For enthusiasts of early banjo
My first banjo build
It's really getting close, and I am hoping to have it ready to play by this weekend. The bridge, tailpiece, and nut are all made. I still need to fit the neck not that the hide is on. This is a minstrel style banjo, an I just used elements that I liked and that I thought fit the time. Not really intended to copy a specific maker. Thanks to Terry Bell for a LOT of great advice along the way!
Views: 111
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Comment by Tim Twiss on November 13, 2012 at 9:45am
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Lookin' good!
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Comment by Nicholas A Bechtel on November 13, 2012 at 10:26am
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Beautiful Neck! What are the wood types you are working with?
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Comment by Bell Banjos on November 13, 2012 at 10:40am
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Three thumbs up.
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Comment by Strumelia on November 13, 2012 at 10:50am
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Very nice Jason! What is the pot diameter, and the scale from the middle of the head to the nut?
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Comment by Jason Stamper on November 13, 2012 at 12:07pm
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The neck and rim are maple. The fingerboard, tailpiece, and rim cap are African mahogany brought back by some guys that were on a mission trip to Africa. I used about 4 coats of amber shellac to get that nice antique color.
The pot diameter is 12". As far as the scale length, I had started this thing based off a plan I found online. Unfortunately it had a modern 26" scale and I did not know any better until too late. The actual measurement from the nut to the bridge is 25.5" as per the plan. Not sure how that equates to a 26" scale length. Anyway Terry tells me it should be fine, and I should still be able to get that wonderful minstrel sound. It'll just be a shorter scale length than the Bouchers. Thanks for the compliments, it was a lot of work. I can't wit to hear her sing the first time!
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Nylguts don't feel right under 26.5. 27 is best. But just move it around until it feels and sounds right to you.
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Thanks, I am planning on stringing it up tomorrow and adjusting the bridge height. That's about all I have left to do. I put in the pegs last night, as a friend of mine was kind enough to lend me a peg reamer. I can't wait to hear what it sounds like. I will post some completed pictures and a sound file when I can. Of course since my 5 stitches run in with a chisel it'll be a week or so before I can really get started playing. Thanks for all the support everyone, this is a great forum!
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Comment by John Masciale on November 16, 2012 at 10:26am
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Stringing it up the first time is a blast! Can't wait to hear it.
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