Deanocraft Custom Banjos by Dean O. Robinson
Dean is making some unique banjos that have some stand out features. The Easy-Access Trus rod in the frailing scoop and the turned block Ashborn style rims. I was searching for the best custom banjo builder out there and combed web forums to find examples and testimonies to point me to the right builder.
CONCEPT
I asked Dean to build a space banjo. I threw some ideas at him, but the concept was UFO’s, ray guns and crop circles topped off by a spaceman adrift. I figured there aren’t many (any?) traditional claw hammer/open back banjos with a theme like this. I was really excited to talk to Dean on the phone about it and we batted some concepts back and forth. This was my first take:
Dean took my concept and sketched out his interpretations with ideas for the type of pearl: WP white pearl, BP black pearl, GP gold pearl. Not shown in the sketches is Fret 3 has changed to Stars.
I am also feeling like the fretboard would look better if it was black or at least a darker color, like out in space. I have some nice coal black and also some darker rosewood.
An example of Dean’s attention to detail – while pondering the designs, he suggested a flyover perspective for the UFO and updated the drawing:
FIRST CUTS – IN PROGRESS BUILD
Dean was awesome – I asked him to keep me updated with pictures so that I could document the build process. From the sketches above to the raw inlay work and finishing, he would shoot over periodic pictures and comments. Was really fun to watch this banjo get born.
Finished Banjo
From Dean’s Website:
I was commissioned to create a custom banjo for an engineer with experiences designing aircraft and spacecraft. He wanted a “Spaceman” theme banjo and suggested some inlays, including the spaceman, ray gun, flying saucer, and crop circle. This is the end result, and it is one of the coolest banjos I have built. It has a walnut pot with a walnut wood tonering. I used a curly maple bottom cap on the pot and on the heel. The headstock is ebony and the fingerboard is royal blackwood. The head is a goat skin and the bridge is padauk with an ebony top. All hardware is brass, including the Gotoh tuners and my tension hoop. It is out of this world!
https://www.deanocraft.com/banjo-sn0086.html
My Thoughts
This custom-made banjo has far surpassed my expectations and now holds a cherished place in my collection. Dean’s meticulous attention to detail and the instrument’s inherent uniqueness set it apart from the rest. Not to mention, its performance and tone are absolutely outstanding.
Head/Neck: Dean’s craftsmanship truly shines with the spaceman, stars, ray gun, UFO, crop circle, and planet inlays. He even surprised me with a star dot on the 12th fret, showcasing his dedication to the instrument’s aesthetics.
Body: Crafted from beautiful walnut with maple accents, every aspect of the banjo’s construction is flawless. The tension hoop and armrest are of the highest quality, currently boasting a shiny brass finish that will age gracefully. The goatskin head lends it a celestial, moon-like appearance, while the Ashborn-style rim almost mirrors the rings of Saturn.
Tailpiece: Dean’s choice of the “North Star Tailpiece” from Rickard couldn’t be more fitting. It bears a striking resemblance to the “Pillars of Creation,” as aptly noted by my 13 year old, Christian.
But beyond its stunning looks, what truly matters is its playability and sound. I’ve never encountered a more comfortable instrument. It feels right in my hands and produces a rich, warm tone unlike my other, brighter and tinnier banjos. This banjo seamlessly fits into my musical repertoire.
In summary, this custom banjo has earned its place as my all-time favorite instrument. Amidst the many gear transactions I’ve undertaken, this one is undeniably special — my forever banjo.
