MarchMedia "Stanley Style Banjo" by Steve Sparkman submitted 6/16/2008 Submitter gottasmilealot Where Purchased http://www.stanleystylebanjo.com/ Overall Comments This is the best instructional aid I've seen for the playing style of Ralph Stanley. Better than Ralph's video of years ago, in my opinion. The material is presented by Steve Sparkman, the banjo picker for Ralph Stanley's Clinch Mountain Boys, with the help of guitarist James Allen Shelton. The audio and image quality is better than average. The presentation style of the two talking about Ralph's style with explanations and examples of his nuances and licks comes off well in an easy to digest format that's not boring. Well edited split screen shots allow both the picking and fretting hands to be seen as passages are played so learning is easier. While some songs are played, it's not particularly a video of how to play each song, but rather one of showing the components of Ralph's style with some particulars that relate to various songs to give the viewer the tools needed to go forth and learn more of Ralph's material. Steve's machine gun right hand picking is sure to rekindle interest in this picking style for many who are learning. This is a well produced project that's a must-have for those interested in the playing style of Ralph Stanley. Overall Rating 10

Crafters of Tennessee Maple Classic submitted 3/16/2008 Submitter gottasmilealot Where Purchased Private Sale Year Purchased 2007 Price Paid Don't Remember (bought USED) historic exchange rates / currency converter Sound Sounds great, good volume. Sound Rating 9 Setup Set up very nicely by previous owner. Setup Rating 9 Appearance Very nicely done inlays. I like the deviation from the classic Gibson style inlay patterns. Appearance Rating 10 Reliability Good quality components. Reliability Rating 10 Customer Service Haven't needed any. Customer Service not rated Components I particularly like the necks that Crafters of Tennessee makes. The TN-20 tone ring is a major player in the prewar tone ring sound competition. Components Rating 10 Overall Comments I purchased the banjo based on the sound and look of similar banjos played by others, which speaks well of the manufacturer's consistency. Overall Rating 10

Huss and Dalton Singletree submitted 2/8/2008 Submitter gottasmilealot Where Purchased Private Sale Year Purchased 2008 Price Paid 850. ($US) (bought USED) Sound Great clawhammer sound. Exceptional room filling presence. Sound Rating 10 Setup Well setup. Setup Rating 10 Appearance Flawless dark satin finish and inlay. The neck has a great feel. Appearance Rating 10 Reliability Quality components Reliability Rating 10 Customer Service Private sale N/A Customer Service not rated Components Nothing needs upgrading. Components Rating 10 Overall Comments I recommend it highly. Overall Rating 10

Liberty Banjo Co. Prototype Archtop submitted 2/7/2007 Submitter gottasmilealot Where Purchased Bernunzio Year Purchased Price Paid Don't Remember historic exchange rates / currency converter Sound Very versatile. I've had the banjo set up as an archtop, flathead (with a Sullivan conversion ring), and as an open back frailer. Sound Rating 9 Setup It was set up well. Setup Rating 8 Appearance Very attractive with colored abalone and pearl inlays on fretboard, headstock, backstrap and neck heel. Checkerboard binding on neck and resonator. Appearance Rating 10 Reliability Quality components have lasted many years. Reliability Rating 10 Customer Service None. Company is no longer in business. But, none needed. I was able to track doen information through one of the original owners of Liberty Banjo Co., Jim DeCava, who was very forthcoming with information. Customer Service 5 Components Best quality components available were used in construction. Components Rating 10 Overall Comments Great banjo that appreciates in price due to high quality and limited availability. Not too many become available on the used market. This is a 1976 banjo. Overall Rating 10