2015 Greg Ryan Gourd Banjo

This cute thing was made by my friend Greg Ryan out of a chunk of mahogany, rosewood, and an old kid's drumset pre-tensioned head. While it looks a bit "toy-y" it plays well and has a good, somewhat deep, warm sound... which is kind of shocking due to the size.

It's not your typical gourd-style sound. It sort of reminds me of a cumbus-style oud or something like that more than something Americanized. Part of it may be the lower tuning and lots of wound strings, though.

The single octave pair is a bit interesting, and when played chordally it does that "6 string uke" sort of thing.

I, of course, appreciate the zero fret inclusion.

Ping tuners, though?!