maki66
Well-known member
I finally completed my kit build from Backyard Music.
Here is their description from the Etsy Page;
The build took me 5-6 hours spread out over the course of 4 days.
Sand, paint, stain, set aside.
Sand, paint, stain, set aside.
Sand, paint, stain, set aside.
Assemble, final gluing.
I put some effort into getting a very good finish on the neck by using very fine steel wool between staining.
All the work was done in the backyard, I don't have a shop.
I did the work in the morning and put the parts away in a shed to dry at sunset.
The result is a very good sounding instrument that is easy to play. I had been worried about high tension and steel strings, but that fear was for nothing. The sound is warm and not too loud, if you have been around a Bluegrass Banjo- those things are sonic weapons.
The neck and tail piece are one and the same and the resulting set up is bullet proof, you just need to set the bridge up in the right place.
One of the reasons I chose this kit was all of the many great reviews on the Banjo Hangout Forum.
My kit was $100 plus shipping. Mapes brand strings were included in the kit.
I really love my new banjo and its a pleasure to do clawhammer on.
The only downside is that my wife wants my creation for herself.
I may have to build a second kit.
They also sell ready made banjos if you don't want to bother building yourself.
I'll see if I can get some photos up soon.
Here is their description from the Etsy Page;
• The Basic banjo is 32" long, has 18 frets and vibrating string length of 23.5". The 9.25" diameter painted hoop is made from 1/4" thick industrial mailing tube. Tunes to G or A major in standard G tuning. Designed for casual travel, school use, teens and adults with relatively short arms.
https://www.etsy.com/transaction/1406985454
The build took me 5-6 hours spread out over the course of 4 days.
Sand, paint, stain, set aside.
Sand, paint, stain, set aside.
Sand, paint, stain, set aside.
Assemble, final gluing.
I put some effort into getting a very good finish on the neck by using very fine steel wool between staining.
All the work was done in the backyard, I don't have a shop.
I did the work in the morning and put the parts away in a shed to dry at sunset.
The result is a very good sounding instrument that is easy to play. I had been worried about high tension and steel strings, but that fear was for nothing. The sound is warm and not too loud, if you have been around a Bluegrass Banjo- those things are sonic weapons.
The neck and tail piece are one and the same and the resulting set up is bullet proof, you just need to set the bridge up in the right place.
One of the reasons I chose this kit was all of the many great reviews on the Banjo Hangout Forum.
My kit was $100 plus shipping. Mapes brand strings were included in the kit.
I really love my new banjo and its a pleasure to do clawhammer on.
The only downside is that my wife wants my creation for herself.
I may have to build a second kit.
They also sell ready made banjos if you don't want to bother building yourself.
I'll see if I can get some photos up soon.
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