Antique Short-Scale Banjo by Fairbanks & Cole (1880s)

Insturment maker A.C. Fairbanks partnered with professional banjoist W.A. Cole in 1880. Fairbanks was responsible for most of their technical innovations, while the Cole handled brand promotion. Their partnership ended when the two formed separate companies around 1890.
Banjo Heritage online course
banjoheritage.com
Patreon (exclusive tabs, photos, forums)
/ cliftonhicks
SubscribeStar (the same as Patreon)
www.subscribes...
Bandcamp music downloads
cliftonhicks.ba...
Banjo Heritage merch
www.BanjoHerit...
Spotify streaming music
open.spotify.c...
iTunes streaming music
/ clifton-hicks
PayPal donations
paypal.me/clif...
Venmo donations
venmo.com/clif...
TH-cam membership
/ @cliftonhicksbanjo
#cliftonhicks #banjo #bluegrass

[@gordonfuller701]

I was so amused by the testing between bone & celluloid. Pretty smart actually.

[@johncohen4996]

That scale length would have been tuned to standard (gCGBD) or maybe up a whole step to D as some concert banjoists did in the 1880s and 1890s. "A scale" is a modern contrivance.

[@DrVonChilla]

I'm a vintage SS Stewart man, but Fairbanks & Cole made some FINE banjos indeed. Stunning instrument....!!

[@blainechappell5383]

In my humble opinion, I think Fairbanks made the better banjos. I love them both, but having owned several of each, I find Fairbanks banjos sounds better and are more ergonomically friendly to play.

[@rlofgren6787]

I've always liked Fairbanks & Coles banjos, before and after the split. Had a few over the years. Currently have a 1902 Fairbanks Regent, which is a keeper!!

[@Lou.Briccant]

I've been watching for a little while now, discovered you shortly after finding out my Grandpa Draper played banjo and fiddle. Didn't even know I had family that played. Your knowledge of the history and these old songs has helped me fall in love with the instrument even more. I'm wondering where someone finds banjos like these for purchase? I've never even come across one until finding you.

[@jimmyhawk3270]

I love the V-shaped neck.

[@waltzingpeter]

Man I’m so jealous. It’s damn near impossible to get a banjo like this to the Netherlands.

[@alancook7174]

Very nice!

[@maxheinrichliebow]

Loving your songs on Alexa every day! Play music by Clifton Hicks.... woooo!

[@td4dotnet]

Lovely little thing the inlay around the rim is real fancy :-) Clif man search your catalogue there's got to be one of your tunes that'll rock on that scale I'm doing my best with my little girl to get her inspired. Thanks man

[@SkeeterMcBeater]

Got a short scale electric guitar. Fun to play lead runs on it.

[@seancline8130]

That tailpiece is interesting.

[@jacobalexander7192]

I thought you were playing foggy mountain breakdown at first lol

[@blainechappell5383]

Fairbanks & Cole made a damn good banjo. Despite many opinions, I think I like them more than SS Stewarts.
Yeah it’s a celluloid tailpiece.

[@dylancatlett6580]

Clifton, is open enrollment in your course ever going to end? I want to sign up for it, but won't be able for a couple of months.

[@michaelbaker602]

What could I expect to pay for that banjo or a similar Fairbanks & Cole?

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

I think I sold this one for $900-$1000.

[@АлександрБирюков-н2й]

лучьше всего укоротить как у сковородки чтоб был этот гриф и играть легче будет