Minstrel Banjo

For enthusiasts of early banjo

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

Comment by Tim Twiss on November 13, 2012 at 9:45am

Lookin' good!

Comment by Nicholas A Bechtel on November 13, 2012 at 10:26am

Beautiful Neck! What are the wood types you are working with?

Comment by Bell Banjos on November 13, 2012 at 10:40am

Three thumbs up.

Comment by Strumelia on November 13, 2012 at 10:50am

Very nice Jason!  What is the pot diameter, and the scale from the middle of the head to the nut?

Comment by Jason Stamper on November 13, 2012 at 12:07pm

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!

Comment by Bell Banjos on November 15, 2012 at 9:46pm

Nylguts don't feel right under 26.5. 27 is best. But just move it around until it feels and sounds right to you.

Comment by Jason Stamper on November 16, 2012 at 9:51am

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!

Comment by John Masciale on November 16, 2012 at 10:26am

Stringing it up the first time is a blast!  Can't wait to hear it.

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