Super interesting...40 years ago when i was playing and building i made my rims block style ,never was aware anyone else did...i used old sugar maple gym flooring! yogi
Very impressed. Some never quite grasp the difference between one who looks at a finished product and the person who considers the entire process as the art. Craftsmanship in America has been lost to cheap particle board screw together furniture and simply garbage to begin with. I've seen some truly amazing Craftsman who are not well known banjo makers with incredible artistic skills but this shows the care and precision of a more well known manufacturer of made in America. I've always enjoyed working with my hands, making things, did rough construction, finish trim work and even built a insane electric guitar but banjo making takes things to a greater level of craftsmanship when done with scrutiny and care which I'm seeing in your company. I had a banjo decades ago but ended up a single dad with three kids and life was busy. Where that banjo went I don't remember but now I'm unable to work as I have a terminal spinal condition where the inside f the column around the spinal cord gets smaller. Closing in on the cord and always results in death. The best position is sitting and having a banjo would make a great companion. Unfortunately finances don't allow a purchase and my research reveals building one is not cheaper. I also now lack the neighbor with the tools I could use to make one so I'm stuck watching videos and it's sort of like looking at food which isn't the same as being able to eat it, been there . Just once I would like to build, look at the finished product and subtly grin knowing I took things to a higher degree of craftsmanship but the eyes are not as good as they used to be. It's depressing to know that ship sailed and it just won't happen. I can't explain it but I used to model railroad and once a layout was done it immediately got torn apart and I started over. There is something about the process being enjoyed. Hey, when Clinch Mountain Backstep fired up I broke into a smile, you sounded great, thanks for that and sharing this vid.
I can truly attest to the Bishline quality. Mine is the Orpheum with custom gun like engraving, and it is beautiful. I love the sound of this banjo, and it is definitely a beautiful instrument. This one that really hits my heart. Honestly true master.
I have a friend who lives near Nashville and has a custom Bishline (dog bone markers on the fretboard.) Its a beautiful instrument and more importantly, it sounds great! I'm not really knowledgable about banjos, but this one certainly sounds as good as, if not better than some of the more recognizable names on the market today.
Really enjoined this video Rob! You should start making corporate banjos and get someone to yell at and you could have your own show on TLC, History or Discovery. =)
Good video! Great looking (and sounding) banjo! Your passion of building a quality instrument is obvious. I'll surely look in your direction for my next banjo!
Hi , The third string is the centerline ..in the video it's just showing a laminated neck ... both ends of 22nd fret measures the same distance from the tension hoop ...if you look at the banjo from the back with the resonator removed the center foot of the bridge is in exact alignment with the co-ordinator rods ...the jig is totally adjustable for different fingerboard widths ..
@mrsmudger53 ..Thanks Dave, sometimes when you're "dumming" the strings next to the string you're intending to note , you might need to bend your wrist a bit more so your fingers come directly straight down on the string . keep the ball of your thumb on the back of the neck and don't let the palm of your hand touch the back of the neck ..I think it's also important to keep the 5th peg about level with your shoulder .that can help with both the left & right hand .keep trying and don't give up
Hi Rob.Great video.You make it look so easy. I've been learning banjo about a year.I.m getting frustrated with myself not being able to fret the strings.My hands and fingers seem to be to big. and end up pressing down on two strings at once or dumming the ones next to it.Do you have any tips. As sometimes i feel like giving up due to this problem.I'm 57 y/o So have i left it to late? I watch vids on here which re inspires me to carry on.Those young kids are great. Dave ...in the UK
@mpaskinf I never knew that tune ..but looked it up & it sure sounds like sandy boys !!! the tune I was playing was a version of Clinch mountain backstep
Hi, so why don't you centre the neck off the third string like other makers? Do you have trouble with the bridge wanting to move sideways the way you do it?
