Thanks, Jon, you know what I really want to do is to make banjos with very small pots, maybe like 6 inches if I can get the heads that size. I learned to make pots from an old friend who used the "make 10 or 12 sided polygons from approx. 3/4 by 1 inch maple, stack them up, then turn on lathe" method. It's not supposed to be as good as the formed multi-ply maple rims, but it works pretty good and is a whole lot easier. I'm now studying Bart Hopkin's book about musical instrument design. It's the best book on the subject I've ever seen. I have no problem building necks, but I'd just as soon buy them if I can get a good deal. I can't see spending 40-50 hours on something I could buy for 40-50 dollars, usually.

Chet