Build an Open-back Banjo with Goat Skin Head

Build a professional-level, open-back banjo with a goat skin head. Goat skin creates a warmer, plunky sound when playing compared to synthetic. Learn the entire construction process from beginning to end–neck assembly, shaping, fingerboard glue up, peghead profiling, inserting frets, truss rod adjustment, banjo pot construction and more. Return home with a beautiful, heirloom instrument you can enjoy for years to come. All levels welcome. $

$750

Lindsey Liden grew up in Brasstown, spending much of his youth at the Folk School. After years of traveling, studying art at Warren Wilson College, getting a music degree from UNC Asheville, and earning a diploma in fine woodworking from Haywood Community College, he has returned to Brasstown to share his discoveries. Lindsey is a multi-instrumentalist, luthier, and fine woodworker who also enjoys teaching music and woodworking. He builds banjos and furniture in his own shop down the road from the school and previously managed the Folk School’s Woodworking Studio as Resident Artist.

Mark Rickey resides in Richmond, VA, and has worked in wood for over forty years. His work includes traditional designs inspired by antique furniture, contemporary pieces, and furniture using re-purposed materials. Mark has built custom furniture for numerous churches throughout Virginia, including altars, ambos, presider's chairs, and other pieces. He also specializes in natural edge furniture design, exploring integration of the wood's innate form with the functionality of art furniture. Most recently, he has been developing his "Twisted" series, incorporating bent and twisted laminations in everyday furniture and artistic music/book stands. He also teaches woodworking at the Visual Arts Center of Richmond and runs a cooperative wood shop in Richmond, VA.