#418- Curly Maple Mini Five String Banjo

Most folks seem to want a “stock” model from me with maybe one change or upgrade. Gene had a vision though and it was fun to try to help him reach it while staying within my own limits and boundaries. Curly maple from the Carpenter Ant stash, lightly stained with amber and extra round over shaping on the edges. He also wanted ball shoe hardware (from Brooks Masten), a frailing scoop, a fifth string hook to change tunings, a goat skin head and a brass arm rest. In the end it turned out great and I have been having fun playing it in the shop. I hope it lives up to his vision! The simple but subtly beautiful pistachio cake from California orchards.