Smellotone III Hybrid Banjo

[Maurice Mcmurry]

One of last years projects. Constructed entirely from Black locust. Seymour Duncan Antiquity neck pick up, K & K Twin Spot bridge pickup, Volume, Blend, and Tone potentiometers.

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[Ted Calver]

Very cool, and nicely done.

[Maurice Mcmurry]

Thank you for the kind words! The guy I made it for is enjoying getting familiar with it. I am cautiously optimistic about its success. I finally got up my nerve to put a home made instrument on another Forum a few years ago and a Moderator insinuated that I was a liar. I have put a good deal of effort into trying to prove my self ever since.

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[Zachary Hoyt]

It looks great, and very innovative. Good for you.

[Maurice Mcmurry]

Thanks Zachary Hoyt, much is borrowed from looking at web images of Nechville and Goldtone electric banjos. I would like to see the insides of a commercially produced version before I make another one. I always enjoy your Blog updates, you accomplish in two weeks what I get done in a year!

[Jim Becker]

Can't say I've ever seen a double cut banjo before! Very nice work!!!!

Interesting you mention Goldtone. I buy my zero frets for guitars from them, but do understand their primary business is in the banjo world with very nice looking instruments. (Not as good as Zachary's I'm sure )

[Edward Weber]

Good Job Maurice
I'm glad you didn't listen to those other people, keep at it, prove them wrong

[Maurice Mcmurry]

Thank you Jim and Edward! The gentleman I made it for usually puts a demo on the web. I will add a link when he does.

[Jonathan Pace]

It looks fantastic and is really unique!

[Maurice Mcmurry]

Thanks Jonathan. The owner says it is very different than a traditional banjo and that electric banjo technique will take a while. My nephew has a more banjo like version, I am hoping to get the two together.

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This is Smellotone 1, a Bakelite, formerly E tuned long neck, Harmony. I use it for trying out circuits and pickups. It is the origin of my Mellowtone brand getting nick-named Smellotone.

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Number two has a Hum-bucker neck and single coil bridge pickup, volume, blend, and tone potentiometers.