Bob Flesher made beautiful openback banjos with an ebony tone ring which I find perfect for old-time playing. This banjo is deluxe in every way with a carved heel and backstrap, abalone inlays and engraved hoop, inner ring, and tailpiece. The sound is powerful and not metallic. The skin head is a John Balch. Scale is 26.5" and 12"head. I have owned six of Bob's banjos over the decades (I still have a few), and I have never been disappointed with his workmanship, sound, and aesthetics. Hard shell case included.