kevin c - Posted - 03/19/2026:  09:00:04

Hello Everyone,

Seeking opinions from the community. I am almost ready to pull the trigger on a new openback banjo build. The builder is a BHO sponsor.

As you would expect, the company has some standard banjo offerings, but I think they can do some tweaking if requested. The tweaking I have come up with so far is installing spikes at the 7th, 9th and 10th frets and adding the maker's nameplate to the headstock (I've seen that in a few pictures of the company's models).

Otherwise, their standard build seems to fit my desires perfectly (11" rim, banjo weighs a little less than 6 lbs., it's offered with the choice of either a maple or walnut rim and neck - I'm leaning toward the walnut version, 25.5 scale length, s-shaped scoop, dobson tone ring, renaissance head, upgraded hardware).

Wondering if you have anything that you might consider adding if you were in my shoes? All suggestions are welcome and appreciated. Apologies in advance if this triggers a case of BAS in any of you! Lol.

Best wishes,
Kevin

Old Hickory - Posted - 03/19/2026:  11:45:24

I'd have the rim made for two-piece (tube and plate) flange. So instead of rim shoes, the pot would use the tube portion of a two-piece flange to hold everything together.

Fewer parts and less weight, I think.

pinenut - Posted - 03/19/2026:  12:05:17

quote:

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Originally posted by kevin c

Otherwise, their standard build seems to fit my desires perfectly: 

11" rim - definitely + neck matching walnut trim, full walnut construction or black paint/stain

walnut version - yup

25.5 scale length - I wish that I had requested a longer scale: better volume/bass and the strings are a little more compliant 

s-shaped scoop - yup, might consider the routed thumb alternative

dobson tone ring - I would not get a Dobson (again) without a quarter inch rod or double spun rim under it

renaissance head - yup, these sound just right on a Dobson and look great.  Frosted is fine too

upgraded hardware - definitely + long pattern tailpiece like a Kershner, Presto or Rickard

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Edited by - pinenut on 03/19/2026 12:18:57

Bill Rogers - Posted - 03/19/2026:  12:17:20

Going just off your start: Fancy engraved inlays. Top-grade John Balch skin head. ….. Were I designing the banjo from scratch, I’d have a bracket-band Whyte Laydie shell with pearl rim Cap. Neck: flame maple 26 5/8” scale, wider than standard; ivoroid binding; ebony 22-fret board w/engraved inlays of cats. Ebony overlaid peghead (front and back) w/more cat inlays. Carved heell of cat. Gloss lacquer finish; Rickard tuners w/Gotoh 5th. But I’d rather spend the cost of such a banjo for an old Fairbanks or B&D.

kevin c - Posted - 03/19/2026:  12:25:25

Bill, I loved your post! It's an all-time classic! Kevin

pinenut - Posted - 03/19/2026:  12:31:27

quote:

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Originally posted by Bill Rogers

Neck: flame maple 26 5/8” scale,  What is the draw to the 26-5/8" scale and not go, whole hog, for 27" or the more common ~26.3"?

w/engraved inlays of cats.  As long as there is a cat butt in there somewhere. Count me in!

But I’d rather spend the cost of such a banjo for an old Fairbanks or B&D.  Used is the best route.

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Edited by - pinenut on 03/19/2026 12:35:44

Pick-A-Lick - Posted - 03/19/2026:  13:31:47

I would specify a 1-1/4” bone nut with 1” string spacing measured at the centers. (Personal preference but common). I would also specify Gotoh tuning machines with black buttons. (Substitute your choice of color or design).
I also prefer multi-layered binding. It’s a fun proposition to design your own banjo.
Enjoy?

Sunrise Lee - Posted - 03/19/2026:  13:58:28

I customized my Davis banjo, here are some of the things I did. Inlays, compound radius, wider neck, jumbo stainless frets, wood armrest, Rickard tuners, chrome plating, weird binding. It was a lot of fun and Tim did a great job on the banjo.

Dean T - Posted - 03/19/2026:  16:00:55

I would have the maker add a matching truss rod cover, and arm rest, of wood type matching the neck and rim.

Bart Veerman - Posted - 03/21/2026:  05:32:10

cup holder!

Jon Borcherding - Posted - 03/21/2026:  08:28:14

If I was in your shoes, I would get out of your shoes, ASAP! They're too small! I need a 12" pot, but I think this just demonstrates the differing needs/aesthetics of different players.
I like Nylgut strings, so I would have the banjo set up for Nylgut by the builder. That way, he can break a few strings getting the slots smoothed out instead of me doing that chore. As a builder, he's gonna be better at that job than me anyways.
I used to think slotheads looked weird on a banjo, but I have recently developed a new appreciation for the smooth tuning of my one slothead banjo, so I might go with a slothead if I was ordering a new instrument and that was an option.
I've only been playing for about 3 or 4 years so my opinion isn't worth much. Enjoy your new banjo!