A couple of years ago my friend Cath sold me some wood from her stash on Vashon island. She had saved it to build furniture and I am blessed to have it for instruments. The black walnut she has stashed away is simple, straight grained, easy to work and sounds great. This one also includes a shop made brass tension hoop in a historic style that I saw on one of Pete Ross’ banjos. It uses a lap joint and two brass pins and is very strong. Check out that amazing goat skin head and give thanks for the animal who used to wear it! The organic tone it produces is a great match for the rich sound of the walnut. The pistachio is from California orchards.