This is Don Reno's OTHER Stelling Golden Cross #327. According Geoff Stelling this banjo was built for Don Reno to replace his gold plated Golden Cross #91-3 while it was being used in a lawsuit case against Sherwin-Williams. Apparently #91-3 had a problem with the finish that made it unplayable. Golden Cross #91-3 was later returned to Don with a new neck and resonator. Stelling kept the original neck and resonator and later refinished it and put it on a vintage gold plated and engraved pot. He later sold the banjo to a collector from North Dakota. Golden Cross #91-3 with the original pot and replacement neck and resonator belongs to a fellow in Minnesota. So #327 is actually the only completely original Stelling made for Don Reno. Built Feb. 26, 1977 and delivered to Don Reno on Feb. 27, 1977. I was lucky enough to acquire it from a good friend over the Thanksgiving holiday. I can never thank him enough for me letting have such a treasure that belonged to my hero.
5 comments on “Don Reno's Stelling Golden Cross #327”
banjodave93 Says:
Tuesday, December 28, 2010 @7:18:33 PM
Lawsuit with the Sherwin-Williams paint company? Im interested in the story, if you can share.
Jason Skinner Says:
Friday, December 31, 2010 @2:44:33 PM
I don't know a lot about it really. Apparently the lacquer Geoff Stelling was using at the time was bad and resulted in the finish cracking and/or peeling on some banjos. Not sure how many banjos were affected nor do I know the outcome of the lawsuit. Maybe you could ask Geoff about it for more information.
Tam_Zeb Says:
Tuesday, May 7, 2013 @5:20:36 PM
Glad to see Don's banjo in the hands of someone who knows how to play it in the style of Don Reno
Eastbanjo Says:
Monday, May 20, 2013 @7:12:09 PM
Man you should be picking that thing all the time! Incredible banjo with allot of history!!
Eastbanjo Says:
Monday, May 20, 2013 @7:12:13 PM
Man you should be picking that thing all the time! Incredible banjo with allot of history!!
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