neck is held in by threaded rods, you can just slip paper under the sides of the neck to adjust it’s angle to correct for any misalignment. Misalignment being identified by the bridge tending to gradually walk sideways during use. Also I remember this crap confusing me so let me know if I didn’t explain it well.

[@francisbarnett]

So much work in this project, hope more vids are in the pipeline.

[@burtybasset4486]

A unique piece given form by vision, persistence, ingenuity and skill. A pleasure to watch!

[@nightlife9907]

What amazes me is, despite all the misfortune and complications along the way, he still made a magnificent end product

[@spatoine3009]

I wonder how many times I said, "wow" during that video. "The more mistakes I made the fancier it got". Awesome!

[@guiditens]

The best home-made banjo i see in youtube. CONGRATULATIONS FOR THE EXCELLENT JOB.!!!! greetings from Argentina.

[@MrGeoffreySmith]

This is a very in depth build, from making the tools needed to make the build. Well done!!

[@mikegager]

cant believe you made all the hardware and tools. simply amazing work!

[@DIYTyler]

Stunning stunning work my friend. You should be proud of that!

[@apinakapinastorba]

You could have saved some time not reinventing the wheel but using techniques from drum building. At start, that's what you were making, a segmented drum shell.

[@bluegrassluke2989]

This blew my mind - your take on banjos is so unmarred by tradition. Love it.

[@JodyLarrow]

Fantastic video Simon! I especially appreciate how you showed what worked and what didn't. I'd love to be able to make a banjo like you've done. Thanks for taking the time and putting in the effort to share your experience.

[@heymrguitarman7637]

Taking the term 'building a banjo' to the extreme. Excellent stuff. As a guitar builder I wouldn't even dream of doing things like making my own rasps so good on you. Very clever stuff

[@Vothtrucks]

LOL You are indeed an amazing guy my friend ! I was thinking of building a banjo my self and found your video. I have to laugh because your actual amazing skill seems to lie in making machines , clamps , holders and the like to facilitate making each piece. An unbelievable machinist , I,d say. I am the opposite... more artist than mechanical..... but I certainly did learn a fantastic amount from you ! Thanks for bothering to film your creation . ( I,m happy to see there are guys like you in this world !..... and beautiful instrument too ! )

[@warp9988]

This is the best thing ever. I love the title cards. Kind of a retrocomputer Zzap 64 look. I love that you made a rasp. You rock.

[@volska1816]

Now that was the best construction video i have seen in a long time . Excellent job Simon , Innovative with an brilliant outcome .

[@bobsegar1242]

you're a mad genius mate. that ironing the pipe for binding blew my mind

[@trapjudas1631]

Holy shit, lucky to survive that hardening set up blowing up in your face lol. Amazing craftsmanship and video editing! You killed it mate

[@AlbosNoggins]

I GOT BLISTERS ON ME FINGERS!! Awesome job Simon, such a big project! Thanks so much for sharing :-)

[@TheRealNici]

Hooray, you're back, and you still include the fuck-ups you make along the way in the videos. Entertaining and educational at the same time. Thanks! Also, neat title cards.

[@truskoysusaventuras]

All the hardships you had to face only make this building process even more beautiful!

[@ScrapwoodCity]

Great work, so many awesome techniques demonstrated! Thanks for sharing!

[@TotallyNotLoki]

Yo I just watched your washing machine bass build video. Good stuff.

[@jeffiscool1805]

You did an amazing job. I love watching people use the "wrong" tools and getting such great results. Bloody nice work! Thanks for the inspiration and wonderful ideas.

[@phcoh]

It really is great to see perseverance, I thought the fret board and the burl head plate are awesome. the tail piece is a bit on the heavy side and you can make a new tension ring (somtime) but it still sounded like a great instrument. :-)

[@Dave51262]

Great video! It came out great. I was amazed by all the things you made from scratch for it including making your own rasp. Well done!

[@lazlowcarmichael1829]

This was seriously the most amazing video I've seen in a long time. I wasn't expecting you to make every single bit of hardware on your own and I am simply stunned. Keep it up!!!

[@dangrundel]

Thanks very much!

[@anthonyattaway3437]

@@dangrundel what kind of wood was used? Im sorry to ask but i had a hard time understanding you! Much love! Great job!

[@TheOnlyMosesMalone]

Great job Simon. Loved the improvised lathe!

[@oldironking6375]

The graphics in the transitions are just to good. I love the digital aesthetic. Also, cool banjo lol. Awesome vid all around

[@thescouch]

Wow. You weren't kidding. You made that thing from scratch. Awesome. Would like to hear it played.

[@CarlWinter-oy8uf]

Thankyou for all the info --really appreciate ---I can foresee a lot of hard work ----some of those banjos are complex ---but its not impossible-- let me get cracking --now that I have diagrams and the relevant dimensions------gracias --love this instrument --made a few --but they suck sound wise --so its back to the drawing board!

[@darkochen9347]

HOLY GOD! U R THE ONE, DUDE! AMAZING JOB!!

[@mikegager]

patrick is an amazing resource for learning frailing/clawhammer banjo

[@dangrundel]

He is. I like his general un-pretentious attitude but I still wish he'd commit to an idea.

[@GlassicGamer]

Amazing work! There are very few people left on this planet that actually make everything on their own and create jigs, tools and hardware. Well done :)

[@caskwith]

Super work, I have no interesting in musical instruments but I was transfixed by this, so many homemade parts you should be very pleased!

[@willemkossen]

I have no words left. What wonderful work! Great result! That must have taken such a long time! Wow!

[@thomashamiltom]

Brilliant work! It came out stunning! I wish I could say you made it look easy... looks like quite the project, but worth it nonetheless! Thank you for showing it off, as much as anything I loved the interim graphics!

[@glenking3337]

I was almost angry that you didn't play it. But then you did. Good job brother!

[@MarcSacksZA]

A masterclass in patience and dedication to the banjo!

[@generalzugs6017]

You sir, deserve more subscribers. This is brilliant. Great job!

[@rigsbysmycat]

you my friend, are a genius.this blew my mind. fantastic. well done. i would love a banjo like that. so much work and effort. take a bow

[@neilgordon6469]

Definitely a master craftsman, brilliant workmanship.

[@eelcogg]

Making a banjo step 1: make a lathe. Amazing work with lots of interesting techniques along the way.

[@Tuhostaja2]

"Lost my lighter" 18:19 lol

[@fhsdohsdolj234]

This was very fun to watch! An amazing demonstration from start to finish. Funny how mistakes turn into opportunities!

[@alexlavertue2252]

Your determination is incredible. Thank you for sharing!!

[@aaronrizzo655]

you build all these specialized tools to make the banjo, props

[@madhousetoobah]

Hat's off to you Sir! What a great project and video. I particularly appreciate your candid commentary. Thank you so much for sharing, and keep up the clawhammer too - it sounds nice :-)

[@me323me]

This is absolutely stunning, I adore this whole video!

[@44thala49]

Now that’s dedication and perseverance right there! Great video.

[@briancv83]

wow! super cool build! I love how with the more mistakes you made... the fancier it was in the end hahaha.

[@jackdaws-corwin6300]

This build of a traditional African American musical instrument follows the ancient and original process of manufacture down to the finest details. Superb.

[@ecalzo]

amazing build very happy for you... had great fun watching you build this banjo ..

[@mooseroberts4963]

This is pretty awesome. Nice work, and even better recoveries.

[@WayOutWestx2]

Hats off to you! Really inspiring.

[@stovebolt1059]

Fantastic skills, Daniel. Sounds good too.

[@DaftDude]

Amazing work loved the pixel art as well!

[@Lycaon1765]

"I don't have this, so I'll do something novel" *endless sea of mistakes and regrets*

[@FrenchSissoko]

Don’t have this but has huge powerful woodworking tools!

[@vokinn72]

LOVE IT! This is how a video would look if I made one ... "I made this thing. I kinda mucked it up but it'll work"! Shame you dont post videos anymore.

[@Frank-Xavier]

I was mesmerized from beginning to end. That was inspired.

[@matthiaswandel]

Wow, what a build! That must have taken months. Is it heavy for a banjo? I know guitars are normally built super light.

[@dangrundel]

Thanks very much! I'd say it's on the high side since I made the rim fairly thick, but the real fancy banjos have giant cast bronze tone rings which weigh a ton. A big part of why I like the banjo is that they feel very solid.

[@AndrePrudhomme]

Matthias Wandel The first thing I thought when I saw this video was “Matthias Wandel has to see this!”

[@clayhepburn8599]

Matthias Wandel ,

[@FantaSparta]

I think you did an incredible job! I'm in awe of your skills and craftsmanship!

[@kevineckhart127]

Outstanding build to watch. Great solutions for mistakes made for a beautiful and great sounding outcome.

[@howycwap]

why not make a heel plate cover? I did on mine and it actually tied the neck in together quite a bit. I wish I could have made my own lugs and rods, they look great

[@tjacksonwoodworker3726]

Simon, you are amazingly talented. Look forward to watching each of your projects. tj

[@Rustbelt_Research]

Absolutely fantastic Simon! I loved the 8-bit titles as well, reminded me a lot of the game Starbound.

[@williamlayburn2097]

Brilliant - Easily one of the best videos I've seen.

[@fractuss]

Came for the Feyd Rautha reference, stayed for the lutherie.

[@oceanbound0]

Incredible work. I was blown away. Thanks

[@avox2612]

Very impressive, I was half way expecting you to make your own strings too lol

[@Buddy-sl1ti]

Oh my god dude, you could just carve that ring with wood milling. And glue the boards exactly at 90 degrees. But you got very confused and built an infernal machine. It turned out beautifully and you are an inventor, but I'm sure it could be done easier.

[@dchesterfield8646]

I love those pixel art transitions!

[@IanMaude]

I thoroughly enjoyed that Simon! Talk about engineering a solution :). I really need to build another banjo. Come to think of it, I really need to finish the one I have started ;)

[@shannonheathcliffmul]

Im so annoyed by how skilled you are, great work!

[@Ben_James]

Incredible Simon :).... fantastic job

[@baxkill]

The title cards were amazing, very Sega Genesis and I apreciate that

[@HadalLord]

Hats off to you sir! You persistence and ingenuity are truly to be admired!🤠

[@wiggsan]

Do you have (or you recommend) a video showing how to add the black accent (I don't know what you call it) on bottom of the heel of a banjo or guitar? I have a plain looking Pilgrim banjo that I want to dress up a bit. I'm going to add a black 'trim' or 'accent' to the bottom of the neck heel and the bottom of the pot also. Thanks!!

[@dangrundel]

I don't i'm afraid. I'm also not sure what you'd call it either. Sounds like you want a bit more than just a heel cap. If I had to do that i'd probably try carefully route the heel and just glue a bit of wood or plastic in. But that might muck up the finish and risks pulling chips out. Shellac finishes are easier to touch up than others. But polyurethane or nitrocellulose (or whatever else they use) would probably require stripping the entire thing and starting again, which would be a big job. Wish I had a better answer but I can't think what to do. Paints would wear off and cutting into it would probably cause more problems than it solves... maybe you could screw in or glue on a blackened steel plate to the heel and base of the pot. Not sure how that'd affect the tone.

[@wiggsan]

Thanks for the advice!!

[@wiggsan]

Could I ask you one more question? What is the material called that the bottom of the banjo and the heel of the neck is sometimes covered with for an accent that looks like formica or some thin, solid black material? Thanks!