Custom Rickard 12" Maple Spunover Brass Rim Banjo with Goat Skin Head

We are proud to be an authorized Rickard Dealer.  You are viewing the actual banjo that you'll be purchasing.  

This is a killer custom open back 5-string banjo by Rickard. Crafted for deep old-time resonance and distinct aesthetic character, this custom 5-string open-back banjo showcases Rickard's master craftsmanship from the rim construction down to the finest hardware details.

Custom Aesthetics & Fine Hardware What makes this instrument a true unique build are its deliberate, high-end appointments. The ebony fretboard features acrylic diamond inlays paired with a classic star inlay, framed by gold fretwire and a Vega-style pointed heel. Down on the pot, Rickard upgraded the rim hardware with antiqued brass belly-style nut with a wide-base shoes. Topped off with a natural goat-skin head, this custom combination brings an unmistakable vintage tone and added tonal character that standard production models don't offer.

In-House Seamless Spunover Rim Unlike standard open-backs, Rickard manufactures their brass spunover rims completely in-house. Rickard spins a single continuous sheet of brass directly over a solid maple core insert, resulting in a perfectly seamless rim with zero structural joints or welds. This seamless brass-to-wood bond allows string vibrations to transfer evenly throughout the entire pot, giving the instrument exceptional structural integrity, rich resonance, and extended sustain. 

12" Tone Profile & Dobson Warmth The 12-inch rim diameter combined with the brass spunover rim and Dobson tone ring creates the ultimate old-time soundscape. The larger 12" pot pumps out a fat, deep bass response and complex lower-mids, while the brass spunover construction adds dynamic punch and note clarity. Paired with the natural goat-skin head, it produces a warm, woody tone with vibrant top-end definition—making it ideal for clawhammer and traditional frailing styles.

Low Action & Effortless Playability Engineered for smooth, effortless playing, this banjo comes factory set with low action measuring 3/32" at the 12th fret. Combined with a 25.5" scale maple neck, 10:1 ratio Rickard Cyclone tuners, and an S-curve frailing scoop, navigating the fretboard is comfortable and fluid whether you are frailing over the neck scoop or picking down near the bridge.

Serial Number - #1895