Howdy folks!
Long time lurker, first time poster. This forum has been helpful in a lot of my research so I figured I would make an account to try to get some help with this specific question.
I have been wanting to grt my hands on a cello banjo, however I do not have the $1,200+ to buy one. I was thinking I could build one myself, but I recently found these kits from Carver Banjos:
https://carverbanjos.com/product/classic-minstrel-banjo-kit-hooks/
I know it is not a cello banjo kit per se, however the scale length of this kit and the GT CEB-5 is only a difference of 0.1". I was wondering if I put a set of cello banjo strings on it, what kind of issues I might run into, or if this is doable. My other concern is maybe the distance between strings on this kit. They may be too close together.
I could also just build one from scratch, which may be a fun project to take on.
I guess the question is of risk. Do you spend less and possibly fail...or wait to save up for the known quantity?
If you already have a banjo, why not risk a bridge and nut...and try out the heavy strings. Much cheaper!
And welcome!
Edited by - trapdoor2 on 05/18/2025 04:52:44
You make a good point, I guess I'm just being impatient lol
Especially considering I could probably scrounge up (mostly) free supplies to make a sort of frankenstein-esque octagon cello banjo. Wouldn't need to be anything super fancy, just to get one in my hands for my own enjoyment.
Yes. Check out the banjo builds of Mike Gregory and others here. They have no limits on their imagination. Use the search feature.
AlexanderPorter - it was once the case -- and maybe still is -- that Brian's kits include his "Versatile String Set". This supplies a total of *seven* strings, to allow for a variety of tunings, down to low/octave/cello tunings.
In any case, these string sets are available separately -- only $5/set -- described here:
carverbanjos.com/product/versa...ring-set/
The Gold Tone will of course have steel strings and geared tuning machines, while the Carver will have nylon strings and friction tuning pegs. The two banjos will sound different for these reasons and others. And the Gold Tone will likely be louder as well. The Carver is plenty of fun though -- I love my Carver tackhead -- with a tone and character all its own.
I didn't see the versatile string set. That looks like it would be a good option. In that case I may grab that. I think I may still build one from scratch, just for the hell of it. Thanks for pointing that out to me though. Appreciate the help from both of you.
If you want to build a cello banjo from scratch, you might try looking for a drum shell. I happen to know there is a 14" drum as well as a 14" tension hoop on eBay. I have been thinking about getting them to build a cello banjo of my own, but I already have enough projects going on.
I've seen a few people do that. I figure you can never have too many banjos, and i just finished my degree so I've got time to kill. Why not do both!
Edited by - AlexanderPorter on 05/18/2025 08:59:54
The carver kit is for nylon strings. But as long as you put on nylon strings appropriate for cello-banjo tuning, it should work fine.
I've built that model (it's in my profile picture), and regularly tune it pretty low... though I've never tried a full octave under standard.
Edited by - A Drum On A Stick on 05/18/2025 11:23:54
Brian Carver's versatile string set (if I am reading this correctly) is a mix of bare nylon and wound strings. And for the lowest tunings, you'd be using three wound strings with two nylon strings (on the first and the fifth strings) and the lowest tuning he recommends is A (aEAC#E) below standard G. (Thus like one octave down with a capo on the second fret.) I'm pretty sure that he said (on a video) that his kits all include a set (or at least the 12" rim kits do), but it's not explicit in the details of the kit listings. Since it's not explicitly mentioned, he probably wouldn't mind an email asking to clarify that.
NOTE: About 2-3 nights ago someone drove their car right into Brian's house. He now has a big hole in the outer wall of the room he used as an office (thankfully not his bedroom! or workshop.). He's still working and fulfilling orders, but he can't give work as much time as he normally does. He'd almost certainly appreciate an order that includes a sympathetic note indicating the buyer is aware and prepare to wait a little longer than normal. More details on his YouTube channel.
