Along with 2 others in the process

Since Jeffbreau saw where we were on this one in Eureka Springs, I will start the pic spread from here.

This will not be a "mainstream build", so follow along and enjoy!

The resonator stain is completed, and sealed, now taking on some clear before binding.
I like to bind after staining and sealing, that way if cyano gets on the stained wood, it will not show .
if you get cyano on bare wood, no stain will penetrate that area.

Here I have applied what I hope is an acceptable color scheme.
I applied bright green stain to surround the amber inside, and went with a Pearl Purple Perlescent metalflake lacquer over the binding.
These binding channels were cut for that specific binding so I chose to color over them, and protect it in the clear topcats.
These pics are all 3 base coats, and 2 coats of clear.
The metalflake will bounce out more after more coats of clear are applied.
It is hard to get a good pic, these are fair examples of what it looks like in the sunlight.

First assembly of the rim, to check fit

Taking a look for the heck of it

Setup on REMO 1100 M2
That will change to clear when they arrive, I just want to check "fit" of all parts

I have added 2 painted pinstripes, of metallic gold leaf to help enhance the purple and green.

Rim assembly complete (middle right), I will final buff the resonator after cure time is complete
The other two Accutone rims coming up the line are Tyler's replacement, and CapnMikes

After 8 coats clear
It has much more "Fire" than pics denote

That is a pretty good pic of it

Installing resonator attaching hardware
I will pull it back out to shade the inside

Its is set so that the one thumbscrew that is always under the armrest, is one space forward of it.
Remo 1100 M3 now installed
4 more coats of clear, shade the inside, and I will final buff it and prepare for the neck.

Inside shaded with green and sealed, I will add 3 coats of clear.
I am shading the top lip with the green stain wash, a little between each coat.

Inside finish complete

No not the only Accutone 5 string RB3 series you will ever see built, the short one :)

Since this is an over the top Mardi gras banjo I decided with the very Art Deco 30's Gibson 18 series boat paddle peghead design, bound, with a custom Lionhead inlay and Mondello logo, and an Accutone block at 19.
That is a very strong statement in both peghead and inlay I think.
These pegheads were , and this one is, Maple, and painted over, then inlays cleaned off befre clear was applied.
Now the neck is headed up to Dave Nichols at Custom Inlay, to decide on what we will chose for the fingerboard theme
As long as we have some nice Fluer Dee Leis in there somewhere Jeffbreau will be pleased.

More to come