The Evolution of a Custom Banjo
We recently wrote about Deering artist, Hank Smith and the reveal of his new Carolina Falls banjo - the result of more than a decade of modification and tinkering in a relentless pursuit of creating a banjo that sounded like him. This project started following a conversation with Hank that started around 2021.
In this video, Hank talks about the banjo's beginnings, what he was looking for and inspirations behind the final inlay design.
Hank spent years adjusting and tinkering his banjo to get to the Carolina Falls banjo that he proudly plays today. And to many, this can be an overwhelming process. So, what are the options when it comes to customizing banjos?
Banjos by their very nature allow for an endless array of custom options that enhance not only how the banjo looks, but also how it sounds and plays. Unlike an acoustic guitar where custom options and modifications are limited once the guitar is built, a banjo offers a lot more options.
Custom Shop
Many customers have come to us with a specific vision, that we help bring to life. In Hank's case we were talking about the neck only. We talked a lot about his neck over a couple of years before he had sketched an inlay design on a napkin and sent it over. We sent him a blank neck template which he used to sketch out ideas for the whole neck before sending it back. From there, we designed and refined the inlays and a lot of emails back and forth on materials, details, peghead shape etc and we came to a final conclusion.
In the past, we have commissioned some incredible banjos, including the famed Cutty Sark model, the Vega Mermaid Long Neck and the stunning Vega Nemo Long Neck model.
Upperline - Modify a Base Model
For some, a full custom commission is a lot to think with and sometimes, it is hard to get an idea that you have in your head onto paper...or banjo. So the most common approach is to simply modify a base model.
In this instance, we will discuss what you are looking for tonally and settle on a few standard model options. From there, we can talk about what might be customizable and what you are looking for. Head. Stain color. Custom inlays. Gold plated hardware. Radius fingerboard. Tapered resonator walls. The list goes on.
Once we settle on a solution that meets your needs, we offer a quote, and all the information needed to make your decision.
Goodtime Custom Options
We offer a huge line of Goodtime banjos so chances are, the standard line up will have something. However, within that, there are some minor customizations you can make. Things like different heads, fretless fingerboards, frailing scoops, different tuners etc are all part of the standard customizations on a Goodtime. If you want a bit more, we have been known to make one of pieces here and there, also.
Talk to us!
This is the biggest thing. Customizing and modifying an instrument is personal, so no amount of website is going to be able to capture everything. So, we invite you to get in touch so that we can talk about your banjo and what would be involved to make it a reality.
