RESONATORS: The resonators used in Sullivan Banjos are based off of old original Mastertone banjos using maple sidewalls and a multi-ply back. We hand select only the very best veneers we can find to become Sullivan banjo resonators.

WOOD RIMS: All standard series Sullivan Banjos use the Sullivan Historic Factory Floor Rim. The maple used in these 3-ply rims was the slow growing, old original growth, cold climate, rock maple, reclaimed from a factory built in the 1870’s. We hand select each rim precision lathe fit the tone ring and flange. We like the depth and clarity produced by these fine maple rims.

METAL HARDWARE: All metal hardware is nickel or gold plated. Brass is used with two exceptions; the flange is die cast like the old original Mastertone and the hooks are made of steel, as were the old originals. We only use the best hardware available.

TONE RING: The tone ring used is a custom bell metal 20 hole flathead especially designed for the Sullivan banjo. The Sullivan logo is tastefully engraved on the skirt and this tone ring is cryogenically treated to 300 degrees below zero for 12 hours to artificially age the metal. No need to have to wait 50 years to get the best sound your banjo can produce. An archtop tone ring is available as a special order item.

TAILPIECE: The Sullivan banjo now comes standard with the old original style, double hump adjustable clamshell tailpiece found on some of the most desirable banjos ever built.

TUNERS: Old style, planetary tuners fitted with ivoroid buttons are standard. These are a smooth and very accurate tuner.

HEAD: We use Remo top frosted medium crown.

BRIDGE: Sullivan Old Growth 5/8" is standard.

INLAYS: The Sullivan peghead is tastefully inlaid with a custom torch with the Sullivan name positioned in a graceful arch over the torch. The peghead is bound in real mother of Pearl and a mother of pearl truss rod cover rounds out the peghead package. The fingerboard is black ebony with a stylish, 10-inlay pattern and a name block at the 21st fret.

NECK SHAPING: The neck is patterned from examples of old original Mastertone necks we have in our shop. Width at the nut is slightly under 1-1/4" and about 1-15/16" at the heel including binding. The neck at the first five frets has the pre-war Gibson slight "V" feel, which the professional players like. The frets are medium banjo, 18% hard nickel silver. The frets extend over the binding to give a bit of extra playing width without the neck being any wider. The Sullivan neck has the basic size of a modern Mastertone with minor refinements.

FINISH: Each Sullivan banjo has a depth of finish and richness of color rarely seen in a banjo at any price. Each piece is carefully sanded to perfection, stained and finished with high gloss lacquer. Again hand sanded and final polished to a brilliance, which will last for years.

CASE: A custom, TKL American Vintage series, hard-shell case is included. Features include 5-ply wooden frame construction with arched top and reinforced structural seams.