All of my banjos are made from the finest domestic and exotic hardwoods. Necks are available in maple, walnut, oak, mahogany and cherry, with figured woods available when in stock. Fingerboards come in a variety of different hardwoods, based on request and subject to availability. Most of my gourd banjos are made from canteen gourds measuring between eight and twelve inches in diameter. I buy all of my gourds from the highest quality sources, ensuring that each one will be exceptionally thick and sturdy, producing a durable and excellent sounding instrument.

My tackhead banjos are currently made from either antique oak grain measures or modern, multi-ply maple rims. Each has its own advantages: the grain measures are aesthetically pleasing in that they often have a nice patina, and display 19th-century construction techniques. However, the modern maple rims are much more sturdy and are always perfectly round. With the right stain, they can look perfecly authentic themselves If necessary, the grain measures will be reinforced by adding a thin lamination or by other aesthetically appropriate means. I use a wide variety of grain measures – some come reinforced with metal bands, some are painted, some are weathered, and some look relatively new. If possible, customers are welcome to send their own grain measures to be made into banjos. One grain measure will usually yield two banjos – an open-back instrument from the upper half, and a closed-back banjo from the bottom half.

All of my banjos are made with modern ebony or rosewood tuning pegs that can be distressed to simulate age, though custom, hand-turned pegs are available by request. Tailpieces are fashioned from aged leather strips unless otherwise requested. Other appointments may include: inlaid position markers, gut strings, marquetry, distressed finish or any number of other options by request.