banjotom5 - Posted - 08/26/2009:  05:12:39

There any Kel Kroydon Cello banjo details out there? I read about the Cello banjo on another thread http://www.banjohangout.org/forum/t...IC_ID=152453

Seems to be a mystery as to everything Kel Kroydon builds. I find nothing about it on their website. If I am interested how do I find out?

If you think education cost a lot, think what having no education costs.

Edited by - banjotom5 on 08/26/2009 05:33:07

GerryH - Posted - 08/26/2009:  05:48:35

It seems as if that was a custom built Kel Kroydon Cello banjo. Gold Tone is the only manufacturer that I am aware of that makes Cello Banjos in large numbers.
GerryH

AmericanMadeBanjo - Posted - 08/26/2009:  14:42:25

The Kel Kroydon Cello banjo you see Chris picking on is not #1 or a one of a kind custom instrument. We build both full and short scale Cello banjos. Besides the highly visible KK Bluegrass models, we build many custom OT banjos also. Being based in New England the demand for OT style instruments vs BG is approx. 5 to 1. A community of players we enjoy serving.

If you are looking for a particular style banjo please feel free to call or write. You can contact me through our website.

For those who have asked, Yes, we have a light weight "Woodie" with a 3ply rim and a Grenadillo ring banjo available also.

Thomas Mirisola
www.americanmadebanjo.com
Kel Kroydon® Banjos & Parts

PyrPups - Posted - 08/26/2009:  18:53:15

I touched base with Tom Mirisola a while back about the possibility of having a standard scale length Cello banjo built. There was never any hesitation on Tom's part. He just set the wheels in motion to make a superb banjo. 14" pot came to be with a truly beautiful block rim. Tension hoop and 14" rolled ring...made it happen...all 32 hooks and nuts worth. 32 shoes...the same...even down to the head being one of AMB's own. The crowning glory is the Kel Kroydon, KK11 neck, ebony board with pearl inlays by Robin Smith. Right now I can't pry it away from my wife, Robbin. She is having a ball with it...FMB an octave lower...What a gas!!! She's working out back up licks right now that sound excellent with the octave lower tuning. Playability on the neck is superb, even with strings that run .020JD, .025, .035, .042, .020JD.

A couple of years ago, I ran another idea past Tom Mirisola. Kel Kroydons were known for the colorful MOTS back before WWII. Would he possibly consider building a KK10 in none other than Purple and gold for my wife Robbin? That Dannick powered jewel has put smiles on many pro pickers faces with it's tone and stage presence and does so every time it comes out of the case. Bluegrass, Old Time and anything banjo in between, Tom Mirisola can make it happen and in a way that is sure to please the most finite connoisseur. Touch base with Tom...nothing mysterious about Kel Kroydon...just honest and superbly crafted instruments.

Kerry

Yes Sir! He''s my "blankety-blank" Buddy! You Betcha!

GerryH - Posted - 08/27/2009:  18:33:45

Tom, I stand corrected about your production of Cello banjos. I am glad to learn about the wide range of banjos you all produce.
GerryH

bosborne - Posted - 08/28/2009:  07:16:35

Tom, you know I've been to your site many times and I don't think I've ever seen a picture of an openback at your site. Is there one? Please point it, or them, out to me if I'm mistaken.

Also, a search using "openback" or "cello" doesn't turn up anything...

Can you post prices there for some of these openbacks, cello or "standard"? I really would like to know more about this part of your business because I had no idea you made these!