The Redbird is a banjo born out of the need to have a shorter-necked instrument that my 7-year-old son could play easily. But being built with the same integrity as my other banjos, it is far from a kid’s instrument. I love playing it and do not tire of it’s beatiful tone. The design was inspired by and partially guided by my son, who chose the cardinal theme. He loves Rock & Roll as much as bluegrass, so the styling also reflects that rock “attitude”.
It features intricate cardinal inlays, neck and heel carving, a tunneled fifth string, adjustable neck to rim connection and a flared rim with bare feet (no shoes!). More specs below.
Specifications:
NECK
- 5 strings
- Tunelled fifth string
- Curly maple neck
- Hickory fretboard
- 24 frets, EVO Gold
- Non-radiused
- No neck binding
- Fretboard inlays – maple (burl and curly), ebony, and Avonite
- Tuners – Gotoh ukulele banjo tuners (4:1 Planetary)
- Neck to Rim connection: Adjustable
- 19.5″ Scale length (“C” scale with steel strings, or “G” Scale if strung with nylon)
RIM
- Old growth maple, block construction.
- machined brass tone ring
- Top adjusting brass stretcher bar
- Flared design – 8″ head flared to 9.25″
- Integral, hidden “shoes”
OTHER
- Bronze Tailpiece
- Curly Maple Armrest
- Bridge – Violin style with no direct path for string vibration to head
- Overall Weight: 3lbs 9oz, (1.6kg)