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BNJOMAKR - Posted - 06/03/2018: 03:55:47
I'm in the process of building a mini "copy" of a client's full sized banjo. He has a PRICE banjo case, and asked if I could make a similar mini case for the mini banjo. This is it so far. It is made out of wood, and to be true full, it has been a challenge! The exterior was finished with white spray paint and then two coats of white automotive bed liner. I installed two strips of black binding on the edges where the top and bottom meet. Now the interior installation begins!
Fathand - Posted - 06/03/2018: 04:25:28
Thats pretty impressive, looks just like a Price mandolin case.
Culloden - Posted - 06/03/2018: 05:14:42
Marvin, you never cease to amaze me. I have made a few cases for odd sized instruments but all of mine had square corners. I wouldn't even know where to begin to make a case like you have.
Ken LeVan - Posted - 06/03/2018: 06:34:35
That is totally amazing!
It's almost like building a cello or violin body, so that one musical instrument fits inside another one.
Using that bedliner material as a finish is a real stroke of genius. It would be perfect for a case.
Your banjos are always unbelievable and so is this case.
Zachary Hoyt - Posted - 06/03/2018: 07:18:59
It looks great, good for you. I have a recollection of a case-building thread you posted a while back where you bought aspen shelving and cut pieces out so the case was almost built like a block rim, but I am not sure I have that right. Is this one built the same way? I'd like to try making a case someday but I doubt I could make one as nice as yours.
Zach
BNJOMAKR - Posted - 06/03/2018: 10:27:13
Hi Zach
Yes, this case is built in the same manner.
Dan Drabek - Posted - 06/03/2018: 11:13:41
Looks just perfect Marvin. Great job.
DD
BNJOMAKR - Posted - 06/10/2018: 15:50:40
I have between 15 and 20 hours in making and installing the interior. It came out nice!
Paulf - Posted - 06/10/2018: 18:10:57
absolutely stunning Marvin. 
R. Blakeslee Gilpin - Posted - 06/11/2018: 08:56:43
This is amazing! You ever do these on commission? I've got a couple little banjos that I just cannot find cases for.
John Gribble - Posted - 06/12/2018: 01:27:12
That owner's going to have something to be proud of...
FlyinEagle - Posted - 06/12/2018: 05:47:23
Absolutely brilliant, Marvin.
BNJOMAKR - Posted - 06/12/2018: 19:04:27
quote:
Originally posted by R. Blakeslee Gilpin
This is amazing! You ever do these on commission? I've got a couple little banjos that I just cannot find cases for.
I've only built cases for the banjos that I have built.
BNJOMAKR - Posted - 06/12/2018: 19:05:18
Thanks for all the kind comments!
BNJOMAKR - Posted - 08/11/2018: 04:56:43
I'm in the process of applying the lacquer to the neck and resonator while the parts have been sent to Nashville Plating to be gold plated...
Helix - Posted - 08/11/2018: 07:08:14
We all need to have more discussion about this kind of thing. Marvin, you show great patience, I like the bed liner adaptation. Thus I think other builders would enjoy the quality of this project. I just ordered some cases. Lots of wiggle room here.
The banjo is stunning, the banjo case is the bodyguard.
Way to go.
Dan Drabek - Posted - 08/11/2018: 09:54:31
Marvin, the banjo and the little case are both exquisite pieces of craftsmanship. I have no doubt it will be a family heirloom for many generations.
Ken LeVan - Posted - 08/11/2018: 13:54:29
Your work is always astonishing, Marvin.
It never ceases to amaze me!
cedarwax - Posted - 08/11/2018: 13:58:30
Congratulations, beautiful work!
CEParagon124 - Posted - 08/11/2018: 18:48:53
Marvin, you are an amazing artist.
Charlie Noyes
GSCarson - Posted - 08/11/2018: 20:40:17
The whole project is awesome Marvin, so impressed with what you are doing.
BNJOMAKR - Posted - 09/06/2018: 18:06:57
Well, It is COMPLETE! It took almost two months to get the metal parts back from Nashville Plating Service, and they did a great job. I finished up the banjo today, and as promised, I will reveal the new owner to be.... Russ Carson, banjo player for Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder. About a year ago, Russ contacted me about building a mini version of his Gold Star 81 Crowe banjo. During the build, it was decided that the engraving on the armrest and tension hoop would be done by Russ's father, master craftsman/engraver/carver Glenn Carson. This has been a challenging build for me... trying to copy another banjo, and banjo case, into a miniature version. I'll make a video of it in a few days so that it can be heard...
Dan Drabek - Posted - 09/06/2018: 18:33:19
I'm so glad this will be going into the talented hands of Russ Carson. I'm sure he'll put it to good use.
DD
BNJOMAKR - Posted - 09/07/2018: 06:26:00
Thanks Dan... I can hardly wait to hear Russ pick it!
