Gourd #2 building

 Trial fit of neck to gourd, almost time to fit the skin, just a few more coats of French polish... its probably about time I tidied up.

After a week of french polishing the colour becomes richer and the carving is more defined... ooh and its so silky smooth... I love french polish - this is my 1st attempt at it and I'm hooked

gourd banjo #2

Some more carving... scroll peg head

extra detailing with gourd on the vine ... I also stained the wood

gourd Banjo #2 Building

 Gourd on the vine carving coming from the 5th string protrusion

Cut out the hollow to fit the gourd profile

Gourd Banjo #2 building

 1st I mark and cut the top of my 8.5" Gourd, then scoop out the seeds and scrape the sides to remove loose debris.

 Mark out then rough cut the shape of the neck. This is three pieces of Ash.

Now to start shaping the neck,

Appalachian Mountain banjo

Here are some pics of my new Appalachian mountain banjo as described in Foxfire 3. Its built from an old (circa 1920) piano that was beyond repair. Constructed from poplar (I think) with a walnut veneer. The skin is from an old poor quality banjo Uke. The whole thing has been stained walnut then a few coats of polyurethane varnish applied. This banjo is not for sale but I am in the process of making another which will be. I will be making a video of this banjo for Youtube as soon as I get my Round Peak style of playing a little bit quicker.

 Tuning pegs whittled from off cuts of oak, for that added mountain feel I left in all the cut marks. the nut is ebony from the black keys of the piano.

 Nylgut strings, pine bridge.

 The hoop / skin tensioner is made from some thin sheet steel i found in the garden wrapped around a plant pot.