Forum - Banjo Ben Clark

Kickoff Contest! Runs Jan 26-31, 2026!

#1

Let’s KICK OFF this year with a contest! Submit a kickoff to a tune, an intro from one of your favorite songs, or a sick opening lick for a chance to win strings to last you all of 2026!*

Keep in mind that the term “Kickoff” is by no means super rigid. Maybe you dig a vocal intro, or just a neat way to open a solo. Get creative, and Ben will pick his favorite one… or two!

DETAILS:
• Submission dates: Jan 26-31
• How to enter: upload video to YouTube with #banjobenkickoff in the title & description.
• Prize: One year’s worth of strings* or a 1-year Gold Pick membership ($250 value)
• Winner will be announced the first week of February!

Best of luck, and we hope your 2026 is off to a smashing start!

*Exclusions apply on string type/amount. Year’s supply of strings will be shipped in one shipment. Only US residents in the lower 48 are eligible for strings. All others can enter but are only eligible to win a Gold Pick membership.

4 Likes
#2

Looks like fun!

#3

Can I submit my contesting video here instead of YouTube?
Cuz I don’t really know how to put it on YouTube😬

Also.
Is there a time limit for the length of the video?

#4

Hi @Richard_Alexander Rick It’s not possible to upload videos to @BanjoBen 's website. No storage capacity.

Uploading a video to YouTube is easy but you need to create a YouTube account first

Once you have uploaded your video you simply click on share, copy and paste on the competition page, making sure you follow ALL the competition rules.

1 Like
#5

Ok! Thanks! :crazy_face:

#6

If it goes so long that I get bored and stop watching, that’s probably not a good thing :slight_smile:

6 Likes
#7

Ha ha! okay!:woozy_face:

1 Like
#8

Here’s my entry. Make sure to watch it on a large screen so you can see what’s happening…. I had a lot of fun with this;

10 Likes
#9

Greetings all,

Many people don’t know that the banjo originated as a farm tool in the Okinawan islands. Over time it evolved into a deadly martial arts weapon that was very effective in fighting off invading Samurai. The farmers found that a secret deadly technique, known as the banjo kickoff would make their enemies flee in fear. In the attached video, I demonstrate the deadly kickoff for the first time ever. This video is for informational purposes only. Don’t attempt this technique without a qualified instructor to guide you. Practice at your own risk. Oooooosa!

Chuck

9 Likes
#10

this is mine, hope y’all like it!:stuck_out_tongue:
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#11

Y’all, these are so good. Thank y’all for taking the time!

5 Likes
#12

Youtube used to have a 10 minute time limit, but now you can load a video to Youtube that is much, much longer, but it will get interrupted with commercials.

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#13

thanks! i tried to be creative LOL!:stuck_out_tongue_winking_eye:

1 Like
#14

Here’s my entry: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/lKcEyBalxoQ
Thanks for hosting Banjo Ben!

7 Likes
#15

https://youtu.be/nxWP5UmPHhM

This is a video by Mr. Banjo Ken! I am originally from San Diego, but I moved to Texas about 20 years ago. I love playing guitar, and I hope y’all love my lick!

Above is my video link :arrow_up:

7 Likes
#16

https://youtube.com/shorts/5uvtIz3_x_M?si=K1ilRFx8q3b9H77Q

Leo’s entry :grinning:

11 Likes
#17

Wow. :grimacing:

6 Likes
#18

niiiiiice!

3 Likes
#19

awesome2 It’s just amazing watching Leo develop his picking skills from the first time I saw him.

5 Likes
#20

Ok folks here’s my entry.
Best of luck to everyone :purple_heart::slightly_smiling_face:!

I just love Wayne Benson’s mandolin kickoff for “Please Search your Heart.”

(In my case it should be called “Please find my voice”…)

9 Likes