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  • Front and Side of Pete Ross Dobson Banjo

    Pete is a serious student of banjo history and incorporates the design sensibilities of the past with modern construction for a versatile openback banjo.   Originally known as a gourd banjo maker, he has applied the same level of study to wood-rimmed banjos, co-curating a museum exhibit on Minstrel banjo makers, and working for many years with builder Kevin Enoch.  The Cubley and J. French instruments of the 1880's provided inspiration for this Dobson model, designed with and for us.  We are pleased to offer this Elderly Instruments exclusive!

    This banjo of vintage tobacco brown stained curly maple has a 12" 2-ply rim, antiqued brass vintage style hardware, Remo Renaissance head and a 25.5" scale length.  Fingerboard is baked maple as are the overlays on front and back of peghead and the rim cap.  Bridge is set slightly back from center, towards the tailpiece, a minor tweak that augments the responsive tone Dobson tone rings are prized for.

    The exact appearance of this item may vary.
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  • Full Front and Side of Pete Ross Dobson Banjo
  • Bridge of Pete Ross Dobson Banjo
  • Armrest of Pete Ross Dobson Banjo
  • Front Neck Joint of Pete Ross Dobson Banjo
  • Front Headstock of Pete Ross Dobson Banjo
  • Back Headstock of Pete Ross Dobson Banjo
  • Neck Joint of Pete Ross Dobson Banjo
  • Heel of Pete Ross Dobson Banjo
  • Inside Rim of Pete Ross Dobson Banjo
  • Back and Side of Pete Ross Dobson Banjo
  • Full Back and Side of Pete Ross Dobson Banjo
  • Full Back of Pete Ross Dobson Banjo
  • Full Front of Pete Ross Dobson Banjo
  • Back and Side of Pete Ross Dobson Banjo
  • Outside Rim of Pete Ross Dobson Banjo
  • Front and Side of Pete Ross Dobson Banjo
  • Full Front and Side of Pete Ross Dobson Banjo
  • Full Front and Side of Pete Ross Dobson Banjo
  • Neck Joint of Pete Ross Dobson Banjo
  • Tail Piece of Pete Ross Dobson Banjo
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More Details


  • Curly maple neck
  • Vintage tobacco brown stain
  • Cubley / J. French style peghead with hand-engraved hexagram inlay
  • 12" hand-bent 2-ply curly maple rim
  • Dobson tone ring
  • Handmade and riveted tension hoop
  • Remo Renaissance head
  • Baked maple fingerboard, peghead overlays (back & front) and rimcap
  • 1-1/4" nut
  • 25.5" scale length
  • Ivoroid position inlays
  • Thumb scoop
  • Patinated brass hardware
  • Brooks tailpiece
  • Dowel stick construction
  • 2-way adjustable truss rod

  • D'Addario J61 medium strings

Pete Ross Dobson Banjo, 12" Rim

Expert Setup
New

SKU: PRDOB-12B

Regular price
$3,150 USD
Regular price
Sale price
$3,150 USD
Experience the Elderly Difference

Pete is a serious student of banjo history and incorporates the design sensibilities of the past with modern construction for a versatile openback banjo.   Originally known as a gourd banjo maker, he has applied the same level of study to wood-rimmed banjos, co-curating a museum exhibit on Minstrel banjo makers, and working for many years with builder Kevin Enoch.  The Cubley and J. French instruments of the 1880's provided inspiration for this Dobson model, designed with and for us.  We are pleased to offer this Elderly Instruments exclusive!

This banjo of vintage tobacco brown stained curly maple has a 12" 2-ply rim, antiqued brass vintage style hardware, Remo Renaissance head and a 25.5" scale length.  Fingerboard is baked maple as are the overlays on front and back of peghead and the rim cap.  Bridge is set slightly back from center, towards the tailpiece, a minor tweak that augments the responsive tone Dobson tone rings are prized for.

More Details

More Details


  • Curly maple neck
  • Vintage tobacco brown stain
  • Cubley / J. French style peghead with hand-engraved hexagram inlay
  • 12" hand-bent 2-ply curly maple rim
  • Dobson tone ring
  • Handmade and riveted tension hoop
  • Remo Renaissance head
  • Baked maple fingerboard, peghead overlays (back & front) and rimcap
  • 1-1/4" nut
  • 25.5" scale length
  • Ivoroid position inlays
  • Thumb scoop
  • Patinated brass hardware
  • Brooks tailpiece
  • Dowel stick construction
  • 2-way adjustable truss rod

  • D'Addario J61 medium strings