Mountain Banjo

The Mountain Banjo, or “Frank Proffitt Style” Banjo is traditionally a Fretless no-frills instrument, built and played by folks in the hills of North Carolina. My designs are inspired by plans from the Foxfire books. I have enhanced the playability of this Appalachian style banjo by incorporating geared tuners, slight neck angle for more comfortable action over the frailing area, half fretted fingerboards, and other “modern” features. 

Please see photos below.

Price starts at $950

Basic Specs
  • Fretless
  • Cherry Neck
  • Choice of Fingerboard (Rosewood, Richlite, etc.)
  • Cherry “Pot”
  • Cherry Middle Disc
  • 6 Inch drum with Goatskin Head
  • Ebony Fiddle Pegs
  • Nylgut Strings
  • Square Peghead
  • Brass No-knot Tailpiece
  • Cherry Bridge
  • Ebony Nut
  • 1.25” Nut Width
  • 25” Scale Length
  • 3” Sound Hole
Options
  • Gotoh Geared Tuners
    $100
  • Fret Position Notches
    $20
  • Walnut instead of Cherry
    $50
  • Fretted
    $50
  • Plain Neck (No Fingerboard)
    -$50
Audio / Video
Examples & Builds

You can also check my Instagram account to see more of my recent builds and shop photos.