Here's the latest news from Fielding Banjos:

There is still space to sign up for Will's Banjo building course at Whetstone School of Lutherie October 7 - 20, 2012

Will spends a lot of time (mostly while sanding) thinking about the way people play banjo these days and how to make Fielding Banjos more playable. We are always looking for ways to make our banjos better. We test new finishes, try different woods, listen to different tone rings.

We're now using Evo Gold fret wire exclusively. It is a bronze alloy, much harder than nickel, so your banjo may NEVER need re-fretting. There is no nickel in the alloy so for those who are sensitive to nickel, (more common than you may think) it's hypoallergenic.

Our truss-rods are custom made for us. They have a 1/4" wide flat top bar that provides even pressure under the fingerboard when adjusting the neck.

Another option we discovered recently that we think is cool and fun are glow in the dark side dots; great for those later night music sessions or just playing in the dark! (and aren't we all in the dark sometimes?) They appear off-white in daylight and glow either green or blue in the dark. Look for us at Clifftop this year the see a sample.

Here's an old idea revisited. What did all these old time banjo players have in common? Uncle Dave Macon, Wade Ward, Charlie Poole, Doc Boggs, Snuffy Jenkins, Stringbean, Banjo Bill Cornett, and many more? Their banjos all had resonators! With a resonator in place the sound of your banjo is much more consistent. Resonators can increase volume and direct sound up to the player and out to the audience. We are now offering a pie plate style resonator as an option.

Coming soon! a new model designed for easy re-tuning from C and G to A and D.

Thanks and keep playing!

Will & Paula Fielding