This is an early example of Wayne Sagmoen's work (#27). Unlike his current banjos, this instrument features a thin bent oak rim (12") to which Mr. Sagmoen added a wooden "flange", similar to the early 19th century Ashborn design. This eliminates the need for shoes entirely, with the hook passing through the wooden flange and secured with a nut that is inset on the underside of the flange. It's really quite an ingenious design, using bicycle spokes as the hooks and spoke nipples for the nuts. The result is a remarkably lightweight banjo that is nevertheless robust in its response. Given these design parameters, however, this banjo should only be strung with nylon or gut--steel strings would exert too much pressure on the rim and tailpiece. The neck is two-piece (book matched) cherry with a rosewood fingerboard and peghead overlay; the tailpiece is also made of rosewood. Note that the dowel stick passes through the rim, and is secured with a simple wooden wedge, as was the case with the original Ashborn banjos. The pegs are friction, with the four main pegs having been additionally fashioned to resemble those found on Ashborn instruments. The head is very thin skin, in keeping with the overall character of the banjo. This really a delightful instrument with a surprisingly strong sound, ideal for playing solo, but I suspect it would hold up well with a fiddle, too. I'm in the process of downsizing, having finally come to the conclusion that one can actually own too many banjos!
If you have questions or would like more photographs, please contact me via BHO and I'll respond as quickly as possible. I don't have a case for this banjo, but I will pack it very carefully. The price is $400 plus shipping charges; I'm not interested in any trades.
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