This banjo has a block rim of curly Maple. Rim cap is Black Walnut, as is the upper rim layer, which supports a 1/4″ brass rod tone ring. Neck is 3 piece laminate of black walnut with Black Locust midrib. 1/8″ x 3/8″ carbon fiber reinforcement assures stiffness and stability.
Fingerboard is oiled Padauk. Headstock laminate and heelcap are figured Black Walnut with a thin Padauk veneer and a headstock inlay of black locust and mother of pearl. Instrument is finished with a penetrating oil finish.
Banjo has 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″ 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″ scale this banjo can easily be tuned to G/C or A/D.
Banjo #011 is sold, and now lives in its new home with Scott in Ohio.
Little Billy Wilson – key of G
Rocky Mountain Goat – key of D
Please note that this banjo has been “played in” and fine tuned by me for a few weeks and may show signs of gentle use. There has been no up-charge for the goatskin head, and this may be substituted with a fibre-skin or renaissance head if you would like.