New custom banjo

[Ethan Schwartz]

Hi all, I wanted to show off my latest acquisition. This is a custom banjo by Zachary Hoyt (https://hoytbanjos.com/) in upstate NY. 

Walnut rim and neck; zebrawood fingerboard, armrest, and rim cap
11" block rim, 2-3/4" deep; 27" scale length
Zero-angle neck
Vintage/mandolin-sized frets
Brass Electric-style tone ring

This banjo was an experiment in two senses. First, I wanted to test the viability of having a banjo made for classic-style playing vs. hunting for a suitable period instrument at the same price point. Second, it was the first of its kind for Zachary, who mostly makes banjos for the old-time scene (angled necks, short scales, scoops, etc.). But we worked out the details, and the whole thing came together pretty smoothly. I've only had it a few days and am still getting acquainted, but I am very pleased with the sound. I'll try to get something recorded over the next week or so. 

[Austin]

Was thinking about getting Zach Hoyt to build an archtop for me. 

[Trapdoor2]

That's a nice looking banjo!

Years ago, I contracted Bob Flesher to build a modern "Classic banjo" for me, same basic principles. Poor Bob went thru a bunch of personal issues during the build, and it took 3 yrs to complete...and in the meantime, he forgot to flatten the neck angle for me. It has such a beautiful piece of wood for the neck that I didn't have the heart to complain.

It is a nice sounding banjo, but it has to have a 1" tall bridge to use nylon strings (which really isn't an issue for me, I got used to it immediately). I should convert it to wire strings and play it clawhammer.

[Joel Hooks]

Have the neck reset.  Might be worth the effort.

Trapdoor2 said:

That's a nice looking banjo!

Years ago, I contracted Bob Flesher to build a modern "Classic banjo" for me, same basic principles. Poor Bob went thru a bunch of personal issues during the build, and it took 3 yrs to complete...and in the meantime, he forgot to flatten the neck angle for me. It has such a beautiful piece of wood for the neck that I didn't have the heart to complain.

It is a nice sounding banjo, but it has to have a 1" tall bridge to use nylon strings (which really isn't an issue for me, I got used to it immediately). I should convert it to wire strings and play it clawhammer.

[Joel Hooks]

That looks great Ethan, looking forward to hearing it.

I’ve thought about having a banjo built and what the aesthetics would be.  I think it would be fun to do a “Spanish Guitar” styled banjo.

The peghead would be shaped like a Torres guitar with the three humps and violin pegs, glued on in the Spanish style, the heel would be sort of Spanish, jutting out at the bottom.  

The bottom outer edge of the rim would be adorned with a Spanish guitar style rosette.  Fingerboard would have no markings.  Tailpiece would be the Weaver style, kinda, with a mini tie block.

But the fact is, I’ll likely never do that.  

I think any modern builder would be perfectly capable of making a suitable classic banjo but they will require direction as in this case.  Many builders will get in their own way, mostly about the neck set… this seems to be a problem for some reason. 

I am glad it all worked out.

[Trapdoor2]

I can reset it myself...but not worth it to me as it plays fine. Probably would be a tiny bit better with a finger rest. From a "value" standpoint, it will sell for more with the neck as is.

Joel Hooks said:

Have the neck reset.  Might be worth the effort.

Trapdoor2 said:

That's a nice looking banjo!

Years ago, I contracted Bob Flesher to build a modern "Classic banjo" for me, same basic principles. Poor Bob went thru a bunch of personal issues during the build, and it took 3 yrs to complete...and in the meantime, he forgot to flatten the neck angle for me. It has such a beautiful piece of wood for the neck that I didn't have the heart to complain.

It is a nice sounding banjo, but it has to have a 1" tall bridge to use nylon strings (which really isn't an issue for me, I got used to it immediately). I should convert it to wire strings and play it clawhammer.