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Fretboard Inlay

Fretboard Inlay

I decided to forgo having markers on the front of the fretboard, but I have seen a few banjos with a star between the 4th and 5th fret and liked the look so I decided to do that.  I cut a star out of mother of pearl and routed the fretboard like I did for the peghead....
Holes for Tension Brackets

Holes for Tension Brackets

The brackets and hooks that provide the tension to pull down the tension hoop and tighten the head, are a distinctive part of the look of a banjo.  Some banjos have a lot of brackets, but I prefer the look of fewer.  I decided on a total of 14, which is about the...
Neck Brace and End Bolt

Neck Brace and End Bolt

The dowel stick passes through the rim and is attached at the side opposite the neck with the end bolt.  The neck brace is attached to the dowel stick inside the rim at the neck end.  When tightened, the neck brace brings the neck into firm contact with the rim. The...
Cut for Tension Hoop

Cut for Tension Hoop

The tension hoop slips over the rim and is pulled down about 1/2in onto it.  I chiseled the area of the neck where it meets the rim to provide the needed clearance. I’ll need to cut a bit more away from the bottom of the slot to provide room for the part of the...