Ebony

Probably the tone ring I've been asked for the most over the years.
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This is a 12" rim and like most people I build them so they are integral to the rim, personally I think they make an extremely versatile and very lightweight banjo that sound very different to a banjo with a plain wood rim.

The extra density of the Ebony adds a lot of extra depth to the tone and while they can be made to sound plunky with the right set up, they can also, with a tight renaissance head be as loud, bright and punchy as a banjo with a metal tone ring just without the brassy overtones.
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Extremely versatile tone ring that depending on set up is capable of a wide range of tones from mellow and woody to bright and punchy.

Prices
- Nickel Hardware £1625
- Brass Hardware £1750

Basic Specifications
Included on all 5 string banjos - Please see 5 string page for full information
Includes:
Choice of style 1 or style 2 neck and tailpiece
Scale length 25.4 "
Choice of woods
Under veneers neck and headstock
Hand cut and engraved mother of pearl inlay on headstock. 
Medium nickel silver fretwire
Three piece neck
Buffalo Horn Nut (Corian available on request) 
Nut width 31mm
Two way adjustable truss rod
Rim cap - Ebony - Pau ferro - Richlite
Gotoh raw brass tuners as standard with brass hardware.
Ebony capped moon bridge / Uncapped cherry bridge / Capped maple bridge (Dependent on setup)
Three stripe planetary tuners as standard with nickel hardware 
Hand rubbed oil finish
Renaissance head as standard, others available on request.
Free Hardcase included

Image Gallery

Videos

Charlies Home

Dry and Dusty

Julianne Johnson - Ebony tonering - Maple

Julianne Johnson played on an Ebony tone ring banjo in Maple and Ebony with style one neck and hardware.

Cumberland Gap - Ebony tonering - Maple

Cumberland gap on Ebony tone ring model with style one neck in maple and ebony.

Baptist Shout Ebony tonering Maple

Baptist Shout played on an Ebony tone ring model with a style one neck in maple and ebony.

Needlecase - Ebony Tonering Maple

Needlecase played on an Ebony tone ring model with a style one neck in maple and ebony.

Customer Testimonials

"Will has produced a fantastic open-back banjo in Cherry with a 12" Renaissance head and Dobson Tonering.
Excellent tone, lightweight and easy to play.
Why pay 000$ for overrated US imports when we have some talented luthiers in the UK?
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Highly recommended."

John Charnock

"Unlike many banjos I’ve played, it maintains clarity all the way up the neck. I've now owned it for a few months and would say this is now my favourite banjo, and I'm lucky enough to own some really nice ones from other well-known builders.
Dealing with Will was a pleasure.

If the house was on fire and I could save one banjo, this would be the one!."

Tom Philips

"I was smitten from the moment Will handed it over.
The craftsmanship is awesome and the sound just gets better and better.
Fabulous projection without a hint of harshness, just a well balanced tone across the range and up the neck.
And it’s plenty loud enough to be heard in my local Old Time session where it has been the target of some serious admiration.
If you are looking for a work of art at a very acceptable price point, Will’s your man. You won’t regret it!!"

Sue Woolard

"I'm delighted with my Howson, it's my go to, everyday banjo. 12" cherry pot, ebony tone ring, goat hide head, brass hardware. I have a few others, including antique banjos from some of the best American makers. It's the Howson that I reach for most. Check out my videos on YouTube at Cerddoriaeth Fynyddig / Mountain Music. Most of those include my Howson."

Andy Taylor

"I often think that looking at a banjo is like looking at food because firstly it has to appeal to the eye and that is how I felt the first time I saw the fretless banjo I bought from WGF Howson Instruments. Not only does it sound great but when I’m not playing it, it stands in my room like a piece of art."

Tat Taylor