Vintage 1980s Wildwood Open Back Minstrel Banjo Natural Finish

Graciously donated for our nonprofit ReString Appalachia to continue our work!

This banjo looks, sounds, feels, and plays great. No varnish: the finish is many coats of tung oil, which gives the neck a silky-smooth feeing, besides bringing out the beauty of the woods. The fingerboard is scooped down from the 18th fret onward, giving the banjo a more open tonal quality when strummed over the fingerboard rather than over the drum head. 

Cosmetic Condition:  Excellent condition for its age with only minor play wear.

Neck:  Two-piece maple neck with large volute.  Lots of pretty flame & birdseye figuring in the neck.  Thick ebony fingerboard with cream side-dots & checkered binding.  Abalone birds & floral inlays.  Frets show some wear, but have plenty of life in them.  Rosewood headstock overlay with abalone inlays.  Nickel tuners with pearloid buttons in perfect working condition.  1 5/16" nut width; 26 1/2" scale length.

Body:  Maple body with birdseye figuring on around the bottom rim & checkered binding.  Nickel tension hoop & arm rest with 24 lugs.  Metal tone ring with 11" Waverly head.  Banjo weighs 7 lbs 15.3 oz.  There is no pickup.

Case:  Soft Case Included. 

More on the builder:

I started my career working as a shop helper/apprentice for the talented and renown Ren Ferguson in Venice, CA. After a year or so working for Ren building acoustic guitars and banjos, learning basic construction techniques and honing my skills, I left his shop for another experience building opportunity working for the Dobro Guitar Co. in Long Beach CA. I had the good fortune to work for the original Dobro brothers Ed & Rudy Dopera --both in their 70's and 80's but still sharp as tacks. Having 2 professional experiences under my belt I decided it was time to strike out on my own. In 1973 I started Wildwood Banjo Co. in Arcata, CA. Arcata was home to Wildwood Banjos for almost 35 years. In 2007 I downsized and relocated to the current shop in Bend, Oregon.

My interest continues to be creating banjos using beautifully figured hardwoods, fancy shell work, and innovative hardware

After 45 great years of building WILDWOOD BANJOS, I have decided to retire