http://cliffordessex.com/

I ordered from Clifford Essex and was really impressed by how fast the package reached my home in Rome. The banjo bridge itself is fantastic, and the instrument sounds much better now. I had to make a small tweak to the fourth cut to accommodate my thick Aquila Nylgut strings, but Clem was super helpful in guiding me through the process.

Clifford Dessex provided fantastic support for my tenor guitar setup. Even though I haven’t strung it yet, their detailed answers to my questions were incredibly helpful as a beginner working on a GCEA tuning. Highly recommend.

Clifford Essex proves once again why they are a staple for banjo players. This instrument is incredibly lightweight yet delivers a rich, satisfying tone. If you are looking for a 5-star quality setup, this is it.

Clifford Essex instruments truly excel in both their tactile feel and tonal quality. The craftsmanship ensures that the sound remains rich and durable over time, making them a reliable choice for musicians. A solid five-star experience for anyone looking for lasting performance.

Hi Clem, thanks so much for the 15-inch vellum I ordered for my Barnes & Mullins 12.5-inch 5-string banjo, which I believe was made by Abbott. I’ve used cheaper options in the past, but this quality is in a league of its own. The instructions were also fantastic. Although I’ve installed vellums many times, your specific method was new to me and made a huge difference. Folding the material over the flesh hoop before adding the tension hoop made the initial fitting so much easier. It’s a game-changer, and I won’t be going back to inferior products.

Clifford Ess has delivered a fantastic experience. The tone, playability, and value for money are outstanding. It is not just limited to bluegrass; it adapts effortlessly to blues, rock, and folk styles. I cannot rate it highly enough. Simply amazing!

Clifford Essex strings are excellent quality and arrived securely packed. While they aren't the most budget-friendly option, they offer great value. It can be tough to source reliable ultra-light strings for a vintage mandolin without breaking the bank, but these hit the sweet spot perfectly.

I’ve installed various vellums over the years, but the quality here is truly superior. The material offers consistent texture and coloration with impressive durability and zero pinholes. While the price is higher than the budget options on eBay, the installation process is significantly smoother and the acoustic results are outstanding. Great job, Clem!

cliffordessex.com offers top-tier strings that are a perfect match for classic-tuned five-string banjos.

I own a Vintage Pilgrim Openbacked Whyte Laydie clone (model VPB 007) from clifordessex.com. The only minor adjustment needed was trimming a side screw on the armrest for a perfect fit. Since then, the chair’s stability and comfort have been outstanding. Really hope you can get this one back in stock soon.

As a guitarist with a collection of favorite picks, the Jazzer 350 from Clifford Dessex has earned a permanent spot in my top tier. It rivals the Wegen in quality but comes in at a much lower price point, and personally, I find it superior. The pick is slightly larger with a smooth index side rather than ridged, which I appreciate. I enjoy substantial plectrums, and this one delivers exactly that. The beveled edges are expertly crafted, making it versatile enough for fast runs or chord comping regardless of your playing style. I’ll certainly be buying more. Excellent quality.

Playing the Clifford Essex Nelson Resonator Ukulele is an absolute joy, thanks to its smooth neck and fretboard. It offers solid value and faithfully recreates the iconic style of 1930s National steel instruments. The resonator cone delivers excellent volume, intonation, and tone across all frequencies. While the instrument is slightly heavier than standard ukes, it comes equipped with two straplocks for comfort. Although some publicity images show a tailpiece device, it’s easy to remove by undoing just two screws under the cover plate, allowing you to revert to the classic tie-on setup. I personally prefer this simpler configuration and find it easy to re-string using Clifford Essex Heavy Gauge Ukulele-Banjo strings. Highly recommended for anyone looking for authentic resonance and quality craftsmanship.

I recently bought the Clifford Essex Nelson Resonator Ukulele with case from their website, and I’m thrilled with the purchase. It’s a gorgeous instrument, and the quality matches exactly what they advertise. Since this is a new model, I was a bit hesitant ordering without being able to test it first, but the customer service put my mind at ease. I called with some detailed questions and spoke to Clem, who was incredibly helpful and even addressed points I hadn’t considered. Although I usually play a tenor, this resonator feels substantial and easy to handle. The finish is flawless, the neck is smooth, and the tuning pegs are reliable. After fitting Aquila strings, it produces a rich, powerful sound. Delivery was fast—just two days—and the ukulele arrived well-packaged in a sturdy case, along with spare strings and some reading material. Thanks to the team at Clifford Essex for the excellent service!

As a zither banjo player with over six decades of experience, I’ve relied on Clifford Essex bridges since their reintroduction, and in my view, they remain the gold standard on the market. In many cases, they have completely transformed the sound of my instrument. Before discovering these, I was forced to import similar bridges from the US at double the price. It’s fascinating to see that modern Clifford Essex designs echo those from an 1895 catalog; those old craftsmen certainly knew their stuff, and I’ve used my fair share of vintage bridges to know it. My latest addition is a Clifford Essex 5/8 clawhammer bridge tailored for nylon strings, paired with Nylgut, which fits my budget perfectly. The banjo itself is an 1895 W. Temlett tuned in fA*FAC. The result? Simply excellent. The raised groove for the fifth string is a brilliant innovation. It makes the entire clawhammer technique feel much easier and more relaxed. If you play clawhammer—especially if you’re just starting out—give a Clifford Essex bridge a try, regardless of your banjo type. You might just find that your playing experience becomes a heap of joy. Highly recommended by Black Jake of Norwich, England.

Clifford Essex strings are an excellent match for my Craven Tenor Guitar, especially with GDAE tuning for jazz playing. Highly recommended.

These strings are fantastic for jazz, surf, and Chicago blues. Unlike some flat wounds, they stay lively and offer amazing sustain. Great choice!

Every time I put these on, they feel incredibly comfortable under my fingers and deliver that rich, full sound I love. They are definitely my go-to choice for strings.

This Cliffords & Exs pick feels fantastic in the hand thanks to its excellent balance and weight. It performs beautifully on both my mandolin and tenor guitar. I’ve never experienced the issue of it slipping or rotating between my fingers, and the light grip is very comfortable. It also produces a crisp tone with minimal pick noise, unlike many other picks I’ve tried.

As a mandolin player, I’m really impressed with this pick from Clifford Essex. It has a substantial weight and a comfortable feel that grips the hand well. It’s a must-have for any collection, possibly the only pick you’ll ever need.