Traditionalists may want to hover over the back button in case this becomes too intense.
Custom made by Robin Smith of the Heartland Banjo & Guitar Company. This might be the ideal clawgrass banjo. Its ultra-modern design and big tone would be perfect in a progressive string band. No effort or expense was spared. Sonically spectacular and visually arresting. It is in Near Mint condition. Unfortunately, Robin lost all information about this banjo in a big flood in Nashville.
This banjo has the heft of a bluegrass banjo due to the massive tone ring. Tonally, it's brassy and bossy with all the volume you could want. Snarly and aggressive down low. Clear, clean chimey tone up high.
The peghead inlay appears to be mother-of-pearl with abalone flowers. The engraving is precise, extensive and masterful. Ivoroid binding everywhere you can put it. I have no idea who makes the tuners, but they look like very precise little transmissions. They work smoothly and accurately.
Tunneled 5th string is appropriate for this instrument. Very slim neck and radius fretboard feels like an electric guitar - smooth and easy to fret.
All hardware is gold plated with an intense, lustrous glow uncommon in my experience. There are a few very small discolorations on the outer edge of the tone ring. I have not attempted to rub them out so you'll notice them. Very few and very small, but they're there.
A gold Fults 1934 tailpiece rounds out the top quality hardware.
Despite the weight of the banjo, it's very lively in the hands. The neck and body noticably vibrate with the slightest brush of the strings. Very responsive.
Cat Fox of Sound Guitar Repair in Seattle, WA has done her set-up magic on this instrument providing the best in playability and tone.
Includes nice tweed hard-shell case in near mint condition.
$2950 shipped via USPS Overnight fully insured. No trades. Paypal is OK.
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