wtbryant - Posted - 03/25/2009:  17:31:58

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OK...I got my Hatfield in today. I'm a proud Stelling owner, so, the review you are about to get is about as honest as you can get.

First of all, I've never seen a banjo shipped any better. I know that's not the reason to order any instrument, but, it tells you the care Arthur and Beverly have.

OK. How does it sound? It's different from the Stelling - you know that. BUT, it's every bit as solid. I've never played a banjo any better than the Hatfield and I've played a lot of banjos. This banjo is LOUD!!!! It's clear. The neck is absolutely wonderful. I don't know of anything I'd change. If you are looking for the mastertone sound, this is what you need. You will not regret it.

I love my Stelling. It's great. But, as different as it is, the Hatfield is absolutely just as solid.

I now feel like I have the best of both worlds. Now, question is, which one do I play? Well, after I get used to the Hatfield, that is. It will be #1 for a few weeks, anyway.

Keep picking!!!

Todd

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Edited by - wtbryant on 03/25/2009 17:33:29

dogwalkin - Posted - 03/25/2009:  17:56:31

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Todd

I live just north of Nashville Tn. Lord knows we have tons of great luthiers and banjo builders. But what you have experienced is the reason I drive an hour and a half to visit Arthur. I don't even call any of the local people. You just can not beat the service you get from Arthur and Beverly.

" Earl never did do it that way"

SJL - Posted - 03/25/2009:  18:45:10

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Todd,

When I first got mine Arthur kept talking about how it was good for a new banjo, but that it would be better when it opened up''. I met pipefitter61 when I was down there and he told me about how his had σpened up. I was thrilled with it ar the time, but it continued to improve, almost in stages about every three months. Give yours time, you will be amazed at what it becomes.

Welcome to the Hatfield Owner's Clan.

"If the woman is alive at the end of the song, it ain''t Bluegrass".

2007 Hatfield Walnut Custom

1976 (?) Aria Pro Tree of Life

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Edited by - SJL on 03/25/2009 18:45:42

P7183 - Posted - 03/25/2009:  19:02:27

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I will agree that if you have a Stelling and a Hatfield that you do have the best of both worlds. I will add, hope I'm not getting off topic, but I like switching back and forth from a flathead to a archtop. The more and different sounds of the BJ the better!

Steve Phelps

WVChuck - Posted - 03/26/2009:  07:46:05

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Hey Todd, your posting mirrors mine from a few days ago. I to just received a Hatfield (used 2-09 but new to me). I had two Stellings and wanted to be able to switch between the different types of sounds.

I find the the necks very different as far as, profiles. It's going to take a little while.

Like you ,I still love my Stelling but I am willing to try new things. "Variety is the spice of life, but too much spice can give you heartburn">.

Congrats on the Hatfield.

[IMG]http://img433.imageshack.

BDC1 - Posted - 03/26/2009:  08:38:19

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When I got back into playing back in 04 I guess I just got lucky because I called Arthur about a bridge, and the rest as they say is history. The buck definately stopped on Burton Ridge Rd for me, not only do I have a fantastic Banjo It came with two good friends, I only wish I had the chance to visit him more often.

axsis - Posted - 03/26/2009:  08:42:30

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BDC1? "Ditto"

Cheers!
Don

wannabepicker - Posted - 03/26/2009:  14:10:44

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No, no ... those Buck Creeks are terrible, terrible banjos ... I'll even take it off your hands at a small loss to you.

The ones I've heard up close look and sound fantastic. Congratulations!

—————————————————
Banjo is a lot cheaper than Zoloft.

wtbryant - Posted - 03/28/2009:  10:07:35

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I'm already hearing some "opening up" in this banjo. I know it will take several months for it to completely work out. But, it's awesome as is. I'm super impressed with the volume and tone. Folks, you can't go wrong with Arthur's quality...not to mention the price.

Todd

H2ODawgs - Posted - 03/28/2009:  12:47:23

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I agree! I miss my Buck Creek and you won't find a better guy than Arthur.

Chris

wtbryant - Posted - 04/07/2009:  17:11:35

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Well, I'm two weeks in. I had the tiniest bit of buzz on the 4th string. So, I called Arthur. He said "give it a few weeks, it'll probably work out." Sure enough, I can't hear it now. It's gone. The "new tinny" sound (those of you who have had new banjos know what I mean) is gone. It's now that good solid sound. I don't believe it's completely opened up. But, this is becoming my favorite banjo. I've had so many compliments on it already and I keep saying "it hasn't opened up yet. Give it time." The response is "it can't be better than that."

Honestly, guys. You cannot buy a better banjo than Arthur's today. I am more convinced than ever. He is undercharging for his banjos. I feel guilty, honestly, for paying him so little for it.

My fellow Stelling fans, I'm still a Stelling lover too. I love both of my banjos. They're just so different that it's difficult to compare them.

Pick on!!!

Todd

SJL - Posted - 04/07/2009:  21:08:16

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quote:

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Originally posted by wtbryant

Well, I'm two weeks in. I had the tiniest bit of buzz on the 4th string. So, I called Arthur. He said "give it a few weeks, it'll probably work out." Sure enough, I can't hear it now. It's gone. The "new tinny" sound (those of you who have had new banjos know what I mean) is gone. It's now that good solid sound. I don't believe it's completely opened up. But, this is becoming my favorite banjo. I've had so many compliments on it already and I keep saying "it hasn't opened up yet. Give it time." The response is "it can't be better than that."

Honestly, guys. You cannot buy a better banjo than Arthur's today. I am more convinced than ever. He is undercharging for his banjos. I feel guilty, honestly, for paying him so little for it.

My fellow Stelling fans, I'm still a Stelling lover too. I love both of my banjos. They're just so different that it's difficult to compare them.

Pick on!!!

Todd

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Todd,

And the best is yet to come...

I know exactly how you mean when you say you feel guilty for not having paid more.

"If the woman is alive at the end of the song, it ain''t Bluegrass".

2007 Hatfield Walnut Custom

1976 (?) Aria Pro Tree of Life

ronaldwalker1 - Posted - 04/09/2009:  14:52:43

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Im Not The Least Bit Suprised At All The Great Comments I Read About Arthur And What He Does With A Banjo. I Love The Way My BuckCreek Plays And Sounds, And Its Getting Even Better.

Oalbrets - Posted - 06/11/2009:  08:23:21

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I got mt new Hatfield Special a couple of month ago and it is a wonderful banjo and I also got the set up video
Arthur and Bev made. I loved watching the video as Arthur is a wonderful teacher and very funny. Great
people and I wish to meet them some day. Thanks Arthur and Bev.

Poverty Ridge Bluegrass

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Edited by - Oalbrets on 06/12/2009 18:21:45

Prewar3 - Posted - 06/13/2009:  02:34:08

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For you Hatfield banjo owners, what type tone ring does Arthur put in his banjos? JM

Jim Prewar3