Latest via email yesterday. Can't post it here, but if you send me an email I'll send it to you plus mp3 of new tone ring... Or just subscribe via the Huber website
Steve has a few now ready to go. I think he sold 5 at IBMA. I have 2 and they are really good. Same as any ring though the fit is the key as you know. Give Steve or Jim a call at the shop. I think he had a couple of gold and nickel left.
talked to Steve today and he sold two of the banjos that were at IBMA that people couldn't pull the trigger on last weekend but went for it today and another ring or two also.
I extensively played two of the new banjos at ibma and i was very impressed. The one that struck me the most was a mahogany with the wreath inlay, i believe that the block had TrueTone on it. The other was a Granada copy and it sounded very good as well, but the other just had an extra kick to it. I believe this is one of the best rings i have EVER played.
Tesh "I didn't invent bluegrass guitar, I was corrupted by it." - Tony Rice
I played the sample old Gibson with the new ring there at IBMA and it was great. So I bought one and put it in one of my old model 3s that day, up in my hotel room. I love it. I went home with . . . . more than one of the new rings. A great new product from a great guy. You will not be disappointed with the new ring.
Kenny & Amanda came by and started jamming with Steve at IBMA while Steve was helping me with the setup on my banjo. Here is a link to the video on YouTube. I'm sitting to Steve's right working to loosen the head on my banjo during this song. Steve swapped back and forth between my banjo and the sample Gibson there for about an hour and the sound was almost indistinguishable. That was one of the most enjoyable experiences I've had in quite a while! In case anyone was wondering, Kenny & Amanda ROCK. Enjoy the video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37b0oyOGUNc
Alan
Bluegrass Heritage Festival | March 5-6, 2010 | Arlington, Texas Blue Highway | IIIrd Tyme Out | Alecia Nugent | Marksmen Quartet | and more! www.BluegrassHeritage.org
I played Alan's 3 today with the the HR-30 and it is incredible! This new ring is great. Probably the best up the neck I have heard. If you have ever played an original flathead Mastertone, one of the things that stands out is the clarity, volume, and sweetness that they have up the neck. Steve has nailed these attributes with this tone ring. Very even and clear with power and volume to spare. Nice job Steve ! That video doesnt do the ring or Steves phenominal playing justice. I am anxious to try the new HR-30 on some new rims . Steve is excited about the new rim he has developed and is sending me one to evaluate. I am anxious to try it after hearing his new ring !
FITCH BANJOS www.FitchBanjos.com Hand-Crafted Professional Banjos Burlile Tone Rings
The new HR 30 is more responsive than the prototype ring I have been working with over the last three months....
Hard to describe, but more Presence, you can actually feel the tone, not just hear it. It will literally come through the resonator to affect you........
I agree with everyone..I played all his banjos at IBMA..and put several hours in on them..The banjo with "truetone" in the inlay was a perty good stick. Like was also said...fit and set up is more than half of it. Steve has made another great product.
I went by the shop Friday and Jim Mills was there. I'll leave it to Jim if he wants to comment on his thoughts on the new ring and rim but suffice it to say the Mills model he uses with Ricky will have the new ring as soon as the engraver can get it done. I picked up my style 3 and 2 with the new ring and they are incredible. Steve has really put in (along with several others) a great amount of time testing and tweaking these new rings and rims for all of us to enjoy. I hope everyone that gets a ring or ring and rim or even a Truetone will enjoy the sound of the results of all this time and energy.
My new banjo was just upgraded with the new HR-30. It is sounding incredible to my ear as well as several others that has played it. This paticular banjo has more crack as well as depth to the notes. It is also incredible on the third string and rings like a bell. Man I'm so curious how this banjo is going to open up after it gets some age on it. Also the workmanship is incredible!!! Exactly what I wanted and then some.
Well.....I received my new Huber HR-30 today and put it in the ole parts jo. What I can say so far is !!!!WOW!!!. Like davepicks5 said, you can not only hear the prewar tone/sound, but you can FEEL it. And I definitely can hear and FEEL it. And it's only get better as it settles in for a while.