RGashley - Posted - 08/16/2011:  09:26:48

You may question the spelling "panjo". But it  is correct.

This project started in 2001 as a small practice 5 string banjo of my own design.  My son had obtained a cache of purple heart wood and asked me if it could be used

for instrument construction.  Of course I agreed!  I settled on a scale of 20 1/4" with 22 frets and a pot diameter of 8".  I decided to use a spruce top and proceeded with

the construction which ended in February of 2001.  Experimented with nylon and metal strings and finally settled on nylon baritone ukulele strings.  I used it for many

years with this configuration, but wasn't happy with the sound or the volume.  When playing it I had to hold it close to my chest and the sound was mostly trapped

inside the pot.  A few years ago I found an 8" tambourine that looked about the right size.  Proceeded with the conversion to tambour pot and was really happy with

the sound after switching to metal strings.  Actually sounded like a real banjo!  Still not happy with the sound volume, I went on a quest to find a suitable resonator.

Found a stainless steel pie pan at Salvation Army and proceeded to adapt it to the pot.  The finished instrument  is really improved in projected volume and the sound

is acceptable but maybe a little on the tinny side (pun intended).

Attachment photos will follow when I figure out hot to include them.

RGashley

Prof - Posted - 08/16/2011:  09:52:27

Sounds cool!  Here's a couple pics from when I constructed my frying pan banjo:

RGashley - Posted - 08/16/2011:  09:57:09

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Jonnycake White - Posted - 08/16/2011:  11:09:47

Well there you go. Just proves you can make a banjo out of anything. Actually I visited the Museum of Applachia earlier this summer and the vast array of instruments made from all sorts of things was inspiring.

I'm currently working on (very slowly) my 2nd prototype "Panhead" banjo. I use an aluminum frying pan as the rim, with a hole cut in the back (see my first prototype below). I ought to look at adding a resonator to see how much more volume I can get out of it.

Back view

slickstrings - Posted - 08/16/2011:  11:44:24

Any sound files?