Davidprat - Posted - 12/15/2012:  03:12:11

I don't usually post the building process of one of my banjo, but this time as I'm building a banjo for myself I will be posting the process.

I wanted a warmer and deeper sound banjo and as I have a 13" rim that I got a while ago from a retired german builder I thought that this rim would make a nice warm banjo.

Making banjos in Barcelona is not easy and of course not the best way to make a living, as far as I know right now in Spain We are 3 Banjo makers, and just one is a full time luthier, he started making banjos in the early 70's and was the first banjo maker in Spain.



I got most of my wood from maderasbarber.com is one of the biggest tonewood seller in Europe. I make my necks the same way that classic guitar necks are made, with a scarf joint peghead.">maderasbarber.com is one of the biggest tonewood seller in Europe.

I make my necks the same way that classic guitar necks are made, with a scarf joint peghead and the 5th string tuner at the 6 fret to have more room for the left hand.

vintagewells - Posted - 12/15/2012:  03:14:59

Lovely, I can't wait to see if finished, and of course hear it!

BobCu - Posted - 12/15/2012:  05:07:31

quote:

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Originally posted by vintagewells

Lovely, I can't wait to see if finished, and of course hear it!

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 Same here.  I would love to hear the finished instrument.

VTturner - Posted - 12/15/2012:  06:43:25

Thanks for this. Fascinating pics, Spanish luthiers, very cool!

jbalch - Posted - 12/15/2012:  07:03:31

For anyone who may not know,  David Prat is a dedicated and talented old-time musician & luthier from Barcelona, Spain.  I met David during a visit he made to Kentucky a few years ago.  I've always been impressed with his deep appreciation (and significant knowledge) of Old Time music. I've not had the chance to play any of David's great looking instruments, but I have used his bridges on my minstrel banjos.

Check our David's website here:  pratinstruments.com/banjos/

This will be e very interesting build - I'm pleased David is sharing it.  Say tuned!

hweinberg - Posted - 12/15/2012:  16:21:22

By way of uneeded encouragement, I have a 13" Boucher-style banjo from Bob Flesher that is really fun to play. -- Howard

Gordy Ohliger - Posted - 12/21/2012:  09:49:31

Good call.
I have a big ol' gourd banjo by Thornburg, and two other 12" ones (Vega-Fairbanks & a Weiman)....I particularly love the sound of the big deep pots.
Having made a banjo when I was younger, I appreciate your efforts in that realm.
Have fun!

mike gregory - Posted - 12/22/2012:  06:43:47

Ay, que bueno!

erikforgod - Posted - 12/22/2012:  07:49:28

Me encanta la idea de que hay lutieres en España construyendo banjos tipico folclore americano y ojala habia mas que les interesaba lo mismo.
Estoy a la espera de escuchar como suena cuando esta por terminar....gracias por haberlo compartido!

Davidprat - Posted - 12/23/2012:  04:24:28

 Today I have finished the bone Inlay.

erikforgod - Posted - 12/24/2012:  08:47:59

looks great!

Davidprat - Posted - 12/30/2012:  03:55:38

This week I have been busy with all the Christmas Holydays, having lunch, dinner ...with family and friends and finally I got sometime to inlay the peg head and shape the heel.

I like to have a scooped neck in my banjos but I don't know if with a 13" Rim I would need it as I think with such a big pot the playing  position would be more comfortable where the pot / neck meets instead to play over the fingerboard. What do you think?

erikforgod - Posted - 12/30/2012:  05:18:59

I think its a matter of personal preference...some folks can play over the neck with frets and without, some need the scoop. I do know that even the folks who play over the neck, usually prefer to have at least that lower section of the fingerboard fretless.