I am lucky enough to play a banjo made by David Boyle of Leixlip, Co. Kildare, Ireland.  When I did a two week dep job for David McNevin with Stockton’s Wing in the early ’90’s, I played McNevin’s banjo which was made by Dave Boyle. A little time afterwards talks with Boyle started and following a few modifications (peg head for example) Dave made a banjo for me which is dated 1997.  My banjo is no. 40 in an ever expanding lineage but Dave does not make too many a year; his focus instead being his dedicated craftsmanship, specifically the sound of the instrument.  As with all the others, no. 40 looks beautiful and sounds wonderful too.

Dave’s website has loads of info about his fantastic banjos, who is lucky enough to play one and how you might get hold of one.

Unfortunately Dave passed away in 2020 and we all miss him greatly. He was a one-of-a-kind gentleman and banjo-maker supreme. I feel greatly privileged to play one of his banjos, that he made for me and constantly refreshed on many visits with him, and can easily and warmly say, both he and it changed my life.