Hello everybody,
Sorry if this isn’t the right forum, I wasn’t sure if I should post the question here or elsewhere.
So Ive wanted a 5 string Maybell for a while now, and today I won a tenor in really nice condition from a local auction house. Now I’m looking to find someone who is capable of doing the conversion for me and I’m hoping someone here will have some suggestions. Unfortunately both of the luthiers who have done this sort of work for me in the past are no longer with us.
Thanks a bunch,
acousticbox.com/
Richie Dotson lives near Richmond Va.
Check him out.
Edited by - stanleytone on 06/17/2026 18:24:23
Richie Dotson does great work, but is not set up to make banjo necks with dowelstick neck attachments. So converting a Slingerland/ Maybell is not a cost effective job for him.
There are so many modern banjo makers I can no longer keep track of who specializes in banjos with dowelsticks.
Good luck on the quest.
Bob Smakula
These two both work with dowelstbck banjos:
Dave Dillard at Nashville Banjo Co. might be willing to do one.
If Chris Cioffi is still doing banjo work, he’s a possibility. He may still be reachable via BHO.
Sure enough;
Edited by - Bill Rogers on 06/18/2026 18:41:20
Thanks for the help everyone, I will reach out to Nashville Banjo Co to see if they can offer some help.
I really appreciate any and all suggestions, this is something I’m determined to make happen, I will have a Maybell without a jacked up neck. ??
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