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My first two gourd banjers were 4 stringers (3+1) made from the same oval-shaped gourd. The heads were literally in the shape
of heads, tilted back, singing, reminiscent of a scroll shape. (If I had made the eyes closed they would have resembled Southwestern
story tellers, but that's for another day.) I gave one to my best friend, Robert Webb of Phippsburg, Maine. It's surprising
how many tunes we've discovered can be played on just 3 strings. (Tunings, melody strings: 1-5-5; 1-4-5; 1-5-7; 1-5-8; etc.,
with chanterelle tuned variously.) NFS [But you can hear it on my CD, track 16.]
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In the early years of the nineteenth century American society combined their rugged individualistic ways of doing things
with exciting new ideas from the rest of the world. This 5-string instrument incorporates one of these fashionable elements:
the paisley. The swirling "boteh" leaf shape of Persian design is integrated into the curvilinear peghead and brass
tacks accent the edges. The entire neck is shellacked in a dark mahogany shade. This is probably not the most practical choice
for a fretless neck but the right person will find the right solution. $500.
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