Banjos
Banjos have been close to my heart since I was very young listening to my Uncle strumming folk songs on a four-string banjo. I began playing banjo in 1974 and built my first banjo in 1980, which is still the primary instrument I play today.
I have an equal love for resonator banjos and open back and have built a variety of sizes of both, ranging from 6” heads all the way up to 16” heads.
I use a variety of woods in constructing my banjos, personal favorites being maple and walnut for their look, feel and sound. But I can, and do use any woods necessary to achieve the look, effect and sound required for any given instrument.
I incorporate a number of different tone rings for the different sounds they offer, including wooden tone rings which I make in my shop from a variety of materials. Again, creating a different variety of sounds.
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Banjo Mechanics
Banjo Mechanics is an instrumental acoustic roots band comprised of Ian Pattison and Lewis Melville. Their albums are available online and by mail.
Pattison Fine Woodworking
Take a look at the unique furniture, cabinetry, interiors, and other fine woodworking projects I've been producing for over 30 years.