Published in the Frisco Cricket Winter 1998
This banjo is a Bacon Peerless model made by Bacon & Day, probably in the late 1920s. Like all the banjos Clancy played, it is a six-string, or guitar-banjo. It is tuned just like a guitar and has a noticeably different sound from the more standard four-string tenor and plectrum banjos.
Clancy began using this banjo around 1950 after his previous banjo, a Bacon & Day Montana No. 4, was stolen. The Bacon Peerless banjo is the instrument heard on Clancy's recordings with the early '50s Yerba Buena Jazz Band, Bob Scobey's Frisco Jazz Band (for Good Time Jazz) and his own album, Swingin' Minstrel.
In the 1960s Clancy put away the Bacon banjo in favor of two others, a Vega and a Weymann, which he used with the World's Greatest Jazz Band and at Earthquake McGoon's.
The foundation has a number of other famous instruments in its collection. It is hoping to eventually restore them all to their original playing condition, beginning with Jack Crook's bass saxophone.
Published in the The Frisco Cricket, which is available when you Join the Foundation (only $25!).
Clancy Hayes Banjo Restored
Restoration Made Possible by Foundation Member's Gift
The banjo played by Clancy Hayes in the 1950s has been restored to its original condition, thanks to a generous gift from Foundation member Lue D. Cramblit.
The banjo was a gift to the Foundation from Pete Clute, who had received it from Clancy's son's widow. It was on display during a concert by the South Frisco Jazz Band in November 1995 in the hope of soliciting funds for its restoration. At that time Mr. Cramblit generously come forth with the entire amount. The work was done by Larry Cohea of El Cerrito.