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Woolpersteve - Posted - 07/08/2008: 15:47:55
"Anyone who gets the opportunity to play, or own one, go for it. I am not saying this because its "Sonny's" banjo, I am saying because I feel that it is as close to a prewar sound as anything I have ever played or owned. I have played many prewars, and owned one too. There are a lot of great banjos out there now, and when you have one that Frank Neat has a hand it, the case is closed. ( Price case that is)
Steve
Arkansas Mountain View
Osborne Chief"
Agree 1000%.
Steve
"The Dude abides"
AmericanMadeBanjo - Posted - 07/09/2008: 09:47:42
I am very proud to announce
The Dannick 20 hole tone ring is now a Choice in all future Osborne Chief banjos built.
For futher information and details please contact Sonny
Thank You
Thomas Mirisola
www.americanmadebanjo.com
Kel Kroydon® Banjos & Parts
Big Tige - Posted - 07/09/2008: 15:23:03
Is Blaylock out?
quote:
Originally posted by AmericanMadeBanjo
I am very proud to announce
The Dannick 20 hole tone ring is now a Choice in all future Osborne Chief banjos built.
For futher information and details please contact Sonny
Thank You
Thomas Mirisola
www.americanmadebanjo.com
Kel Kroydon® Banjos & Parts
raypicks5 - Posted - 07/09/2008: 15:36:29
I thought the Dannick rings were backordered. What would be the wait time if one were to order a new Chief with a Dannick ring?
Ray
TheChief - Posted - 07/09/2008: 16:27:27
Of course Blaylock is NOT out...It happens to be one of the two very best tone rings on the market...The important part of that sentence/statement was the word choice. You will be able to choose between Blaylock or Dannick. Whichever turns you on the most.
I'm told the wait time at this point would be about 6 weeks however I just placed the order. After I get them in there will be no wait time. I will have the banjos in stock with either the Blaylock or Dannick ring. All gold of course and long skirt, like my Granada....and Chief...
s
Sonny Osborne Banjo Company
chiefbanjo@comcast.net
615-824-0096
web site: www.sonnyosborne.com
Edited by - TheChief on 07/09/2008 16:35:15
laceyth9 - Posted - 07/09/2008: 16:39:03
Sonny,
Have you played a Chief yet with the Dannick ring? Wonder what your opinion is of the difference in sound if you have.
Tim L.
Tim Lacey (Chief #5)
www.thelaceyfamilybluegrass.com
recokin - Posted - 07/09/2008: 21:55:37
Hi Sonny,
Is the price of Chief with Dannick ring the same as the standard one?
Or not?
Koji
Chief #123
leftcoastbanjer - Posted - 07/10/2008: 13:02:30
The Chief banjo with a Dannick ring could be VERY interesting. A mahogany Chief with the Dannick...hmmm...my BAS is acting up again
-Larry
Chief #141
drifty - Posted - 07/10/2008: 14:15:39
quote:
Originally posted by TheChief
You will be able to choose between Blaylock or Dannick. Whichever turns you on the most.
Sonny Osborne Banjo Company
chiefbanjo@comcast.net
615-824-0096
web site: www.sonnyosborne.com
That's the kind of choice to have -- where you can't go wrong either way.
Drew Pierce
TheChief - Posted - 07/10/2008: 14:22:38
Koji...So good to hear from you. I trust you are doing well and I hope the Chief is still performing well for you. Kaz was here a few weeks ago and picked up his Chief number 39.
To answer your question, yes, the price will stay the same with either tone ring. It's not the tone ring that will translate into an increase.
But to be quite honest, If I continue to build the quality banjo that I'm doing now, I will probably be forced to raise prices some. It seems everything has gone up, hardware is going up, wood...and now they are charging an addition for fuel costs on everything. What I will probably do is raise in the amount they raise me, at the time they raise. In example, if gold plating goes up $40, I will add that amount to the banjo and explain to you what the increase is for and the amount....etc. Then, if it gets completely out of line....I'll just stop and call it a day. As I've told you all along, I'm not doing this to make a living, it's just fun to put a real quality banjo in a player's hand for a reasonable price.
I hope this will answer some questions.
Be safe and healthy Koji.
s
Sonny Osborne Banjo Company
chiefbanjo@comcast.net
615-824-0096
web site: www.sonnyosborne.com
BanjoDiva - Posted - 07/10/2008: 14:26:35
Y'all missed a great pickin' party this morning. Not one but TWO chiefs paid me a visit!!
Here is the Spartanburg Contigent of OutHangers -- Ray Hartley, Diva, and Steve Campbell. Two Chiefs and the Black Dahlia!
grich - Posted - 07/10/2008: 16:32:38
That's McHot ! ..........
BanjoDiva - Posted - 07/10/2008: 17:03:23
quote:
Originally posted by grich
That's McHot ! ..........
YOU win!!
recokin - Posted - 07/10/2008: 17:13:59
Thanks, Sonny.
Even if which ring is chosen, the Chief will surely have a great sound.
My Chief #123 finished great work in recording with my band "Harvest Moon".
The album will be released from the Red Clay Records at the end of this year.
Koji
Chief #123
Stevespickn - Posted - 07/10/2008: 17:18:36
Posted - 07/10/2008 : 15:49:19
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by raypicks5
Diva (Reid), I was nice to finally meet you and Fred. I enjoyed the visit. Next time I will not do all the picking and let you and Steve do some picking.
Ray
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
How 'bout we both just sit and listen to Steve! It was great to finally meet you too Ray, and your Chief sounds awesome. I know you will be happy with it. Well, at least until you get the "itch" again!
It was great on my behalf too Diva. Now I can say I also played the famous "Black RK". It was a fun time, thanks again.
Steve
Arkansas Mountain View
Osborne Chief
BanjoDiva - Posted - 07/10/2008: 17:47:56
quote:
Originally posted by Stevespickn
Posted - 07/10/2008 : 15:49:19
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by raypicks5
Diva (Reid), I was nice to finally meet you and Fred. I enjoyed the visit. Next time I will not do all the picking and let you and Steve do some picking.
Ray
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
How 'bout we both just sit and listen to Steve! It was great to finally meet you too Ray, and your Chief sounds awesome. I know you will be happy with it. Well, at least until you get the "itch" again!
It was great on my behalf too Diva. Now I can say I also played the famous "Black RK". It was a fun time, thanks again.
Steve
Arkansas Mountain View
Osborne Chief
Thanks Steve, the Dahlia sounded a lot better in your hands than she ever does in mine. Those Chiefs are awesome, I really appreciate you guys letting me play them!
RayD - Posted - 07/10/2008: 21:25:35
Well, after reading Sonny's post about possible price increases I'm glad I was able to buy my New Design Chief when I did about a year and a half ago. I sure miss playing it though (I'm deployed again). I'm looking forward to getting back home in December and playing that 'jo. As well as work on getting my callouses back!
Cheers,
RayD
Woolpersteve - Posted - 07/11/2008: 10:45:06
RayD,
I'll pick my new Chief twice as much in your honor.
Steve
"The Dude abides"
TheChief - Posted - 07/11/2008: 16:43:03
Ray...how is the weather in Iraq these days...and how is the reaction toward you all now as compared to when you were there before. Any better? Worse?
Be safe and thank you for your service. We here don't tell you all enough, doesn't matter what you do, how much we appreciate what you're doing for our country.
s
Sonny Osborne Banjo Company
chiefbanjo@comcast.net
615-824-0096
web site: www.sonnyosborne.com
RayD - Posted - 07/11/2008: 22:10:14
Well, Sonny, this time I'm in Kabul, Afghanistan. I don't quite know how the populace as a whole views us here these days. I'm on a compound where we've (myself and the folks I work with) have more or less been restricted to base. Folks must remember that I'm a DoD civilian and not a soldier (although I was allegedly one over 20 years ago). So, if we have to go to another camp or post we have to armor up and strap on our sidearms just like the REAL solders to ride where we need to go. I hope I never have to use the firearms and I hope the armor is never tested. The IED's are really bad over here and that's what our troops worry about the most.
I'm working 12 1/2 hour night shifts 7 days/week for 6 months. The work is interesting; but, as a buddy of mine has said about the time here, the days can drag but the weeks fly. Sometimes I have to look at a calendar or ask someone just what day it is. I know we're making a difference. I just wish I could tell you all about it. I know I feel good about the things we've been able to do to help our and the other nation's troops we support.
And, yes, I did hear/feel the blast of the explosion at the Indian embassy. That kind of thing just makes my blood boil. Trust me when I say we're trying our da....est to stop those things from happening as best we can.
All my best to you and the rest of the Tribe. I'll go back to lurking now.
Cheers,
RayD
BanjoDiva - Posted - 07/12/2008: 03:18:05
quote:
Originally posted by RayD
Folks must remember that I'm a DoD civilian and not a soldier.
It doesn't matter Ray -- you are putting your life on the line for freedom. I don't care whether or not you are in uniform when you do it.
From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU.
Diva
Woolpersteve - Posted - 07/12/2008: 03:28:46
Diva,
Just noticed your new image . Am I correct that in this avatar you have no lower torso?
I just finished watching "Walk Hard " in which Dewy Cox chops his brother in half with a machete ,maybe I am overly aware .Or maybe you grow from the bridge ,but what about the chorus?
Steve
"The Dude abides"
Edited by - Woolpersteve on 07/12/2008 03:29:38
Woolpersteve - Posted - 07/12/2008: 03:28:46
Diva,
Just noticed your new image . Am I correct that in this avatar you have no lower torso?
I just finished watching "Walk Hard " in which Dewy Cox chops his brother in half with a machete ,maybe I am overl aware .Or maybe you grow from the bridge ,but what about the chorus?
Steve
"The Dude abides"
BanjoDiva - Posted - 07/12/2008: 04:04:39
quote:
Originally posted by Woolpersteve
Diva,
Just noticed your new image . Am I correct that in this avatar you have no lower torso?
I just finished watching "Walk Hard " in which Dewy Cox chops his brother in half with a machete ,maybe I am overly aware .Or maybe you grow from the bridge ,but what about the chorus?
Steve
"The Dude abides"
What happened to Dewey's brother was a shame, but what happened to his dad was even worse.
I have a lower torso -- it is just a very very skinny one and therefore is hidden behnd the leg of the bridge.
Diva
Woolpersteve - Posted - 07/12/2008: 04:37:03
And what about Dewey's mom?
A shame indeed.
Steve
"The Dude abides"
raypicks5 - Posted - 07/14/2008: 16:42:16
What's happened to this thread? I finally get a Chief (Mahog Chief #4) and everybody just disapears (sp)? Mahog #4 is coming along nicely now that I've tightend the head up to just below an "A". Great banjo.
Ray
laceyth9 - Posted - 07/14/2008: 18:11:21
Hey Ray,
I'm busy playing my MAPLE Chief, which BTW Stan, are the best... I think. What do I know, I've never heard anything but a Maple with a Huber and now a Blaylock. Curious to hear what those Dannicks sound like. Hope to hear and play some of the other models at Nashcamp. October can't get here fast enough.
Tim Lacey (Chief #5)
www.thelaceyfamilybluegrass.com
Banjo Stan - Posted - 07/14/2008: 18:17:09
I hear ya, Tim!
I brought the Mahog last year, but I'm thinking of bringing the Maple this year. I might need a tune up by the pros.
NashCamp will be the best yet!
Stan Robins
TheChief - Posted - 07/16/2008: 06:11:33
Tim...Remove truss rod cover, turn that nut a quarter turn clockwise..(right) and see if that doesn't clear up your problem. If you have a drum dial, check the head tightness. It will need to be set at 90.(A)
Let me know.
I remember now, you have the old Dana Cupp banjo...played on The Opry, and I believe Dale Perry also played that banjo with Doyle Lawson...recorded with it too I believe. You should contact Dale and find out all he used it on. That would be good history.
s
Sonny Osborne Banjo Company
chiefbanjo@comcast.net
615-824-0096
web site: www.sonnyosborne.com
BanjoDiva - Posted - 07/16/2008: 06:20:25
Chief, somebody posted on another thread the video of you playing your Banjo Medley. (I know it has been posted here before so I won't do it again.) I've see it probably a dozen times, but I have to say that every time I watch I can hear Charlie Daniels as "Johnny" in my head saying "Son, sit right down there and let me show you how it's done."
And you saved the best part for last. When you smile at the end of that tune I can understand how you got Judy to say yes.
Thanks for everything you've given to us Sonny. Don't ever doubt that what you've done in your life til this point has made and will always make a difference in the lives of others.
Diva
laceyth9 - Posted - 07/16/2008: 07:38:42
Thanks Sonny. You are correct that this was Dana's and Dale's banjo. I ddn't know it was played on the Opry. I do know that Dale recorded several CDs with it while with Doyle. I'll try the truss rod adjustment. I don't have a dial, but I'll try to scare one up. When I had the ring changed out, Frank set the tension "by ear". Said he didn't believe in those gadgets. I'll bet his ear is pretty accurate. Nevertheless, would be a good check to measure the actual tension. I don't think the head is broken, but I recall Bill discovering the head on his new banjo was broken with a drum dial.
As for Dale Perry, he's a good friend. Dale owns a recording studio, Lakeside Recording Studio, in Moneta VA. We recorded our 2nd CD with him there and will do our next with him too. Dale is easy to work with, and is an IBMA award winning producer. I recommend him highly if desiring to cut a Bluegrass CD.
Tim Lacey (Chief #5)
www.thelaceyfamilybluegrass.com
TheChief - Posted - 07/16/2008: 09:09:35
Diva...you're just trying to make an old man feel good. Anyhow, she asked me!!!! 50 plus years ago. June 26, 1958.
I thought that smile looked kinda devilish...
Tim, I never knew the reason Dale let that banjo go. It's a good one, especially with the Blaylock ring. Frank usually sets the head about 87 which translates to near G, or maybe close to A flat. I think they sound best between A and Bflat...which is 90-91 on the dial. You should get one. They are well worth the money.
You can go to Musicians Friend on the net and find one...about 50-70$.
s
Sonny Osborne Banjo Company
chiefbanjo@comcast.net
615-824-0096
web site: www.sonnyosborne.com
BanjoDiva - Posted - 07/16/2008: 10:35:27
quote:
Originally posted by TheChief
Diva...you're just trying to make an old man feel good. Anyhow, she asked me!!!! 50 plus years ago. June 26, 1958.
I thought that smile looked kinda devilish...
Well I can see why she asked!! And we have something in common -- Fred and I got married on June 26 as well. But it was a few years after you two, 2004.
With our age difference I doubt we'll get the luxury of 50 years, but I'm not letting him out of here until I get at least 25.
Diva
laceyth9 - Posted - 07/16/2008: 11:14:22
Sonny,
Dale said he sold the Chief because he had acquired a pre-war and was playing it instead. The Chief was just sitting in the case and needed to be played. I guess the timing was just good for me. I really didn't know anything about Chiefs until then, but Dale said it was the closest thing to a pre-war there was and I bought it strictly on his word. I trusted Dale and he was certainly right. Since then, Dale and Dana both have told me if I decide to get rid of it, they wanted first dibs. Unfortunately for them, I realize what a treasure this banjo is.
Tim Lacey (Chief #5)
www.thelaceyfamilybluegrass.com
Woolpersteve - Posted - 07/16/2008: 19:18:50
Folks, I have a queston about the neck Frank Neat makes for the Chiefs.
I cannot figure out why it is so incredibly easy to play. I dont think it is just the speed neck because the ease isnt just from glidling smoothly on the neck.
It feels like everything is right under your fingers no matter where your hands are.
Is it because it frets so cleanly with great tone so you dont have to really squeeze the neck for the sound?
I am not looking for trade secrets . I dont build banjos or anything except closing arguments .
Sonny, please feel free to jump in on this.
I am sure I'll ask Frank in October but I am troubled by not knowing.
Steve
"The Dude abides"
Edited by - Woolpersteve on 07/17/2008 10:35:22
laceyth9 - Posted - 07/16/2008: 19:18:56
Hey Chief,
Sorry to spam you, but the truss rod adjustment seems to have gotten most of the buzz out. I have to hit it pretty hard now to get the buzz. Our local music store will have the drum dials in a couple of days so I'll pick one up then and test the head tension.
Thanks for the tip!!!!
Tim L.
Tim Lacey (Chief #5)
www.thelaceyfamilybluegrass.com
TheChief - Posted - 07/16/2008: 20:30:16
The Frank Neat neck is shaped like your hand. Watch now, everybody else will be saying they do the same thing. Like the finish off the neck, The Chief was the first banjo built with that standard feature...then all of a sudden everyone had been doing that forever...I hate being devious
...Frank Neat is simply the best...no one knows what he knows, but he knows.
s
Sonny Osborne Banjo Company
chiefbanjo@comcast.net
615-824-0096
web site: www.sonnyosborne.com
Edited by - TheChief on 07/16/2008 21:45:35
Woolpersteve - Posted - 07/17/2008: 10:34:22
Thanks Sonny,
I will still ask Frank at banjo camp.
I'll bet you that 20$ I already owe you, double or nothing ,that Frank's answer will be something like:
"Well , I think it sounds and picks better that a way . People like it better so thats the way I do it"
And that will be the absolute perfect answer!
Having Frank Neat at banjo camp is just great .He is a special kind of person.
Steve
"The Dude abides"
Edited by - Woolpersteve on 07/17/2008 12:34:20
TheChief - Posted - 07/17/2008: 13:07:05
Steve...I just won another 20...I told him to do it that a way!!! You lose...Reason, when the humidity is very high, sliding to notes on the neck are really difficult and that's such a big part of my playing...Sorry Steve..this just ain't your day.
s
Sonny Osborne Banjo Company
chiefbanjo@comcast.net
615-824-0096
web site: www.sonnyosborne.com
TheChief - Posted - 07/17/2008: 13:08:41
Steve...I just won another 20...I told him to do it that a way!!! You lose...Reason, when the humidity is very high, sliding to notes on the neck are really difficult and that's such a big part of my playing...Sorry Steve..this just ain't your day.
s
Sonny Osborne Banjo Company
chiefbanjo@comcast.net
615-824-0096
web site: www.sonnyosborne.com
Woolpersteve - Posted - 07/17/2008: 13:18:22
Well dang!
On my way to play a gig for free so this has turned out to be day in the hole for me.
Steve
"The Dude abides"
Woolpersteve - Posted - 07/18/2008: 03:10:07
Sonny,
I am happy to report that my turn ended well .Although the other act cancelled at the last second and we were asked to do a second set .The event was an outdoor picnic for a nursing home and their families.Everyone was very appreciative.
Something we(not the Queen's "we" , "we" as in all of us) need to do more often.
Steve
PS My Chief did just fine
"The Dude abides"
Edited by - Woolpersteve on 07/18/2008 04:04:34
TheChief - Posted - 07/18/2008: 09:12:20
The fact that you like that banjo is enough...that it's performing well for you and you paid for lunch...KFC, but you still paid!!
Thank you "The Other Steve Martin."
s
Sonny Osborne Banjo Company
chiefbanjo@comcast.net
615-824-0096
web site: www.sonnyosborne.com
TheChief - Posted - 07/18/2008: 09:16:44
Tim..it may go away completely...sometimes it takes a day or so for that neck adjustment to work completely.
I bet if you would just go around the head and tighten it about 1/2 turn, that would help too...Probably go away.
Let me know if you need more help.
s
Sonny Osborne Banjo Company
chiefbanjo@comcast.net
615-824-0096
web site: www.sonnyosborne.com
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