This instrument was ordered by Charley, a winemaker from Napa Valley with a company called March Wines. (Try the Rose!) https://www.marchwines.com I thought it would be a great opportunity to finally use the wine barrel scraps I’ve been scavenging from the winery up the road from me, https://hiyuwinefarm.com. (Try the Arco Iris!)

Wine barrels are commonly made from White Oak, which is one of my favorite woods. It makes a banjo that is loud and crisp, with an old time, dusty sound that I love. I used Pistachio from California orchards for the fretboard and headplate and some Oregon walnut trim to tie it all together. I made the tension hoop myself, inspired by Pete Ross’ riveted hoops. The other brass hardware is by my friend Brooks Masten in Portland.