Stephen45710 - Posted - 06/08/2016:  17:42:56

This is my third banjo “build”; I started with a StewMac neck blank and a Zachary Hoyt (BHO member) 12” walnut block rim.

I wanted to accomplish a couple of things with this project. First, I wanted to practice and improve my inlay skills. In particular, I wanted to inlay on the rim, back of headstock, and  make this banjo more artistic; I want there to be a theme to the inlay work. Second, I wanted to try my first "Rudy Rod." Third, I wanted to add an internal tensioning system to tighten head tension.

I selected aluminum as my inlay medium; I needed something that could conform to the contour of the rim for those larger inlays and I wanted something that didn't cost a lot since I wasn't sure how many times I would be re-cutting the inlays. Because of the design of the inlay on the rim, I needed to eliminate the hooks and nuts - thus a tack head banjo. In addition, since this was my first attempt at doing elaborate inlay work I wanted to be able to hide my mistakes - thus black filler on black wood. However, I didn't want to spend a lot of money on ebony since I worried I would destroy a fingerboard or two. So, I decided I would experiment with India ink to “ebonize” most of the project.

Since tack head banjos sometimes have a reputation of being too loose in humid conditions, I wanted to hedge my bets in the event that I didn't like the tone of the tack head. I added an internal tensioning system inspired by BHO member Jeff Delfield (thanks, Jeff!). I also thought an adjustable tailpiece might help increase tension on the head; thus a clamshell.

In the event that this experiment with a tack head failed, I wanted a neck that could be used with a different rim. So, it still has the profile for a tension hoop, a truss rod, and zero fret. I figured these elements would allow the neck to be used with steel or nylgut strings on a tack head or tension hoop banjo.

The goat hide was purchased from John Balch (BHO member) and I colored it with wood stain. The fretboard and peg head overly are rosewood.  Tuners are five star, purchased used from BHO member mojack163. The banjo has 10 thin coats of tru oil.

In the end I think I have a good-looking and sounding banjo. I definitely learned several lessons during this project that I can make improvements on for my next one.



 

	Internal tensioning system
			VIDEO: Arkansas traveler on recently built tack head (click to view)

pollywaffle - Posted - 06/08/2016:  19:24:03

Beautiful work. I wish I had the patience (and skill).

Zachary Hoyt - Posted - 06/09/2016:  10:37:27

Very nice work on the inlay, it must have taken a lot of time.  I've just begun to learn how to inlay precut shapes and I can't imagine what it would take to do all of that.  I like the tension system idea too.

Zach

CompanionBanjo - Posted - 06/09/2016:  11:57:29

Nice Work! Another one for the books! You have a good eye for what flows!

-Chris

Dan Drabek - Posted - 06/09/2016:  14:57:16

Pretty banjo Stephen. The inlays are very tasteful.

To my eye, it would be well worth the small cost to replace the interior nuts and bolts with brass ones. And slotted screw heads rather than Phillips. 

DD

Ken LeVan - Posted - 06/09/2016:  16:11:03

Very nice!

I am partial to metal inlays as an alternative to MOP. Great job!

jwold - Posted - 06/09/2016:  16:12:00

I think pearl engraving is next on the list of skills to develop! I've seen similar tensioning systems on Irish boudrons that are a little less bulky iirc. I might suggest also allen head screws rather than Phillips or slot head, X2 on brass. I like the simple streamlined truss rod cover.

Nicely done.

Stephen45710 - Posted - 06/09/2016:  16:25:40

Thanks for the replies and compliments. Since all the hardware and inlay are silver in color, I hadn't thought of brass hardware inside the rim. I will now! Yes, the bodhran hardware is smaller but most goes through the rim, something I did want for obvious reasons. I considered one design that didn't but they were flat metal blocks and I thought sanding wood blocks to match the interior curve of the rim would allow for a more secure attachment. 

pzguitar - Posted - 06/09/2016:  19:05:05

I really like it!!

Phil

Jonnycake White - Posted - 06/10/2016:  08:40:54

It's really great, especially for a first effort.  I agree with Jeff, engraving the inlay is the next step.  You'll be surprised how much better an inlay looks with even a few simple lines of engraving.

Hilarie Burhans - Posted - 06/10/2016:  19:09:52

Wow, Steve, this is awesome! Let me play it sometime!

Stringbean45 - Posted - 06/12/2016:  23:24:57

Very beautiful Banjo, and playing Stephen, especially for your first Banjo.

I wouldn't change a thing on it. When you get something right, play it.