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frailin - Posted - 09/24/2009: 18:20:21
I didn't think it possible, but it was. In my unending quest for the "loudest open-back banjo known to man," I'm afraid I found it... and I've sadly discovered it's too much for even me to handle. If you want a quality banjo that can be heard - over howitzers - this is the banjo for you.
I trembled when I first saw the video of Donald Zepp playing it at Zepp Music (dotcom). I wrote. I asked if it was for real. Donald and Marc assured me it was. It didn't take long for me to pull the trigger. Could it be? Could it be that I finally found my holy grail? A banjo so loud I could challenge any fiddler at 30 feet? The next two days of wait were agonizing.
It arrived on a Thursday. I was immediately smitten with its sleek good looks (cherry neck) and detail (the wonderful "violin peg" tuners in a "vintage" peghead). But the romance had only just begun. Moments later I took the banjo to my knee and offered a first, tentative strum. Ahhh, the Chautauqua's silverspun tone ring is decidedly similar to the Bill Rickard tubaphone voice I know and love. Cool. And it punched! A less that forceful stroke gave me a full and solid report. I decided to get braver and start in a tune... medium tempo, medium stroke... not too hard, not too weak. Soldier's Joy, perhaps (don't recall exactly). The first thing I noted was the shaking glass in the bookcase. No, it wasn't a passing train, it was reverberation off the banjo. COOL!
I got brave and increased the torque of my throw... maybe 2/3 full. Immediately the 14 year old (deaf) Border Collie ten feet away from me stood and looked 'round the room. She's deaf as a door knob so I could only assume it was the shockwaves. I was aiming her direction. She seemed distressed (I was to witness this same look on young children and old women at the coffeeshop two days later). WAY COOL, I thought!
I felt a rush of adernaline. I got braver and decided to unleash the beast within. I took a full roundhouse stroke, fingers fully engaging every string with a fury! I don't remember much after that point... only my wife coming in to see what all the commotion was about. She went back for a towel (apparently I'd drooled, or spit or leaked or something). I remember looking into her face and seeing her mouth the words "kinda loud, isn't it." Pretty sure I answered her.
When Saturday morning came, I got to the jam extra early so as to show folks my new loud banjo. It's a typical Chuck Lee... gorgeous wood, extra fine detail, exquisitely sensitive neck. I took the same towel because I'm used to folks drooling over Chuck's work. Good thing I had a spare (I needed two).
By the time the music rolled around I'd had more coffee than was called for. I was gnarly. Anything we played was going to be fast and powerful. I felt my forearm flexing... twitching in delicious anticipation. The gorgeous banjo on my knee was cool to the touch... and appear the same to the crowd.
One of the fiddlers was noodling with Yellow Rose of Texas, a favorite of mine. I decided he needed some help to get it going. I engaged. HOLY MOLIE!
The next thing I know, I was looking into the wide-open eyes and mouths of 8 of my best old-timey playing friends. Their hair was blown back exposing more exceeding foreheads than they would admit to. It was as if they'd all been hit in the face with a leaf blower.
It was a moment of shock... and awe. I liked "awe" better.
Time was suspended. I know we eventually finished the tune, but I don't remember hearing much beyond the ringing of my extraordinary banjo... so I must have ended it. There was a moment of silence as folks in the circle reflected on the glory of my fine instrument... either that or they were waiting for their hearing to return. One man pulled a tablet from his case and began to write. "Nice banjo." "Thank you, " I shouted. I also had not noticed until that morning, the echo of banjo in the room.
"So, do you think you need to play it that hard?" said my friend Jeff on guitar.
"What?" I answered.
"You're used to playing a banjo hard... you hit 'em. Do you think you need to hit this banjo that hard?"
"Why no... I don't" I responded. But at that very moment the romance began to fade. I began to understand the need to start playing differently before I could ever handle the awesome power of this banjo. I couldn't hit it the way I hit my other tubaphones. A change was in order. And I'm old.
Days and weeks passed. I took the banjo to jams and dances. It was prominent and present in a group. I tried playing it at home, quietly. I found that hitting weakly was something I was not very good at. In fact, I sucked at it. I lost the torque in my arm. The reality was, I couldn't cut back. I began to realize the only way I could play this banjo was at a level dangerous to most human beings. So...
I told my wife. She smiled that knowing smile she always gives me when she knows I've finally caught up with reality (and her). I told her it's not the right one for me (she's heard that at least 50 times before).
"I know dear. You do what you have to do."
So...
Here she is, for sale at the same price Donald Zepp sold her to me - $2,500 (plus shipping).
She does come with a warning, though. I'm not responsible for your hearing, windows, pets, children or anything else that's within 50 yards of her when you play. That being said...
Enjoy! :)
Link to classifieds here: http://www.banjohangout.org/classif...35&cid=11463
PS - Comes with mondo-cool "bump" HSC. Has spikes at 7, 8, and 9th fret.
PPSS - If you're a bluegrasser that likes to clawhammer or a clawhammerer-er that occasionally dons pics and journeys to the dark side, then this is the ONE banjo for you. And you won't have to worry about "buckle rash."
"Gospel. The most powerful music in this world and the next."
  
www.frailin.com
www.myspace.com/frailin
www.myspace.com/singletonstreet
www.myspace.com/eelpouts
&
www.autismhangout.com
Edited by - frailin on 09/25/2009 09:05:13
rjanecek - Posted - 09/24/2009: 19:07:05
Craig
I cant say I recall seeing an add written like this before...
I wish I could help you out of your trouble..
Rick
Bill Rogers - Posted - 09/24/2009: 19:16:03
Nice writing, as I'd expect. Sadly, I have two killer openbacks, and no need of a third. Best wishes in selling it; that sounds like what an old-time banjo should be.
Bill
banjohope - Posted - 09/24/2009: 20:24:22
I think Chuck Lee should explain why this banjo is loud , or louder than his other banjos. Is it just the silver bell tone ring , or some other parts.
Dock Jekel - Posted - 09/24/2009: 20:40:06
Very entertaining forum entry. Unfortunately, I don't think I am man enough for this bad boy!
KE - Posted - 09/24/2009: 20:41:04
Are you charging extra for the story? You should.
Is that an extra deep pot?
atracksler - Posted - 09/25/2009: 06:56:49
craig, that was the best description for a classified ad I have ever read. I only can hope and pray that my listings could be half as good in the future. That is one amazing banjo, and I can attest, having been a customer of "The Frailin Banjo Repository and Relocation Program" That if craig says it, it is true. My wildwood that I bought from him, was exactly as advertised in tone and appearance. Whoever ends up with this is a lucky soul.
P.S. Have a Nice Day!
http://www.brycecreative.com
http://www.mandojam.com -- free practice tracks from me to you!
http://www.studio467.com
Bagpussfrog - Posted - 09/25/2009: 07:37:36
I love the listing, but It's almost like you're trying to talk everyone out of buying the banjo!
I particularly love your wife's response - it's very similar to my wife's attitude - they do just put up with it in a bemused way! ;P
Good luck with the sale
Shaun
_________________________________________________________________________
When you want genuine music - music that will come right home to you like a bad quarter, suffuse your system like strychnine whiskey, go right through you like Brandreth's pills, ramify your whole constitution like the measles, and break out on your hide like the pinfeather pimples on a picked goose - when you want all this, just smash your piano, and invoke the glory-beaming banjo!
Mark Twain
( ] )=====^===[: :}
rinemb - Posted - 09/25/2009: 14:03:26
Gee, If only it were a 12" rim! 
Brad
You may be man enough to take my woman, but you'll never get my banjo.
May not the incidence of success, nor the pretense of retirement-
Lessen the want of enlightenment.
pastorharry - Posted - 09/26/2009: 01:14:17
Mastertones, run and hide....cower in fear, the mighty Chautauqua is here!!
Pubpersona - Posted - 09/26/2009: 11:58:41
Its export may be restricted to prevent acquisition by certain nations whom might misuse its strategic potential.
-Brian
whitehouse lawns - Posted - 10/02/2009: 06:57:33
Why dont you do like me. Fold a piece of towel in the back behind the dowel stick. It saved me a lot of I WILL SMASH THAT DRUM ON A STICK IF YOU DONT QUIETEN IT DOWN.,;/ Hope it works for you cause its a beute of a banjo. dave.
dave whitehouse
frailin - Posted - 10/03/2009: 06:22:36
quote:
Why dont you do like me. Fold a piece of towel in the back behind the dowel stick
whitehouse lawns
Excellent suggestion, Dave... and it's what I've been doing. I am still taking the banjo out in public and playing it (as quietly as I can). It's a bit like eating potato chips, though. If I know they're there, I keep wanting more. I find I'm itching to "throw down the towel" just to duplicate that leaf-blower-in-the-face look.  "Gospel. The most powerful music in this world and the next." www.frailin.comwww.myspace.com/frailinwww.myspace.com/singletonstreetwww.myspace.com/eelpouts& www.autismhangout.com
Edited by - frailin on 10/03/2009 06:22:53
itstheplunk - Posted - 10/07/2009: 16:23:07
This banjo is for me. If it is for sale by the time I've saved the money. Its mine. I play soft and have been looking for *the loudest* open back banjo. seriously, I think this is my banjo. :0)
Warmly,
Erica
plunknplinkntwang - Posted - 11/26/2009: 01:44:25
MODS!!! MODS!!! Frailin's posting sensual images and evocative stories - please lock this thread until I can save up the cash
Beautiful banjo, and the description is wonderful, have you exported much sand to Saudi Arabia?
frailin - Posted - 11/26/2009: 06:22:57
The Old Timer - Posted - 11/26/2009: 07:50:10
A rolled up cotton sock stuck between the head and the coord rods or dowel stick will give you controllable volume. Surest way to muffle a tone ring banjo.
frailin - Posted - 11/26/2009: 08:05:44
That's a great suggestion, Old Timer... but it's against my religion. 
frailin - Posted - 11/27/2009: 15:22:25
I am happy to report that "too-loud" has found a wonderful new home... with an owner that knows just what a find she is!
It always pleases me to pass along a great banjo... and this Chuck Lee beauty is one of the finest.
Happy Trails!
Craig
Edited by - frailin on 11/27/2009 15:26:39
Bass Lady - Posted - 12/01/2009: 13:48:59
Okay. I'm the proud new owner. Too Loud came to me.
This is a way cool banjo and defititely not too loud for me. Craig, why did you give it up??? Oh, wait, you're not gonna want it back, are you?
I'm only having a problem with the 1/2" bridge height. I'm used to higher ones. Oh, and the violin peg tuners. I guess I have to get used to them
I've always wanted to own a Chuck Lee. I can't get to my local banjo shop where they've been in stock. This was a neat opportunity for me.
Craig did a wonderful job with packing it for shipping. Nice guy and wonderful BHO person!!!!! The banjo got to me before my check got to Craig! Neat thing is that we found something somewhat in common through this transaction. Craig is interested in Autism (check his profile for links) and I have an adult MR son who I care for daily. You never know who you'll meet here.
Thanks, Craig!
(check
LeeBanjos - Posted - 12/02/2009: 07:49:16
Bobbi,
I am glad you are please with your new (to you) banjo. I am honored to have folks play and enjoy the banjos I build. Thank you.
On a side note, the banjo was designed around a 5/8" bridge, so that wouldn't be a problem to change. There is also an adjustment you can make at the dowel stick bracket to adjust the string height. Give me a call if you want to talk about it.
Chuck Lee
BigRedWarEagle - Posted - 02/05/2010: 16:18:17
I acquired a Craig Relocation banjo a while back...it is amazing. It's like dating the cast-offs of a very good looking athlete...only without the good looking athlete or the women...aww heck this analogy sucked from word one. I'm just glad Craig has very peculiar tastes :D
frailin - Posted - 02/05/2010: 16:48:33
Wow! I was kinda diggin' on the "very good lookin' athlete/women" analogy.
So how did I so quickly go from there to "peculiar?" 
Oh well. You can't hide from the truth. I've always confessed to being a "tone bigot."
PS - I DO know the quality stuff I'm letting go. And I'm VERY pleased you guys (and gals) recognize what great banjos these are!
Edited by - frailin on 02/05/2010 16:49:58
Basic Strum - Posted - 02/06/2010: 04:50:55
quote:
Originally posted by bnjoplr
I'm only having a problem with the 1/2" bridge height. I'm used to higher ones.
Some things never change, Bobbi. The first thing you did when I came over for my first lesson, eight or so years ago, was to swap out the bridge on my Fawley-Tubaphone-longneck. As my hero Dave Guard might have said, those lessons were a "boon" to me, as I returned to the banjo after a nearly 30-year hiatus. I hope all is well with you and your son. Thanks, and best wishes. Bill Drellow
BigRedWarEagle - Posted - 02/06/2010: 05:38:57
Did I type "peculiar?" HA! Hello Mr. Freud. We banjo players are peculiar by definition! I meant "particular." Your tastes are anything but peculiar. There is not a single banjo played in any of your sound clips that sounds anything even remotely "peculiar." My sound clips, however...HAHA!
The last thing I want to see is you selling off another banjo (I wouldn't wish that on such a great guy), but if this is how you market them, I kind of wish you'd open up your very own Old Time Banjo Shop. I can imagine it now, "This one would make a baby pucker" and "Sounds like a muffled pig making its way up a mountain." I'd be stuck to that classified section like my survivalist buddy is to Glen Beck! You bring joy to lives, Craig. Keep it up!
Edited by - BigRedWarEagle on 02/06/2010 05:40:16
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