168 – 11″ Slotted Headstock and 5th String Dobson Special Owl Banjo

/ / Published in Banjos

This custom banjo was created for a wonderful fellow artist and creator. They were fully involved in every little detail and aspect of the design and execution and together we came up with quite a special banjo that showcased my abilities as a builder while incorporating some very personal and special details for her. The owl inlay was influenced and designed by a photograph she had taken of a group of owls on power lines, a stunning and beautiful photograph. After considering multiple owls all over the fingerboard and a few other design ideas we ended up simplifying it into what you see here. The 5th fret inlay is a special treat for anyone who knows what it is, The Deathly Hallows. You could call it fairly simple in some regards but every little detail was placed with intention and thought for a cohesive design and specific tone and playability for her smaller stature.

  • 11″ Claro Walnut and Hard Maple Rim
  • Dobson Special Tone Ring
  • Figured Maple Peghead, Backstrap, Rimcap, and Heelcap
  • Hand Engraved Black and White Mother of Pearl and Copper Inlays
  • 22.72″ Scale Length
  • Slotted Peghead and 5th String Placed at 7th Fret
  • Seeders and Brooks Masten Antiqued Hardware
  • EVO Fretwire
  • Flush Mount Magnetic Truss Rod Cover
  • Seeders 11/16″ Three Foot Bridge
  • No-Knot Tailpiece
  • Jamaican Goat Skin Head
  • Seeders Wide Relief Tension Hoop
  • Schertler Tuners with Ebony Knobs
  • Black Tusq Nuts
  • Golden Brown Stain
  • Hard Oil Finish