For years I wandered around Charlotte looking for a place to take my banjos (pre BHO)...Just for touch ups and set-ups, etc. Then at an Earl show in 2009 I met Don Bryant...

He was gracious enough to let me join in a jam that day by picking one of his pre-wars. It began a great friendship and a "doctor/patient" relationship with my banjos that I couldn't be more thankful for. Yesterday I made another round-trip drive up to Don's shop behind his house in Thurmond, NC (near Elkin). It's not exactly in my "neighborhood" but I'm always glad I made the trip, and always look forward to my next one. Getting to see what Don's working on, the necks he's building, picking pre-wars, how meticulous he is over every little detail, treating any banjo I've ever brought him like it was his and wanting to get it just right. Whether it's a little tweak here and there, or replacing heads and frets I've always come away feeling great about having Don as a friend and someone special in the banjo universe. I couldn't recommend him more highly as a great guy, amazing specialist at what he does, and a friend to banjo'ers everywhere. I'll be back...