Overall Comments

Last summer, I started to collect together old prewar parts for a banjo I wanted to build as my banjo for life to take with me everywhere and not have to worry as much about someone stealing it. I love the prewar sound for my own personal reasons. At the time, I was working with another luthier who was very capable but was so overloaded with responsibility it seemed the patience with me was not there, I wanted someone to build a neck for this banjo put it together with skill, patience and caring. John Boulding after working on a couple of my other valuable prewars, proved to me he was the person I was seeking in this process. It turns out the banjo he put together is something I will treasure deeply for the rest of my life. The neck he made for this banjo was the most perfect piece of craftsmanship I have ever seen. On top of that he made it to fit me for I have larger hands he made the neck slightly wider. This banjo plays far better any other banjo I have ever owned, and I have owned a bunch of them. He told me it would take time to make it so I never bugged him until he called me about three months later to let me know it was getting close. The result of his patience caring and skill is something I would be proud for anyone to play and show it off to. Thank you John Boulding for making the best neck I have ever seen and thank you for your patience and understanding of what I specifically needed. I have found my lifetime banjo as a result. Only one problem, I am really nervous about is someone stealing this banjo. That is the one problem that got worse. A good problem to have.

Overall Rating

10

Overall Comments

Well all the reviews about John are correct. He worked on two of my pre-war banjos and was exceptional with the work he did. He really listened to what you wanted and was able to far exceed my expectations. John cares about his work deeply and has great patience which I appreciate when it comes to my banjos. I really do not see using anyone else. It is well worth the 400 mile trip I have to make. It is rare to meet such a warm friendly person as well. A complete pleasure to deal with in all ways.

Overall Rating

10

Sound

This banjo has the richest fullest sound even out of the box, I have ever heard. I am playing it just to hear the sweet rich tone this walnut banjo has. I had compared it to the imitation Nechville Phantom and there is no comparison in sound quality. The Stealth has it hands down. You can play it next to the bridge and the tone is still very full and rich

Sound Rating

10

Appearance

The banjo is named Stealth for its lack of inlay work and fifth string that runs under the neck. I had dots added and might add it is the nicest looking banjo I ever saw. the headstock is totally different than other banjos I have seen. It took some getting use to but it really is quite cool. Not the first flaw anywhere I could find. Absolutely perfect.

Appearance Rating

10

Customer Service

Five year warrenty, and Scott is there for you anytime. Scott is super professional and friendly. I do forsee any repair other than changing frets when they wear and a slight tweek maybe.

Customer Service

10

Overall Comments

I guess by now you will see I am sold on this banjo. Just put it in your hands and each note is meant to be clear and true. Scott's design makes this the best feeling neck I could ever imagine. It gives you room to on the fretboard to dig in and really milk the tone. You want that JD Crowe sound its got room to rip the pull offs. You want to have a straight forward melodic break, it will do the trick, You want the ability to note single string it will do it. The Stealth is the total package, bar none. Make no mistake this is Scott Vestals idea design and vision to make a banjo that is so amazing that it is the next step in banjo craftsmanship. As I said before please do not make the mistake of purchasing the copy of Scotts design the Nechville Phantom for it truly does not compare. I am going to get back to playing my new Stealth now. Buy one, you won't be sorry.

Overall Rating

10

Overall Comments

This book is perhaps the single most important publication written as of late. The book is a treasure of arrangements of the most complete set of fiddle tunes that I have ever experienced written in clean understandable terms. It gives even the most experienced banjo player challenging and interesting approach's to songs that all of us aspire to play well.

Tony's knowledge and grasp of the banjo is encompassed in his finest work. It is hard to imagine the care and articulation of each transcription. Only after going through five songs I can tell it is radically changing my playing for the better. If you are serious about being a good or great banjo player this publication is one that is so much a must have that you can and should not deny yourself the hours and hours of learning pleasure this masterful publication provides. Thank you Tony for giving us a chance to really have the material in front of us to be all we can be on the banjo

Overall Rating

10

Overall Comments

Perhaps this is the most creative approach to understanding improvisation I have seen on the market. Jayme's choice and examples of songs and passages is easily understood but the DVD also will challenge you personally in a way that will leave you a far more adept banjo player simply for it forces you to think.

I am currently studying this DVD and I would advise any intermediate to advanced player to add this to your collection. For me I don't know what I would have done without it. I am now creating the breaks I have always wanted to play and stunning some of my peers. It feels so good!!!

Thanks Jayme

Overall Rating

10