Mike Ramsey started building banjos in Lebanon, Ohio in 1986. His first banjo consisted of a neck made in his basement workshop fitted to an old purchased rim. Many prototypes followed as he fine-tuned the process, style, sound and product. In 1990, Mike left his corporate position and began his own woodworking business and in 1994 he moved to his location in Appomattox, Virginia. There Mike built a new woodworking shop to accomodate his expanding business. Mike currently resides in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Ramsey banjos are individually crafted from the finest wood and finished to perfection. The inlays are immaculate and the engraving is of the highest quality. Mike uses various rim diameters and other options to individualize his banjos, including fancy inlay, carved heel, and hand rubbed wood finishes. His standard models and options available can be viewed on this website.

What exactly does Chanterelle mean? At an exhibition organized by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, its organizer Robert Lloyd Webb was quoted as saying: "Philadelphia banjo maker Samuel Stewart's impression concurs with the popular 20th century idea that Sweeney added the short drone string, or chanterelle."

We hope you enjoy visiting our web site. Call or e-mail us for more information and/or availability.