Tree of Life Banjo

Let's start at the top left and we'll work downward from there . . .

Top Left

This shot is an overview of the instrument showing the entire front side. This has been my most involved project so far. There are over 100 pieces of mother-of-pearl in the inlays used in this instrument that were assembled one-handed!

Top Right

This is a close-up of the neck from the 4th to 11th fret. There is a nice mix of different colours and shades of each colour to give the inlay a truly floral appearance.

Center Left

A close-up shot showing the mix of cherry and purpleheart (purpleheart is one of my favourite woods). I split each neck blank and reverse the two pieces so that the vertical grain structure of each slab assist it's mate in keeping the neck rigid and straight. The center strip is "slab cut" so that it's grain runs across the neck to control sideways flexing. A nice set of "pancake" tuning pegs have been installed.

Center Right

The lower section is pictured here to show more of the inlay and the neck to tesion hoop fit.

Bottom Left

Another back of the neck shot to highlight grain orientation and the warm appearance of the cherry. The steam bent cherry rim is capped with purpleheart and I installed some nice purfling to bring all the colours together. The floral theme has been continued on the heel cap in a stylized fleur de lis.