The heart of the Banjolele is the pot.
The pot is like a drum. I make it out of several strips of multiplex (plywood). It's easy to bend and gives a warm and friendly tone. Once inside the mold a wedge presses the strips firmly to the inside of the mold. They are glued together with waterresistant glue.
As a mold first I used an old cooking pot but it was rather cumbersome to get them out of the mold.
A friendly neighbour made me two 8" diameter rings which are tightend with a transport strap. When the glue has dried I unlock the straps, the metal ring widens a little, and I can easily take out the pot.
Next I mark the holes for the spanners. I round off the bottom edge so it will fit comfortably on your chest whilst playing. Then the sanding and colouring and for protection a couple of layers of laquer.
As a mold first I used an old cooking pot but it was rather cumbersome to get them out of the mold.
A friendly neighbour made me two 8" diameter rings which are tightend with a transport strap. When the glue has dried I unlock the straps, the metal ring widens a little, and I can easily take out the pot.
Next I mark the holes for the spanners. I round off the bottom edge so it will fit comfortably on your chest whilst playing. Then the sanding and colouring and for protection a couple of layers of laquer.
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