I've got a mate in S.A. that would like to build a banjo, and has asked if I thought he'd be able to, and if I knew anything about them. Not knowing much other than they've got strings, I thought I'd put it out to the forum, if they know anything about building one. Good build logs, resources, what may be required etc.
How about it. Lets see if we can help him out.
Building an Banjo
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Bob Connor
- Admin
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Allen, what type is your friend interested in building? Somewhere in my boxes of books I have one of the Foxfire series books with string instruments in it, including banjos. Foxfire was a project from the early 70's that had the intent of going into the backwoods and talking to the old timers who still remembered how things were done before electricity and chemicals came along. It covers every aspect of life. The info on banjos isn't extensive, but its there with drawings.
More modern
http://galileo.spaceports.com/~fishbake/banjo/banj.htm
http://www.banjowizard.com/banjbild.htm
http://www.angelfire.com/music2/construct/page1A.html
More modern
http://galileo.spaceports.com/~fishbake/banjo/banj.htm
http://www.banjowizard.com/banjbild.htm
http://www.angelfire.com/music2/construct/page1A.html
Foxfire was a very shortlived project......the researchers marched off into the backwoods....and that was the last that was heard of them.Lillian wrote:Foxfire was a project from the early 70's that had the intent of going into the backwoods and talking to the old timers who still remembered how things were done before electricity and chemicals came along.
Anyway Firefox would never be allowed to happen here in Australia...someone would quickly report the project to John Howards Anti-terrorist Hotline.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foxfire_books
Wow, seems there are twelve of them. I think I have maybe 6 or 7.
I grew up near where the researchers were tramping around. I wouldn't be surprised to find out that I was related to someone they interviewed. The books are interesting reading and great for knocking out the romantic notion that the old days were a better, simpler time. Well, they were in a sense, but it was a lot of hard work for that simpler lifestyle.
Wow, seems there are twelve of them. I think I have maybe 6 or 7.
I grew up near where the researchers were tramping around. I wouldn't be surprised to find out that I was related to someone they interviewed. The books are interesting reading and great for knocking out the romantic notion that the old days were a better, simpler time. Well, they were in a sense, but it was a lot of hard work for that simpler lifestyle.
Last edited by Lillian on Mon Aug 31, 2009 11:36 am, edited 1 time in total.
???
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Ron Wisdom
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- Location: Arkansas, USA
The last thing i want to do is offend any one, but i have recently played a 6 string banjo and rather enjoyed it. I would love to know how to make/put one together.
I have tried to search for anything but no luck.
I know that banjos are kinda banned here, but i thought id speak now or forever hold my peace and knowing that forever is quite a while i chose the earlier of the two.
Any words of wisdom collective minds?
I have tried to search for anything but no luck.
I know that banjos are kinda banned here, but i thought id speak now or forever hold my peace and knowing that forever is quite a while i chose the earlier of the two.
Any words of wisdom collective minds?
The smallest deed is far greater than the greatest intention.
Austen, don't let the noise makers stop you. Its just noise really. And despite it, or maybe because of it there are a few closeted pickers here. One came out to the whole forum not very long ago as a matter of fact. And no one is going to give him much grief, considering. Its really okay to like them.
Check out the links I posted, see if any of them have enough information to get you going. I'm finding that your location dictates your search options to a certain extent. So, if you are looking for something in particular and can't seem to come up with anything, let me know and I'll see what I can find.
Check out the links I posted, see if any of them have enough information to get you going. I'm finding that your location dictates your search options to a certain extent. So, if you are looking for something in particular and can't seem to come up with anything, let me know and I'll see what I can find.
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John Steele
- Blackwood
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- Location: Wilson, NY. 14172
- Contact:
Seriously, with regards to the "banjo heritics" here 
Depending on the level & type of banjo you want to build there is a lot of stuff out there. From what I understand it is the only stringed instrument originated in the US, I've seen them built with tin cans and even cigar boxes which I would venture goes back to some type of instrument they are based from.
If you are thinking along the lines of a mastertone you will most likely have to buy some parts. (Lillian has posted some great links) But you could laminate a ring and build a neck yourself if you have the know how. I have a book somewhere that shows how to build a basic "tin cup" style banjo. Its a plucked string and a box with a neck. Can't be all bad.
Depending on the level & type of banjo you want to build there is a lot of stuff out there. From what I understand it is the only stringed instrument originated in the US, I've seen them built with tin cans and even cigar boxes which I would venture goes back to some type of instrument they are based from.
If you are thinking along the lines of a mastertone you will most likely have to buy some parts. (Lillian has posted some great links) But you could laminate a ring and build a neck yourself if you have the know how. I have a book somewhere that shows how to build a basic "tin cup" style banjo. Its a plucked string and a box with a neck. Can't be all bad.
"People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it"
George Bernard Shaw
George Bernard Shaw
Re: Building an Banjo
I can't really help Allen but I did hear once that some fashion victim from California has one stuck to his knee... don't know why that would be, I imagine it would make it kind of difficult to move around in crowded places without knocking into things all the timeAllen wrote:I've got a mate in S.A. that would like to build a banjo, and has asked if I thought he'd be able to, and if I knew anything about them. Not knowing much other than they've got strings, I thought I'd put it out to the forum, if they know anything about building one. Good build logs, resources, what may be required etc.
How about it. Lets see if we can help him out.
Cheers
Kim
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