Dobson
Dobson Banjo
Patented in 1881 the Dobson Silver Bell tone ring was designed by New York instrument maker, teacher and performer Henry C Dobson and today is one of the most sought after styles of tone rings amongst old time players.
My Dobsons are 12" rims, built with a second rolled brass tone ring which the Dobson sits upon. This configuration is sometimes called a Dobson Special and mimics the way the ring contacts an overspun rim which they were originally designed for.
This model has a well balanced tone with a sweet rich high end, a funky low end and a characteristic sustain and decay to the notes.
Specifications
Available in three choices of wood combination
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| Neck | Hand cut and engraved mother of pearl Song Thrush inlay on headstock | |
| 23” 19 fret or 21” 17 fret scale length | ||
| Three piece neck | ||
| Two way adjustable truss rod | ||
| Matching headstock veneers and fingerboards | ||
| Under veneers on neck and headstock | ||
| Medium size, hard nickel silver fretwire | ||
| Buffalo horn nut (corian available on request) | ||
| Gotoh raw brass tuners with brass hardware | ||
| Three band tuners with nickel hardware | ||
| Rim | 12” rim | |
| Dobson special tonering | ||
| 20 shoes | ||
| 3” three ply rim | ||
| Rim cap to match neck | ||
| Bridge - Straight ebony capped | ||
| Head | Renaissance head as standard, others available on request | |
| Goat skin + £75 | ||
| Finish | Hand rubbed oil finish | |
| Hardcase | Black plywood hardshell case | |
| Price | Nickel hardware | £1,890 |
| Brass hardware | £2,040 | |