I'm doing a custom short scale Rickard Dobson build. I'd like to get away from the paddle peghead. I want to be able to use Rickard tuners so I think a slotted headstock is out. Can anyone steer me to a photo of an appropriate solid peghead shape for a Dobson style banjo?
Photos are of two I'm considering but onebanjohangout.org/forum/attachm...ID=296681 looks too much Vega-Fairbanks to me.banjohangout.org/forum/attachm...ID=296682
Edited by - rdodger99 on 05/31/2023 14:59:50
Here is another example.
I like the Dobson peghead example that Mr. Physics shared. Very classic Dobson.
It would be a difficult descision without knowing what the rest of the banjo will look like. Are you planning lots of fretboard inlays, or will the neck be plain? Are you aiming foe a "period look" and, if so, what period?
Good questions - no fancy inlays on fretboard, dots, star at 5th. Short scale, 24". It's a modern banjo. Not duplicating a Dobson banjo from the past, just thought the peghead could make reference to what might have been seen on a Dobson. I'm much more familiar with Vega-Fairbanks, don't know much about the history of H. C. Dobson.
I would suggest checking for every photo of a Dobson you can find.
Do be aware, though, that there were sever Dobson brothers making somewhat different banjos. I have forgotten which of the Dobsons came up with the typical Dobson tone ring.
I like the one on the left, as a modern presentation. Tributes are fine. I prefer some personal "movement."
A tribute is fine, although the tone ring might be tribute enough, but I do agrre with Helix about making it your own.
Were I to do this, I'd personalize the "Man-in-the-moon" idea by having him sticking his tongue out at the world.
