Standard Models
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Thank you for your interest in the Bellbird banjo Company and I am sure we can look after all your needs in obtaining your dream banjo!
We do 6 standard acoustic models and 1 electric.
The prices are also given below in Australian Dollars. (American inquirers please ask for a more detailed and competitive 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) ….........$5,450.00
The Hemony (Mahogany) …....….... $5,150.00
The Belforte (Walnut) …………....... $5,450.00
The Cracka (African Mahogany).....$5,150.00
The Patterson (Maple/Mahogany)...$4,450.00
The Ulysses Electric banjo ...........$5,150.00
The Raintree (see description) ... $5450.00
(Mahogany neck and resonator, with all wood rim and tone ring, constructed from selected Australian rainforest hardwood)
Standard Included Features
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Custom Extras
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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 (highly figured Burl Walnut) is clear lacquered only, and therefore natural walnut brown is the only colour option.
The Raintree model is a mahogany appearance and like the Hemony model is limited to the brown colour spectrum.
Payment Details
All 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 16 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 6 “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”.
Model Descriptions
The Carillon: Named after the famed instrument of bells, The Carillon is our Curly Maple model.
Features: Premium Curly maple neck and resonator, 3-ply maple rim, and Classica Tone Ring
“With the Carillon model I strive to create the classic banjo sound, long associated with American rock maple neck and 3-ply maple rim construction. From this time-honored combination and with a deep respect for tradition comes a banjo for those who love the appearance of figured maple and the rich tonal textures of such immortal players as J.D Crowe and of course Earl Scruggs. Rich, juicy powerful tone that is yours to enjoy every time you play your Carillon.”
The Hemony: Named after the Belgian brothers Pieter and Francois Hemony, 16th pioneers of Carillon bell making, The Hemony is our Mahogany model
Features: Slow growth Honduras Mahogany neck and resonator, mahogany block pot, and New Heritage Tone Ring.
“This is a very sweet, juicy yet powerful banjo for those who love the warmer tones of mahogany timber. The unique combination of slow-growth Honduras mahogany neck and mahogany block rim gives unsurpassed tonal quality and clarity. The New Heritage tone ring really gives this banjo a strong, clean, bell-like quality that will suit both traditional players and modern melodic/jazz exponents alike. A very versatile and deliciously juicy banjo!”
The Cracka: The name Cracka was coined by banjo guru Ross Nickerson for his Signature Series banjos. He heard the expression “What a Cracker!” whilst touring in Australia and liked it so much he chose it for his first signature model. It is a great name for this cracker of a banjo!
Features: Hand selected African mahogany neck, African mahogany block rim, Resonator laminated in matching Honduras mahogany, Classica Tone Ring
“I worked on the Cracka model with legendary banjo player Ross Nickerson for 2 years and this is no ordinary banjo. Ross loves the sweeter tone of mahogany but he was after a banjo that really had that “crack” that every player is looking for, but without sacrificing superb tone. The answer was to use a very special timber, a type of African Mahogany. It possesses incredible power, clarity and tone. The precision made block pot and neck are made from the same piece of timber which enhances the harmonic qualities of this instrument. Top it off with our own special light weight “Classica” tone ring and light alloy parts and you have the complete package that you can play all night long. The Cracka is a magnificent banjo.”
The Belforte: Named after the place where bells are housed in a tower, The Belforte is our Walnut model.
Features: American Walnut neck, a figured burl walnut resonator, 3-ply maple rim.
The Belforte is our Walnut model, and features American Walnut neck and a magnificent highly figured burl walnut resonator. The walnut neck gives a tonal quality somewhere between maple and mahogany. It has a little more punch that traditional mahogany but not quite as dry as maple. The burl walnut laminate on the resonator is always spectacular and makes for a unique and highly prized banjo.
The Raintree:
“The newest member to the Bellbird range is a truly amazing banjo. Tone ring free, full timber pot construction is not new, but the Raintree sounds like no other banjo ever made! The secret is the timber in the pot which is an ironwood from the deep, lush forests of north-eastern Australia. The tone is all together amazingly powerful yet woody, sweet like honey but strong as any banjo you have ever played. You’ll say ‘How can this banjo sound so big and full without a tone ring?’ The secret is the timber, and a few other nifty innovations used in cutting the shape of the rim. Matched with a Honduras Mahogany neck and figured mahogany resonator it looks as beautiful as it sounds. It also is incredibly light to hold and is very easy on the back!”
Purchase Information
All 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 16 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.
Although the options for the 6 “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”.
