If you are just getting into building stringed instruments, it’s a good idea to start with a small budget and a small project. By taking on a small project the beginner can learn a lot about the physics of stringed instruments, build planning, and wood working tools. I can’t think of an entry point to building stringed instruments that is more welcoming and forgiving than banjo making.
Keep the Cost Low and Learning Opportunity High
One of the most expensive parts of building a banjo is the hardware; tuners and rim hardware specifically. Tuners that do the job well are absolutely essential. Luckily, there are plenty of inexpensive options on the web. The tack head banjo offers a way to avoid the need for specialized rim hardware.
Use a Simplified Build Style
Keep the build style simple. A Hoop on Stick design for the neck / dowel stick can be achieved with a drill, a jigsaw, a rasp, a file, sand paper, maybe a few screws, and some wood commonly found at many hardware stores or salvaged from old furniture.
Drum Shell Banjo Rims
A banjo rim made from a drum shell is a good low cost alternative to a steam bent rim. Drum shells are durable, light weight, and sound good. While steam bent rims are awesome, the tooling and set up for building them is significant. By using a drum shell that is already round and appropriately sized, that tooling and set up can be avoided.
Cookie tins, gourds, and cast off thrift store drums can all be used for building a banjo rim at low cost.
Use a Fixed Head
A fixed head is a head that does not have hardware and cannot be adjusted. A fixed head is permanently attached to the rim, usually with glue. Gourd banjos and tack head banjos are good examples of this type of head. Both gourd and tack head banjos use natural animal hide heads.
