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mainejohn - Posted - 11/16/2009: 11:46:03
quote from Goldtopia: "I have just read through the various comments Chevy cars are are rubbish and not liked in England, they have just bought the Korean car firm Daewoo in the past couple of years or so which are equally rubbish. The sooner Chevy go bust the better. Get them out of England. We don't want them"
...and I remember when it was strongly advised that if one were to own a Jaguar you'd better buy two, as one would always be in the shop.
OK...so much for hi-jacking the thread. Now back to Fitch vs. Hatfield.
Cheers,
John Coleman
Scarborough, Maine
ambpicker - Posted - 11/16/2009: 12:11:50
I suppose Cliff is taking some time off. I emailed him last week, have not heard back.
Leslie
jason holgate - Posted - 11/16/2009: 12:56:10
here is a question just as any buyer might ask what kind of warranty comes with these banjos and what are the models of each between 2 and 3 thousand you would like to compare just as in a car what options are included in the base price just a general shoppers point of view
rjanecek - Posted - 11/16/2009: 14:10:13
Jason
Arthurs site is pretty good with the info avail on his models, also very friendly and approachable on the phone if you wish to call. I would encourage it actually
http://www.hatfieldbanjos.com/
God Bless America
Rick
jason holgate - Posted - 11/16/2009: 16:56:25
thank you i have spoken to arthur in the past and played jeremy b s special at rickys house never saw or played a fitch i only wanted to comment on this thread like a customer who knew nothing or had no opinion either way if i were to buy a banjo it would be a hatfield special only on how smoothe and easy jeremy s played now i have just talked to jere and ricky and if my vega sells on e bay we are all going to fqms and arthurs on a weekend banjo buying spree
BvilleDon - Posted - 11/17/2009: 00:08:28
I have never seen Hatfield rated poorly for setup, but I have seen this done to Fitch, even to the point of crossthreading lag nuts. I have never seen someone have to part out a Hatfield to get the most money out of it, but I have seen Fitch owners do so, right here, and more than once. I have never heard of Hatfield being anything but courteous and helpful on the phone, but I have heard of Fitch getting short with people asking questions. I have never seen Hatfield say over and over "best combination I ever put together". I have seen Fitch try things and then pull back--no more work on pre wars, limited bench work. One is an experiment, the other is Experience.
Don
ambpicker - Posted - 11/17/2009: 10:32:30
I'll be honest, I have not seen any reports of Fitch crossthreading lag nuts, or other gross errors.
I've seen and played 2 Fitch banjos, and I thought they superb instruments.
I've only heard good things about the work he does.
Sadly, I have heard, and experienced first hand, some of the other stuff.
I can overlook it to some degree, it is very stressful to start a new business.
I have been there and done that, it ain't easy.
I'm hoping Fitch makes it as an banjo builder.
Leslie
mainejohn - Posted - 11/17/2009: 11:46:00
quote:
Originally posted by ambpicker
I suppose Cliff is taking some time off. I emailed him last week, have not heard back.
Leslie
I see that Cliff is no longer listed as a member of BHO. Cheers, John Coleman Scarborough, Maine
skybolt - Posted - 11/17/2009: 12:31:55
Thats a shame. I think his banjos are superb in every way. He has always gone out of his way to help me and many others.
Jerry
BvilleDon - Posted - 11/17/2009: 15:19:07
I will add that the crossthreading part of my previous post came from reviews I had read in the review section here on some RK instruments that had been set up. However, I agree that starting any new business is very hard and I wish nothing but the best for all builders and manufacureres. It is a difficult time for many folks and I felt somewhat obligated to give my reasons, instead of just stating a preference with a very broad brush. I hope everyone builds great banjos at great prices, gives excellent customer service and makes a pile of money. However, I think there may be some shaking out before any upturn in the economy. Regardless, get the banjo that sounds and feels right to you!
Don
nickster - Posted - 11/17/2009: 16:42:01
Cliff Fitch built an excellent banjo for me. I've told many people on the Hangout that his fitting of the ring to rim and neck heel to pot is the best I've ever seen. My experience with his customer service (after he had his money and I had the banjo) has also been exceptional.
Nick
chrome - Posted - 11/17/2009: 17:05:48
I know what I have to say doesn't mean much but I'll put it this way. I wouldn't have a fitch banjo if it was delivered personally by Miss America....That man was rude to me...I mentioned to him that I had respect for his talent at one time but his behavior wasn't what I expected.
He's answer???? Boo Whoo. So buy his new improved super turbo fuel injected "Best I every put together Banjo"
That's my thoughts and I will never back down from his rudeness.
Mr. Hatfield, I would love to own one of your banjos someday.....
Goldstarman - Posted - 11/17/2009: 19:00:54
I dont believe in dogging someone out but Ive dealt with Both, Hatfield was a gentlemen to the end..Ill just leave it at that.
"Aint" aint a word
cardinbanjo - Posted - 11/17/2009: 19:16:18
I have done business with both and my experience was awesome in both cases. I have never met Cliff in person but my business dealings were great. I have been to Arthur's several times he is as fine a person as you could ever meet. I think the banjo community is better because of them both as well as other small builders.
cardinbanjo
foggycoast - Posted - 11/17/2009: 23:34:57
Interestingly two members that have commented negatively on Cliff Fitch's behavior sent me what I thought were the most rude and insulting emails when I inquired about banjos they had for sale. Cliff Fitch on the other hand not only gave me free advice but sent me a Dogwood strap, T-shirt and new bone nut for free when I had only asked him for advice. Arthur Hatfield was also very responsive and helpful when I ordered a bridge from him. It's not the builders that have the attitude problem IMO.
Edited by - foggycoast on 11/18/2009 09:07:11
goldtopia - Posted - 11/18/2009: 04:06:03
Cliff has started another business which involves quite a bit of travelling. Its not banjo related though he might take a banjo with him. There have been times when cliff has not been making enough money from Fitch Banjos. I don't know if he is going to make any more banjos, we will have to wait and see.
Bill.O
www.bluegrassminstrels.co.uk
rjanecek - Posted - 11/18/2009: 06:48:31
Ive contacted Mr. Fitch several times for both banjo related questions as well as a NOT banjo related question and each time he was very helpful, courtious and very respectful. Wanted to put that out there to be fair and honest. I was at one time seriously considering a Fitch banjo. My exchange with him was very good.
God Bless America
Rick
Forrest - Posted - 11/18/2009: 06:54:38
I bought a banjo from Cliff in the past year and he was very helpful and responsive throughout the process. I wouldn't hesistate to recommend him in that regard.
I also bought a banjo from Arthur and he was a pleasure to deal with and he and Beverly went out of their way to make sure I was a happy customer. A+ in my book.
I don't think you can go wrong with either builder from a customer service standpoint and I think they both make very fine banjos. In my mind, it comes down to what you're looking for in an instrument and which builder comes the closest to meeting that ideal.
"Run, Forrest, Run!"
skevincampbell - Posted - 11/18/2009: 07:14:24
Cliff Fitch and Arthur Hatfield are two different people, of two different age and exoerience groups, from two different parts of the country. They will not seem the same. Arthur is absolutely one of the kindest, most helpful gentlemen you will ever meet, and he knows banjos. Cliff has always been kind to me. He sent me some stuff just to help me out, when I was trying to set up a banjo I bought to sell to make a dollar on. I believe Cliff knows banjos, too. They have two differing business models. That is OK. I owned a Hatfield, and have played many, all good, even the one that the owner was not thrilled with. I have seen and played one Fitch. It was a great banjo, though different from a Hatfield. I would love to own it.
Let's not fault one man for not being the other. You have to be who you are. Sometimes people can take a person being matter of fact as rudeness. I know if someone interrupts me, in the middle of preparing for Sunday, or when I'm eating, they may perceive me as rude. We all have our idiosyncrasies. Wow!, I spelled that right. I miss Cliff on the forum. We all ribbed him some about the way he promotes his banjos. The point has been made. He's not doing anything that others before him have not done, and we as a group, are mostly supportive of those folks. I think we may have been a little rough on Cliff, and he really believed he didn't attack Arthur. I will take his motivation from him, I can't decide it. He thought Arthur slammed him, and I don't think he did. Many times, posts seem much harsher than they were intended.
Well, I need to bring this to a close. I would love to see Cliff come back, and succeed as a banjo builder. I count Arthur as a friend, as do many who have posted in this thread. I'm sure he'll be fine. It would be best if this thread didn't get too personal. I hope this makes sense, and is a help to somebody.
Kevin
nickster - Posted - 11/18/2009: 07:33:01
Kevin, I think you nailed it on the head. Agree 100 percent.
Nick
ambpicker - Posted - 11/18/2009: 11:04:32
I also agree, and I wish him the best, I know for a fact he makes fabulous instruments.
It would be very difficult to make a living as a banjo builder.
The market is inherently very small, and it is also saturated with good instruments.
steve davis - Posted - 11/18/2009: 11:18:32
People don't have as much money to spend on things like banjos.
dpete210 - Posted - 11/18/2009: 12:23:06
Both of these men have their supporters and I would guess somewhere along the way someone has not been happy with one or the other. The dissatisfied may be very few in number, but if every single person who has dealt with them were perfectly satisfied with the banjo or service, I would be greatly surprised. Some folks are impossible to please.
We are so lucky to have builders who put out the quality that both Mr. Hatfield and Mr. Fitch do. A banjo preference is such a personal thing that we should all be so lucky to live near either of them and get to stop in to play what they make. We get so hung up on which is best. At what point does a banjo become best and to whose ears? It's kind of like arguing about what the largest number is. Personally, I wouldn't turn down a banjo built by either one of these 2 fellows based on what I've read on the hang out. I have one of Cliff's nitro tone rings in my 250 and for me it sounds great in that banjo. Good luck to both of these fellows as they move forward.
Edited by - dpete210 on 11/18/2009 13:33:30
BvilleDon - Posted - 11/18/2009: 13:34:54
quote:
Originally posted by foggycoast
Interestingly two members that have commented negatively on Cliff Fitch's behavior sent me what I thought were the most rude and insulting emails when I inquired about banjos they had for sale. Cliff Fitch on the other hand not only gave me free advice but sent me a Dogwood strap, T-shirt and new bone nut for free when I had only asked him for advice. Arthur Hatfield was also very responsive and helpful when I ordered a bridge from him. It's not the builders that have the attitude problem IMO.
FYI, I have never had a banjo for sale through the hangout. I do trust the opinions and knowledge of those who have written some of the reviews I referred to in my first post.
foggycoast - Posted - 11/18/2009: 14:42:49
BvilleDon,
FWIW, I was not referring to you. I didn't think it proper to refer to them by name but they probably know who they are. AFAIK both Hatfield and Fitch banjos generally get stellar reviews.
kirbonite - Posted - 11/18/2009: 14:42:52
I was going to stay out of this but was just curious about the outcome. I've never played either although they both look like nice banjos. Also, I think it's great to support small business's or individuals but any banjo is a personal thing.
I'm sure most people here would prefer their banjo to mine and vise versa so there's no way to answer this question.. Only thing you can really try to do is
try out as many as you can and get the one that suits you. I don't generally like Deering necks but I happened to stumble on a custom made one with a wide neck.
Works great for my hands so it ended up being the banjo for me for now. One day
just throw that itn.
grich - Posted - 11/20/2009: 16:08:12
Don't like the way a thread is going !
The poster is a jerk !
Why put up with it when you can level the playing field with new " Fitch Banjo Post Remover "
[URL=http://img12.imageshack.us/i/postremovera.jpg/] [/URL]
ambpicker - Posted - 11/20/2009: 16:45:50
That's what we often tell ourselves, but who knows ?
DJMorgan - Posted - 11/20/2009: 21:19:01
Somebody has been huffing...
skybolt - Posted - 11/27/2009: 17:16:42
Greg, that is FUNNY!!  Hope Cliff see's it. That may be the cartoon that you were talking about
rickeym - Posted - 12/06/2009: 09:24:36
I would go with the Hatfield. Page: 1 2
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