Washburn has been building banjos since the late 1800s. These instruments were considered some of the finest of their day. This heritage is not lost in the instruments we handcraft today. Pros & amateurs alike choose a Washburn for its outstanding tone, build & value. The B17 features a Flame Maple resonator and maple rim, one piece flange, 11? diecast tension hoop, Bell Brass tone ring, Clam-shell tailpiece, engraved gold armrest, all 5 geared Planetary tuners and separate coordinator rods.