Viermont Luthiers Custom Artisan 5-String Banjo 1989 – One-Off Handcrafted Flame Maple Banjo – Serial B0320

Unique custom-made artisan 5-string banjo built in 1989 by Viermont Luthiers.

Please note: a demonstration video is included at the end of the photo gallery.

This is a true one-off handcrafted instrument created as a special commission during the period in which I collaborated directly with the Viermont workshop and served as administrator of the company, handling marketing and communication between 1989 and 1991.

Unlike factory-made banjos, this instrument was conceived as an artistic and highly personal piece, combining traditional craftsmanship with extensive custom visual work and unique design elements.

The instrument is entirely built from beautifully figured flame maple, featuring a stunning high-gloss vintage finish that gives it a refined boutique aesthetic rarely seen on banjos.

Features include:
• 5-string configuration
• Entirely constructed from flamed maple
• Stunning high-gloss vintage flame maple finish
• Extensive hand-crafted inlay work throughout the instrument
• Custom deer motif on both peghead and resonator
• Personalized “E. Mateu” inlay
• Beautiful figured/flamed maple neck
• Gold hardware with natural vintage patina
• Highly decorative resonator back artwork
• Handmade artisan construction
• Serial number: B0320

Viermont Luthiers mainly built violins and guitars, which may explain the unusually refined and artistic European character of this banjo compared to more standard bluegrass-oriented instruments.

The instrument has spent most of its life as part of a carefully maintained private studio collection in a professional smoke-free environment and has seen very little actual playing time.

Cosmetically, it remains in very good condition for its age. The gold-plated hardware shows natural aging and patina consistent with a handcrafted instrument from the late 1980s.

This is not simply a banjo, but a rare commissioned artisan instrument with documented provenance and a unique history connected to a small independent lutherie workshop from the pre-internet era.

A very special piece for collectors, studio owners, folk and acoustic musicians, or anyone interested in unique handcrafted instruments with genuine character and history.

Worldwide shipping available at buyer’s expense.

The banjo will be professionally packed, fully insured and shipped with tracking. Shipping costs are the responsibility of the buyer.

Any import taxes, customs duties or related fees are also the responsibility of the buyer.

Shipping costs may vary depending on destination and insurance requirements.