maplevega - Posted - 10/13/2014:  10:39:32

I wanted to provide some before and after pictures of my new Rickard Dobson and to thank Rudy and all those who shared information about finishing with me. I used 4 coats of Minwax Wipe-On Satin Poly. I did not stain because I love the look of natural cherry. The poly darkened it just a little. There is no other place that I know of where people so unselfishly share knowledge and experience . Rick

The first three photos, left to right, are as I received the banjo...just a little 220 was required. Bill Rickard makes a beautiful banjo.

Edited by - maplevega on 10/13/2014 11:22:01

Dan Drabek - Posted - 10/13/2014:  10:47:34

That's a handsome banjo Rick. The finish brought out that nice cherry color.

DD

Blackjaxe47 - Posted - 10/13/2014:  11:21:42

WOW, NICE KITCHEN and COUNTERTOP........all kidding aside, nice banjo Rick. The Ebony tuner buttons are a perfect compliment to the overall look of the banjo, and the aged brass is sweet. Bet it sounds as great as it looks.



Ken

Edited by - Blackjaxe47 on 10/13/2014 11:23:19

maplevega - Posted - 10/13/2014:  11:25:19

Thanks very much....Dan....that was my goal....to retain the cherry appearance....Ken....lol....I actually had to clean my kitchen a bit to take the pictures! Regards, Rick

TO in JoMO - Posted - 10/13/2014:  11:51:12

That's really cool. I like the light finish. That bridge looks at least 3/4". Is that the bridge that came with it? I didn't see a kit as an option in the online store but did see some mention of them. Did you just tell him what wood, size, and hardware and have them fit everything? I've ordered parts from Rickard and have really been impressed with the quality.
Tim

Paul R - Posted - 10/13/2014:  11:53:25

Beautiful work, Rick. Happy pickin'.

Any more projects to come?

maplevega - Posted - 10/13/2014:  12:36:07

Tim, I actually bought it from a fellow BHO member who had it built as a model because he thought he was going to go into the banjo building business. In the meantime his custom knife building business took off like a rocket and he didn't have time to touch the banjo. He worked with Bill and told him what he wanted minus the finish. Bill also made the bridge and although I haven't measured I think it's taller than 5/8. I like the action.

Paul....thanks!! Every time I think I'm finished something else seems to come along.

gary proffitt - Posted - 10/13/2014:  12:40:20

That is a good looking finishing job rick,
I agree the helpful unselfish artisons on the hangout are top notch.

David Cunningham - Posted - 10/13/2014:  13:42:28

That's a beautiful bit of work!!!

gary schattl - Posted - 10/13/2014:  14:42:57

Very nice!

5stringpicker2 - Posted - 10/13/2014:  14:54:21

What can I say other than...SCHWEET!

( I  )====='----<: :}

maplevega - Posted - 10/13/2014:  18:35:02

Thanks for the kind words guys. I've used tru-oil on gun stocks before with good results and  this my first time using minwax. I'm really pleased with it. It's nice to know that I have two good finish options. The advice Rudy gave regarding surface prep and waiting time is the ticket. That was a very long week and a half between application and drying time but it definitely paid off. Rick

Pine Cone - Posted - 10/13/2014:  21:43:02

Looks great.  I have a similar one with a 12" cherry pot and walnut neck with more of a Dobson heel.  Love the sound of Bill's Dobson tonerings.  I have them on a couple of banjos and have another lying around waiting for my next banjo project.

Never tried TruOil, but I really like the MinWax WipeOn Poly finish.  I have at least 4 banjos finished with the WipeOn poly and have also used on tables and lots of other miscellaneous projects.

You realize that we won't really believe it is a banjo until you post a sound clip....

Jonnycake White - Posted - 10/15/2014:  10:01:21

Nice looking banjo.  The wood band inlays are outstanding.  Are those the raw brass Gotoh's that Bill sells (and gold-x 5th string tuner)?

maplevega - Posted - 10/15/2014:  12:22:11

quote:Thanks! I'm assuming they are because they came set up with banjo....I really love this banjo and the hardware is outstanding. Rick

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Originally posted by Jonnycake White

Nice looking banjo.  The wood band inlays are outstanding.  Are those the raw brass Gotoh's that Bill sells (and gold-x 5th string tuner)?

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maplevega - Posted - 10/15/2014:  13:37:23

quote:Scott, you still may not believe it's a banjo after you hear me play!!!! Rick

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Originally posted by Pine Cone

 

You realize that we won't really believe it is a banjo until you post a sound clip....

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Pine Cone - Posted - 10/15/2014:  19:21:38

quote:

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Originally posted by Montanarick

quote:Scott, you still may not believe it's a banjo after you hear me play!!!! Rick

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Originally posted by Pine Cone

You realize that we won't really believe it is a banjo until you post a sound clip....

 

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Try me... I'll bet it sounds great! 

 

 

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Paul Meredith - Posted - 10/15/2014:  19:29:14

Really attractive banjo, I like how you've finished it.  And I bet it sounds as good as it looks!

Todd Treadway - Posted - 10/15/2014:  19:53:19

That is beautiful! And as the cherry darkens with age it'll probably get even more beautiful.