Q: Are you still making banjo kits?
A: Yes. I don’t always post new videos on my YouTube page and l only change things as needed on this website, but I can assure you that as long as this website is accessible, I am still producing banjos and everything that you see on this site is valid and current. I do not spend a lot of time online and I do not usually answer emails when the info is readily found on my website. I spend the majority of my time in the workshop, producing banjo kits.
Q: There are no paper instructions nor parts lists in the kit box. Did you forget to include them?
A: No, there are no written instructions or paperwork included with these kits. I have posted assembly videos on each kit page. These videos provide far more detail than I could provide with written instruction. Please watch these videos before assembly. If you have further questions about assembly, please consider posting on the Building Banjos forum page.
Q: I did not receive a confirmation email from carverbanjos.com when I placed my recent kit order. Is there a problem?
A: You should receive an automated receipt email from PayPal and you should receive an automated email from this website. Now, I have had reports from some customers that no email from my site was ever received. I am not sure why this email fails or if it is going to spam folders etc. but I can assure you that if the PayPal transaction goes through, I’ve been paid and I have your order and all of your information needed. Feel free to email me if just for peace of mind, it’s no trouble at all and I’ll be glad to confirm the order with you.
Q: The “additional information” tab lists the weight of a kit at 12 pounds, does the kit really weigh this much?
A: Most of my banjo kits weigh about 4 to 5 pounds or less. In order to calculate shipping costs correctly through this website, I had to use a higher weight. I do not do this to deceive my customers -this 12 pounds is actually the “dimensional weight” which is calculated by USPS. Dimensional weight is based upon the size of the package and from what I understand it puts parcels into groups by size and not weight at all. This is a complicated way of saying that I had to use a dimensional weight rather than the actual weight for the shipping calculator to work properly. I do not make any profits off of the shipping costs.
Q: Do you offer refunds or accept returns?
A: Banjo kits: Due to the nature of these kits, I do not accept returns. Research carefully before you purchase. If you have any problems with your kit when you get it, let me know and I will work with you to find a solution.
Complete Banjos: All sales are final. I try to represent my banjos as accurately as possible with the listing information and pictures. If you have any doubts, concerns or questions please contact me before purchasing. I do not accept returns once the banjo has been shipped to you.
Q: I just want to buy a rim, how much?
A: I do not sell individual parts (necks, rims, pegs, gourds etc.) from these kits. Please consider buying the entire kit if you like my work. There is a lot of value in these kits and you will have all of the parts needed for a playing banjo. A lot of my parts are non-standard in size so it might not be so simple to use them with something you already have.
**I know attaching the skin can be the hardest part, and I will gladly sell you an extra skin at a reasonable price and it can now be found over on the “parts” tab.
Q: I received the wrong kit, how do I get the correct one?
A: first, please send me a picture of the kit you received and tell me which kit you expect. If the mistake was my fault I’ll cover all expenses to exchange the kit. If the mistake is on your end, I’ll still be glad to exchange, but you must cover all shipping expenses.
Q: What custom options are available?
A: There is a wide selection of different neck and body options available on this site. As far as custom banjos, different styles etc. I do not offer these options. I am able to sell these kits for so little because I have developed unique jigs, fixtures, templates and processes for each kit. To change one small thing on a kit can take a large amount of time, so I stay away from this.
Q: I have a few questions about your banjos, is there a number I can call to chat?
A: I do not have a public telephone number, but I’m glad to answer any questions via email: carverbanjos@gmail.com. I work hard to put as much information as I can out about my banjos- watch my detailed assembly videos and read the descriptions on each banjo page. Please do not track down my phone number: thank you for respecting my privacy.
Q: Why is my banjo in pieces? What did I get myself into?
A: You have purchased the best banjo kit available. I have personally
developed and tested these designs for over 15 years. My detailed
assembly instructions and step-by-step videos will make this project
easy and fun. I have thousands of satisfied customers across the world.
Q: I ordered my kit a week ago, where is it?
A: The average turnaround time for a kit is about 14 days. (Updated August 2023). Sometimes I am working at full capacity and the wait time can increase, especially around Christmas season. Every banjo is handmade and I strive to always give the highest quality craftsmanship possible. For fairness to my customers, I complete each order chronologically and I will not move orders around to accommodate customer deadlines. If you need a banjo by an exact date, please consider placing the order with plenty of time in advance to meet your schedule.
I reserve the right to cancel and refund orders at my discretion.
Q: I would like to buy a gourd banjo kit but it is out of stock. Can I pre-order one or can I sign up for a waiting list?
A: sometimes I stop selling certain kits, sometimes I take a break from some kits. The gourd banjo kit has especially been one that I prefer to sell in limited runs. I will restock this kit every few months but I can never guarantee or predict exactly when I will have them in stock. I do not do pre-orders, holds, reservations and at this time I do not have a notification system or a waiting list alert. If you want one of these kits please check back every couple of months and it will likely be back in stock.
Q: My banjo doesn’t play in tune; will you give me a refund?
A: It will play in tune if assembled according to the provided directions. All kits are made from a tested and proven pattern. Please let me know if you have a damaged kit before you put it together and I will help you out.
Q: I did not follow directions or take my time assembling my kit and I
ruined it. Will you give me a free replacement?
A: No, but let me know your issues and I may be able to help you fix it. I can not stress how important it is that you check out my assembly videos, lots of tips are in these videos which are not conveyed in my written assembly sheets. #1 tip: always glue the skin to the rim on every kit model, otherwise the skin can pull through the tacks and rip.
Q: Do you have any other instruments for sale?
A: Everything that I have available for sale can be found on this website. I am not currently taking custom orders besides what is posted on this site.
Q: Can I visit your shop?
A: At some point in the future I would like to have my shop open to the public. For a variety of reasons, I prefer to not have visitors at this time.
Q: I have an old banjo that needs some work, can you repair it for me?
A: I only service instruments that I have personally built. I have made banjos for other companies in the past, and if you should need a repair on it, I’ll be glad to help you out (my name will be on the label). I do not service, repair, or restore banjos that were made by other makers.