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ARCHIVED TOPIC: Lightweight full scale banjo

Please note this is an archived topic, so it is locked and unable to be replied to. You may, however, start a new topic and refer to this topic with a link: http://www.banjohangout.org/archive/399049

Bruce Berry Banjos - Posted - 08/25/2024: 20:04:48

Hi everybody,

I recently created a banjo design with the main intention of seeing just how lightweight I could make a full 26.25" scale instrument.

It just so happens that when you start trimming the fat, it can be pretty inexpensive too!

Introducing the all new:

Super

Lightweight

Open-back

Banjo

S.L.O.B.

only 3lb 4.9oz* (weight of each individual instrument will vary slightly)

Starting at $599

Cherry neck and steam bent rim

Ebony nut and pip

Maple bridge

26.25" scale length

1 3/8" wide nut

Frailing scoop

Nylgut strings

(Recommended hardware upgrade $150)

The absolute lightest, most affordable hand made banjo around!

bruceberrybanjos.wordpress.com

Or come in person, and visit my shop in beautiful downtown Miami Arizona!

Edited by - Bruce Berry Banjos on 08/25/2024 20:09:59

VIDEO: SLOB Pinto Creek
(click to view)

Patrick1962 - Posted - 08/26/2024: 17:40:26

Although I am into Scruggs style I have to say that really is a pretty banjo Mr Berry! Really has the look of an antique and I just Love cherry wood. One question though..I have heard this term a few times now but have no idea what it is...what is a "frailing scoop"?

mike gregory - Posted - 08/26/2024: 18:33:19

Possibly the lightest GOOD LOOKING and ROUND and QUALITY CHERRY banjo available.
But now I'll have to weigh one of my scrap lumber Squared Eel banjos, and see it it's lighter than your really great product.

SQUARED EEL

Gepetto makes a Squared Eel

Angel Lynn (the) Baker playing her SQUARED EEL

Bruce Berry Banjos - Posted - 08/26/2024: 19:48:21

quote:
Originally posted by Patrick1962

Although I am into Scruggs style I have to say that really is a pretty banjo Mr Berry! Really has the look of an antique and I just Love cherry wood. One question though..I have heard this term a few times now but have no idea what it is...what is a "frailing scoop"?

Thanks Patrick!

A frailing scoop is the part of the neck where frets 18-22 would be, but aren't because the fingerboard surface has been lowered. This allows room to "play over the neck" without hitting the neck with the right fingers or thumb.

Bruce Berry Banjos - Posted - 08/26/2024: 19:51:47

quote:
Originally posted by mike gregory

Possibly the lightest GOOD LOOKING and ROUND and QUALITY CHERRY banjo available.

But now I'll have to weigh one of my scrap lumber Squared Eel banjos, and see it it's lighter than your really great product.

Squared Eel looks pretty dang cool, Mike!

Please do weight it and let me know. I'm not really sure how else it could get any lighter except to ditch the tension hardware altogether.

mike gregory - Posted - 08/27/2024: 06:05:36

Seal the back with Mylar, and fill it with helium.

According to my digital electronic bathroom scale.....'

(and doesn't EVERYBODY wish their bathroom was digital??)

... I weigh 190.0 with the banjo, and 187.6 without it.

So, 2 point 4 pounds