Calkins Banjos is a Portland-based workshop run by builder Nate Calkins, who combines an MFA in sculpture with over 20 years of woodworking to craft custom 19th-century-inspired old-time banjos. His mission is create a high quality banjos that plays great and keeps with the traditional looks the collection of banjos that he creates.
Calkins Banjos Collections
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The Swift
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Openback Banjo: The flagship, everyday workhorse model for clawhammer and traditional players.
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Features: Highly customizable (available in 11" and 12" sizes), lightweight, offering a full, resonant old-time sound.
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Mountain Banjo
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Traditional Appalachian "Frank Proffitt" style with modern playability updates.
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Features: No-frills construction with a distinct, primitive old-time voice.
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The Ohioan
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Fretless: The entry point for fretless players and traveling musicians.
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Features: Lightweight, sleek, and minimalist design producing a warm, mellow tone.
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Gourd Banjo
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Primitive historic art pieces that function as fully playable instruments.
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Features: Fretless neck speared through an authentic Canteen or Kettle Gourd.
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Specs & Technical Options
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Necks: Hand-shaped C-profile in Cherry, Khaya, or Black Walnut; standard 25.5" scale length.
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Rims:
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Maple Ply: Dyed black, lightweight with an open, bright, warm tone.
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Block Rim: Lathe-turned wood matching the neck for a darker, more focused, woody tone.
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Hardware & Tuners: Gotoh geared tuners (Brass or Nickel) or traditional Ebony Fiddle Pegs for Nylgut strings; handmade brass tension hoops; No-knot tailpieces; optional aged brass finishing.
