We are asked daily by our online students for advice on what banjo to buy or to comment on a specific brand, model or builder. There are literally dozens of models being offered by large companies and small shops but none of them meet our standards in regards to value, price, construction and performance. Banjos in the $1,000.00 range offered as basic instruments usually feature very thin rims and as few as fourteen bracket hooks. Banjos that meet even minimal construction standards can be very expensive. Terms like “traditional” or “genuine old time sound” combined with conflicting and often misleading endorsements gleaned from internet forums can be confusing and intimidating to folks who just want to get the most for their hard earned money.

The Somerset line is our alternative to banjos that sacrifice hardware or wood to reach a price point and the grossly over priced boutique instruments. Each Somerset model is constructed of the very best materials and designed to furnish the player/musician with a solid and responsive American made banjo at a most reasonable price.

Somerset banjo strong points:

• handcrafted in the USA
• balance of tone, volume and responsiveness
• designed by Patrick Costello
• built by musicians for musicians
• necks are solid with no glued on pieces
• we use only premium Cooperman walnut and maple rims
• dual coordinator rods for strength and stability

Banjos

Somerset S-1 $1,595.00
Our flagship model is truly a musician’s banjo. The all American walnut construction combined with premium hardware and careful hand fitting endows the S-1 with a virtually limitless range. The S-1 was actually designed around the amazing JLS #4 flat top tone ring.The Somerset S-1stands alone as the pinnacle of modern banjo innovation and performance.

Somerset S-2 $995.00
The Somerset S-2 gives top notch performance at a truly affordable price. The three-ply 11″ maple rim combined with a heavy all brass tone ring, notched tension hoop and 24 top quality bracket hooks delivers exceptional tone and volume up and down the fingerboard.

new! Somerset S-3 $1,295.00
The Somerset S-3 was inspired by scaled down banjos produced over one hundred years ago. The ten inch maple rim, 24" scale neck and hand fitted cocobolo rosewood tone ring combine to produce a full rich tone with plenty of volume. This is a perfect banjo for anyone who is looking for big performance in a smaller package.

Somerset S-4

The Somerset S-4 features a substantial twelve inch maple rim with 24 brackets complimented by a heavy all brass tone ring and a scooped fingerboard. The S-4 delivers the power, tone and responsiveness that you have been waiting for in a 12" openback.

Somerset S-5 Minuteman

The Somerset S-5 Minuteman was conceived and designed to stand firmly on the American ideals of teamwork, craftsmanship and quality. At only $599.00, the S-5 offers more value dollar for dollar than anything on the market right now.

Somersets coming soon:

The Somerset S-6 a six-string banjo designed by Patrick Costello