Born and raised in the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee, Ronnie Bales grew up working beside his father in a woodworking shop. Having been in woodworking for over 40 years, his approach to banjo construction differs from many banjo builders. He concentrates on wood quality, precise joints and different type glues to achieve maximum tone. Resonators are constructed from scratch, even down to the veneers he saws himself. The necks are made exclusively in his shop from hand selected mahogany, maple, and walnut. Ronnie’s 3 ply banjo rims are constructed from hand selected maple that is steamed, bent, and assembled in his shop.

He is most excited over his “Turbo” rim design. Ronnie gives God the credit for an idea that is so obvious and simple.