THE WEAVER IRISH TENOR BANJO

THE BANJO WITH THE BIG WOODY TONE
MADE IN ENGLAND

Hand made by Clifford Essex craftsmen

We produce Weaver tenors (17 or 19 frets), 5-string banjos (clawhammer, classical or steel-strung 5-strings) and plectrum banjos. Choice of 11 or 12” hoops, with perch pole or coordinator rods.

The heart of this banjo is the Chakte Viga (scientific Name: Caesalpinia Platyloba) tone ring. Chakte Viga, sometimes referred to as Paela, is a tropical hardwood from Mexico. It has excellent tonal qualities and is popular in both instrument building and wood turning. The tone produced is loud and clear while giving the player control over the vibrations.

The shape of the Weaver neck was designed by Alfred Weaver, long before WW1. His banjos were played by the top professionals of the day. We have retained the original appearance of the instrument.

Drawing on extensive research, our banjos are constructed of the best timbers, selected for their fine acoustic qualities.

If you’re looking for unmatched tone, playability, balance and finish, this is the banjo for you! Complete with a plush lined hard case.

Our Weavers are made to order and there is currently a three-month waiting list. Please email us for more details.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Main neck wood  – Mahogany.
Fingerboard and peg head material  – Ebony.
Nut material and Inlays  – Buffalo Bone and Genuine Mother of Pearl.
Geared pegs.
Reinforced neck.
Traditional Clifford Essex shape for the peg head and a traditional Weaver shaped heel.
Rim thickness – 0.5″.
Total rim height – 2.75″.
Rim material – Mahogany
Tone ring material – Chatke Viga
Rim Cap  – Ebony
Head  – 11″ or 12″ medium crown.
Neck width at nut – varies as depends on banjo type.
Plating on hardware – Nickel.
Rim support / Neck attachment – Dual rim rods or perch pole
Weight: Varies (2.2 to 2.7 kg)

In the 1920s the metal tone ring was introduced into banjo construction in America and was quickly copied worldwide by nearly all banjo makers, including Clifford Essex with our Concert Grand and Paragon models. All manner of metal tone rings were introduced, some were just a plain metal ring, others were hollow rolled brass, some were, and still are, like a large sound chamber littered with small holes to let the sound out. This acts as an echo chamber, the problem being, given a run of notes, the note just played, rings on when the next is played, the player, no matter how skilled, is not in full control. Every player has his or her own views on how a banjo should sound. We favour the big natural woody tone produced by the high-quality timber used in the construction of this instrument.

With the Weaver, we chose not to fit truss rods in the neck, which would require a truss rod cover on the peghead. However, to be absolutely certain that the Weaver neck can never warp, particularly in countries with very high temperatures, we have fitted an unbendable carbon fibre rod under the fingerboard, extending from the nut to the heel. Since carbon fibre is very light the Weaver retains a very fine balance. The neck is hand carved by Clifford Essex craftsmen led by luthier Garry Silbert. Accessories like tension hooks and tailpieces may vary according to availability.

Postage to UK destinations including insurance is £20.00. Elsewhere, please ask for a quote.

Note:
This instrument comes with a lifetime guarantee.
All our instruments are thoroughly checked and set-up pre-sale.
Instruments are dispatched fully insured against any loss or damage and within 2 working days.