DIY Network

Old-Time Banjo, Part 11: Sanding and Finishing the Neck From "Handmade Music" episode DHMM-209

Matthew Ball, son of banjo builder and musician Dave Ball, plays the newly made old-time banjo.

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This third episode of DIY's three-part Handmade Music series focusing on the old-time banjo explores the final steps in building this traditional instrument.

In this segment, some final sanding is done on the neck, and the banjo is assembled from its separate elements.

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With the rim complete Dave Ball is ready to begin finishing the old-time banjo neck. To prep the wood he raises the grain. As with any woodworking, wetting the stock to gets fine "hairs" to standup before knocking them down again with fine sandpaper (figures A and B). When finished raising the grain Dave preps the surface even further with a fine-grade abrasive pad.

Figure A

Figure B

After one final wipe-down Dave can apply finish. Holding the neck could be difficult, but Dave glues-in the previously completed and finished dowel-stick (figure C). For the next step the dowel stick makes a helpful handle. Before the glue dries, Dave does a test-fit with the rim (figure D).

Figure C

Figure D

Figure E

It's preferable to conduct a dry-fit at this stage to insure the neck-and-rim are squared-up and level. If they're not, a little gentle persuasion may be required (figure E).

When the joint for the dowel-stick and neck are completely dry, Dave can add finish (figure F). But he really appreciates the natural look of the curly maple so gun-maker's oil (actually an oil-based varnish) is all he uses on the neck. As the treatment brings out the beautiful tones and pattern of the maple's grain (figure G) the benefits of a simple finish is revealed.

Figure F

Figure G

	Figure H
	Luthier Dave Ball does some final sanding and refining of the banjo's neck before all of the pieces are assembled.

This oil finish is not the final step however. Dave likes to apply a treatment known as French polish to the neck. For each banjo, Dave mixes-up a fresh batch of shellac (figure H). Because shellac doesn't have a very long shelf-life, he mixes a fresh batch for each new instrument.

In the segment that follows, the French polish is applied. After that, all that's left to do is set up and string the banjo, and hear its voice for the first time.

RESOURCES :
The Museum of Appalachia
The Museum of Appalachia
Website: www.museumofappalachia.com

African Banjo Echoes in Appalachia: A Study of Folk Traditions
(Publications of the American Folklore Society New Series)
Author: Cecelia Conway
ISBN: 0870498932
Publisher: University of Tennessee Press (1995)
To order this book from Amazon.com, click here.

That Half-Barbaric Twang: The Banjo in American Popular Culture
(Music in American Life)
Author: Karen Linn
Publisher: University of Illinois Press; Illini Books ed edition (August 1994)
ISBN: 025206433X
To order this book from Amazon.com, click here.

America's Instrument: The Banjo in the Ninteenth Century
Authors: Philip F. Gura, James F. Bollman
Publisher: University of North Carolina Press (September, 1999)
ISBN: 0807824844
To order this book from Amazon.com, click here.

Ring the Banjar
Authors: Robert L. Webb, Margaret Hutchinson
Publisher: Centerstream Publications (2nd edition, 1996)
ISBN: 1574240161
To order this book from Amazon.com, click here.

The How and the Tao of Old Time Banjo
Author: Patrick Costello
Publisher: Pik-Ware Publishing (September, 2003)
ISBN: 0974419001
To order this book from Amazon.com, click here.

Jubilee Community Arts is a regional, community cultural center dedicated to preserving and presenting the traditional arts of the Southern Appalachians. The organization's stated mission is "to promote, preserve and present the performing arts of the Southern region and to nurture the cultural milieu responsible for the birth and evolution of these and related art forms." The organization owns and operates the Laurel Theater, a 19th century converted church located in the Fort Sanders community of Knoxville. The building now houses an acoustically and visually excellent concert hall and archives of concert and field recordings.
Web site: www.jubileearts.org

Clawhammer Style Banjo
Author: Ken Perlman
Publisher: Centerstream Publications (1989)
ISBN: 0931759331
To order this book from Amazon.com, click here.

How to Play the 5-String Banjo
Author: Pete Seeger
Publisher: Music Sales Corporation (3rd edition, June, 1969)
ISBN: 0825600243
To order this book from Amazon.com, click here.

GUESTS :

Dave Ball
Luthier
Knoxville, TN