Orange Tree Samples – Evolution Clawhammer Banjo

Banjo playing is generally divided into two main styles: the fingerpicking bluegrass style pioneered by Earl Scruggs, and the older traditional clawhammer style.

The clowhammer technique produces a completely different sound than the three-finger approach of bluegrass. Clowhammering involves plucking the strings with the thumb while accompaniment is provided by downward strokes with the nails of the other fingers. The style allows for both simple rhythms and more complex patterns that include melodic playing. Its distinct sound is complemented by the typical use of a softer, open-backed banjo, as opposed to the loud, resonant banjos favored in bluegrass music.

Evolution Clawhammer Banjo is the first sample library to embrace this playing style. It was recorded using an open-backed folk banjo modeled after the classic Whyte Laydie banjo. The instrument also features finger articulations for even more versatility, allowing you to enjoy the sweeter, more resonant sound of a folk banjo while playing fast strumming.

We developed the library in collaboration with Rosewood Recording Company, one of Utah’s most respected recording studios. Guy Randle, owner and engineer at Rosewood Recording Company, was instrumental in researching how to accurately recreate the clawhammer style by analyzing its various articulations to determine how to record them most effectively. The Evolution Clawhammer Banjo contains both the recorded signal and an enhanced signal that Guy Randle skillfully routed through analog equipment to highlight the instrument’s rich tonal qualities. Both the recorded and enhanced signals are phase coherent and can be mixed to suit your preference.

The banjo samples were performed by talented multi-instrumentalist Ryan Tilby, who is well versed in both bluegrass and clowhammer. Known for his wide range of sounds and styles, Ryan Tilby is an in-demand session player and Billboard charting artist with five solo albums. As a performer, Ryan has played Telluride, Merlefest, FanFest, RockyGrass, and countless other music festivals across the United States, as well as touring Europe on numerous occasions. His music has been featured on Duck Dynasty, the Discovery Channel, and Outdoor Photo Adventures.

Evolution Clawhammer Banjo is powered by our Evolution engine , which gives you a wealth of features: built-in patterns that instantly produce authentic clawhammer rhythms, a vast collection of effects, and a wealth of customization options to tailor the instrument to your performance needs.

Features

• Integrated pattern engine with ready-to-play clowhammer rhythms
• Built-in effects collection for ready-to-play banjo sounds
• Adjustable pickup position using our proprietary physical modeling technology
• Powerful mapping system that lets you control how you want to trigger articulations by assigning them to velocity ranges, MIDI CCs, and key switches

Sampling Features

• All the articulations needed for authentic clowhammer performance: dedicated clowhammer sustain, fully muted notes, fingernail muted hits, finger sustain, plus harmonics and performance effects such as brush strokes, slaps, thumb strikes and more
• Legato samples for slides, hammer-ons and pull-offs
• Articulations have 3 dynamic layers and up to 4 circular repeats