I discovered this great banjo kit from Music Makers in Minnesota in the US. It uses a double ring of cherry wood to hold the drum skin instead of a metal frame. I created a font based on John Cage's handwriting then ordered abalone shell to be laser cut for the headstock inlay.
The kit
Traditional banjo headstock designs
From Cage's 4'33"
Positioning the design
Laser cut paua abalone shell
Marking and routing
Everyone needs a Dremel!
Fixed with superglue - gaps filled with glue/sawdust mix
The headstock shaped and sanded
Pearl fret markers
Flattening the fretboard
Inserting fret wire
Finished fretboard
Glueing the fretboard to the neck
Finished neck
Routing an indent for the decorative banding
Glueing the banding
Now for the varnishing
Finished!
