2011 Luke Mercier Fretless Minstrel Lefty
Luke Mercier is a master violin and banjo maker based in Spring Brook, Ontario. He is one of the finest violin-family instrument restorers in Canada, but is steadily gaining a reputation for his finely crafted banjos. Luke specializes in crafting modern versions of American banjos built in the second half of the 19th century. You can learn more about this remarkable builder through his website: www.lukemercier.com
Offered here is a custom-built left-handed fretless model, based, on an early A.C. Fairbanks instrument. The ¼” thick rim is built of two plies of cherry, with an outer ply of Indian rosewood. It measures 12.25” across and 2-1/8” deep. The double-pointed wall brackets are reproductions of original Fairbanks pieces and the pyramid nuts are reproduced castings from originals dating to circa 1870. The instrument's single-piece neck and dowel-stick are hand carved of Walnut, with a rosewood veneer fingerboard with flush violin purfling frets. Ebony friction tuners and a simple 8-pointed star adorn the headstock, while a hand-carved bone tailpiece and gut hanger fasten on the end of the dowel-stick. The instrument is finished in a traditional rubbed varnish. 25.7” scale.
Luke's masterful craftsmanship is immediately apparent, as is his commitment to authenticity and tasteful ornamentation. The banjo is as beautiful to look at as it is to hear.
This gently used instrument is in nearly perfect condition and shows no playwear.
With padded soft-shell case.
Offered here is a custom-built left-handed fretless model, based, on an early A.C. Fairbanks instrument. The ¼” thick rim is built of two plies of cherry, with an outer ply of Indian rosewood. It measures 12.25” across and 2-1/8” deep. The double-pointed wall brackets are reproductions of original Fairbanks pieces and the pyramid nuts are reproduced castings from originals dating to circa 1870. The instrument's single-piece neck and dowel-stick are hand carved of Walnut, with a rosewood veneer fingerboard with flush violin purfling frets. Ebony friction tuners and a simple 8-pointed star adorn the headstock, while a hand-carved bone tailpiece and gut hanger fasten on the end of the dowel-stick. The instrument is finished in a traditional rubbed varnish. 25.7” scale.
Luke's masterful craftsmanship is immediately apparent, as is his commitment to authenticity and tasteful ornamentation. The banjo is as beautiful to look at as it is to hear.
This gently used instrument is in nearly perfect condition and shows no playwear.
With padded soft-shell case.