Well-suited for the Civil War or Minstrel reenactor.

The fretless version of the "Tradesman" by Kevin Enoch is a simple Minstrel-type banjo loosely based on some of the early (1860s) Dobson banjos. They are extremely well-made with high quality materials and Kevin's legendary workmanship.The fretless neck is walnut with a separate ebony fingerboard. The neck's shape, particularly the wonderfully sculptural heal, is designed to be similar to some of the early Dobsons. These instruments, in keeping with their authentic period character, do not have truss rods (a 20th Century invention). In order to keep your beautiful neck from warping, a small graphite rod is placed under the fingerboard for reinforcement. There is no external evidence, such as a truss rod cover, to indicate its presence.

The rim of the Tradesman is maple with no tone ring and finished black, in the manner of many 19th Century banjos. The head is a REMO Renaissance. Interestingly enough, it was Dobson who obtained a patent for a banjo tone ring in 1881.

The fretless Tradesman is strung with Nylgut (imitation gut), in character with the mid-19th Century period. A scooped fingerboard is available.

Hear it!

Playing by Paul Brown, musician and radio journalist, recorded these tunes played on Enoch banjos. Paul Brown's web site: http://www.brownpaul.net/

Tempy (1.05 MB): Tuning: f#-ADAD / Key: D / 2-finger picking
Pretty Little Girl (1.14 MB): Tuning: a-EAC#E / Key: A / clawhammer style

A Bit More About the Fretless Tradesman Banjo

The Tradesman comes with planetary tuners. If this is an important historical authenticity issue for you, no problem...Pegheds(tm) violin-type planetary-geared tuning pegs are available as an option.

The price of the "Tradesman" banjo includes a basic gig bag. Authentic Civil War oilcloth carrying bags and coffin cases are available from Old Mill Musical Instruments.

About the Maker:

Kevin Enoch, founder of Enoch instruments, has been involved in playing as well as making banjos and other stringed instruments since 1984. Enoch Instruments was formally established in 1990. Kevin's goal is to create an instrument designed for Minstrel stroke and clawhammer playing, embracing the aesthetics of the great banjo makers of the 19th and early 20th century. Kevin's love for the music, as well as his craft, is apparent in the degree of care and precision he puts into every detail of these musical masterpieces. Kevin Enoch has been praised by some of the finest banjo players on Earth: Bruce Molsky, Dirk Powell, Bob Carlin, Rafe Stefanini, Paul Brown, Gerry Milnes, Joe Newberry, and the list goes on...

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