Banjo #548 Fretted “Tone Ring” gourdie

Banjo #548 is a Fretted  “Tone Ring” Gourd Banjo from a limited production run, with only a small number made.

It features a 1/4″ brass rod tone ring that sits on top of the gourd rim. This design adds extra mass and rigidity to the head bearing surface, giving the instrument noticeably greater sustain and improved clarity, especially when playing up the neck. Notes ring out longer and stay more defined in higher positions, which makes melodic playing smoother and more expressive.

Because of the brass tone ring and reinforced rim structure, this banjo is heavier than most traditional gourd banjos. That added weight contributes to a more focused, projecting tone compared to the lighter, more percussive sound typically associated with gourd instruments.

The fretted neck improves intonation and expands melodic possibilities across the fingerboard, while still preserving the warm, organic character of the gourd body. Overall, this is a stronger, more refined version of a gourd banjo—offering excellent sustain, better up-the-neck performance, and a fuller voice, while still retaining its handcrafted, earthy identity.