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: 215 "The Schofield". All Cherry, Block Rim with Integrated Wood Flange.
Basic openback The “Schofield” Banjo $1400
- Walnut or Cherry Neck and Rim
- Square or Traditional Peghead Shape
- Ebony or Rosewood Peghead Overlay
- 11” Segmented Solid Block Rim
- Brass Tube Tonering
- 12 Hooks and Lugs, Brass or Nickel (Wood Flange, 16 Hooks)
- Gotoh Tuners: Aged or Shiny Nickel. 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
- Shell Dots on Fingerboard Surface @ 5, 7, 10, 12, 15
- Handmade Brass Tension Hoop
- No-Knot Tailpiece Brass or Nickel
- 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$75
- 10 Ply Maple "Thin Rim" (Dyed Black)minus $100
Thin rim: Nylgut
You can also check my Instagram account to see more of my recent builds and shop photos.