The ULTIMATE Banjo Mute

[@Shadow-n-Light]

Someone said the other day that Bluegrass was the new heavy metal. If so, you’re a rockstar!

[@zachb8012]

Clifton is a real Earl Skruggs, ain't he?

[@VVVVV00]

I got Bluegrass in my workout playlist lol

[@paulmcmillen5925]

Holy Mackerel ! That opening piece you were playing was fantastic. Up-picking with downward rakes, that's impressive. I've watched several of your videos, mostly instructional ones. This was the first time I've heard you let loose. Dang!

[@johnschneider4160]

When you order that mute, let Joel know which brand of banjo(s) you own. I had to get two different sizes to fit my Pisgah, Ode, and Deering banjos dowels and to reach the head of the drum.

[@hellomimibanana]

Would love to hear you do Cripple Creek! I'll have to get myself one of these mutes.

[@maineguitarists]

Clifton, thanks to your great video's i just received my mute in the mail this morning! I also bought a bridge from Mr Hooks a while ago as i had no idea about his items etc. Although I'm a Yankee from Maine, i love Southern music, blues, ragtime, early banjo now, it's all good. Around here not many banjo players. Keep on picking my friend. MT

[@stephenwhite5658]

Cool mute ! I was looking to get a mandolin banjo I think I'll look in to getting one of these bc I've heard that they are pretty loud thanks for sharing!

[@milemarker_oscar_mike]

Got me wondering what it may sound like with a thin piece of felt attached to the mute between the mute and the head. Your mic does an amazing job of recording sound !

[@bennyblanko3]

It is almost a sound post for a fiddle, but no back but ...

[@bennyblanko3]

Which just gave me the mostest awsomest inspiration for building a new fiddle ... damn ... thanks! Because, you reall want the ying to the yang, and the thing would free up the back, except for the shouldde r holding the back ... anywya time fore not drinking tequilla and whisky ... and ... maybe playing some fiddle ... I gusss Irish day, and I ate salted beef today or corned beef is coming up in a day or 2 ...

[@LoneWrencher]

new subscriber-love the shirt

[@djomegaminus]

LOVE THE SHIRT!!

[@DangolWhopper]

Dang, your channel got very popular all of a sudden!

[@Mo11y666]

Clif comes to town suddenly everyone's a banjo player 🤣

[@haxboi5492]

Maybe because the ballad of Kyle Rittenhouse got mentioned on Brandon Herrera's meme review and some people stayed for other content

[@taylormorris_]

Looks like you really enjoy the sound without the mute. I feel the same way when I take the sock out of my pot. Loud amd proud baby!

[@boneal4942]

Awesome sound

[@bennyblanko3]

Dude ... if I could give you two thumbs up I would ... and listen to you all day ... and drink ... and dring ... and ...I'd get my fiddle and build a fire ... smoke at first ... but after a bit, we'd see the stars in the pines ... love ....

[@blackmountainbanjos574]

Hey Clifton, very cool mute. I wonder if this mute would also double as something to put counter pressure on a sagging skin head, improving playability on a rainy day. Thoughts?

[@jimmyhawk3270]

The tone might also be influenced not only by placement location, but by string tunings, creating different harmonics.

[@achimhodde4256]

Hey Cliff, I think nylon-string don't necessarily need a "mute". For steelstrings it's pretty useful to take off the overtones. Besides I learned that mutes are little devices you put on the bridge, so you get a very dull sound for special effects. Well, nevermind that's just what I learned.

[@brysonthomas1137]

Still sounding awesome I cant wate to hear some epworth picking

[@benleydon]

What a great simple invention! Ive been watching your channel for a while and you got me inspired to also buy a banjo-guitar ? Guitar-banjo? as part of a deal recently when i bought my latest bass in a pawnshop. ( got a 5-string Hohner neck-thru headless bass with EMGs and an Irish-made guitar banjo, both in near new condition, for 210$ ! ) totally in love with the sound and tonality - same fingerings but a whole new voice to speak with.

[@makeeverydaycinematic]

Dope.

[@JS-xs5hq]

Mr. Hooks does not offer the mute on his website. Anyone know through where to purchase one?

[@PermacultureAppalachia]

Email him about it. I think you can email him via BanjoThimble.com

[@JS-xs5hq]

@@PermacultureAppalachia Thanks Clifton....I will contact Mr. Hooks.

[@maineguitarists]

@@JS-xs5hq I emailed him two weeks ago. He sent me an invoice and i have my mute! It's great not just for muting though as i use nylon string which don't project too far but for adjusting tone is what i like the most. Clifton has done a good job demonstrating Joel Hooks bridges, mutes, etc. Anyone out there tried any thimbles? I use a thumbpick and my fingers for the other strings as i don't like the metal fingerpicks. Maybe the thimbles are mellower. MT

[@joelfildes5544]

I noticed you only use two picking fingers…or is that just for a ‘style’…I just got my banjo last week,been doing Jerry Reed stuff on the guitar for years…but…it’s like learning again…that high string throws me EVERY time,need to re-wire my brain,but I do like stuff like that,that stomach cramping disappointment !

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

The two-finger style is an earlier folk style. Look up my videos "Two Finger Banjo for the Complete Beginner" and "Traditional Two Finger Banjo Techniques" for details.

[@joelfildes5544]

@@CliftonHicksbanjo Also,if I get good,I’m gonna use the stage name BANJOEL ! (It’s ok,I’m in the UK)

[@bennyblanko3]

Wow! You are really great! Damn ...

[@thelaneman]

I usually just jam a half roll of toilet paper in mine LOL

[@Dravenbm1pu]

Is he no longer manufacturing these? Haven’t seen them on the website for awhile.

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

I don't think they're popular enough for him to keep inventory, but if you contact him directly...

[@joannebaum5459]

Hmm...6 a one...I like the second one and nothing the best. Are you ever gonna do your own banjo camp?

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

I'm been asked to teach a couple of workshops this fallat Berea College in Kentucky. We'll see if that actually happens.

[@robbrien8506]

Bit more twangy/looser sounding with mute moved closer to the fret.

[@P-nut71]

I hear absolutely no difference.

[@seantilson6330]

NICE.!!!! Check out JUSTIN JOHNSON.!! Good stuff.!! 🤠👍