Ray Black
In 1980, Ray started on his instrument making journey.
As a tradesman cabinetmaker, Ray had developed skills which would transfer to making mandolins. With advice from legendary banjo maker Pat Doole, Ray soon completed a couple of mandolins. Octave mandolins and Irish bouzoukis were in demand, so were added to his range of instruments, before his rising interest in Bluegrass music led him into making mandolins with a carved top and back.
Around 1995 Pat invited Ray to make banjos with him. The banjos used hardware made in Pat’s workshop which added metalworking experience into Ray’s skill base. This arrangement continued until Pat’s retirement.
Currently Ray builds mainly open back banjos which feature hardware made in his own workshop, and still has time to make the carved top mandolins which are his true love.