This was a milestone project for me and is something I’ve looked forward to being able to make for many years. It’s the first fully ‘spunover’ rim I’ve made with a Dobson tone ring. Also known as a clad rim. I made my first full clad rim for #075 but this was the first to be fitted for a Dobson tone ring. It features elements of classic Dobson design with my modern twist and some lovely custom inlays inspired by the owners inspirations, a Kingfisher and Trilliums. The fifth string tuner being on the 7th fret is featured on a lot of original Dobson banjos which also makes neck below the slotted fifth string less cramped for your left hand.

• 25.5″ Scale Length
• 11″ Brass Spunover Rim
• Dobson Tone Ring
• Walnut Neck and Rim with Maple Accents
• 1-3/8″ Nut
• Radiused Fingerboard
• Engraved Mother of Pearl and Reconstone Inlays
• EVO Fretwire
• Antiqued Brass Hardware
• Waverly Tuners with Black Mother of Pearl Knobs
• Seeders Violin Bridge
• Vintage Thin “Ultra-Low VOC” Waterbourne Lacquer Finish

This banjo has the standard Seeders 11″ Walnut Style 1 specs. It features a simple look with a focus on play ability and tone. The rolled brass tone ring is an excellent choice for old-time playing.  The neck is a modern C shape neck for a comfortable feel without being bulky in your hands.

This banjo was made for the talented hands of Rachel Baiman. Well known for her solo work as well as her playing in the 10 String Symphony.

• 25.5″ Scale Length
• 11″ Walnut Rim
• Rolled Brass Tone Ring
• Antiqued Raw Brass Hardware
• EVO Fretwire
• Ebony Fingerboard and Details
• Ivoroid Rim Binding
• 1-5/16″ Nut
• Seeders Violin Bridge
• Vintage Thin “Ultra-Low VOC” Waterbourne Lacquer Finish

This banjo is a fun variation of a design I’ve made quite a bit. It features a lot of the standard appointments of my work but has a Grenadillo fingerboard along with red filler in the engravings which makes for a very different look than you typically find for a classic style banjo.

• 25.5″ Scale Length
• 11″ Curly Maple Rim
• Whyte Laydie Tone Ring
• Grenadillo Fingerboard and Peghead Overlay
• Black Mother of Pearl Engraved Inlays with Red Filler
• Van Eps Style Tension Hoop
• Antiqued Brass Hardware
• EVO Fretwire
• Gotoh Tuners
• Reddish Brown Stain
• Flush Mount Truss Rod Cover
• Vintage Thin Waterbourne Low VOC Lacquer Finish

This is a fretless variation of the Seeders Style 3 Dobson Special made with Curly Maple. This banjo has a powerful well rounded tone unique to the Dobson Special with a comfortable neck profile ideal for all hand sizes and comfort while playing all over the neck. The Dobson Special utilizes a Dobson tone ring mounted on a rolled brass ring to isolate the tone ring from the wooden rim giving it a unique and powerful Dobson sound with more balanced and a crisp overall tone. It’s simple but elegant inlays and overall design has a vintage inspired look while adding modern play ability and durability.

• 25.5″ Scale Length
• 12″ Curly Maple Rim
• Fretless Fingerboard
• Dobson Special Tone Ring
• Hand Engraved Mother of Pearl Inlays
• Antiqued Brass Hardware
• Striped Ebony Fingerboard
• Ivoroid Rim Binding
• EVO Fretwire
• 1-5/16″ Bone Nut
• Gotoh Tuners
• Cole Boat Heel
• Vintage Thin Waterbourne Finish

This banjo was built along side #104 as a pair. Being #100 and always wanting a 6 string banjo I couldn’t resist to keep this one for myself. It’s essentially the standard Dobson Special model I make with an extra low string. A really fun banjo to play that has a really big deep and rich sound with the added low string bass and overtones. This banjo also features a new tension hoop design that allows for more room around the scoop rim joint to avoid your thumb hitting the tension hoop while playing in that area.

• 25.5″ Scale Length
• 12″ Curly Maple Rim
• Dobson Special Tone Ring
• Curly Maple 6 String Neck
• Ebony Details
• Engraved Sea Snail Inlays
• Antiqued Brass Hardware
• EVO Frets
• Gotoh Tuners
• Cole Boat Heel
• Flush Mount Truss Rod Cover
• Vintage Thin Waterbourne Low VOC Finish

This is a variation of the Seeders Style 3 Dobson Special made with Cherry instead of the usual Curly Maple. This banjo has a powerful well rounded tone unique to the Dobson Special with a comfortable neck profile ideal for all hand sizes and comfort while playing all over the neck. The Dobson Special utilizes a Dobson tone ring mounted on a rolled brass ring to isolate the tone ring from the wooden rim giving it a unique and powerful Dobson sound with more balanced and a crisp overall tone. It’s simple but elegant inlays and overall design has a vintage inspired look while adding modern play ability and durability.

• 25.5″ Scale Length
• 11″ Cherry Rim
• Dobson Special Tone Ring
• Hand Engraved Mother of Pearl Inlays
• Antiqued Brass Hardware
• Striped Ebony Fingerboard
• EVO Fretwire
• 1-5/16″ Bone Nut
• Black Rim Binding
• Gotoh Tuners
• Cole Boat Heel
• Vintage Thin Waterbourne Low VOC Finish

This project started as a replacement neck for an old rim. When the rim turned out to be not sturdy enough and not in good enough condition for a new neck the decision was made to just build a whole new banjo in the style of the classic banjo maker Buckbee with a few modern details instead. It’s a very fun little banjo and a great size for someone who’s looking for a smaller banjo.

• 24.5″ Scale Length
• 10″ Cherry Rim
• 1-5/16″ Nut
• Cherry and Ebony Neck
• Brass scoop plate with cutout
• Abalone Inlays
• Peghed Geared tuners
• Antiqued Brass Hardware
• Vintage Thin Nitrocellulose Finish
• Calf Skin Head

This banjo has the standard Seeders 12″ Walnut Style 1 specs. It features a simple look with a focus on play ability and tone. The rolled brass tone ring is an excellent choice for old-time playing and the 12″ rim gives it a rich deep sound.  The neck is a modern C shape neck for a comfortable feel.

• 25.5″ Scale Length
• 12″ Walnut Rim
• Rolled Brass Tone Ring
• Antiqued Raw Brass Hardware
• EVO Fretwire
• Ebony Fingerboard and Details
• 1-5/16″ Nut
• Seeders Violin Bridge
• Vintage Thin “Ultra-Low VOC” Waterbourne Lacquer Finish

This banjo has the standard Seeders 11″ Walnut Style 1 specs. It features a simple look with a focus on play ability and tone. The rolled brass tone ring is an excellent choice for old-time playing.  The neck is a modern C shape neck for a comfortable feel without being bulky in your hands.

• 25.5″ Scale Length
• 11″ Walnut Rim
• Rolled Brass Tone Ring
• Antiqued Raw Brass Hardware
• EVO Fretwire
• Ebony Fingerboard and Details
• 1-5/16″ Nut
• Seeders Violin Bridge
• Vintage Thin “Ultra-Low VOC” Waterbourne Lacquer Finish