kat eyz - Posted - 03/28/2026:  08:48:12

Hard to believe my copper plated banjo is 13 years old . I did not know what to expect over time as to how the banjo would look as it matured. As a new banjo it was "in your face bright as a brand new penny" and got a lot of attention while displayed at my spbgma booth . I personally love the looks of it now ....seems to have darkened up a little and lost some of that "in your face brightness . let me know what you think.

Edited by - kat eyz on 03/28/2026 09:50:17

 

Owen - Posted - 03/28/2026:  09:19:49

I think I'd like a pic.    ... or maybe even two, a then and a now?

kat eyz - Posted - 03/28/2026:  09:40:23

Pics are on the way, having a little technical difficulty. 

Owen - Posted - 03/28/2026:  10:36:51

I like it.     Thanks.

kat eyz - Posted - 03/28/2026:  18:29:26

Dont know what i was thinking when i posted the banjo was 13 years old ....just did the math it was made mid 2008 so its actually 18 years old

tdennis - Posted - 03/28/2026:  18:43:55

Was the copper treated with a protective lacquer finish?  Your instrument looks pretty nice. 

Edited by - tdennis on 03/28/2026 18:47:21

The Old Timer - Posted - 03/28/2026:  18:49:30

Have you had to take extraordinary care not to rub the copper plate off the top of the tension hoop, hooks, flange and tailpiece? Looks there has been some wear on the armrest, although it's remarkably "consistent" (can't think of a better word).

That is a really attractive banjo! Did you build it yourself? I like the original inlays, the GREAT maple, etc.

kat eyz - Posted - 03/28/2026:  20:43:00

When i did the banjo i just sent the brand new nickle plated hardware and had it copper plated . put it back together and the copper started melting off within weeks ...not wear points but rather everywhere . sent back had it cleaned back to nickle plating and re plated . This time i bought a 2 dollar can of clear coat and put what i would call 2 very lite coats on all the metal parts including tonering and co-rods and let dry for a few days. Put it back together and everything stayed put as you see it today. About 10 years ago my arm rest had a mishap with a guitar peghead and delivered a very small chip . That has turned into the wide spot worn down to nickle on the armrest. I take care of all my banjos but i dont baby them ....i use 'em this banjo gets no extra TLC . I have played it pretty regular all its life ..not stored in a closet so the copper plating has been pretty tuff. Back around 2006 or so i decided i wanted to produce a few Kat Eyz banjos . I think there were 12 banjos produced . Robin Smith and i were pretty good buddies back in the day from doing spbgma events together for years. Robin basically built the banjos ....i designed the inlays and Custom Inlay made those happen. I also designed the peghead . Steve Gill made the resonators . Much better those guys made the banjos rather than me LOL i'll stick to the banjo bridges

lazyarcher - Posted - 03/29/2026:  08:29:32

That maple is OUTRAGEOUS!!!!!!
Beautiful...

The Old Timer - Posted - 03/29/2026:  18:04:47

Mike, what a great project you pulled off.