Bellbird Banjo Co.

Bellbird Banjo Co. Instruments

Thank you for your interest in the Bellbird banjo Company and I am sure I can look after all your needs in obtaining your dream banjo!

Essentially I do 3 standard models. The prices are also given below in US Dollars. (Australian Inquirers ask for a more detailed quote).
From the standard model range, the customer may choose to customize the banjo a little, which in some instances (eg gold plating, bound headstock, abalone instead of pearl inlay etc…) adds to the cost. See these specs below.

The Carillon (Curly Maple) ….. $5,250.00
The Hemony (Mahogany) …….$4,950.00
The Belforte (Walnut) …………$5,250.00

Standard Included Features (for above models)

Nickel Plated
Gibson double-cut peg head (unbound)
5th string capo spikes installed
Ebony or Rosewood fingerboard and headstock
Choice of 14 inlay patterns
Colour of choice (sunburst extra)
TKL American Vintage Series Case (the best)

The Carillon and Hemony models are colour of your choice, with the Carillon (being lighter colour maple) having the most flexibility, could be any colour of the rainbow. The Hemony model (being a brown mahogany to start with is limited to the brown and red spectrum).

The Belforte model (Burl Walnut) is clear lacquered only, and therefore natural walnut brown is the only colour option.

Custom Extras                    Cost

Gold Plating                  $ 450.00
Champagne Chrome             $ 350.00
Y2K light alloy metal parts        $ 200.00
Sunburst finish (maple)            $ 450.00
Bound Headstock (ivoroid)        $ 150.00
Bound Headstock (pearl)        $ 200.00
Bound Headstock (abalone)        $ 250.00
Radiussed fingerboard            $ 150.00
Abalone Inlays                $ 200.00
Customized inlay design        by negotiation

Freight is free any where within Australia and all banjos are fully and comprehensively set up and ready to play. Freight to the US is $300.00

Payment Details

As all my banjos are custom made to order, a 50% deposit is required to start the job, and final payment is made when the banjo is ready to ship. The customer needs to allow a 20 week time frame from time of ordering to delivery. The customer is kept informed with progress and updates, and if possible some photos of the banjo in progress.

Standard Options

Although the options for the 3 “standard” models are set, there are of course a considerable number of variations to consider for your custom made Bellbird banjo. In particular, with the colour of your choice, tone and tone ring preference, specific set up requirements and other hardware options that may be available within the “standard” range.

My aim is to give the player as much say as possible in their dream banjo and to meet their needs fully. This is what is lacking in factory produced instruments, even the most expensive ones where the selection process is fairly much “potluck”.

	"The Carillon" Named after the famed instrument of bells, The Carillon is our Curly Maple model, and features presentation quality curly maple neck and resonator. Our standard model comes in the color of your choice. Custom Sunburst feature is available on request, and adds an extra AUD$1000 (US$700) to the list price. Contact us for prices on all banjos. >>> Click here to see the Full Specs and Photos

	"The Hemony" Named after the Belgian brothers Pieter and Francois Hemony, 16th pioneers of Carillon bell making, The Hemony is our Mahogany model, and comes in the color tint of your choice. Contact us for prices on all banjos. >>> Click here to see the Full Specs and Photos

	"The Belforte" Named after the place where bells are housed in a tower, The Belforte is our Walnut model, and features American Walnut neck and a magnificent highly figured burl walnut resonator. Contact us for prices on all banjos. >>> Click here to see the Full Specs and Photos