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.

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.