This banjo is the grown up cousin to Banjo #004 of Cherry and Pupleheart, with the addition of a brass Dobson style tone ring. This banjo has a block rim of cherry. Rim cap is purpleheart, as is the upper rim layer, which supports the Dobson style tone ring. Neck is 3 piece laminate of cherry with mid-rib of purpleheart. 1/8″ x 3/8″ carbon fiber reinforcement assures stiffness and stability.
Fingerboard is oiled purpleheart. Headstock laminate and heelcap are also purpleheart. Instrument is finished with nitrocellulose lacquer.
Banjo has brass hardware and brass Gotoh planetary tuners. Currently set up with a elite fibreskin. Set up is with a modest frailing scoop level with the head. Scale is 25″ with 17 frets. 5th string nut is at the 7th fret. Bridge is custom Beartown 11/16″ curved bridge. Tone is pure and ringing, with good sustain and clarity. Responsive in lower positions and up the neck. With a 25″ scale this banjo can easily be tuned to G/C or A/D. I often keep this one in G/C where it has a particularly sweet and mellow tone.
Banjo #008 lives in Rochester, NY with its new owner, Brenn.
