Stella tenor-2-5-string

Converted from tenor to 5-string by adding walnut moulding (wings) to both sides of neck, 1/4" fretless walnut fingerboard on top of existing fingerboard, 1/4 in deep brass-floored frailing scoop just below octave.

This is a short-scale banjo, since it uses the original tenor neck.

Rosewood violin pegs, Nylgut strings, Yellowstone banjo head. Peghead inlay added. Grooved, brass brad 5th string nut. Perforated black walnut bridge.

1/4" brass rod tone ring added to replicate my Cole Eclipse tone ring. I made the tailpiece as a brass replica of a vintage J. E. Dallas tailpiece.

Original "Stella" stamp on dowel, "Yellowstone" stamp added by me.

DIMENSIONS:

Head dia. = 10 3/4 in.

Set up w/scale length = 19 in.

String span @ nut=1 1/8 in

String span @ heel = 1 3/4 in.

Bridge = 3/4 in. tall

SETUP:

* action @ scoop = 1/2 in

* action @ octave = 3/16 in

* Recommended bridge position - slightly offset toward tailpiece from center of head.

FLAWS:

Peghead is slightly darkened on both sides at the 2nd string peg area.

20 hooks & shoes, most are original, and the replacements are similar vintage and appearance (i.e., salvaged from other banjos, not new).

Brass frailing scoop has small wrinkle @ 1st string side near pot.

Peghead was left as the original color. The MOP peghead inlay isn't as visible as for banjos w/ dark pegheads.

The square hole in the pot that the dowel passes through was enlarged. I shimmed it so that the neck is tight, and the shimming is not visible.

Sound clips:

Lay Your Good Money Down

D tuning, tuned down 5 half-steps.