Made in response to actual gourds propensity to break or crack where the neck attaches, this banjo uses a thick, painted wood bowl instead of a real gourd.  The effect resembles a gourd banjo but is much less fragile.  The head is goat skin which has been treated with Scotch Guard to make it more weatherproof.  Bowl measures 12” across the front. Playing surface measures 15” from the nut down to the top of the “scoop”.  Strung with nylon strings.  Ebony tail piece attached with imitation sinew.  Neck and dowel stick are curly maple.