This banjo has a block rim of curly maple. Rim cap is black walnut, as is the upper rim layer, which supports the Dobson style tone ring. Neck is 3 piece laminate of black walnut. 1/8″ x 3/8″ carbon fiber reinforcement assures stiffness and stability.
Fingerboard is oiled Wenge. Headstock laminate and heelcap are figured Black Walnut with an headstock inlay of Padauk and mother of pearl. Instrument is finished with a penetrating oil finish.
Banjo is set up with brass hardware and brass Gotoh planetary tuners. Currently set up with a goatskin head.
Set up is with a modest frailing scoop level with the head. Scale is 25.5″ with 19 frets. 5th string nut is at the 5th fret. Bridge is custom Beartown curved bridge. Tone is pure and ringing, with good sustain and clarity. Responsive in lower positions and up the neck. With a 25.5″ scale this banjo can easily be tuned to G/C or A/D.
…sold…
Beartown Banjo #010
Pot: 11” curly maple with black walnut cap and top layer
Tone Ring: spun brass Dobson style
Brass Hardware: 18 brackets, double-pointed shoes, grooved tension hoop, bacon style nuts, Pigsah
Hawk tailpiece, Gotoh tuners.
Neck: 3 piece laminated black walnut, carbon fiber neck rod, ¾ inch dowel stick with brass horseshoe fastener
Fingerboard: Wenge, 25.5 inch scale
Bridge: custom curved Beartown Bridge (maple/ebony)
Trim: figured black walnut heel cap and headstock laminate.
Ornamentation: mother of pearl side markers, headstock crescent planet of mother of pearl and padauk
Strings: 10-11-15-24PB-10
Build date: 2017
Price $1425 including hard shell case direct from Beartown Banjo
Banjo #010 is a sweet banjo with a rich, warm tone. A base finish of shellac gives the pot and headstock a rich, deep look. Oil finish on neck makes the feel smooth and silky. I have played this banjo extensively and it shows off a loving patina. Pre-shipping routine includes thorough cleaning, buffing, fingerboard/fret check/tweak, new strings, new head (goat, renaissance, or fiberskin), bridge adjustment (or replacement as needed) and setup. Give me a call to discuss and see current photos.
Little Billy Wilson – key of G
Rocky Mountain Goad – Key of D