Inspired by INSTRUMENTS MADE BY THE MANDE PEOPLE of West Africa
designed to be the BEST PLAYING CONTEMPORARY GOURD BANJO
This banjo is a further evolution of the instruments Pete learned to make during his apprenticeship with the late Scott Didlake of Jackson Mississippi. This gourd banjo was conceived for a contemporary musical settings rather than a strict historic reproduction, and Pete has continued to look for ways to improve its tone and playability for over 20 years since Scotts death in 1994. Leaving some of Scott's ideas aside, Pete has returned to the use of all natural materials and drawn from West African musical instruments for aesthetic inspiration and enhanced structural strength. The instrument is simple in design, but endlessly variable though use of different woods, stains and finishes; geared tuners and electric pick ups are even options. This is the most playable and best sounding gourd banjo available today.
Many of these details are options that can be used on any gourd banjo. You can view options, customization, and pricing via this form.
Many of these details are options that can be used on any gourd banjo. You can view options, customization, and pricing via this form.
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Bubinga neck with wenge fingerboard.
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Curly maple with wenge fingerboard, specialized with pickup.
Banza-kat variation. This is my latest re-engineering of the Mande. I've reconfigured the neck-gourd joint for added strength and flattened out and streamlined the entire neck. It somehwhat more akin to the minstrel era necks, in general profile and carved facets. The instrument above is curly maple with dark brown/mahogany stain.
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Wenge neck with bloodwood fingerboard.
Wenge neck with fretted bloodwood fingerboard.
Figured walnut neck.
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A mande banza style banjo played by Mark Weems.