Banjos handmade in the UK

Heirloom quality instruments hand crafted for the finest in tone and playability

Handmade Banjos

All my banjos are handmade at my workshop in rural Shropshire, every part of the process from start to finish is done in house by me, from the selecting and seasoning of the wood, the building and shaping of rim and neck through to the setting up of the finished banjo, much of the hardware I use is also produced here in the workshop.

will howson making a banjo custom banjo markers uk

Making instruments that I'm proud of.

Drawing on 13 years of working professionally on banjos, from studying and measuring old instruments during restoration work to custom builds.

My aim is to build instruments with great tone and playability, that are as well made and thought out as anything that you can find in the states or anywhere else, and that unlike most things in this age of planned obsolescence and throw away culture, will, with a bit of care and love last a lifetime, or two.

5 String Banjos

Tenor Banjo

Customer Testimonials

"Will has produced a fantastic open-back banjo in Cherry with a 12" Renaissance head and Dobson Tonering.
Excellent tone, lightweight and easy to play.
Why pay 000$ for overrated US imports when we have some talented luthiers in the UK?
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Highly recommended."

John Charnock

"Unlike many banjos I’ve played, it maintains clarity all the way up the neck. I've now owned it for a few months and would say this is now my favourite banjo, and I'm lucky enough to own some really nice ones from other well-known builders.
Dealing with Will was a pleasure.

If the house was on fire and I could save one banjo, this would be the one!."

Tom Philips

"I was smitten from the moment Will handed it over.
The craftsmanship is awesome and the sound just gets better and better.
Fabulous projection without a hint of harshness, just a well balanced tone across the range and up the neck.
And it’s plenty loud enough to be heard in my local Old Time session where it has been the target of some serious admiration.
If you are looking for a work of art at a very acceptable price point, Will’s your man. You won’t regret it!!"

Sue Woolard

"I'm delighted with my Howson, it's my go to, everyday banjo. 12" cherry pot, ebony tone ring, goat hide head, brass hardware. I have a few others, including antique banjos from some of the best American makers. It's the Howson that I reach for most. Check out my videos on YouTube at Cerddoriaeth Fynyddig / Mountain Music. Most of those include my Howson."

Andy Taylor

"I often think that looking at a banjo is like looking at food because firstly it has to appeal to the eye and that is how I felt the first time I saw the fretless banjo I bought from WGF Howson Instruments. Not only does it sound great but when I’m not playing it, it stands in my room like a piece of art."

Tat Taylor