A little bit of history

Wildwood Banjos began in the summer of 1973 in Arcata, Ca., single handed by Mark Platin. Being a sole trader Mark’s banjos had a distinctive flare for figured woods, tasteful inlays, unique design, and above all, a true concern for authentic sound and play ability. There are well over 6000 Wildwood banjos in the world doing their part for the rich history of old-time, bluegrass and traditional Irish.

Here we have a beautiful 22 fret flamed maple plectrum banjo, possibly made around 2002. Features a three piece flamed maple neck with centre ebony laminate & ebony heel cap. Elaborate hand cut mother of pearl headstock with planet geared tuners and pearl effect buttons. Ebony fretboard with floral style mother of pearl position markers and white side dots. The side of the neck features black side binding and wood marquetry. The neck is perfectly straight with excellent frets and the security of a fitted adjustable truss rod.

The body features a 2 level maple block rim and Mark’s own flathead tone ring. There is an interesting part of the video were Mark explains how his rim and tone ring setup give his banjo their defined voice. The resonator is made from figured maple veneers matching the neck binding and wood marquetry. Quality brass/nickel plated flange, Kershner tail piece and Gibson style armrest. 

The sound from these plectrum banjos is amazing and you have the option of using a capo if you prefer a shorter stretch. An ideal banjo for gigging in a folk band as it gives you a wider range of keys when using a capo. You’ll not find too many of these banjos around in the UK. I actually own one of his 19 fret open back tenor banjos, it is my N0.1 go to banjo!