Updated August 21, 2008
Luke Mercier Handmade Banjos
© Luke Mercier, 2005-2008; Photos by LM, All rights reserved
*New Fretted Banjo Features
Currently available for purchase from
"The Dobson"
made by Luke Mercier 2008
(click images to enter gallery)
Violjo
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#50 |
click on Violjo to view gallery images and instrument description
Making a Banjo
With a background and current profession as a Violin Maker / Restorer, my banjos offer an insightful glimpse into the world of the Banjo Maker during the second half of the nineteenth century in America; before and during the takeover of industry; a time that marked the beginning of the end of the Handmade Banjo. I make them because I am fascinated by them! Through mastering the disciplines of violin making and restoration, I approach each banjo with the very same care and attention to detail.
For lack of a better description, I suppose that my banjos could be classified as Modern Practical Minstrel Banjos with influences ranging from W. E. Boucher to the earliest known A.C. Fairbanks banjos. Each Banjo is set up for optimal playability and is specifically designed to meet the needs of my client.
Not only are my Banjos highly functional but are collectable as highly unique sculptures. Each instrument is a one-of-a-kind creation and a worthy investment.
As an accomplished musician and craftsman I take the needs and requirements of my fellow artist and connoisseur to heart.
Examples of Mercier Flush-fret Banjos
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#43 |
#49 |
click banjos to view gallery images and instrument description.
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Rim Construction
My method of rim construction is not much different from that of a professional Bodhran maker's approach.My current rim construction consists of three ply's. Each is sawn and hand dressed to a uniform thickness, soaked and bent over a violin maker's bending iron, fit and glued individually into an outside mould using traditional hot hide glue. Presently, my most desired rim thickness is 5/16” with a maximum starting depth of 3” further reduced to my client's specifications. I offer a variety of carefully selected, naturally dried wood species such as: Maple, Curly Maple, Black Walnut, Oak, Ash or Rosewood. One rim can often take from 12 to 16 hrs to complete including varnish. The result, in my opinion is a superior complexity of tone.
Hardware
My hardware options consist of cast Bronze hardware that is reproduced from original period pieces combined with my own designs which are stylistically in keeping with the 19th century aesthetic. Cast Inside fasteners are also an option.
I am currently working to increase my selection of fixed post brackets to allow for inside cast nuts. Presently, most of my brackets are threaded from behind and fastened using a brass slot head or hex head machine screw and washer. As many banjo collectors have engineering backgrounds, I welcome new models for consideration as part of the collaborative process providing they are clean and cast able. The mould and original model will not be reused by myself and are respectfully returned to my client along with the commissioned work at the time of completion.
Hooks
The hooks I use are mostly non-plated brass with a square face. I offer the option of bent hooks as well. Nickel and Silver plating are also an option.
Tension Band
My tension band is hand made from .080” thick brass stock and is joined by two rivets using a traditional overlap method unless otherwise specified. The band is notched on the inside to allow the hooks to lock into place.
The Neck
As with a violin scroll, I consider the neck to be the area in which the maker is allowed to exercise the most artistic freedom by combining different head shapes, fifth peg features, heel treatments, neck shapes and flush fret patterns. My results on the whole are of a homogeneous nature as I remain true to the aesthetics and characteristics of the makers that inspire me. I encourage my clients to carefully consider all options and welcome any photographs of eye-catching historical banjo details for reference. My primary choice of neck wood is naturally cured Curly and non-curly Maple and American Black Walnut also available with Curl depending on availability. Other wood choices are also welcome for consideration.
My tools
With the exception of a band saw, drill press and grinder, most of my tools are more or less the same as those that have been used for the past four hundred years. My tools consist of a variety of hand held planes, files, rasps, chisels, gouges, knives and scrapers, many of which are handmade.
Testimonials
~From the day that I got it I've had trouble putting down Luke's banjo. Strung with gut strings and tuned low it's like an extension of my musical self. I love the feel and sound of the banjo, the lightness and ease of playing. I love the attention to detail; the wonderful cast brackets, the peg head and heel cuts, even the rounding of the ends of the hooks. It's my daily fretless player and I'm glad of it!
~This banjo (Violjo) exceeds my greatest expectations. The look, feel and sound of it constantly gladden my heart. The balance, in the lap and in the hand is perfect. I feel genuinely blessed to have been part of this more than enjoyable project and to be able to live with such an instrument. Luke's openness to my evolving ideas, his meticulous attention to detail and his consummate skill as a violin and banjo maker made this my best banjo project ever!
~Hank Schwartz
Click on the banjos below to view gallery images