The Spartan banjos are very elegant and bare bones. They get their name from my old 1959 Chevy Spartan school bus, from where these banjos were once made. I designed these banjos to be used with my “butterfly” shoes, but they are also available with my “L” or “ball end” shoes. They come with either 14 or 16 shoes. The number of shoes is strictly for looks, either way you get a light weight and responsive banjo. They weigh in around 4 lbs.
Basic Features
- Walnut neck (cherry or mahogany, when available)
- Choice of clown or paddle peghead
- Ebony fingerboard
- 25.5” scale length
- Frailing scoop or 22 frets
- Fretted or fretless
- Double action truss rod
- Choice of 11” or 12” 2-ply maple rim
- Choice 14 or 16 “butterfly” shoes
- Handmade notched brass tension hoop
- Handmade ¼” brass round tone ring
- Synthetic or skin head
- No knot tail piece
- Geared tuners
- Gold pearl position markers
- Hardshell case
Photos
Here are a few photos. Find more in the Gallery
