Highly-figured flame maple is used for the Workhorse CM-3 necks.
Huber necks are known to be the most comfortable and easy playing necks being made today. Produced using computer aided machining technology, each neck is crafted to the exact specifications every time!
Matching the grain in the neck, the Workhorse CM-3 resonator has an overlay of highly-figured flame maple.
The “Workhorse” series banjos all have a classic 1930’s look (because we love pre-war banjos) with a double-cut peg-head and the abbreviated “leaves & bows” inlay pattern.
The nameplate inlay at the 21st fret is engraved “Workhorse”.
The pearl block inlay at the 21st fret is engraved with the name Sammy Shelor.
All of the Huber Banjos come with Waverly V-2 tuners installed. The V-2s work very well and closely approximate the look of those found on vintage banjos. The tapered underside of the peghead washer helps protect the headstock and the internal low-friction bushings help ensure smooth operation.
The tuners are fitted with authentic recreations of 1930’s “Amber Tulip” buttons and help create the proper vintage feel.
The Workhorse Series banjos feature an Ebony fingerboard.
The Huber bridge is made of carefully selected maple and ebony and is designed for tone, volume, and clarity. String slots are cut with a custom-built slotting machine that produces the exact depth, spacing, and angle every time.
The Huber bridge is also available as a separate accessory item order.
The “844′ Tone Ring is actually no stranger to the Huber shop. We have been making this tone ring and private labeling it to other builders for the past 12 years. It is a bronze alloy that makes a great tone ring. The Workhorse banjos provides us, for the first time, the opportunity to offer this tone ring under the Huber brand.
Through a special arrangement with Remo, Huber installs a head on each new banjo that is manufactured to his custom specifications. Steve finds that they offer a superior tone to that of the stock Mylar heads offered for banjo.
These Huber heads can also be ordered as a separate, after-market accessory item.
The Huber “Vintage” Rim is manufactured from 3-plys of hard maple by Bryan Sims, exclusively for Huber Banjos. They are then turned to size and finished at the Huber shop.
We use a two way adjustable truss rod in our necks. The two way rod allows for adjustments in both directions – you can add relief or reduce bow as needed.
The rod is accessible under the truss rod cover in the headstock, just behind the nut.
Our “Workhorse CM-3” model is finished in a light golden brown stain and satin lacquer. The sides of the resonator and neck are bound in white binding.
Like the storied pre wars which inspired them, the “Workhorse” series banjos have a Presto-style tailpiece installed during final assembly and set up. we feel that the lighter weight of this sort of tailpiece is best suited to the sound he is after, and admires the simplicity of the design. It does the job and looks the part.
Each Huber banjo is shipped in its own plush lined hard shell case.The top lid is arched for superior protection.
Every Huber Banjo is warranted to the original owner without time limit, often described as a “Limited Lifetime Warranty.”
Any defect in material or workmanship, except heads, strings and pegs will be repaired or replaced free of charge to the original owner, if returned to our factory, charges prepaid.
Lawrence Bullock –
I researched for at least two years before buying the Workhorse Curly Maple model. Steve was forthright and honest in my dealings with him and answered my questions in a timely manner. Ultimately, it was my sense of this company’s dedication to the timeless sound of Gibson pre-war banjos and the heart and soul they brought to even their more basic models that convinced me to purchase the Workhorse. On a more practical note: The banjo is crisp and rings out with a really fine tone. It is clear and precise up the neck to the 21st fret. It tunes and keeps tune well. I’m not a professional, but I sound like one now. Not sure I should say this, but Gene Parsons (formerly of The Byrds) played my Workhorse and said, “That is one hell of a banjo.” (Note: You can’t really use that in ads, Steve, I’d need to ask GP first.)
Joe Morrow –
Although I had played a Workhorse banjo in person once at a festival, I bought this Banjo sight unseen. I have come to trust the quality and consistency of Huber banjos and I wasn’t worried at all that it wouldn’t be a great banjo. I bought this banjo for my backup, but I think I will be playing it a lot more than I thought and not wear out my high end Gibson banjo. I love the quality feel of the Huber and the evenness, power clarity and punch. This banjo has everything you need in a great bluegrass banjo.
Mark Schulle –
As a teacher and 37-year music school owner in Gainesville, Fl., I recently purchased and now use the workhorse every day. A student also purchased one, and Steve is helping another to acquire the workhorse, as everyone is amazed at the sheer beauty of tone and appearance. My other banjo teacher has a Gibson Mastertone, and is equally impressed with my Huber.
Steve is a super friendly guy to work with, and I am looking forward to visiting the shop to purchase one of his higher end banjos in the near future, although it is hard to imagine a banjo that will sound and play and look even better than the one I have now.
Jeremy L Porterfield –
When I started looking in to buying a banjo I did some research and came across Huber after looking through their website and watching some videos I knew I was gonna be getting a Huber Steve was a great guy to deal with and I’m very proud to own one of his banjos I love my Workhorse the sound quality and craftsmanship is amazing I look forward to many years of playing it
Glenn Phelps –
I was recently in the market for a professional quality banjo but wasn’t really sure which way to go. I spent a lot of time on YouTube, reading and comparing banjo reviews & comments, banjo forums and discussions. One thing I noticed right away was that, at some point, the conversations would often turn to Huber Banjos, and what Steve Huber was doing down in Hendersonville to capture and recreate that classic, pre-war banjo sound from the Golden Age of banjo. I wasn’t sure, however, I could drop 5k+ on a banjo, which is why the Huber Workhorse was a perfect fit.
What an absolute joy it is play! It has a vibrant, crisp ring and full-bodied warmth. The difference between the Workhorse and what I had been playing for years is night and day. The satin finish really brings out the beauty of the curly maple neck and resonator. It’s truly a pleasure to hold and play. This will definitely not be the last Huber I’ll own.
Ken Satterfield –
I recently purchased a Workhorse CM-3 after researching various builders, reviews, artists etc.. I had not seen one in person, but after reading and hearing about Steve’s background and his dedication to the purity of his craft I decided I wanted a Huber and I am so glad that I did. Steve is a great guy to work with and so is the rest of his staff. The banjo is absolutely beautiful. Extremely well built with exceptional attention to detail, especially for the price! The sound was even better than I expected. Very clear tone with outstanding projection. The notes also ring out clear and precise all the way up the neck. The fit and finish is equally exceptional. I am very, very pleased! I highly recommend Huber Banjos and Steve is a pleasure to work with.