That’s a good question but an important one. Let’s look at design features at first instance. Each of our headstock designs have a different unique shape, at present we have the Maple Leaf, Euphonic and Deluxe. Each headstock is meticulously hand carved / shaped using fine files, this is evident in the finished product. Every peghead has a 4.5mm ebony or rosewood overlay for additional strength and beauty, with an overall thickness of 11.5mm. We realise instruments can take a knock and for that reason we carve a high volute to offer better rigidity. We also created a deeper headstock angle which creates more tension on the strings and helps the strings seat better in the nut slots. This in turn reduces the chance of overtones. Many electric guitars guitars have flat headstocks (Fender etc.) however they have different means to control overtones.
From the neck to heel profile is once again where we differentiate from other companies. All of our models have either 5 or 7 piece necks, another feature that adds stability and is aesthetically pleasing to look at. One thing to remember about Rioga is we are not a factory! We are a small unit of 2 people hand crafting these instruments.
Our resonators unlike other modern banjo makers are concave rather than convex shaped. This style of banjo was used in the build of the 1930’s London company Clifford Essex Paragon banjo’s. We also include a handmade armrest crafted from the excess wood from the neck offcut, this is not available on Maple leaf models.
