NOTE: This was an early attempt at an affordable frailer. Now discontinued and superseded by the Hickler Standard Frailer.

I am developing an instrument designed from the ground up to be an excellent frailer. I am focusing on the usability and tone, with a simplified visual aesthetic for a handsome, functional banjo to satisfy the advanced player. To that end I have completed the first prototype of the No-Nonsense Frailer. YOU TUBE INTRO HERE!

For Sale: First Prototype

Specifications:

Curly Maple Neck
Cocobolo Fingerboard
Cocobolo Peghead overlay
Geared Tuners
24-bracket Tension Hoop
Maple Rim with Jatoba Tonering
Plastic Head (note: pictured with a used head. I will substitute a new Weatherking or Fyberskin head)
17 Frets and gernerous Frailing Scoop

Tone Evaluation:

Coo Coo
Last Chance
Arkansas Traveler
Flop Eared Mule

My Evaluation:

Overall sweet and bright tone.
This instrument loses some power above the seventh fret.
The sweet spot is near the tension hoop notch.
I found it very pleasing to play with my thumb over the
frailing scoop and fingers over the head.

More Pictures: