After ten years of long-distance hiking, I had a pretty clear sense of what makes gear worth carrying. I tried other travel instruments, but they were too heavy, too cumbersome, or just didn’t sound right. I realized I’d have to build one myself.
That first banjo performed better than I could have imagined, and several people asked where they could buy one. I hadn’t planned on starting a business, but it was too good not to share.
After the hike, I kept dreaming and designing, and I found an amazing community of makers who helped me build the skills I needed to make it all happen. At the local makerspace, I learned CAD modeling, CNC machining, 3D printing, and laser cutting to help my humble little banjo reach its full potential.
Today, each banjo is handmade by my partner and I in our 200-square-foot garage. Our goal is simple: to make an instrument that’s easy to pack, sounds good, and feels at home wherever you do.
– Judd
