Full disclosure: This banjo was not made by Mike Ramsey, but rather built (assembled, really) by me at a banjo-building workshop hosted by Mike at his shop in Appomattox about 15 years ago. So it was built under his direction and guidance, and using his tools and materials.
Anyway, it is an A-scale banjo, with a 10” head and ~24” scale. It has a brass hoop tone ring (~ ¼“ diameter), a three-piece neck, two-way truss rod in the neck, and repro no-knot tailpiece. About 5 years ago I pulled out the frets, so it is fretless but the fret slots still remain. These make it easy for someone who has not played much fretless banjo to find his/her place. It is scooped at the 16th fret slot. It is currently strung with Chris Sands medium nylon strings, and has a Morris bridge specifically designed for nylon or gut strings. In the past I have strung it with steel strings with no problems (different bridge, of course). It has a Renaissance head, which developed a crease or streak about 5 months ago (I tried to capture this in a photo). I suspect this might result in a split head, but I think I priced the banjo fairly given this flaw. Just be aware that you might have to replace the head at some point. Simple round position markers at 5, 7, and 13. This is not a very loud banjo (great for traveling or when the kids are asleep), but does have a sweet and plunky old-time sound. It sounds good tuned up to A or down to G with no floppiness in the strings.
Price includes shipping in CONUS but no case. Pay with USPS money orders only - no checks or Paypal.
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