Dogwood Straps Custom submitted 12/1/2007 Submitter rfboy Where Purchased Dogwooddesigns, I bought direct Overall Comments Great service: I sent a Pay Pal after supper on Nov 28th and here it is the 1st of Dec. and guess what the mailman delivered today!? Dave goes by Dogwood here at the Hangout & has a link to his site. Custom design: I called Dave, described my peghead, and he directed me through his website. He had an exact replica of my inlay. I had no idea what it was and he was kind enough to give me the history and background. I learned that I have a clone of an old Vega #9. I chose dark Cordovan for the leather, he's got other color choices too. Product: I tried it out today. It actually makes my banjo seem lighter. I can hardly feel the strap while standing. I attend 1 jam a week and play while standing. I'm telling you right now my back and shoulder will appreciate this after the 3 hour session. Design: I went with the one piece. Dave told me to take a cloth measuring tape, like a seamstress uses, and measure the hook to hook length of my old strap. I provided this to Dave and the new 1 piece strap has my banjo sitting "exactly" where my old strap had it. Screws: I went with Chicago, Nickel. The ends slip under the hook easily, I didn't want a strap that threads around the "pot" through a number of the hooks. And I didn't want to have to loosen up a hook and nut to attach the strap. The srews have a nice tooling as well. Overall: I know where I'm going for my next strap. Now all I need is another banjo! Feel free to contact me through BHO if you have any questions. Overall Rating 10

Roni Stoneman Pressing On,The Roni Stoneman Story submitted 11/17/2007 Submitter rfboy Where Purchased Univ of Ill. Press Overall Comments Feeling down cause you can't figure out a good roll for a song you want to play? Hee Haw! Go get this book and be entertained. Growing up in a house with a canvass tarp for a roof, learning how to play on instruments made by hand by her dad, wins a banjo contest and they won't give her the 1st prize Vega cause she's girl. Invited to perform at the Grand Old Opry, the family band plays too good, shows up Hank Snow, and they don't get invited back. Spousal abuse, loser husbands, raising kids on her own and I'm only half way through! Got this the other day, probably finish it tonight. Overall Rating 9