About the Fretted Tradesman Banjo
The fretted version of the "Tradesman" banjo by Kevin Enoch is a simple "Transitional" (later 19th Century) banjo loosely based on some of the Dobson banjos. It was Dobson who introduced metal-fretted banjos in 1878. This gem, when strung with steel strings, is a really early version of an Old-Time banjo...it doesn't get any more Old-Timey than this! They are extremely well-made with high quality materials and Kevin's legendary workmanship.
The Fretted Tradesman is also suitable as a super-authentic "Classic Banjo", when strung with the optional Nylgut strings.
Don't know the difference between an Old-Time Clawhammer banjo and a Classic Banjo. Well, it's kind of like the difference between a fiddle and a violin...all in the set-up and how you play it. Classic banjos were late 19th Century and early 20th Century banjos with metal frets and gut or metal-wound silk strings. To find out more, go to either the American Banjo Fraternity or Classic Banjo site.
 The fretted 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 fretted Tradesman comes strung with steel strings; however, it can be strung with Nylgut (imitation gut) as an option (both steel and gut strings were used in the late 19th Century and early 20th Century). 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/
Fretted Tradesman Banjo, Nylgut (nylon imitation gut) Strung
Cumberland Gap (1.58 MB): Tuning: e-BEBC# / Key: E / 2-finger picking
Jimmy Sutton (1.04 MB): Tuning: f#-BF#A#C# / Key: B / clawhammer
Fretted Tradesman Steel Strung
John Riley the Shepherd (1.34 MB): Tuning: g-EADE / Key: A / 3-finger picking
Arkansas Traveller (1.17 MB): Tuning: a-DADE / Key: D / clawhammer style
A bit more about the Fretted 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. You may want to purchase an Old Mill wooden "coffin" case for authenticity.
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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