Rickard 12" Cherry Little Wonder Banjo with Antiqued Brass Hardware

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We absolutely love the sound of this one! Right out of the case, the action is super low, making it an absolute dream to play. The Rickard 12" Cherry Little Wonder beautifully combines premium, old-time aesthetics with flawless modern playability. If you are looking for a wonderful open-back banjo with a uniquely rich voice, this instrument delivers on every front.

What Makes the Cherry Little Wonder Unique?

While many traditional open-backs default to maple or walnut, this model utilizes a premium 12-inch Cherry wood rim and neck. Cherry occupies a fantastic tonal sweet spot that sets it apart from other Rickard models:

• The Voice: It delivers a warm, woody depth similar to walnut, but with a beautiful underlying "sparkle" and clarity that prevents your notes from ever sounding muddy.

• Old-Time Playability: It features a highly comfortable Dobson-style rounded heel and an "S" curved frailing scoop, giving you plenty of room to play over the neck comfortably.

• Renowned Hardware: Outfitted with Rickard’s legendary, in-house machined antiqued brass hardware and 10:1 ratio Cyclone tuners, it offers unmatched tuning precision and a classic, timeless look. Over time, the hand-polished finish will naturally mature into a deeper, richer reddish-amber hue.

The Tone Ring: Why the "Little Wonder" Excels

If you're comparing Rickard's different models, the Little Wonder tone ring represents the ultimate middle ground for players who want punch without excessive weight or piercing brightness:

• vs. The Dobson Ring: The Dobson ring is famous for an ultra-mellow, dark, and hollow "bloom." By contrast, the Little Wonder tone ring—which features a rolled brass hoop enclosed in a snug metal sleeve—provides a tighter, more focused, and traditional punch with sharper note definition.

• vs. The Whyte Laydie or Tubaphone: Heavy rings like the Whyte Laydie offer massive volume but can sometimes sound aggressively bright or piercing. The Little Wonder strips away that harsh high-frequency edge, leaving you with a beautifully balanced, sweet mid-range that carries excellent volume without overpowering the room.

Why Banjo Studio Loves It

With its larger 12-inch pot, this banjo delivers a deep, throaty low-end response, while the Little Wonder ring ensures your individual notes still cut cleanly through a dense fiddle session. Combined with Rickard's legendary low-action setup, this banjo is incredibly responsive—whether you are playing a quiet porch solo or driving a hard clawhammer rhythm in a crowded jam.

Deluxe hardshell case included.