For sale is the very first (stamped number one in the series!) impossible-to-obtain Johannes Bonefaas Richie Stearns model banjo. This has all the standard features of the Stearns model and everything… EVERYTHING was hand made with complete love and care, the best materials and of course, expert craftmanship.
I bought this banjo when the lovely (soon to be considered master banjo maker) Johannes began his journey. The goal was to duplicate a late 19th century Henry Dobson banjo, but to make it with a contemporary player in mind. He used a thin rim encased in brass and a Dobson-style tone ring.
It has an 11.5 inch pot (not exactly sure I’m measuring this correctly?) and a scooped neck. The woods are exceptional and the brass hardware is top quality and completely unique.
A few other people have built Dobson style banjos, but the Bonefaas models are considered the creme-de-la-creme in the open back world.
The banjo has a shaved goatskin head, ebony pegs and of course his handmade raw brass hardware and tailpiece. The hardware has aged to a very lovely patina, but as Johannes points out, if you wanted, you could polish it up to shiny brass again. The banjo is without a case but includes Johannes’ hand-made leather strap. Most important of all, this instrument has the most beautiful sound.
