Introduction first I suppose, I'm 16 and have been playing instruments for a few years. I play a lot of guitar, but love picking up any instrument I can, like the more recent addition of Accordion to my repetoire. I've always wanted to learn banjo, so I was ecstatic when I picked up my great grandpa/s old tenor banjo from my great aunt a while back. I had it in a shop, but they didn't get anything done on it. I did some research on it and discovered that it was a Stromberg Voisinet from the 20's. After having done some work on a Telecaster, I felt confident enough to go ahead and try to do this one. So far I have
1. Built a tailpiece out of a fork
2. Designed a more ornate tailpiece based off of a presto to be cut out of stainless steel, just need to borrow the scroll saw, hopefully can do that soon.
3. Cleaned pretty much everything on it, including oiling wood, fretboard, etc.
4. Repair delamination on the resonator
5. Cut a nut
6. Action adjustments.
7. Retrofit a guitar strap using string and washers
8. Started learning to play it. :)
Unfortunately, I didn't get any pictures of the proccess, but have final pictures in all it's glory.
The next step clearly, was to get a case, but why buy one, especially when a case to fit the smaller tenor would be slightly harder to come by. So I designed one of them as well. That's what I'm currently working on, and will update with pictures on. Since a lot of the project involved recycling parts etc. the case had to be the same way, using old wood laying around and latches from a box, hinge from a bowling ball bag, etc. I also wanted something unique, so it's an octagonal case, in clear coat, that opens vertically. I bought some foam (yes bought unfortunately) and used red velvet from my moms wedding for the interior lining, but that has yet to go in yet ( updates will happen) Here's pictures of the banjo and the case in process. I'm currently waiting for some sanding sealer to dry and applying clear coat to another part.
So far the total amouunt of dollars put into the entire project, banjo and case are $34, plus about 17 hours of work total so far. I'm loving doing the work, and that doesn't count some design time for the new tailpiece etc.
Test fitting the top before gluing
Cutting foam for interior.
Gluing velvet onto foam
Testing the fit, I think it'll look nice.
Gluing the lid together
Adjustments and more parts cutting
Done for the day. Over 8 hours in so far over the course of 2 days ( not including design discussion)
Sealing
I have since added some clear coat, and I'm really loving the look of it. After the finish is done I'll glue in the interior and it will be pretty much done.
I guess I should also mention, i picked it up while visiting our great aunt and family in another state last summer, and want to have it done before we go back down there in early September. My great uncle still plays 5 string, and i know they will be happy and impressed.