I found this very interesting and I thought that I would share it with all fellow banjo players.
With going back to college for my masters degree, and still not finding work, I have not been playing the banjo as much. So the other day I decided to start messing around again. I restrung the banjo, polished her up, and away I went. I also had order acouple of the songs off of Ross Nickerson's web-page, which I must say he has a great way of teaching the basic with learning how to play a song, anyway I could not get onto these pages, and I thought hey they leave a phone number I will call. I called, talked to a very sweet nice lady that tried her best to assist me, but asked for my phone number and said someone would contact me. Less then five minutes later my phone rang and a gentlmen started to ask questions to find out what I had purchased and tried to assist me. With in seconds I realized and had asked who I was speaking with. He had said this is Ross Nickerson, I was forking floored. The fact that a professional would actually take the time to make the phone call themselves was extremely motivating, I was liked stumped at first and didn't know what to say. This man was so polite, modest, and kind. Whenever you have problems with an company they usually send you to a support team that hates their job doesn't great you or speak with you with any proper morals, but Ross was so polite, and kind I just threw me off.
So I just wanted to acknowledge what a great experience it was to talk on the phone given advice and support from a fellow banjo player such as Ross Nickerson. That old saying that happiness comes in small packages. I realized that sometimes this is true.

"No banjo has yelled at me, that I didn't put the toilet seat down"
Pluck Away
Mudskipper Cory

Posted - 08/20/2009 :  07:14:27    

I've dealt with Ross on several occasions. A++++ You couldn't ask for better service. Ross has always called me back within minutes of calling him. Ross is top notch as far as I'm concerned and I've never had any problems with his products or services.

I''m always pickin'' on my banjo, but it always beats me up.

Posted - 08/20/2009 :  07:53:43    

I've taken a class from Ross & purchased product from him as well...first class guy & a first class business.

Posted - 08/20/2009 :  08:03:31  

I have been a fan of Ross for some time. I just got to meet him this summer at Grey Fox. He is a great guy to do business with.

Posted - 08/20/2009 :  08:10:11    

I will add my kudos to Ross here. I have attended several of his workshops and several of his classes at the 2006 Midwest Banjo Camp. He is an excellent teacher, always ready to assist, definitely has the best interests of his students always at heart, and quite personable, Would love to see him come back to Elderly Instruments for a workshop or two as well as MBC.

Froggie
"Courage is Fear that has said its prayers.

Edited by - John Allison on 08/20/2009 08:13:32

Posted - 08/20/2009 :  08:42:06      

Ditto to all. Ross has always responded to my inquiries in a very timely manner. I'm not sure if he does his web page himself, but I helped him iron out some bugs with his new site a few months ago. We back and forth emailed a few times, and he was very courteous and gracious.

Dan

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I''ve got it made in the shade if the tree don''t fall...

Posted - 08/20/2009 :  09:09:42        

I must agree with all of these posts! He is an OUTSTANDING musician, person, and just plain great to deal with. He did the same thing for my mother when she had a question about her order, she talked to the nice lady then Ross himself called back within 10 minutes! My mother was also very surprised, but enjoyed her conversation with him as well. GREAT JOB Ross, if you are looking, and thank you for such wonderful service to the banjo community!


Mike Montgomery

4+1=Hootnanny!
O==''={::}

Posted - 08/20/2009 :  09:28:35      

That was just so typically Ross. A true banjo student's friend.

We do not know where we are going.
Nor do most of us care.
For us, it is enough that we are on our way.
Le Matelot

Posted - 08/20/2009 :  09:32:40      

I have never called Ross, but I have emailed him many times. He always gets back promptly and has an in depth answer and sound advice.

If he ran the phone company here in the UK, he would make a fortune with service like that.

Posted - 08/20/2009 :  09:36:23  

Isn't it amazing, calling and actually getting hold of Ross,it also happened to me. Check out his "Banjo Encyclopedia" it's a great book and covers just about anything that you want to know on playing the banjo, from beginner to the advanced player.----------------------------Money well spent!

Big Bird

Posted - 08/20/2009 :  09:42:05      

Ditto on everything above. I started out with Ross's stuff which helped me to move along quickly. Some of the best instructional values out there. I hope to be able to attend his Carlise ,Pa workshop in Oct.

youdog

Posted - 08/20/2009 :  10:48:08        

Ross' stuff is great as are his tips. I am still enjoying The Banjo Songbook.

—————————————————
"If brains was lard, Jethro wouldn''t be able to grease a pan."
—Jed Clampett

Posted - 08/20/2009 :  16:32:08      

I emailed him last month, inquiring about his banjo cruise next January. He emailed me back wanting my phone number so he could call me and explain what was going to be going on during the cruise.

Sure enough, he called.........

--
Gordon