Orange Tree Samples Evolution Clawhammer Banjo v1.2.5 KONTAKT
Banjo playing is typically divided into two primary styles: the three-finger bluegrass technique popularized by Earl Scruggs, and the older, traditional clawhammer approach.
Clawhammer delivers a distinctly different sound compared to bluegrass picking. Instead of fingerpicking, this technique combines thumb plucks with downward strokes using the back of the fingernails. The result ranges from simple rhythmic patterns to more intricate, melodic phrases. Its warm, organic tone is further enhanced by the use of open-back banjos, which contrast with the brighter, more powerful resonator banjos commonly used in bluegrass.
Evolution Clawhammer Banjo is the first sample library dedicated to capturing this unique playing style. It was recorded using a folk-style open-back banjo inspired by the classic Whyte Laydie design. In addition to clawhammer articulations, the library also includes fingerstyle techniques, giving you the flexibility to blend traditional folk textures with banjo roll performances.
This library was developed in collaboration with Rosewood Recording Company, one of Utah’s most respected studios. Owner and engineer Guy Randle played a key role in authentically recreating the clawhammer style, carefully studying its nuances and articulations to ensure an accurate and expressive result. The library features both a natural, as-recorded signal and an enhanced version processed through high-end analog gear to bring out the instrument’s rich tonal character. Both signals are phase-aligned, allowing seamless blending to suit your mix.
The samples were performed by accomplished multi-instrumentalist Ryan Tilby, who is highly skilled in both clawhammer and bluegrass styles. A Billboard-charting artist with five solo albums, Tilby is also an in-demand session musician. He has performed at major festivals such as Telluride, MerleFest, FanFest, and RockyGrass, toured extensively across the United States and Europe, and had his music featured on Duck Dynasty, Discovery Channel, and Outdoor Photo Adventures.
Evolution Clawhammer Banjo runs on the Evolution engine, offering a powerful set of features including built-in pattern playback for authentic rhythms, a wide range of effects, and deep customization options to fit your workflow.
Key Features
- Built-in pattern engine with ready-to-use clawhammer rhythms
- Integrated effects for mix-ready banjo tones
- Adjustable pick position via advanced physical modeling
- Flexible articulation mapping (velocity, MIDI CC, keyswitches)
Sampling Details
- 6.48 GB of 24-bit samples (compressed to 2.89 GB using lossless NCW format)
- Extensive articulation set for realistic clawhammer performance
- Includes legato transitions such as slides, hammer-ons, and pull-offs
- 3 dynamic layers with up to 4 round robins per articulation
Articulations Included
- Sampled: clawhammer sustain, “chiff” sustain, thumb sustain, muted strums, harmonics, fingerstyle sustains and harmonics, hammer-ons, pull-offs, slides
- MIDI-based: grace notes, buzz trills, velocity slides, interval slides, octaves, power chords
- Performance effects: string slaps, head slaps, brushes, thumb hits, fret noise, chord rings, and more
Evolution Clawhammer Banjo is powered by Native Instruments’ Kontakt Player, meaning it works fully within the free Kontakt Player plugin—no full version required. It also integrates directly into Kontakt’s Libraries tab for quick and easy access.
