This is a hand built A scale banjo constructed out of maple and walnut. The 11” block rim is 1/2" thick and is made out of rock maple with a walnut tone ring and walnut bottom. The neck is made out of curly maple with a walnut stripe down the center. The scale on the banjo is 24” so it can be tuned to A at optimal tension but can also be tuned to G without being too loose.
I wanted to push the boundaries of a wide fretboard, finding the optimal balance between a solid, easy playing wide neck without it being too clubby and uncomfortable. After much experimentation I believe I found the perfect balance between the two, the width is 1 7/16” at the nut and 2 1/16” at the pot.. For someone used to playing a bluegrass banjo this neck will be a bit of a shock but, for me, after playing this banjo for a bit going back to a narrow, conventional sized neck seems awkward and uncomfortable.
The hardware is brass with an antiqued finish from Bill Rickard. The tuners are Five Star Planetary tuners and the 5th string tuner is a geared Gotoh. I built the bridge out of walnut and ebony and it has solid feet in order to prevent swayback and maximize the sound transfer to the head. It has a frailing scoop on the ebony fretboard.
This is a pretty fantastic banjo if I do say so myself, the tone is deep and woody with incredible resonance and sustain and the A scale and the wide neck makes it an absolute joy to play.
Here’s a link to a youtube video of me playing Mississippi Sawyer. The camera isn’t top notch but it should give you a decent idea of the tone.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-SmVjY8Vn8
Please feel free to ask any questions you may have.
Thanks!
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