From the Workshop
Stories, notes and details from the Coall Instruments workshop — custom banjo builds, mandolin making, tonewood choices, instrument design, banjo traditions and the small decisions that shape each handcrafted instrument.
This is where we share a closer look at the making process: from finished instruments and custom details to construction ideas, sound, materials, playing styles, instrument history and the work behind each build.
Banjos
Openback vs Resonator Banjo: History, Sound and Playing Style
A clear guide to the differences between openback and resonator banjos — their history, sound, playing styles and how Coall Instruments approaches both traditions through handcrafted custom banjo building.
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Banjos
The Story Behind Cardus Banjos
A closer look at the story behind the Cardus banjo series from Coall Instruments — a handcrafted bluegrass banjo that respects traditional playing feel while introducing its own distinctive visual identity, custom details and tone possibilities.
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While banjos and mandolins remain at the heart of Coall Instruments, the workshop is always open to new ideas. One of our current projects is the development of a new guitar prototype in collaboration with Slovak guitarist and multi-instrumentalist Peter Luha.
The project brings together a musician’s perspective with the craftsmanship of luthier Miroslav Durai, exploring possibilities in guitar design, sound and playability.
Beyond his work as a musician, Peter is also the creator of Guitar Radar, an international platform covering guitar news, artists and stories from the music world, as well as Practice by Peter Luha, an interactive music practice platform designed for everyday training. Banjo and mandolin players are welcome too — simply select your instrument, and the available tools adapt to its tuning and fingerboard, making it easier to explore notes, scales, chords and develop your playing skills.
Have an idea for a custom build?
Whether you are looking for a handmade banjo, a mandolin or a personal custom instrument, the process can begin with a simple conversation.