Flatfoot Johnny: Grain measure banjo build

In my old wooden cabin up in the hills of south east London I make banjos, canjos, cigarbox guitars and other things that go twang. Every instrument is fully hand made in the traditional way with a minimal use of power tools and usually using reclaimed timber (that way i can use exotic hard woods and sleep well at night). So if you are interested in buying a high quality unique instrument keep checking here or contact me if you would like to commission something. flatfootjohnny@hotmail.com

Friday 18 March 2011

Grain measure banjo build

From the two vintage sieves i have made three banjo hoops and reinforced them so that the tight heads dont cause the pots to crack.

Two of the banjos will be tackheads and one will have hand made tensioners.

This is an image of a rolled steel reinforcing band which fits around the bottom of one of the pots. Its fastened together with copper rivets. This will be the same method i will use for making the tensioning hoop and they will both be soaked in salty water for a few weeks to corrode and age. Im thinking of making this banjo look antique and well used... inspired by a project by the banjo maker Dan Knowles (see the Banjo Hangout). Next is to find some timber for the necks - Two banjos will be G scale and one will be the shorter A scale, all fretless (one might have fret markers)

Friday 18 March 2011

Grain measure banjo build

No comments:

Post a Comment