While at the Hazel River Art and Antiques in Washington, VA I came across a gourd in rough shape. Someone had drawn a tie and jacket on the gourd to make it look like a potbellied person. I thought it would make a cute little banjo….So I made it into one. It is one of …
From July 2020-May of 2021 I am taking part in a year long luthiery apprenticeship in Violin making. I am making two violins. One for myself and one for my wife, and then maybe making more for other folks who are interested. This is the first one “in the white”. Which means before it has …
I have always been impressed with people groups and individuals who make so much with so little. The people of Eastern Kentucky made these instruments with the most basic of tools so I thought I might do the same. This banjo is made with 5 tools; A handsaw, a coping saw, a file, a $4 …
As an experiment I thought it would be fun to make an electric banjo. Inspired by a stainless steel headed guitar a friend (and former professor) shared with me, I made a cast aluminum head for the banjo. A friend of mine sent me this cigar box sometime ago thinking I might enjoy making a …
I thought it would be an interesting experiment to make a Gourd style banjo with a ceramic bottom rather than a gourd. The neck of this banjo is made from Kentucky Osage Orange with the pegs made of local cherry. I put two different color side dots that act as fret marker guides. White ones …
This banjo was a joy and wonderful challenge to design and make. It was a commission from someone that wanted to let someone else know how much they are valued. I could work on projects like that all day. From what I have learned of Keith Nance he is a selfless father and mentor. I …
Glass Bottom Banjo: This banjo began as all good things do… as an idea that you can’t let go of. It was (and still is) an experiment. I didn’t know that some banjo heads are clear. As soon as I saw one I knew I had to print something in the back of it. A …
My wife was interested in learning to play the dulcimer so this is the one I made for her. We are in central Kentucky and Dulcimers were designed and made around the region since the early 1800’s. This one is made of out of book matched Walnut for the back, Walnut sides, and an Ambrosia …
This banjo is one I made for myself. The fretboard image is made from selected frames of Eadweard Muybridge’s “Woman Jumping Over a Stool”. It is made by inlaying acrylic mother of pearl into Richlite (an ebony alternative). I have seen a number of instruments with heavy adornment but never one with a whole image …
This Banjo was custom made for John Ryster. John was expecting a daughter they were naming Rose at the time of the build. This is the reason for the inlayed rose in the peg head and for her name in the bridge. To here John play this custom fretless banjo click HERE. Fingerboard: Brass and …