My main banjo was the inspiration for this, with a bright sounding maple rim with brass tone ring, balanced out by a lighter weight Mahogany neck. I then stained the woods so they matched and added some fancy Pistachio for the fretboard and trim. This is a short scale (20”) banjo with an 11” rim. Very comfortable and fun to play. Non-steel strings and a Renaissance head for a classic sound. The Maple is from the Carpenter Ant stash and is scrap wood from our kitchen cabinets. The Mahogany is salvaged from my neighbor’s shop, a retired flute maker. The Pistachio is from California orchards.

“Dear Aaron and Nicole-
Just a note of thanks for another fabulous instrument! I’ve been playing clawhammer uke for years, and banjo has always been on my radar. The only deterrent was the length of a full scale, thus when Aaron took the plunge on developing a short scale model, I was all in!
The model itself is an ingenious design; capturing all aspects of true banjo tone while enabling multiple tunings. The neck feels wonderful, and an easier transition from uke than I had ever imagined.
Beansprout instruments are artistic pieces of beauty most appreciated in person vs photographs. I am truly in awe each day I open the case, and can’t stop smiling while playing. Oh what a blast!
Thanks again!
- J. K. ”