I highly recommend using Frank's shop for that work. Especially if you like the quality and look of the neck but just want it wider. Out of curiosity, which number chief do you have?

- Wes

My Chief is #12-05-118.

Or https://www.davisbanjosandinlay.com/

I've owned an Osborne Chief for about ten years, and I love it. Fortunately, I have thin fingers and find the neck width and profile perfect for my hands, but I can well understand how some players might need a little more room.
I live in the UK, but if I needed a new neck for my 'Chief' I would want it made by Frank Neat. I find all aspects of his work on my banjo to be faultless, and for me it's a big thing to know that it was built by one of the legends of the banjo world (and of course endorsed by another!).

I just spoke with Mr. Neat about this and he does NOT make wider necks. Period. So....I don't think I will try and change out my Chief's neck with a wider non-Neat neck. I'll just stick with the original.

Jimmy Cox sent my 2008 Kentucky 5 resonator to Frank Neat to be finished in burl walnut.
A work of art!
At that time Jimmy said of Frank,"Best neck man in the business."

Gold Tone sells wider necks at very low prices compared to custom builders. There is extra charge for cutting the heel to fit your pot.

OB-150 wide fingerboard neck - $249

Bela Fleck signature neck - radiused and wide - no name version - $849 (including cut for flange)

There are probably custom builders who can duplicate the look of your Chief in a wider neck. Tim Davis was already mentioned. Maybe Eric Sullivan could do it.

I am a Frank Neat man but Tim Davis makes a neck that is running second in my opinion. I love love the way Tim’s necks play . Holler at ole Tim .

quote:

---

Originally posted by HSmith

I've owned an Osborne Chief for about ten years, and I love it. Fortunately, I have thin fingers and find the neck width and profile perfect for my hands, but I can well understand how some players might need a little more room.
I live in the UK, but if I needed a new neck for my 'Chief' I would want it made by Frank Neat. I find all aspects of his work on my banjo to be faultless, and for me it's a big thing to know that it was built by one of the legends of the banjo world (and of course endorsed by another!).

---

Congratulations on owning a fine Chief banjo !  I only heard one played by Bill Emerson and it sounding superb. I'll have to keep an eye out for you playing it at a UK festival... 

Hi David
It is a superb banjo! I've spent my entire playing life (so far) yearning for a banjo like this. Over the years I've owned a Vega tubaphone, Bucks County masterclone and a Stelling Sunflower. All were excellent in their own way, but I much prefer the Chief. As you'll know until quite recently, pro-quality banjos were very hard to find over here, and for a few years I thought my Chief was unique in the UK. A while ago, I discovered that Ian Tofte had acquired one, but I understand he's sold it for personal reasons.