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Jan 21, 2025 - 8:03:29 AM
like this
4 posts since 4/2/2024

My first 'banjo' build, old oak floorboards for the neck, pot and pegs, mahogany from an old shelf for the soundboard and peghead and a london plane fretboard. I think the soundboard is a bit thick and over stiff so it is a bit muted but very happy overall.


Jan 21, 2025 - 10:10:52 AM

1805 posts since 1/9/2012

That's lovely.

The sweet, dulcimer-like sound is inevitable because of the wood top. As you make the bridge lighter, it will get a bit punchier, i.e., louder attack and shorter sustain. But that's a matter of taste.

The long-defunct Hughes Dulcimer Co. of Denver, CO sold a hexagon-shaped kit. When? I once knew but now can only guess: perhaps 1960's, 70's, and 80's. I put one together. The head looks like 3/32" plywood. World-class professional clawhammer player Michael Miles has played in concert and recorded his, gifted by his wife. He explained that the family joke was that it's "the octagon." (That counts front and back.)


Jan 23, 2025 - 5:44:32 AM

4 posts since 4/2/2024

Thanks David! It definitely has the dulcimery sound. I might try making another lighter bridge to see what I prefer. My inspiration was a picture of one of the kits you mention- I had seen previously that Miles has recorded one, but I can't find it online. I don't suppose you can remember the name of the album?

Jan 23, 2025 - 1:43:34 PM

124 posts since 5/27/2019

If you attempt another one definitely read up on soundboard thicknesses for tenor guitars and similar sized instruments.

For ukuleles, people often shoot for 0.080" for softwoods and even thinner for hardwoods. Not sure how well that would translate to this.

If you're not seeing top deformation from string pressure as this is built currently, you could consider shaving the braces down a little bit at a time and see if that helps.

Jan 24, 2025 - 3:04:15 PM

62877 posts since 12/14/2005

Another option for a head:
The clear plastic top off a party tray.
Epoxy and carpet tacks, let it dry overnight, hit it with a blow dryer, and it shrinks up tight as a drum.


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