Overall Comments

Bill Hayes converted an early Gibson TB-100 pot assembly into a RB-4. He had Jimmy Cox re-skin the resonator with a beautiful burled walnut. Bill built the neck out of walnut using customized measurements to fit my hand easily. He did the Flying Eagle pattern on the neck by hand, using paua abalone on a gorgeous piece of Brazilian rosewood. He also did the marquetry inlay of the concentric rings on the resonator.

This Gibson, "Willie", has sounded tremendous since Day One! With its No-hole Dannick tone ring, all the great sounds which it puts forth are magnified without any extra effort on my part. The tone is clear and true along the entire neck, & Willie, being the cannon that "he" is, is a favorite among the banjo pickers at all the jams I attend.

Bill Hayes is a delightful fellow to deal with, in every respect. He is careful to be sure he builds you exactly what you want, sparing no details. His workmanship is incredible. It has indeed been an honor to have such a fine luthier build me this banjo.

Thank you Bill Hayes!

Overall Rating

10

Overall Comments

Bill just built me a 5-string neck for the 1935 TB 1 I got from Jim Mills last year when he played near here (Albany, NY). I picked it up last week at the Joe Val festival in Massachusetts.
The neck from Bill is great. It has the shape and contours I wanted, a beautifully done sunburst finish on the back showing the flame maple and a fine Brazilian rosewood fingerboard with perfectly cut inlays.
He also put in a Dannick tone ring and the banjo has a great sound- full, loud when necessary and with a lot of crack.
His work is excellent, and I would recommend him without reservation.
Plus, he's a really nice guy.

Review from Bob Altschuler

Overall Rating

10

Overall Comments

Bill built me a maple style 3 (or 5) wreath neck for my 1930 TB-3, and I have to say that it is one of the most beautiful looking and most comfortably playing necks I have ever been able to play on. The inlays are flawless, the finish is perfect, and the finger board is some of the best Brazilian rosewood I have ever seen. I really like this neck!

Thanks Bill!

Overall Rating

10

Overall Comments

Bill Hayes makes very fine conversion necks. He did a BV style for me for a style 1 based pot that turned out exceptionally well. Two standout items: (1) the finish on the neck is just fantastically smooth and slick; (2) the resonator I provided had several issues and Bill went "above and beyond" my expectations to deliver a satisfactory result. Bill provided a fine experience in every way throughout the project.

Overall Rating

10