Hi folks,
Last year I was watching some of Jim Pankey's videos where he visted Lindsey Mulheron Liden's shop and talked about his banjos, background, shop, etc. I had wanted an open back with a 12" pot and a Dobson tone ring, and Lindsey's specs lined up perfectly with my desired specs, plus I really liked his artistic style and attention to detail. I placed an order in November and received my banjo in August. Lindsey even added a custom detail on the scoop that I requested.
Lindsey builds banjos and offers workshops in Brasstown, North Carolina. My banjo's specs: Mulheron "Appalachian" Model: Cherry neck with Dobson heel, Pao ferro fretboard, 12” maple pot with 25.34” scale, Mulheron “Napoleon” tone ring & Tone-Controller, goat skin head, carved dowel stick, scalloped nut, custom fretboard dots, walnut bridge with Pao ferro cap, cardinal brass scoop overlay, Terminator adjustable tailpiece, Gotoh tuners, JB Schall-style antiqued shoes, 26 bracket construction, with Access gig bag/case. Tim Lindblom made me a green leather strap to match the pot.
I think his Napoleon tone ring is Lindsey's version of a "Dobson Special", with a Dobson ring over a brass hoop, although I haven't taken it apart to check it out. The tone is really rich and consistent with a warm, darker, plunky sound. It's easy & comfortable to play, and the details are so obviously thought out to be this way. It is much louder than my Ramsey tubaphone, and you can dial in/out the brighter overtones with the tone controller. He has put a lot of thought into break angles, playability, adjustability, and tone. I like that he's also a player.
The colors he used on the pot and head remind me of Fall in New England. To me it's like a work of art that also sounds really great. I like that's it's different.
Attaching some pics.
Larry
Thanks for the pics- always fun to look at.
The tone controller is an interesting feature. It reminds me of some of the innovations makers in the 1880's/'90's were coming up with.
Congrats. Enjoy your new banjo!
Great looking banjo with some cool creative touches. I have a Reiter Bocophone Plus which has a Bacon tone ring over a Whyte Laydie tone ring, and like your dual tone ring Mulheron it puts out the sound.
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