This is the first recording of the “baritone” banjo I recently completed. This thing took me forever to work through in my spare time, as the day job has really dominated the last year and change, and I mostly used hand tools for the project.
This one has taught me quite a bit, as it was my first build with full hardware (tension hoop, brackets, frets, etc), and some other things too like acid etching brass, bookmatching, using a bending iron, etc. I’ll follow up with some pics, though I’m still working on getting good ones.
Specs:
25.875" scale
12" Walnut block rim
Combo ziricote top/rolled brass tone ring
Mahogany neck - the lumber was leftovers from a church restoration project back in the 1950's, picked up from an estate sale about 10 years ago
Ziricote fingerboard and trim on rim, and bookmatched ziricote on heel, backplate and faceplate. Fumed oak veneer for the trim lines.
Edited by - Noodlin on 04/15/2025 09:25:42
Here’s a few pics that I have so far, though I really need to get some real “glamour shots”, lol.
It's beautiful!
It has a resonate sound that carries well. I’m very impressed!
I’d quit my day job, beautiful banjer
Thanks y’all!
Man, I wish I could quit the day job, lol. But it pays “well enough” to make trying to replace it with building banjos a pretty intimidating proposition.
I’ve definitely fantasized about it though!
Sounds great!
quote:
Originally posted by paulhealeySounds great!
Thanks Paul! It's been kind of a blast playing with those lower tones.
Looks great and sounds great Adam, nice work! And thanks for posting.
Beautiful work. If you get a chance, I would like to see the front of the peg head.
It is unique.
Looks great.
Portland seems to have a stable of fine banjo builders!
Brooks, Calkins, Hinkel...
It looks like you made it so the bridge is closer to the center of the head, I can't tell from the pics. Is this correct?
Sounds great and looks great.
