Hi banjo players all - I started off with several "cheapies" and progressed over many years to Vega & Vega/Martin - great instruments which I used in the band and for solo work.
I never really found the "perfect banjo" so a few years ago I took one of the cheapies apart to see how it was made. From then on I have made my own banjos, mainly from bits & pieces and canabalized instruments
I currently use an open back with a fibreskin head and a kneck purchased on ebay (an old vega I think) it plays & sounds the way I want although it took a lot of adjusting and sawing/sanding to get it to that stage.
I currently own about 15 banjos which range from a 1920's Windsor which I have refurbished to a Gold Tone Long Neck which I think is a superb instrument.(a 60th birthday present from she who must be obeyed)
There's nothing better than to play the first tune ever on a banjo which you have made yourself and I think that anyone with a bit of basic knowledge should have a go.
My ambition is to find a really good fretless or to make one.
Great thread - keep on picking