different wood types.

[Erik William Creekmore]

Hello,
I am curious, was oak ever used on a Boucher style banjo? I have plans to build one but the only hardwood I can source locally is red oak.

Thank you
Erik,

[Bob DeVellis]

From what I've read, Boucher sometimes used oak and I believe modern reproductions sometimes use oak.  Others who know more about this than I do can confirm or refute.

[Bell Banjos]

If you've never made a 12-13 inch rim before, I'd suggest just slicing up a drum shell instead. I steam, bend, and bake rims and every step is calculated, complicated and always risky. If you do bend your own, yes, red oak is good. And don't use a board with grain run-out, it'll snap. Good luck.

[Erik William Creekmore]

Thank you :) I have bent wood before, so I should have no problems with that, does it change the sound quality any?

[Bell Banjos]

Oak and Ash are main rim woods. Although they are VERY hard, they have a peculiar and straight grain that will bend. The skin thickness, bridge height and thickness and scale length have more effect on the sound than differences in wood.

[Erik William Creekmore]

Would you be willing to sell a rim and what hardware come with you? I do not have the time presently to fabric them myself. If not that is fine also, I am sure someone out there produces them.