Gallery

Shortly after Dan started playing, he started making banjos. This is his fanciest one, having approximately 300 pieces of inlay, almost 800 pieces of marquetry, and carvings in some of the most unexpected places. The ornate inlays are of mother-of-pearl, abalone, paua, rare shells, brass and copper. Marquetry, which is a classical wood veneer inlay technique, has inlays of mahogany, paduk, purple heart, ebony and several exotic hardwoods. The carvings are done with traditional carving chisels and are masterful in design and execution.

Comments about the Banjo

A benchmark of beauty and elegance. – James B.
It’s unspeakably beautiful. – Vanessa H.
I am moved to tears (literally) to see such a work of art. – Ken C.
As far as I am concerned, that's the Stradivarius of all banjos. – Eric K.

1. Front view.

2. Back view.

3. Peghead carving.

4. Peghead inlay.

5. Inlay at the top part of the neck.

6. Inlay at the middle of the neck.

7. Inlay at the lower part of the neck.


8. Metal work showing inlayed thumbscrew.

9. The abalone binding and leaf detail.


10. Resonator marquetry.


11. Abalone heel cap, carving, and marquetry.


12. Carving around the fifth peg.


13. Carving, metal work and abalone binding.


14. Mother-of-pearl tuners with lapis lazuli.


15. Peghead with carving at thumbstop.


16. Heel cap, carving and marquetry.


17. The banjo pot is covered in abalone.


18. Gold plated tailpiece.

19. Guitarmaker Magazine.


20. Topanga Banjo Fiddle Contest.



©2010 Dan Levitt. All Rights Reserved.