Half-moon bridges by Randy Stockwell submitted 1/21/2008 Submitter frailin Where Purchased Zepp Music Overall Comments Dunno WHY these bridges work as they do, but I've tried them on ALL my open-back banjos (3 Chuck Lee tubaphones, a Vega Whyte Laydie, a Lo Gordon custom). In every case, the sound improved! The bridges produce a fuller, more robust tone that is rich in both treble and bass. In several cases, the bridges brought out more bass. Next I started sampling with bridge weights (medium and heavy). It proved a way to "fine adjust" the amount of sound that was transfered from the strings to the banjo head. I've played many, many bridges. The half-moons have consistently made my fine sounding banjos sound even better. Thank you, Donald (Zepp) for introducing them to me! Craig (frailin) Overall Rating 10

Lee Tubaphone model (Bill Rickard tone ring) submitted 1/21/2008 Submitter frailin Where Purchased Zepp Music, Banjo.com, Ebay Year Purchased 2004 Price Paid 2000 ($US) (bought USED) Sound I'm commenting on 3 Chuck Lee tubaphone banjos that were purchased over a 2 year period. There were 3 others that I've since sold. The 3 that I've kept ("Tattletale, Bela" and "Red Clay") are my "players." All these banjos contain Bill Rickard tubaphone tone rings. Two are nickel plated brass. One is unplated brass (Tattletale, my favorite). All Rickard rings have a brilliant, clear, full, loud, rich voice. Two of the three have a characteristic "twang" that comes out on the bass side when plucked hard. The character of these voices is what makes these banjos so unique. They're nothing short of amazing. Sound Rating 10 Setup In all cases, yes. Chuck is the best banjo luthier living today. He not only knows how to build banjos, but to set them up as well. His necks have a consistent sensitive that I've yet to find even close to being duplicated anywhere (and I've owned some stunning instruments). The only reason I'm giving the banjos a "9" in setup is by upgrading the standard bridge to a half-moon, it would have been perfect out of the box. Setup Rating 9 Appearance Chuck's love for wood shows. His choice pieces are stunning. The finish is smooth, deep, exemplary. Although I personally prefer plain Janes (with warm woods), Chuck's optional inlay artwork is excellent. Appearance Rating 10 Reliability All of Chuck's banjos are as solid as the rock of Gibralter. Extremely durable and well-engineered. Reliability Rating 10 Customer Service You couldn't find a nicer guy that wants you to be any happier. Customer Service 10 Components The standard bridge could be replaced with a half-moon... something more representative (and enhancing) of the quality of the banjo. Components Rating 9 Overall Comments I paid from $1,800 to $2,400 each for the banjos. They're a bargain at any price. In fact, given their voice, playability and looks, I consider my 3 players, priceless. I'm thrilled to be living in a time where such gorgeous yet practical instruments are being produced. Lucky me! Thanks, Chuck! Craig (frailin) Evans Overall Rating 10