Red October - Wildwood Exotic

Red October - Wildwood Exotic

I wanted a vintage Gibson resonator banjo, but 4 herniated disks made me look elsewhere.

I don't pretend to be a banjo expert and normally, I wouldn't bother with this, but I found something I really like, and it may give you some ideas.

Caution: I don't care how the sound is produced - I only care about the sound that is produced.  This may be somewhat bothersome or threatening to some ideals, so if you find this is not for you, just move on to your greener pastures!

Banjo Nickname: 'Red October':  It's not my custom to nickname instruments, but this one is special. Red October was a time of crisis when the playing field was uneven and decisions were required that would lead to great triumph or great disaster.

Luthier: Mark Platin - Bend Oregon
Banjo:   Wildwood, Exotic Wood - 'Red', Open Back 5-String Banjo (Wood Rim)
Made:    'October' 2014

Specs:  Check them at:  http://www.wildwoodbanjos.com

Why I like it:

- I like the sound. It's crisp and responsive to every hand movement which allows you to control the volume and tone while concentrating on the delivery.

- I like how it blends with guitar such that the overall sound is just stunning.

-  I like holding it.  It plays easy. It feels good and makes me feel good.

- I like the feel of the neck - it's surreal - doesn't get in your way and is great for hand gliding.

- It is lightweight and comfortable - probably due to the wooden tone ring and no resonator.

- It features a blend of tone woods and grains with compelling visual and sound appeal.

- It far exceeds my expectations for sound and playability for both Scruggs and Seeger styles.

- I put a pickup on it so that in larger venues, my sound is steady and controlled.  I can still crowd the mic for solo's but more importantly, I play the same way as I do at home regardless of the venue.  (Similar to singing:  it makes no sense to me to sacrifice the people in the first 15 rows so that the people at the back can hear).

- It holds its tuning, even through string bending.

Factory Mods
 - No frailing scoop - no charge.
 - A second co-ordinator rod - approximately $20. USD

Additional Mods (in alphabetic order)

5th String Bevel: Fret 18 to the rim - to facilitate thumb picking for Seeger style.

5th String Capo: Railroad spikes at 7, 9 and 10

Action: Set for a very light touch - a 'carpel tunnel' setup: 4/64” ( 1/16”) at the 12th.

Arm Guard Reposition: Nearly flat against the banjo rim - strictly for comfort. Required some bending of the metal guard.

Capo: HASHI (Japan) capo from the 60s. It's similar to a Shubb, but has a tightening screw like a Paige.  (Using a Shubb as backup).

Mute:  Gold Tone 'IUCCI - Pat.1924' - a good practice mute. 

Picks: Thumb: Pearloid Golden Gate Medium.  Fingers:  Mostly bare, but on occasion, Dunlop brass .020's.

Pickup:  Fishman Rare Earth - modified the mount to both stay in place and to remove the entire unit quickly and easily.

Strings:  D'Addario J73 Plus (.0095  .011  .013  .020w  .0095) Nickel Wound, Light Plus.

What I'd do Differently Next Time:
Fret Markers: I wish I'd requested similar fret marker shape at 17, 19 and 22 - similar to shapes as 5, 7 and 10 -  for less confusion while up top. 

Other Info:
The 2nd co-ordinator rod was installed only to facilitate solid installation of the pickup.

The Fishman pickup system was chosen over the Kavanjo simply to avoid having to keep the head in exactly the same position.

The Fishman pickup mounting system was shortened to not extend beyond the co-ordinating rod.  It no longer catches on my sweater causing movement which disrupts sound quality.

The battery and jack on the Fishman were moved to a second, but similar mounting system so that changing the battery and inserting the plug never disrupts sound quality by inadvertently moving the pickup.

A Taylor V-Cable (Guitar Cable With Built-In Volume Control) is on order to easily match the volume to the venue.  Volume foot pedals did not work out.

I'm considering getting a good gig-bag in place of the heavy hard case for in-town gigs and practices.

Care and Feeding: No special care other than now and then wiping the ebony with some light fingerboard oil. (Just don't let it dry out). Use Tung oil on the neck and rim followed by a light coat of Watco satin wax over the oil.

I haven't included pictures or sound clips, but would reconsider if there is interest - although sound clips will have to wait until I've recovered from recent surgery.

Enjoy you're day! 

DanRut