How to Make a One String Banjo
- 1). Remove the lid from the cook tin. Place the tin onto a piece of wood that is 8 inches by 8 inches. Trace the outline of the cookie tin onto the wood. Use the compass to measure out a second circle around the first that is 7 inches in diameter. Cut out this ring for the back of the banjo.
- 2). Place the back piece onto a second piece of wood and trace its outline. Cut out this piece to create the banjo's center ring. Trace another ring onto a third piece of wood, this time leaving a 2 inch by 4 inch tab on the outer edge. Cut out this ring for the banjo's front piece.
- 3). Cut two pieces of wood that are 2 inches by 6 inches. Overlap them so there is a 3-inch step on both sides. Glue the pieces together to create the neck support piece. Allow the glue to dry. Trace the neck of the banjo onto a piece of wood that is 2 inches wide and 14 inches long. Cut out the neck piece. Sand away any rough areas on all the wood pieces. Glue one end of the banjo neck to one side of the support piece and allow to dry.
- 4). Measure out 10 frets on the neck and mark with a pencil. Cut out 10 2-inch pieces of wire. Gently pound the wire pieces into the fret markings. Attach the tuning peg to the top of the neck. Glue the neck support piece to the tab on the front ring piece and allow to dry.
- 5). Cut out the bottom of the cookie tin. Stretch a piece of rawhide over one end. Place the back piece of the banjo over the rawhide. Pull it down to fit tightly at the base of the tin. Place the center ring over the rawhide and position it in the middle. Place the front piece over the rawhide positioned at the top.
- 6). Drill a hole though the rawhide and into the side of the cookie tin 1 inch down from the top, directly opposite from the neck. Place a 4-inch screw in the hole. Wrap the banjo string around the screw and connect it to the tuning peg.
