Custom 5 string banjo by Thomas Norwood early 1980's - gloss Brazilian Rosewood

This 5/7 string was inspired by David Lindley (who showed me one he had made), and I appreciated the possible harmonic complexity. I then had Tom Norwood make one to my design. I designed it to be used “just” a 5 string banjo in case I didn’t like the 7 string setup. The construction is like the 5 string I also have listed for sale, but with all Brazilian rosewood. Note the fingerboard and resonator binding is even Brazilian rosewood! This makes it look like the frets are “growing” out of the fingerboard (very cool, right?). Please note the bridge design: the 2 high strings are set at an angle so I could either play them separately (Bluegrass or clawhammer style) or hit them together as drones (tuned either as a 4th or 5th apart). FYI, I usually tuned this to G minor or G modal or open C. Phenomenal sound! You could always simply re-string this as a standard 5 string. For more details, please see my other listing for a Norwood custom 5 string banjo. Last photo is of that model.

Decades ago, both banjos were chosen to be on display at the Los Angeles Museum of Modern Art for the their exhibition of the best handmade musical instruments (along with a David Russell Young classical guitar - which I later acquired), and others. Includes the rare/expensive Ameritage rolling banjo case. I'm only selling this because I'm old with Arthritis in my fingers so I can't really play and my kids aren't interested. Very good condition, but could use a good cleaning and polishing. Sold as is.

If you're in S. Calif, I strongly suggest you come by my office to check this out!