Click Here to watch Robert Anderson play Paul’s Five String Nylon Fretless Banjo
Years ago when I was spending a lot of time with Martin Simpson, the great guitarist from 
England, he had a Turkish Cümbüş that he had converted to a five string nylon fretless banjo. I remember that the neck had a super glue rubbed finish that was pretty cool. Martin used this Cümbüş on his amazing album, “Cool and Unusual”. The aluminum bowl has an amazing strong percussive sound and the nylon strings give it smoothness that is just, well cool and unusual.
While traveling in Italy a few years ago for a guitar Festival in Sarzana, I came across a dealer of Turkish instruments tucked in the mountain side of Cinque Terre. I bought a Cümbüş there and carried it all the way home 
to the US knowing someday I would convert it like Martin had done.
Robert Anderson, a renowned banjo maker, moved to Weaverville North Carolina just miles away from my home. I showed Robert the instrument and he was excited about trying something new. He had never seen a Cümbüş before but was game for the project.
Robert is a true artist who loves to do carvings and extensive inlay work. This neck was fairly simple compared to many that he does.
I’m delighted with how it came out. The tone is amazing and it plays like a dream. This is a new instrument for me so I’ll be 
woodshedding the next two years! Wish me luck!
Click Here to watch Robert Anderson play Paul’s Five String Nylon Fretless Banjo
Robert Anderson and Paul Heumiller
Players Say: "Never visit Dream Guitars if you are in a hurry. I was there just once and I had a really hard time to leave because of the overwhelming quality and beauty of every single instrument."
What I appreciate the most is the strong personality and knowledge that Paul Heumiller expresses in his choices, not only choosing the highest makers in the field, and a fantastic selection of vintage instruments, but also giving space to new incredible builders who need to be discovered.
I’ll come back with plenty of time, you should do the same if you like to visit the best collection of independent makers and vintage guitars on the planet.