New Charles Waldman 14" Fretless open back Oak neck & rim
Serial # 15	Our Price: $995
This is the second Charles Waldman 14" fretless banjo Charles has brought in. The first one wasn't here for more than three days before a smart and lucky person took it home. But I was somewhat saddened. I wanted more clawhammer players to experience what it is like to play on a traditional banjo of this style. I guess the lesson here is that it is such a cool experience, people don't want to leave the banjo behind. Charles' story of the banjo is that he wanted to make a banjo reminiscent of some of the banjos made during the Civil War period. No fancy tone rings or heavy-compound rims. Simple construction with just a few tasteful accents of walnut make up this unique instrument. On this specific instrument the fretboard is made of what we think is black acacia. It has a deep, rich brown tone and a different touch when you are playing it. The oak used in this banjo is special. Necessity required that Charles have an oak tree removed from his property. Rather than chop it into firewood, he called on a friend with a sawmill and the tree was cut into boards. After years of drying and curing he felt this banjo would be the perfect project for this wood. And so it is, the oak adds to the rustic feel of the instrument. This is a banjo that you will want to tune a little lower. It has a nice deep thrumming sound when played and will be like no other banjo in your collection. This is a fretless banjo and as such might require a bit of getting used to. Tom was just fine with this when he played it. He really likes the how it sound when he slides between notes; "You just can't get that sound on a fretted banjo." If you are a clawhammer player swing by and check out this banjo while it is still here. It is really a unique and special banjo with a sound all its own. Fretboard and Bridge: black acacia Shell: oak

Click on the image to see a larger version
All pictures are of the actual instrument for sale. Unless noted otherwise, Gryphon does not use stock or generic photos.