I am pleased to announce that I am ready to offer quality maintenance, set up, repair, and restoration services beyond my local area to anyone who cares to inquire after them.

Some BHO members know me and my work, and some other BHO members know my work, but don’t know it’s mine.

My 25+ years experience as a player, collector, and repair and lutherie hobbyist was put to the test and augmented in a production/scheduled environment during my 3+ years at Huber Banjos working with my friend Steve Huber almost every day.

Among other things, my responsibilities there included final assembly and set up, neck sets, tonering/rim hand fitting, fretwork, final inspection/QC, and many other construction and repair tasks. I performed this work on new Huber banjos as well as many other banjos ranging from student grade instruments to original pre-WW2 Gibson flathead five strings. Given my worklogs, I worked on well over 500 banjos as a conservative estimate while there.

Many customer and professional/endorsee compliments were directed towards the quality of my work, while not one complaint concerning anything related to any of the tasks I performed on any banjo I worked on during my time there was ever voiced.

During this time, I became personally and professionally acquainted with my friend Robin Smith, and did a fair amount of consulting, troubleshooting, and various occasional work for him as well.

I continue to do occasional varied work for both Steve and Robin, and I also take advantage of their excellent parts and services as I need them as well.

I have been privileged to work with both Steve and Robin as well as to gain their trust and friendship. Both have been of great help and encouragement as I moved towards opening my own shop. Both have also graciously extended themselves as professional references on my behalf. I don’t know of two individuals who would have had more exposure to my character, work ethic, and abilities, or who I would rather choose as references.

I also enjoy working on vintage open back banjos that are my other passion as a blossoming classic/parlor fingerstyle player and collector.

My prices are competitive, my waiting list is short for the time being, and I treat every banjo for what it is…the owner’s investment of some financial worth, if not prized possession that took a considerable amount of savings to be able to own.

If you have general questions about me or my services, or just want to get acquainted or re-acquainted, this thread is a good place to do so.

I welcome inquiries, as well as any pricing for specific projects, by telephone at:

(615)382-1376

Respectfully,

Chris Cioffi

Posted - 07/10/2009 :  09:31:36      

I don't personally know Chris, but after speaking with him on the phone for well over an hour last night regarding his knowledge of a stolen banjo I was owned (see July issue of BU), he could not have given a higher first impression. His credentials are outstanding. Good luck, Chris, in your new venture. Hope to meet you face to face next time I'm in the Nashville area.

Ken

Posted - 08/20/2009 :  19:57:19          

I can personally vouch for Chris as he has teamed up with me on ideas for different set ups and neck sets. He is the archtop setup man also. And a great picker. Don't hesitate to use him if you have the need.

Stay Tuned! gDGBD

Posted - 08/21/2009 :  06:30:57        

Ken-The Five Fickle FIngers of Fate for Five strings affect banjos over the years in odd ways, don't they??? Those situations have a way of introducing us to more nice banjo folks, too, as me getting in touch with your situation did. This is as much or more fun/rewarding than the banjos themselves, to me. Drop a line anytime.

******************

Thanks for the kind words, Dave!!! Thank you also for trusting me with some of your nice old banjos, as well as new ones and your cool projects.

I've enjoyed your approach, conversation, and ideas on building/fixing banjos, too.

You ain't no slouch when it comes to weilding the finger picks yourself!

Chris Cioffi
(615)382-1376

Edited by - tubeandplate on 08/21/2009 06:36:03

Posted - 08/21/2009 :  07:22:37    

Hey Chris, welcome to the BHO. Good to see your finally up and running. Best Wishes to you on this endeavor.

Posted - 08/21/2009 :  07:35:48        

Thanks DJ! Befriending you now.....

Chris Cioffi
(615)382-1376

Posted - 08/24/2009 :  07:25:41      

Chris glad you got your shop ready I know you have been working on it for quite a while. Hope you the best in your endeavor. I know from seeing Huber Banjos in the years that you worked there that your work is top notch. If some of you need repair work give Chris a call. He is definitely not new to the banjo repair and building, but just opened his new shop.

Arthur Hatfield
HATFIELD BANJO''S
GLASGOW, KY 42141
(270)646-5219
BANJO WEBSITE WWW.HATFIELDBANJOS.COM
EMAIL HATFIELDBANJOS@SCRTC.COM

Posted - 08/24/2009 :  08:16:05        

Hi Arthur! I don't know what to say....THANK YOU for the kind words.

You're no slouch either, building or playing the banjo!

I'll be up for a visit as soon as I can.....coffee's on me if we go into town!




Chris Cioffi
(615)382-1376

Posted - 08/24/2009 :  08:37:10        

I've known Chris for some time now, and can say that he's an absolute stickler for getting things "right" A great picker on top of that. Should have plenty of business coming your way Chris! Good luck!

Posted - 08/24/2009 :  11:38:00  

Chris: you've had my banjo for 3 years now ; when will I get it back?...Oh, my bad ...wrong repair shop...Just joshin' you Chris; glad to hear you are up and running. We can all use another banjo repair shop that that knows banjos in and out and knows how pickers think. I.ve got a binding problem that needs your touch; I'll call you off line!

After all this time, you''d think I''d be better by now!--iluvearl

Posted - 08/24/2009 :  15:52:55    

Having Robin Smith & Steve Huber recommend you tells the tale of a great builder/luthier & person to those who do not know you. I see your endeavor in to the independent instrument world as plus for the banjo player. And, a loss for Huber LLC.

The best will always do well

Joe B

Posted - 08/25/2009 :  08:01:36        

Hi Ed-Thanks for the nice words! I enjoy your picking, too! Pipefitter? How 'bout Lickfitter? How many banjos do you have now?

Dan-Yeah, 3 years and I've got 1 out of the 22 frets done so far!

Yippee! Binding repair! Bring it on!

Hi Joe-Thanks for that. I have been struggling about the idea of taking a second job to help out along the way of getting started here in a public way (I've been doing local work for a while on my own). I actually started a second job recently, but I've had enough banjo inquiries and work coming in that I thought I better concentrate on this so that I can give the best/quickest service I can instead, so I just quit the other job. That's kind of a scary situation as I don't have much of a waiting list yet, but we'll see. I'm either doing this all the way or not doing it.

Undoubtedly in this economy, that might mean some tough going here, but I'm committed to this, and I hope the concept you mention is true. Working on banjos is the one thing in my life that I have realized the last few years that I am actually good at, and enjoy immensely.

Besides working on the banjos themselves, the other most enjoyable thing I'm discovering working on my own is that I now talk directly to the clients/customers......THAT is refreshing and I've been meeting and working with some REALLY great people so far. THAT is fun to me!



Chris Cioffi
(615)382-1376

Posted - 08/25/2009 :  17:05:02    

For the many of us that don't know Chris, let me put a face into the equation. With credentials backed by Robin Smith and Steve Huber, one fine luthier is now on the loose. Chris is seen here in Robin Smith's shop getting the finishing touches on a custom Kel Kroydon KK11 Cello banjo that Robin built for me. Being the pain that I am, I wanted steel strings and a standard scale length, tuned a full octave lower. Chris and Robin went crazy coming up with the right combination of string sizes to make it all work. Ended up with all five being wound with the first and fifth .020 JD's! Thanks to Tom Mirisola for having all the custom made hardware for the 14" pot come to be for this project. I understand Chris and Charlie Cushman had a ball with this unusual monster! I wish Chris all the success in the world with his future endeavors. The banjo community has yet another superb luthier at the doorstep. Good Luck Chris!

Kerry

Posted - 08/25/2009 :  18:33:28        

Hi Kerry-Thanks for the really nice words....WOW that was quick....you got that thing only a very little while after I was down there with the Robster fooling with it!

As you can see by my expression, I was going crazy trying to play a "classic" banjo piece, "Sunflower Dance" on the Cello Banjo ('Lo 'Jo????)-seemed appropriate since most original cello banjos are from the classic banjo period for banjo orchestras at the turn of the last century...

You should have seen Robin's face when I played it....I think he expected "Follow The Leader" or "Dear Old Dixie" out of me at the time....

Charlie must have played it after I left as we weren't there together....shame...I would have loved to hear Cush' chow down on one on that banjo.....talk about context shifts.....

Anyway, I"m going crazy playing it....Robin was the one going crazy with the strings and set up....he just kept looking at me over his glasses with raised eyebrows every time I said "I think it needs heavier strings".....LOL

That cello banjo sounds a lot like a piano in a big echo-ey auditorium with a high ceiling, don't you think, Kerry????

Sounds like the right person ended up with the right banjo.

Kudos go to Tom Mirisola and Robin Smith for putting this project, along with another very similar one together. Pretty kewl. Now if we can just get Huber to make a 14" tonering....I won't mention Tom M. for that, or sure enough, he'll belly up to the bar and do it

Only problem is, the pictures really shows off my bald spot.... The thinner my hair gets, the shorter I cut it.....

Glad you like that one, Kerry. I think you got a really fun one there to get inspired with!

Chris Cioffi
(615)382-1376

Edited by - tubeandplate on 08/26/2009 11:04:54

Posted - 08/25/2009 :  19:03:20        

I would also like to add my endorsement of Chris. Since I no-longer do repair and restoration work, he came along at a good time. I will certainly recommend anyone that contacts me to Chris. Anyone that has been under Steve and Robins' wing has to know what they are doing. Good luck Chris !

FITCH BANJOS
www.FitchBanjos.com
Hand-Crafted Professional Banjos

Posted - 08/26/2009 :  07:34:34        

Cliff-Thank you for that endorsement! I'm honored and humbled by your words, as you are a well thought of craftsman!

I am hoping during your time of change, that you will emerge from your reorganization with an even higher level of offerings and quality than the great standard you have already become known for! I'm looking forward to your new banjo line as you told me about....

Cliff, thanks for your support, time, and communications with me, and Godspeed on your progress and work in the meantime! If there's anything I can do to help you during this time, let me know.

Chris

Edited by - tubeandplate on 08/26/2009 07:35:47

Posted - 08/26/2009 :  10:32:28          

I have not met Chris, but I have talked to him extensively on the phone and by e-mail. I contacted Charlie Cushman to "set up" my Gibson RB-3 1994 re-issue. Charlie gave me Robin's phone number so I could talk to Robin about fret work before Charlie could do the set-up. But after seeing Chris' post a couple of months ago about setting up a new shop and he mentioned that he worked with Robin and Charlie. I called Robin and just asked him about Chris. Robin said he is a perfectionist. I thought, "This is the guy for me." I called Chris that very day and after talking to him I realized that he knows banjos and understands banjo players.

Chris, I'll be sending my banjo. I've been putting it off for the reasons we discussed, but I see that I need to get on the ball before you get too busy. I have enjoyed our conversations and I see a relationship forming here that goes beyond banjos and lasts for the rest of my life.

I live in the mountains.....
The mountainous region of Central Florida.
Sugarloaf Mountain; 312 feet above sea level.

Randy

Posted - 08/26/2009 :  11:03:40        

Randy-Don't worry, your place in the chronology of projects is already reserved.....just send it when you are ready....and....

Perhaps you should have waited to get the banjo back instead of making your public judgement about me based on my hot air alone....

Regardless, thanks for your kind words, and yes, it seems we will be staying in touch after your banjo leaves here. Thanks for trusting me with it.

My wife and I had a discussion about the shop and life the other night; she said I am happiest and at my best when I'm working on banjos....this only gets augmented by working on banjos owned by nice, good people.

BTW....if anyone reads this post, I would highly recommend you click/find Randy's (Mopick) bio and blog entries on his homepage....it's life related and not necessarily banjo related, but I am finding out that the BHO is one of the best set up forums for interacting with people on levels that transcend "just" the banjo and start to inform conversations in which people can relate to each other for reasons they started playing the banjo or what the banjo means to them.

After all, things in life are just vehicles for interaction, activity, etc...the banjo just happens to be the BHO members' choice of poison. If we're all sick, maybe the BHO is our 12 step program....

Chris Cioffi
(615)382-1376

Edited by - tubeandplate on 08/26/2009 11:13:01

Posted - 08/26/2009 :  11:45:08        

So, Chris, do you have a brick 'n' mortar storefront/workshop or do we have to stop by your house in order to pick some classic 1890's tunes? You're only 2-1/2 hrs north of me...next time I'm headed to Nashburg, I might just see if I can drop in.

Congrats on the leap into self employment! I keep that option in the back of my mind for retirement, etc. Here's to your success!

===Marc

"If banjos needed tone rings, S.S. Stewart would have made them that way."

Posted - 08/26/2009 :  11:50:18        

Marc-Thanks for the well wishes....we'll see how it goes!

Actually, it's a metal building, but yes, a physical shop.

I am open for shop business in person by appointment only......

UNLESS

you want to stop by to play some classic banjo....Ossman tunes, Brooks and Denton duets, that sort of thing.

If that's the case, knock on the house, find me in the back pasture, in the shop, on the tractor...heck, knock on the outhouse door, and I'll run and get the Thorobred and we can tune up!

Only thing is, I'm PRETTY SURE you have a better command of the repertoire than I will for quite some time......



Chris Cioffi
(615)382-1376

Posted - 09/22/2009 :  12:13:41    

Chris set up my "thin rim" bowtie 500 and turned it into a CANNON!!! Count me as a very satisfied customer.. Good luck to you!!

Posted - 09/22/2009 :  12:40:24        

Thanks Greg! I'm glad we could get back in touch....this hangout has been really good for me getting back in touch with folks I'd have a hard time finding any other way.

Keep in touch, Greg! Glad you are enjoying that Mastertone!

Chris Cioffi
(615)382-1376

Posted - 09/22/2009 :  12:52:21    

Hi Chris!

Glad to see that banjos are filling your shop! You definitely have a deft touch where set up is concerned. I know there will be a lot of happy pickers in the future. Tom is having a couple of extra heads made for the Cello banjo. This way I can experiment without the fear of splitting the head. I've got the head quite tight right now and it has really come to life. It really booms on the low notes...makes the bass player work hard! Playing head to head against a banjo tuned normally is a blast...two octaves of pickin' all at once. Synchronized, it's an impressive sound that catches everyone's ear...they can't figure out where that low fill is coming from. Quite frankly, it adds another dimension and doesn't clash with another banjo in a song!

Best of luck to you in the future! We can't make NashCamp this year but will be down next year...we'll be sure to look you up!

Kerry

Yes Sir! He's my "blankety-blank" Buddy! You Betcha!

Posted - 09/24/2009 :  17:39:17        

Hi Kerry!!!!!

Sounds like that thing is really doing well in your hands and you are enjoying it!!!

Methinks you have discovered what the 1880's-1890's orchestral banjo players were into with what you are now experiencing with the 'lo 'jo.....

Watch out, Kerry....it's a slippery slope to the classic banjo realm from where you are poised!

I hope you can come visit sometime, and of course, I insist you bring the Cello with you so I can see how you've dialed it in.....I would REALLY like to play it after you think it's at it's best.

Glad the head situation is working out...That Tom is a wonderful fellow...put him up to something and he just clocks in and rolls up his sleeves....


Chris Cioffi
(615)382-1376

Posted - 10/26/2009 :  15:11:36      

I have been playing mando and dobro in bluegrass bands for about 40 years. Recently I decided to start playing banjo. I started reading forums on BHO a few months ago and asked Chris to advise me on banjos, their pricing and Calton cases.
After looking at a few banjos online and based on Chris’ counsel I chose on ebay a 1996 Gibson RB4 that looked pretty grungy and played a lot but the price seemed right. He had advised me on others that were overpriced and I chose not to purchase them.
When I initially received it in a rather dilapidated original case I decided to purchase a Calton case and Chris pointed me at George Gruhn. Now I had a case in which I was comfortable shipping it in.
My first impression of the banjo was that it was played a lot and very dirty. The up the neck sounds were not consistent with what I thought a banjo of this quality should be. It looked OK. There were no major cosmetic issues. It was just very dirty. In further conversation on the phone and via email I decided to send it to him for set up.
After Chris got it and evaluated it we talked further and decided he would do the following; a complete fret job/level the fretboard ,new bon e nuts, a neckset involving moving the neck's position, clean up, speed neck, some minor lacquer touch up and repair around the truss rod cover screws, and general set up with all work geared towards maximum tone and playability
What I got back after three weeks with Chris I was blown away. It looked like a brand new banjo and the sound far exceeds my expectations. His work is truly masterful, thorough and shows he is a complete nut job perfectionist.
His advice on packing it for shipment was very thorough and based on his experience of shipping many banjos when he worked with Steve Huber. I followed his advice on shipping it to him and got it back so well packed I think it could have been dropped out of an airplane and would have survived the hit.

At any rate I highly recommend Chris for any work on your banjo and I am happy to discuss it anytime.



~pikit wilson~

Posted - 10/29/2009 :  06:58:49          

I'll chime in on this.

I visited Steve Huber's shop in June 2003 and spent a lot of time with Chris, picking, talking banjos, and learning from him as he went about his tasks in the shop. Chris is a real pro and an expert on construction, setup, and maintenance of banjos. Plus he is very enthusiastic and likes to share his knowledge and experience. Oh, and he is one hell of a picker too.

Chris and Steve pulled apart and then reassembled my prewar Gibson, and I learned a lot from that experience. Near the close of my visit, I decided to order a Lexington from Steve, and Chris was the luthier who ended up assembling it. He did a great job, and he is one of perhaps three craftspeople (including Steve Huber, of course) who I trust with my banjos.

I recommend Chris enthusiastically for any work that needs to be done on a banjo.

Michael
michael.corcoran@usask.ca