There is a photographic book of banjos by a Japanese fella that collects banjos. There is some really nice eye candy in there.

Well, naturally I'd think that the Stelling is the most visually attractive. I've seen and played many Stellings (thanks to a collector friend) and found them all beautiful and wonderful sounding. Of course, I may be a little bit biased (G).

I always thought Bishline has a ton of great looking banjos, but I personally really like the Midnight Moon.

midnight moon bishline

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Originally posted by martyjoe

There is a photographic book of banjos by a Japanese fella that collects banjos. There is some really nice eye candy in there. And of course I always look forward to seeing  Banjomakers latest offerings!

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Originally posted by martyjoe

There is a photographic book of banjos by a Japanese fella that collects banjos. There is some really nice eye candy in there.

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Assuming:  Banjos, the Tsumura collection

https://www.google.com/search?q=Banjos%3A+The+Tsumura+Collection&rlz=1C1ZCEB_enUS1007US1007&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

https://www.banjohangout.org/archive/165297

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Originally posted by Brian Murphy

No points for sound. Pure aesthetics only.  I tend to favor very simple designs, and I don't like to pay for bling.  But if I had money that I could only spend on a banjo and had to buy on looks only, I would look hard at Capek and Bishline (I always liked the Harvest). I also think the Deering Clawgrass is excellent. And Stelling has had some great designs. The new Belagoria from Capek is pretty stunning, although I might like the Allegoria 2 a little better.  But Bela Fleck's designs are very cool.  I really like my Missing Link that has the inlays he designed.

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Brian ...... all of those you linked from Capek are gorgeous instruments.

Gina LolaBanjoda. No contest

The old Bacon and Day Montana Silver Bells were absolutely eye popping.

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Originally posted by martyjoe

There is a photographic book of banjos by a Japanese fella that collects banjos. There is some really nice eye candy in there.

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The Tsumura Collection. I have the first red book.

If we’re talking visual and sensual appeal, my heart is taken by early fretless, marquetry decorated banjos. This style of banjo also often have plain but nonetheless extraordinarily beautifully shaped and grained walnut necks. There is no artifice. The brash clamour of consumerism is yet come; instead the story they convey is of uncomplicated connection to simple joy.
These banjos are unique in having a naturally human quality of workmanship that derives from a culture that had less regard (or reason) for standardisation. That aspect imparts a warmth that is reflected in handling and playing them.

Of current manufacture I like two Deerings; the Saratoga Tenbrooks (new design), and the Tony Trischka Clippers.

I think the combinations of peghead shape, inlays and flange design; and interesting wood choice and engraving of the Clippers, are extremely nice without being "too far" from tradition.

Of the all-time banjo classics, I particularly like the top end gold, engraved exotic wood Paramounts, and my all time personal favorite, the old Gibson Style 5 DeLuxe Mastertone.

Open backs: Fairbanks Whyte Laydies… - I’m 50/50 between Style 2’s and 7’s. Though for simplicity’s sake, I’m going with a 2. Inlay by Consalvi. Tough to beat.

Gibson Resonator: Hands down - early 1925 Mastertone Style 5’s.

Between the two - Gibson Style 5.

- If I was going to go for something off beat, some of the banjos put out by the late great Harry Lane would be absolutely tough to beat for design, build and just general pleasing aesthetic.

Q.  "What is the most visually attractive banjo made?

"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder."  Which is why there are so many different opinions in the responses.  

Style X number 9 Vega

For me, it's the Stelling Staghorn and Deering GDL (Greg Deering Limited), with walnut wood, ivoroid binding and abalone + b/i purfling stripes. I've loved the look since I first saw a Staghorn live. Today I give a slight ege to the Deering for the inlay.

I love the look so much, I copied it on an old neck and resonator I've had since the late 70s that I was never happy with. Had outside help getting the channels cut for the binding, but applied the decoration myself.

There are current (recent) makers out there that make some visually beautiful (stock - not custom) banjos, - Ome for instance.

My overall favorites among (former) "stock" banjos are Boulder made (Brazilian Rosewood) Odes -Style D and later (Walnut) Baldwin/Ode, Style D. Their "leaves" inlays, combined with their 5-piece laminated necks, make them among the best-looking banjos. Nothing needed to be done to additionally enhance them - as what was already there was enough.

Take it Easy ... MarK

I’ve always been attracted to the Stelling Virginian as being one of the prettiest banjos that I’ve gotten to see and play. The Earl Scruggs Golden Deluxe is also stunning with the abalone trim and gold tuners.

For me it's the Rich & Taylor Bill Keith model

The Stelling Scrimshaw comes to my mind. The Stelling Virginian with the two birds on the headstock is another. Love the dogwood blossoms on the fretboard

I’m surprised Romero hasn’t made the list yet. I will occasionally go onto his website, but I have to put a towel down before I do to catch all the drool! I’m also partial to some of the fancy Stellings, like the Alan Munde edition Staghorn or the Scrimshaw models. 

I've always been partial to the Gibson florentene (spelling?)

I like Mr. Gregory’s “Square Eel”!!!

Ken LeVan did really nice work, but sadly, both he and his site are gone from this world.

Gibson gold sparkle 6

If you wanna see stunning instruments and happen to be in Oklahoma City, you simply MUST visit the American Banjo Museum. They must have a full time staff of 12 who does nothing more that wipe drool off the floor.

All that said, I'm not really a fan of banjos that are too ornate. Of the banjos being produced today, I personally think Pruchas are the prettiest. They're not overly blinged - in fact, they're quite subtle - but the design and execution are exquisite. I also really like how some banjos use contrasting metals for the hardware.