For the B160, Washburn collaborated with banjo virtuoso Sonny Smith, winner of the 1998 National Banjo Championship. Sonny, who now performs full time in
Dollywood, was eager to discuss his ideas for the instrument. “Back in the day, banjos were mainly played by women. As a result, the instrument developed with a very
narrow fretboard. We’ve given this instrument a wider fretboard to accommodate bigger fingers. We’ve also moved the 5th string nut between the 5th and 6th fret for
improved tone, sustain and intonation. We also redesigned the headstock. It’s a bit smaller than the ones found on modern banjos and it’s fully bound with old style
inlays. Banjo players just like that vintage look.”
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