The TranjoCaster is now in production! The body has been altered slightly and the tuner mounting has been rotated 90 degrees. There are 2 pickups -- neck and bridge - and a blend pot to combine the two signals. I am now taking orders for TranjoCasters and I can deliver new instruments in 6-8 weeks. Alternate pickups, control options, alternate wood and colors also available -- please contact me for details and pricing. The production TranjoCaster sounds just like the prototype, but with the second pickup added you can get a wider variety of tone combinations, from mellow jazz guitar to twangy country electric (scroll down for sound clips). List price for a stock Tranjocaster is $1000, but you can order one directly from me for $900.
Custom black model for Ian Patton, featured on the YouTube links above
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TranjoCaster Specifications:
Materials and workmanship warrantied for 5 years to original owner
This is my prototype for a solid-body electric travel banjo. The body is ash and the neck is maple with a rosewood fingerboard. The pickup is an EMG Select with a concentric tone/volume control. I used a standard banjo bridge instead of a metal guitar bridge. The body-mounted tuners eliminate the need for a tailpiece. The neck is held in place with one bolt, making it easy to remove for travel. The entire TranjoCaster fits into a standard carry-on suitcase, just like my acoustic travel banjo, the Tranjo.
I took this TranjoCaster to the 2006 Smoky Mountain Banjo Academy to show it off. I was fortunate enough to record both Gary "Biscuit" Davis and James McKinney playing some fantastic licks and tunes. These clips are used with their permission (thanks, guys!). The clips were recorded on a Sony MiniDisc using a homemade stereo condenser microphone, not directly from the amplifier. There is a slight distortion on the louder passages, but that is from the original recording levels being a little too hot.
Gary "Biscuit" Davis - 1
James McKinney - 1
© 2008 Farris Travel Banjo Co. -- all rights reserved
travel damage not covered under warranty
14 Day evaluation period for web orders -- you may return your undamaged TranjoCaster within 14 days of receipt, for any reason, for a full refund (less shipping)
If you would rather pay directly by check or money order, email me for details, or call (615) 794-3516 between 9 AM to 9 PM US Central Time (GMT -6). Thanks for your interest! -- Sam Farris, proprietor.Full price prepay for TranjoCaster - List price $1000, your direct price $900 (USD). Standard shipping and handling (ground service, continental US) is an additional $30. Premium shipping will be extra -- contact us for an exact quote. Normal delivery is 6-8 weeks from order.
- OR - Deposit for TranjoCaster - $450 (USD) Secures your place on the waiting list. Normal delivery is 6-8 weeks. You will be contacted to pay the balance due before shipping when your Tranjo is ready. Shipping and handling charges will be added to your final payment.
Custom painting option - solid color over maple, gloss finish. See black example above. Other colors available - please contact us for details. Must be included with deposit - $200 (USD)
Additional shipping charges for non-US customers. Tranjocaster will be shipping by International Priority mail. $50 (USD) (in addition to standard $30 charge)
April 2006 -- Here are some pictures and sound clips of my prototype Tranjocaster.
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Gary "Biscuit" Davis - 2
Gary "Biscuit" Davis - 3
Gary "Biscuit" Davis - 4
Gary "Biscuit" Davis - 5
Gary "Biscuit" Davis - 6
James McKinney - 2
Tranjo -- the Ultimate Travel Banjo 
The Silent Banjo System 