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:
"The Swift" My Basic Openback Banjo.
Walnut Neck, 12" Thin Rim. Fretless and Fretted.
Basic openback “The Swift” Banjo $1400
- Walnut, Cherry, or Khaya Neck
- Square or Traditional Peghead Shape
- Ebony or Rosewood Peghead Overlay
- Black 12″ Maple Ply Thin Rim
- 14 Hooks and Lugs
- Gotoh Tuners: Black or Off-White Knobs
- 25.5” Scale Length
- Richlite Fingerboard Fretless or Fretted
- 1.25” Nut Width
- Copper Side Dots @ 3, 7, 10, 12, 15, 17
- Handmade Brass Tension Hoop
- No-Knot Tailpiece
- Renaissance or Frosted Head
- Heel shape Vega or Dobson Style
- Frailing Scoop (optional)
- Wooden Star Peghead Inlay (optional)
- Slotted Peghead$75
- Dobson Tonering$120
- Aging of Rim Hardware$25
- Goatskin Head$80
- Aged Nickel Tuners$25
- Block Rim (Cherry or Walnut)$200
- Block Rim With Wood Flange$250
Thin rim: Nylgut
You can also check my Instagram account to see more of my recent builds and shop photos.