A short dissertation from CloverLick University of ClawHammer Kinetics
C.L.U.C.K.
by Jeffrey P. Kramer June 21, 2010
Specializing in openback, oldtime, clawhammer banjos!
We banjo players can be thankful that today there are so many great builders and banjos out there to choose from. 40 years ago when I started playing (I have been building banjos since 2001) we did not enjoy the choice and variety that we do today. With all this choice the burden upon the consumer is increased to make a choice that is fitting their needs. Over the years I have owned many banjos, both vintage and brand new. I have purchase instruments online and direct from makers, music stores, and individuals - many have been good experiences with some less than average. For your benefit I have put together some economic tenets and value considerations when purchasing my instrument or any other.
PRICE vs. FUNCTION
My banjos mainly go to seasoned players that want something that has more spirit in tone, firmness of feel, good response, and extremely nice left hand execution. Early players benefit by learning with a high level of playability and will not out grow the instrument. I wish I had $1.00 for everytime I have heard some one say they did not want to buy a more expensive instrument just in case they do not succeed in learning. Buying an inferior instrument almost guarantees failure. Buy the best you can afford. Better to buy a good used banjo for the same money as a new lesser grade. Brand name instruments bought used hold their value much better than new lower grades.
The thrill of getting something low cost is quickly surpassed by the frustration of not having an instrument that performs well with both left and right hand dynamics. Say you play three hours per week for 20 years or the equivalent of 3000 hours and you buy a banjo for $2,400, then you are consuming 80 cents per hour! If you spend $1200 you consume 40 cents per hour. Isn't it worth 40 cents to have what you want?
Please be sure to look at and play as many banjos as possible before purchasing one. Go to music stores, jamms, festivals and ask lots of questions. My happiest owners of multiple CloverLicks are the ones who did this. Ask for a detailed spec sheet for a CloverLick model of your choice and compare that to what other banjos you are evaluating. For example, I use a 3/4" thick block rim which is greatly different than a 1/4" laminated drum rim cut off. All my hardware is either CloverLick handmade brass or nickle plated manufactured by Prucha or Rickard. There is a huge difference in my hardware quality vs. standard grade from asia. I use either Waverly or Keith tuners. I use real bone nuts and not plastic. My fingerboards are flat or radiused and the slots are cut to exact scales with machining slotter. I use split neck construction with carbon filament permanent truss rods to eliminate the steel and weight in the neck while increasing strength. In conclusion make sure you are going to be satisfied with the differences.
Tone, response and playability are all personal issues. No one is right or wrong across the board, including me. I have played vintage banjos of almost all styles and many new ones too! Just for one minute, ponder why I build banjos. The answer is I think what I build plays and sounds better than anything I could buy currently new or in a vintage instrument. I have many happy owners who agree! I like my banjos and I play my banjos. I have repaired 100's of vintage banjos. Be very careful buying and trading the old banjos. I have seen powdery woods, severe de-lamniations, reassembled "authentic" instruments using a garden variety of parts and downright frauds. That all being said, an all original, well maintained, and excellent condition vintage banjo is a rock solid long term investment. Try to find a 1890's parlor grade Vega Electric sometime. Just remember most of these are traded by appointment to a very well heeled and connected group. Caveat emptor on vintage banjos and remember there are NO WARRANTIES
Thanks for allowing me a few moments to impart some of the questions and answers that have been directed to me about my banjos over the years. I price my banjos on a time and materials basis, incorporating costs of woods, parts, materials, finishes, supplies, machinery, floor space, gas, electric, sewer, water, telephone, computers, office supplies, state and federal taxes. No one that makes handmade instruments ever ends up on the cover of a Forbes magazine as this is a passion for building banjos. I encourage your questions and concerns.
There are less expensive banjos than mine for you to purchase both new and used. There are really relatively few that can be compared apples to apples feature for feature on what I have both cost wise and playbility. I appreciate your interest and consideration of one of my banjos. Be true to yourself and your music.
Jeffrey P. Kramer, owner of CloverLick Banjos
