We had a special local artist, Rebekah Alexander, collaborate with us for this wonderful banjo. A little history: Rebekah is the wife of James Alexander. James and his family have been long time family friends. As a high school student, James contributed many hours in an apprenticeship relationship here in […]
Banjos
15 posts
Look what we built for Lee Thomas–a dandy new banjo with a 13″ pot. Here’s Lee’s note: “Hey Chuck and Tammy, Just wanted to let you know how much I am enjoying the new banjo. The one ply, 13″ rim is amazing. The clarity and tone are great and the […]
I have heard that traditionally during recessions and depressions, banjo playing surges. Perhaps people are staying home more, or in touch with something deep within them. Music can describe the highs and lows of life unlike anything else. We have been curious if this is the case today. Any thoughts? […]
Dan Gibson is a popular Texas storyteller. He has studied and prepared himself to be an excellent entertainer for schools, libraries, festivals and more. We were so delighted to build him a banjo recently! One unique feature is the large star in the peghead, made from Dogwood, at his request. […]
These two curly walnut beauties are just as close to the same as we can get ’em. Custom built for Craig Evans of Singleton Street, he requested only one difference…an “alpha” is inlaid in the fingerboard of one, and an “omega” in the fingerboard of the other. Details? Select curly […]
My favorite inlays are the Ovilla ones—both of them. Shown here is our vintage Ovilla inlay, showing moon and stars. You may have seen our other inlay–a lady sitting in the moon, still available in the “Original” model. Both make me smile! Our Ovilla, wooden tone ring, model is named […]
We interrupt Chuck Lee on assembly day to ask him a few important questions. Tammy: Chuck, tell me, what kind of tuners are you installing? Chuck: Well, my dear, these are patented, 4:1 geared planetary Peghed tuners (pegheds.com)! Similar to the Knilling Perfection tuners used on violin family instruments. Tammy: […]
This distinguished gentleman is James Reed, of Waco, Texas. James wanted something a little different, so here’s his custom Cottonwood Vintage with mesquite fingerboard and peghead overlay. What beautiful wood! The neck and rim are made from Cherry. The hardware is all brass. We’ve known James a long time. We […]
This delightful lady arrived at our doorstep a few months ago, desiring a left-handed banjo. Sharon Mullins is a Texan who frequents Old-time and music festivals, and she wanted a new banjo. They’re a little tricky to build when you’re working “backwards”. As a luthier, you have to resist your […]
Here is my Tenor, the prototype, up close and personal. It has the Chautauqua peghead shape and Vintage inlay, but not our Vintage tuners (peghed brand), instead it has Waverly planetary tuners, with ivoroid buttons. The fret wire is the smaller vintage banjo/mandolin style wire. Neck and pot are walnut, […]