Necks
Base price for necks in 2026 is $650 which includes a two way truss rod and nickel-silver fret wire but not tuners. I can do any scale length and nut width, and I can cut the heel to fit any size rim. My necks are usually made from 2 or 3 layers of wood. If you want a one piece neck let me know and I will see what I have on hand. I can make Vega or Dobson heels, and full-fret or scooped fretboards, all are included in base price. 4, 5 or 6 string necks all cost the same. The base price woods are cherry, mahogany, or ash with a jatoba, hickory or hop-hornbeam fretboard. Paddle or figure 8 shaped pegheads are included in the base price and other shapes will cost $10 or $20 depending on the amount of work to make them. Below is a list of the charges for more expensive woods, and I am also happy to work with most other types of wood if you send me the material. The exception is cocobolo, which made me sneeze for some reason the one time I used it on a custom neck. Brass front or side dots are included in base price. Any peghead overlay wood that I have on hand is included in the base price.
- Curly maple or walnut +$20
- Rocklite Sundari fretboard +$35
- Ebony or Royal Blackwood fretboard +$30
- Blackwood Tek +$20
- Rosewood fretboard +$20
- Persimmon, zebrawood or granadillo fretboard +$10
- Radiused fretboard +$30
- Bound fretboard (wood binding) +$30
- Fretless -$50 ($50 off the base price)
- Tunneled 5th string +$30
- Both front and side brass dots (one or the other is included in base price)+$10
- Wood dots, dark species of your choice +$10
- Pearl dots $1 each for 1/4″ or 3/16″, inquire for other sizes
- Stainless steel fret wire +$20
- Slot head +$40
- Complex peghead shape +$20
- Tru Oil finish +$20
- Bone nut and pip +$10
- Spikes +$5 each
- Simple pre-cut inlays (stars, coins, etc) +$10 each to install, plus cost of inlay
- Large complex inlay is $40 an hour to install. I don’t cut my own inlay so you’d have to order what you want and have it sent to me. I don’t start work on the neck until the inlay has arrived, as sometimes it can be backordered for months.
Rims
I sometimes have some rims on hand and I am happy to make custom rims too. I only make block rims. Cherry, mahogany or ash cost $90 for an 11″ or smaller rim up to 3″ high and with 1/2″ to 3/4″ wall thickness. Over 3″ high adds $10, 12″ rims add $10. Walnut or curly maple cost $10 extra. I can add a rim cap from any of the rim woods for $30. I can turn one of my rims to fit your tone ring and flange for $10 per fitment but you’ll have to send them to me so I have them in hand to fit properly. I have turned rims as large as 16″(which is the biggest I can fit on my lathe) and as small as 8″. Send me an email if you’d like to know what I currently have in stock, or to place a custom order.
Tension Hoops
I make my own Van Eps style tension hoops from brass or aluminum and will be happy to make custom hoops for $60 +/- depending on the size and material. A grooved top hoop that works with old flat hooks is also $60. I can also supply a blank hoop without holes or a groove for $50+/-, if you’d like to make your own holes or notches or groove. Please send an email to arrange details.
Tone Rings
I make round 1/4″ and 3/16″ brass hoops for $40 for up to 12″. 5/16 ” and larger than 12″ diameter are $50. Rectangular brass tone rings, 3/16″ x 5/8″ with the top outer corner cut to a 1/8″ radius are $70 for up to 12″, $80 for larger sizes. Electric/Whyte Laydie type brass tone rings are $110 for up to 12″, and $120 for larger.
Armrests
This kind of armrest was originally developed by Jason Romero of Romero Banjos. I can make wood armrests to fit any banjo, I just need a couple of measurements. I try to keep a selection of armrests made from different woods on hand in 11″ and 12″ sizes. Price is $30 for cherry, ash, mahogany or plain maple, including a Tru Oil finish. If you’d like to do your own finishing just let me know, that will save time in getting a custom armrest ready to ship and will save you $5. There is a $5 extra charge for walnut or curly maple. The armrest is held on by a brass bar that goes across the inside of two hooks and has a threaded hole for the screw. I have brass and stainless steel screws. Weight is generally in the 1 to 2 ounce range. Shipping is $6 anywhere in the US, other areas please inquire.
