Openback

My Openback banjos are built to handle playing any of the old-time styles, and deliver that old-time sound. I strive for a certain aesthetic that is similar to instruments made around the turn of the century. A lot of my banjos are custom orders, so the builds have been unique from one to the next. I do have my favorite woods, measurements, and materials, but I also enjoy building one-of-a-kind instruments for the customer. The hardware, wood, strings, head, and scale you choose, will all affect the sound in some way.

Example shown: No: 205 One piece mahogany neck.

Basic Specs & Price

Basic openback (fretted or fretless ) $1350

  • Walnut or Cherry Neck
  • Square or Traditional Peghead Shape
  • Ebony or Dyed Black Peghead Overlay
  • 11” or 12” Maple Ply Rim Dyed Black
  • 10 or 12 Lugs Brass or Nickel
  • Gotoh Tuners Aged, Shiny Nickel, Black, or Off-White Knobs
  • Scale Length 26.25”, 25.5”, or 24.75”
  • Ebony Fingerboard Fretless or Fretted
  • 1.25” Nut Width
  • Copper Side Dot Position Markers @ 3, 7, 10, 12, 15, 17
  • Handmade Brass Tension Hoop
  • Handmade Bridge
  • No-Knot Tailpiece Brass or Nickel
  • Renaissance or Frosted Head
  • Heel shape Vega or Dobson Style
Upgrades
  • Block Rim
    $150
  • Shell Dot Inlays
    $35
  • Slotted Peghead
    $75
  • Dobson Tonering
    $120
  • Brass Rod Tonering
    $50
  • Aging of Brass Hardware
    $25
  • Goatskin Head
    $75
  • Frailing Scoop
    $25
Audio Samples

Thin rim: Nylgut

Examples & Builds

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