This is an unusual 5-string banjo built for me by Jason Mogi, featuring a 13" rim and 25.5" scale. It was designed to accommodate lower tunings, and is currently strung up with Aquila "minstrel" gauge strings tuned dADF#a (same intervals as "G" tuning, but pitched down a 4th). It can easily be tuned up a whole step if you want to play minstrel era music in the original keys, but I've used it within a string band setting as a means of adding a lower voice to the ensemble--it really fills out the sound of the group nicely. I've termed it a "baritone" since it sits between a normal 5-string and a cello banjo in terms of range.
The banjo features a three-ply beech rim, 2.75" deep and stained black; a gorgeous claro walnut neck; rosewood fingerboard, peghead overlay and heel cap; Rickard brass hardware; goat skin head; and Pegheds tuning machines. The width of the fingerboard at the nut is 1 3/8", just a bit wider than standard to accommodate the larger diameter strings. As is typical of Jason's work, the design is very simple and clean, reflecting the aesthetic of mid-19th century banjos, but it is very much a modern instrument. Despite its larger proportions, it does not feel "big"; it's perfectly balance and easy to play, and it has terrific volume and clarity across its entire range.
I'm putting this up for sale only because I had Jason build me a cello banjo last year, which suits my playing needs more. I've wrestled with this decision for several months now, but find I'm just not playing the baritone as much, and would prefer to see it getting used. If you've contemplated experimenting with lower tunings on a fretted instrument, or adding a different voice to a string band, I think you'll find this banjo provides myriad new possibilities.
If you have questions or would like more photos, please contact me through BHO. I'm afraid I don't have a case for this, but I'll pack it very carefully for shipping. I'll try to add a couple of sound files to my homepage in the next day or so.
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