paulrobertwagner - Posted - 11/15/2013:  04:10:13

Richard, the Calico is an awesome banjo. So congratulations, and make sure to give us an update and post some pics! -- Paul

Janet Deering - Posted - 11/15/2013:  18:28:40

Yes, you will have a beautiful Hardshell case with your new Calico banjo.  Congratulations on your purchase!  I hope you enjoy your Calico banjo for many wonderful years to come.

Marcibb - Posted - 11/22/2013:  06:10:20

This guy from Southern California is listing a Eagle II on Craig's List Huntsville Al, sounds a bit fishy to me.  He tells a story about having won the banjo in a contest and does not know how to play, this may be a great deal if it is legit, do all Eagle II banjos have aerial number?

Marci

Edited by - Marcibb on 11/22/2013 06:13:10

sctoney - Posted - 11/22/2013:  06:27:45

quote:

---

Originally posted by Marcibb

 

This guy from Southern California is listing a Eagle II on Craig's List Huntsville Al, sounds a bit fishy to me.  He tells a story about having won the banjo in a contest and does not know how to play, this may be a great deal if it is legit, do all Eagle II banjos have aerial number?

 

Marci

Marci, You can buy the Eagle II from Amazon.com or ebay for $2119, and if you shop around a little, you may even get it from a dealer's store for about the same price.  If you bought new from Amazon, then you would get the warranty.  Buying from a private party does not transfer the warranty to you.  If it were me, I would shop around.  I see there's currently a nearly new one on ebay with a starting bid of $1400.  Good Luck.  Stan

Marcibb - Posted - 11/22/2013:  07:03:35

Thanks Stan,

 I seen those on Ebay to, and the guy is down to $1,700 now. What sounds fishy to me is that he is listing it on an Alabama Craiglist when he lives in S, California.  When I asked why he tell me he is flying in just before Christmas and will deliver then.  I guess there are few banjos players in S California and to be honest sending that much money to someone for something sight unseen with just a the promise of future delivery. But is someone is close, can inspect the banjo and get it right then it could be a good deal.  

Marci

sctoney - Posted - 11/22/2013:  07:51:01

quote:

---

Originally posted by Marcibb

 

Thanks Stan,

 I seen those on Ebay to, and the guy is down to $1,700 now. What sounds fishy to me is that he is listing it on an Alabama Craiglist when he lives in S, California.  When I asked why he tell me he is flying in just before Christmas and will deliver then.  I guess there are few banjos players in S California and to be honest sending that much money to someone for something sight unseen with just a the promise of future delivery. But is someone is close, can inspect the banjo and get it right then it could be a good deal.  

Marci

Marci, I agree.......it does sound fishy.  I'd play it safe if I were you.  I got a great deal on ebay 3 years ago on a 2010 Deluxe for under $1500.  Good Luck.  Stan

roadstar75 - Posted - 11/22/2013:  11:00:04

Check out the price of a new Deluxe on Amazon.com

Deering Deluxe 5-String Banjo

ceemonster - Posted - 12/04/2013:  21:39:23

[What sounds fishy to me is that he is listing it on an Alabama Craiglist when he lives in S, California. When I asked why he tell me he is flying in just before Christmas and will deliver then. I guess there are few banjos players in S California and to be honest sending that much money to someone for something sight unseen with just a the promise of future delivery. ]

yes, well...i live in southern california, and while banjo players may not be falling out of the trees in the autumn (when we used to have an autumn), there are players out here, and in northern california as well. i've sold two high-end banjos here through southern california craigslist and had no problems doing so. a deering eagle ii would be even easier to sell out here if the price was right.

in my sales, not only were inspections, playing tryout, and payment done in person in a public place, payment was cash only with the banjo handed over to the buyer for good inside my bank after the teller ran the cash through the counterfeit light and it was sitting in my account. only an idiot would send money to california from another state on the terms described here. an escrow, or payment in person in the state of delivery....that's different.

pickincat - Posted - 12/04/2013:  22:51:02

From the recent posts on this thread I can see several things.

Craigslist - I wouldn't buy toilet paper from that site.

Buying the best you can versus getting a cheapo until you decide if it is your cup of tea - You are more likely to decide it's not your cup of tea if even your mentors say you need a better one. An instrument is a commitment. Or it isn't. If you get a Lexus are you going to want to use it more than if you get the bottom line bottlecap Pinto from the 1970's that has no resale value?

What's this recent thread item going around here where someone says, "Great Banjo, Great Price. Just send me the money. I'll even fly out and deliver it."? That has to be the best scam around. No tracking number. A few excuses and you've blown your time to challenge it. No matter what anyone says about whether it is a good deal, iff it is too good to be true, it probably isn't.

roadstar75 - Posted - 12/05/2013:  19:58:31

QUOTE: pickincat   -From the recent posts on this thread I can see several things.



Craigslist - I wouldn't buy toilet paper from that site. 

 

Never bought toilet paper, but have bought and sold a few other items on good Ol' Craigslist.  If you are careful as possible there are definitely good deals if you have the patience to wait for it.  Bought my first banjo on craigslist and it was a GoodTime II Classic then bought the Deering from Amazon, both worked out very well.  Like anything there can be good and bad experiences.  Hey the scammers are always lurking on the internet for the unwary, no doubt about that.

VinceForcier - Posted - 12/06/2013:  09:55:02

Wow, I have had GREAT luck with CL: 3 banjos, a pedal steel, a b-bender telecaster, acoustic guitar for my son, upright bass, PA equipment, lawn mower, wood chipper, car, building materials, bikes, even baby laying hens (chicks). If you are a smart (informed) shopper, it is a great place to buy stuff, particularly in populated areas (city, suburbs). I also used to buy a lot through the local paper back when that is where the ads were. Nothing beats having the item in front of you when you are parting with your cash. I have sold/given away a bunch of stuff on CL as well.

The banjos: Deering Calico cremona sunburst w/keith tuners, near mint $1575.00, Deering Deluxe exc++ condition $1000.00. Goodtime special no case, vg condition (my campfire, kids can play it banjo) $150.00. All bought between 2007 and 2009. I could have bought MANY more if I was still shopping.

I am absolutely HOOKED on Craigslist. Way better than Ebay IMHO because the seller expects a local buyer to inspect the item. Less risk of misrepresentation. As with any used instrument purchase, if you don't know your stuff, you may get taken, if you are not an experienced buyer, a proper music store is probably a better bet for you.

sctoney - Posted - 12/06/2013:  11:34:16

I agree with Vince. I just sold a banjo this morning on Craigslist. Agreed to meet the guy at a local restaurant to make the exchange. He's happy, I'm happy. I have bought and sold for several years now, and haven't had a problem. Honesty does exist out there.

Va Picker - Posted - 12/06/2013:  18:02:02

I think caution should always be used in buying/selling on Craigslist. I recently advertised selling an item & received 6 email inquiries. When I suggested we meet at a public place, 4 of those emails never responded back so the item was sold to one of the other two.

paulrobertwagner - Posted - 12/06/2013:  20:02:26

I bought my Eagle II from an authorized Deering dealer, and could not be happier: expert set-up, terrific price, and follow-up care that can't be beat.  For me, it's been definitely worth the two hour scenic drive.

Edited by - paulrobertwagner on 12/06/2013 20:03:39

Stringcritter - Posted - 12/17/2013:  23:16:32

quote:  (wut do they mean by "quote"?)

Anyway, thank you Pete for the info. Im having fun after finding OLDTIMEJAM.COM. That is such a great site! Very clear Clawhammer tunes played without too much backup.....Also, for BG....my index finger has tightened up on me from practicing fwd/bckwd rolls, and I cant play 3 finger anymore. I will have to start all over as a beginner....Ever had that prob. or know anybody who has?

---

Originally posted by dpete210

Stringcritter,  welcome to the world of banjo playing and keeping one's banjo in top playing condition.  We all had similar questions to those you have posted at one time or other in our banjo journeys.  To dramatically speed up your expertise in banjo set up I recommend that you get yourself a banjo setup and maintenance DVD that will be of great benefit for you.  If you play guitar, you know that there is little that must be done to keep it sounding good, not so with a banjo.  Proper set up is very important in keeping your banjo sounding its best.  Anyway, there are some excellent DVDs available.  Greg Deering has one that is available through Deering.  Look here deeringbanjos.com/store/cd-dvd/dvd

I have not seen the Deering DVD because before I knew it was available, I had already purchased the one by Steve Huber called Killer Tone and then the one put out by Janet Davis of Janet Davis Music.  Each is excellent.  You can check them out here: janetdavismusic.com/setupdvds.html

This will help to take out the mystery of keeping your banjo in top form.  Good luck!  

---

Marcibb - Posted - 12/18/2013:  09:16:35

Hello everyone, an update in my banjo post.

Well I have my new banjo but due to a blown differential, property tax increase and other such things life throws at one. I had to settle for a Goodtime Midnight  Special over the Eagle II.  I chose the black one with the black shiny head from Banjo.com.

So far I love this banjo the action is great and the tactile sensation of the neck is very nice, (no more squeaks when going up and down the neck)  the black died neck makes it that much easier to see the strings and the sound is very good a bit more mellow than the other banjo but I like mellow. 

Marci

Marry Christmas

Edited by - Marcibb on 12/18/2013 09:20:56

ildertongap - Posted - 12/18/2013:  16:38:38

quote: Congratulations on your purchase Marci! I bet that you start grinning as soon as you pick it up!

---

Originally posted by Marcibb

Hello everyone, an update in my banjo post.

Well I have my new banjo but due to a blown differential, property tax increase and other such things life throws at one. I had to settle for a Goodtime Midnight  Special over the Eagle II.  I chose the black one with the black shiny head from Banjo.com.

So far I love this banjo the action is great and the tactile sensation of the neck is very nice, (no more squeaks when going up and down the neck)  the black died neck makes it that much easier to see the strings and the sound is very good a bit more mellow than the other banjo but I like mellow. 

Marci

Marry Christmas

---

roadstar75 - Posted - 12/18/2013:  16:49:57

Life is what happens while your playing other banjos.

Congrats.

AcousticBuckeye - Posted - 01/19/2014:  05:06:19

Janet,

i have noticed that the only Goodtime scooped neck on your website is a fretless model. I have seen some stores still carry scoop neck models that are fretted but they are rare.  Can you tell me if you make these any longer?  If not then why?

Thanks

AB

Mango - Posted - 02/13/2014:  15:34:44

Deering makes a fine Banjo they are top notch all around and it refreshing to see that they do not preach the Pre war hype at all. Customer Service is also Excellent.. they go above and beyond to get you happy again and it works!

Janet Deering - Posted - 02/13/2014:  17:17:18

i have noticed that the only Goodtime scooped neck on your website is a fretless model. I have seen some stores still carry scoop neck models that are fretted but they are rare.  Can you tell me if you make these any longer?  If not then why?

We Actually make scooped necks on our fretted models as well and fretless banjos. To order a scooped neck on a Goodtime banjo only adds $25 to any model of the Goodtime line.  It is a special order banjo. 

We have so many options that we make it is nearly impossible to show them all on our website.  You can check with your local dealer. Or if you have questions feel free to call and talk with Carolina Bridges  who handles our customer service at 1-800-845-7791. Our main focus is making what you want, we are always happy to help.

Janet Deering - Posted - 03/07/2014:  09:58:35

We are sponsoring the Eastern U.S. Banjo Championships this year in North Carolina,  I will be at Merlefest April 24- 27th and then the following weekend I will also be at the Elliott Family Farms sponsoring the Bluegrass Banjo Championship. I hope to see you there.

Eastern USA Bluegrass Banjo Championship

May 4^th, 2014 at the Five-String Fest

at Elliott Family Farms 356 London Rd.

Lawndale NC 28090

 2014 Judges:  Charlie Cushman, James McKinney, Kristen Scott Benson, Terry Baucom, and Ross Nickerson

The Bluegrass Banjo Competition will be May 4th, 2014, and will start promptly at 2 PM. We will have a maximum of 20 contestants. There will be two rounds, with second round being narrowed down to 5 contestants. The judges, will judge blind, without any visibility of the contestants, only audio. The judging is not based on stage performance, but on playing ability. This will be a rewarding event, not only carrying the title, Eastern USA Bluegrass Banjo Champion, but also being the first to win the title.

• All contestants should have two selections prepared for the preliminary round and two selections for the final round. Five-String Fest reserves the right to increase this to three tunes per round if the number of contestants warrants. 

First Place Prize: Terry Baucom Deering Banjo  valued at $4,799

 To enter the Eastern USA Bluegrass Banjo Competition contact:  Jack Hatfield at   jack@hatfieldmusic.com      

Edited by - Janet Deering on 03/07/2014 09:59:33

BlueRanchRider - Posted - 03/08/2014:  11:57:58

Just wanted to say "Thanks" to Greg and Janet for their craftsmanship and quality instruments.  In the past I've made excuses for a decent sounding banjos that made me cringe inside because I knew the hassle and frustration it took to get one close to acceptable.  I sold two other instruments and a few other items to get this Sierra (maple) and I'm blown away.  I could not be more pleased with an instrument.  I'd take it anywhere, show it to anyone and delight in the fact that there are no flaws or blemishes, quality control issues, short cuts or sloppy assembly to make excuses for.  It's pleased me well.  And I do love the Victorian style inlays!  (One big reason I never considered the earlier Sierra's).  I bought this thinking I'd never need nor want another banjo, and at this point I'm convinced of that.

Anywhoo, I'm thrilled to be the owner of such a beautiful and fine sounding instrument.  Thank you, Deering, for your commitment to banjo excellence.  Another satisfied customer!!

Janet Deering - Posted - 03/16/2014:  06:05:33

It is heart warming to read your post. Thank you for taking the time to write. Having satisfied customers like yourself is what it is all about for us. Knowing that you are enjoying your banjo brings us the greatest satisfaction. We wish you many years of happiness playing your Deering banjo.  

Goldstarman - Posted - 03/16/2014:  06:27:08

Just bought a new Deering Crossfire and I love it!  Its going to make a great silent practice banjo and plays so easily, Im not happy with the spacing at the nut but that is an easy fix....super nice banjo

banjo bill-e - Posted - 03/16/2014:  13:43:21

A question for Janet or other knowledgeable Deering folks: I have seen a 1987 Maple Blossom with  beveled edge wood tone ring. Is this anything like the wood tone rim in a Hartford? Any info appreciated.

Bill

Janet Deering - Posted - 03/16/2014:  14:31:26

Yes, that is an early Hartford tone ring, may have been owned at one time by Pat Cloud. If you give me the serial number from inside the resonator I could look it up. I only recall building the one banjo like that, but there could have been others.

banjo bill-e - Posted - 03/16/2014:  14:50:10

Thanks for the quick reply Janet. 

Bill

Janet Deering - Posted - 03/17/2014:  13:09:57

You're welcome. You can give Carolina a call to find out more regarding this early Hartford tone ring. She can look up the serial number for you. 800-845-7791

psikes - Posted - 03/31/2014:  18:28:44

Does anyone know if Deering makes a 24 fret Hartford with the Grenadillo tone ring?

Thanks, Phil

BanjoJAF - Posted - 04/01/2014:  10:35:24

Yes...Deering does make a 24 fret Hartford model with a grenadillo tone ring, although it is not that easy to find on their new web page.

I bought a custom Sierra with the grenadillo tone ring.  You might also be able to get the Sierra with the wood tone ring and the 24 fret neck and save some cash (unless you are partial to the bling on the Hartford model).

deeringbanjos.com/collections/...ing-banjo

Cheers! Jay

Edited by - BanjoJAF on 04/01/2014 10:36:08

psikes - Posted - 04/01/2014:  22:09:58

Thanks Jay, I did not see that on the web site.

Phil

Helix - Posted - 04/08/2014:  19:23:37

This is a posting by Ken Levan: What is going on here? the graphic won't copy, but there is a patent application for 9/6/12.

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4/8/2014 3:05 PM Email Ken LeVan View Ken LeVan's MP3 Archive View Ken LeVan's Photo Albums Reply with Quote



Whatever a tone ring is or isn't, here's an interesting thing:

Did you know that Deering (God bless their souls) has patented the regular thing we all call a "rolled brass tone ring". I'm talking about the thing Stewart Macdonald has been selling and we have all been making for years - A tone ring made by rolling a rectangular brass bar into a circle and rounding the top. They have also patented all the top edge profiles you could imagine. They call it "a tone ring with vertical sides". What's worse is they refer to it in the patent as an "invention" as if they invented it. Is nothing sacred? - have we lapsed into a nation of businessmen who copy everyone else's stuff and think it's OK if we can defend it in court?

They didn't have the cojones to patent the scalloped version of it, but that will surely come next - watch out WL makers. In the event you don't believe me, here it is:





This is sad to me.

This is also bewildering to me. Let's see some discussion about this, OK?

Helix Mariner

GrizClaw - Posted - 04/09/2014:  10:17:58

I'll be the first....I don't know the details.....but it's basically called Capitalism and Deering operates in a free market  society....anyone can apply for a patent....it's up to the patent office to decide whether or not to grant it. I don't know why some are always quick to trash Deering.....vs asking a question about the details of the patent  it's , can you believe it, and they didn't have the cojones....etc. Aren't they doing what we want business to do.....grow and thrive and contribute to the economy?  

Edited by - GrizClaw on 04/09/2014 10:29:48

banjo bill-e - Posted - 04/09/2014:  11:14:37

I really, really hope that Deering is not doing what Helix is talking about. Patent abuse is a huge problem today. We have companies that make nothing, innovate nothing, contribute nothing,  but are actually just a bunch of lawyers who search for anything unprotected so that they can  patent it and then file nuisance lawsuits to extort money from companies who have been making a product all along.  Deering on the other hand is a quality company that does make great banjos. But they didn't invent the brass hoop!

Just because you have the legal and financial muscle to bully others through the patent system does not make it right. I am a big fan of Deering Banjos and greatly hope that they are not trying to drive small makers out of business by enforcing bogus new patents on century-old banjo designs. That would be sad and upsetting-------------------- and I won't believe it until shown otherwise. But I will certainly keep my eye on this issue, as should we all. 

GrizClaw - Posted - 04/09/2014:  11:41:01

I think these type of threads/accusations should start with proof instead of just throwing stuff against the wall which has the effect of besmirching people's reputations.

GrizClaw - Posted - 04/09/2014:  12:04:15

You know it's funny....this mention of the big banjo company pushing the little guys out of business....I started playing banjo later in life and Deering was my first intro to playing a banjo....without them I probably wouldn't have purchased 2 Bart Reiters, an Enoch Tradesman, a George Dobson and 3 Deerings....at least from my buying perspective and severe case of BAS the "big and little guys" are getting a lot attention.

Joel Hooks - Posted - 04/09/2014:  14:42:52

quote:

---

Originally posted by banjo bill-e

I really, really hope that Deering is not doing what Helix is talking about. Patent abuse is a huge problem today. We have companies that make nothing, innovate nothing, contribute nothing,  but are actually just a bunch of lawyers who search for anything unprotected so that they can  patent it and then file nuisance lawsuits to extort money from companies who have been making a product all along.  Deering on the other hand is a quality company that does make great banjos. But they didn't invent the brass hoop!

Just because you have the legal and financial muscle to bully others through the patent system does not make it right. I am a big fan of Deering Banjos and greatly hope that they are not trying to drive small makers out of business by enforcing bogus new patents on century-old banjo designs. That would be sad and upsetting-------------------- and I won't believe it until shown otherwise. But I will certainly keep my eye on this issue, as should we all. 

---

google.com/patents/US20120222537?dq

pickincat - Posted - 04/10/2014:  23:12:49

Deering has found the resources to create some incredible if not astounding tone rings. They should patent them accordingly. They can't patent 'Rolled brass' because even zinc alloy could be considered rolled brass. Deering is also not a big company that even has the power to squash others. They will never have that power unless they can get the Koch brothers into Banjo.

Marcibb - Posted - 04/11/2014:  05:34:11

Deering has found the resources to create some incredible if not astounding tone rings. They should patent them accordingly. They can't patent 'Rolled brass' because even zinc alloy could be considered rolled brass. Deering is also not a big company that even has the power to squash others. They will never have that power unless they can get the Koch brothers into Banjo.

WHAT THERE ARE PEOPLE NOT IN TO BANJO!

paulrobertwagner - Posted - 04/11/2014:  16:02:28

I love my Eagle II with Deering's Twenty-Ten tone ring: deeringbanjos.com/collections/eagle-banjos .  The sound is pretty terrific!

Helix - Posted - 04/12/2014:  06:11:44

It's ok to ask

Edited by - Helix on 04/12/2014 06:12:07

Joel Hooks - Posted - 04/12/2014:  12:22:38

There does exist the possibility that the Deerings genuinely feel that they invented this design.

I know that they have been in the business for a good deal of time but they may have not known that this is a common design.

I was surprised when I saw the patent and read the entire thing thinking that they were perhaps applying for something that I was not reading in the text and illustrations.  The first thing that stood out was that the Saga SS10 that I used to have (and really liked) used this same rolled ring arrangement.

I think that we should not snap to judgment before we understand the entire story (if we ever get to read the other side).

My personal belief is that because of the interweb and sites like this, if this is a case of patent abuse it is a bold (and grave) move.  News travels extra fast these days and the banjo world is a small one.

That is why I think that there may be more to the story.

We could be misreading the patent application as well.

Edited by - Joel Hooks on 04/12/2014 12:24:23

Janet Deering - Posted - 04/12/2014:  16:56:45

Thanks to those of you who know us as the people we are and spoke up on our behalf. Our patent is not intended to take the rolled brass tone ring off the market. We are not trying to use our might to squash anyone. Our patent is very specific as to dimensions and very detailed. Whoever is complaining must not understand our patent.
We have an original design and our patent protects it.
No worries. You will still be able to buy the rolled brass tone ring from Stewart Mc Donald.

Vapor - Posted - 04/13/2014:  08:56:23

Thank You Janet.

Helix - Posted - 04/14/2014:  07:29:20

I am not complaining at all, I am asking, professionally, in a courteous and respectful manner.

The response of supporters is to be expected.

The response of still being able to buy is simply a dodge, what then would be the reason to establish a patent, and therefore intellectual property?

I have encouraged Deerings since 2006.

And we'll see what the patent office (Thomas Jefferson) has to say.

You do not have might, you have good banjos that people like.

I still see a vision of a junkyard full of Vega and Stromberg 'junk' and somebody(s) out there loading as much and as quickly as possible. Banjo Rescue indeed.

But the legend must be true and not a Zombie like Michael Jackson, somebody who pumps themselves up.

Notice how quickly any question of this act of citizenship implies them squashing us, no, not really, just curious why an obvious and potentially bad public relations move with another well-known player would make me sit up and take notice when I HEAR the result of your work at the jams: There is a 'tell', a threshold which laminated rims and big round holes in a flange will not cure., it's in the performance of the music that this shows. There are millions who disagree, millions upon millions will get in line, rest assured.

I make my own brass flatbar tone rings. 34.55" is about right. I have seen everything in the industry from drop fit, slip fit, INTERFERENCE fit (Tony Pass) and PRESS fit. Why no more press fit??????

Which method of fitting the ring does Deering use? Yes, of course, there is a difference, it's in the performance of the machine: working through a PA is easy.

Working simple is hard.

I have seen a customer of a Goodtime be discouraged about getting another black and white decal for refinishing his well-played Goodtime. Nope, can't help you, that was right here in this testimony thread: can't and won't help the customer because we must maintain the exclusivity of the Goodtime, so the customer enhanced the Goodtime decal with color and printed it himself. What an elegant solution for a little company worrying about a Master's dealership worldwide, but the bread and butter banjo enthusiast goes wanting, thanks for buying our banjo, how about a nice Zombie, I hear they pull stumps. I put one out in my garden, caused a crow's convention, a veritable parliament of birds (just like the drive-in at the hangout.

No one has hurt you nor defamed you, just asking, an original design is highly questionable. I'm sure Janet has spent many Sundays or otherwise working in the shop with the master, and enjoys the benefits of hard work.

The innovations are running a little thin, steel pipe works great. 3-ply Maple rims and heavy bronze tone rings are rampant at the jams, but do they pull the cart? Ever go to a jam and listen to a Hartford in with the others. Just go incognito (in cog neato) Kruger thought we said Speedo, whew.

Bluegrass is an evolving situation, the first masters are just passing, but all at once in 24 months or something. So if I claimed to be able to play faster than anyone, what do the dancers do? Dance faster? It's like form becomes more important than content, and then the associated loss of perspective.

A person has the right to promote themselves a little here. Mrs. Deering, with all due curiousity, your statement up above needs re-work, listen to yourself.
"Look what we have invented." Yes, that's very nice, thank you, anything else?


Below are some pictures of Fred Starner's Tubaphone dowelstick on a real Pre-war Whyte Laydie (the one with the lost metal recipe), you know, the formula that made it superb, pre Elderly 2005. The luthier carved the neck himself and you can clearly see the 'tapered headstock to give post #3 & #4 longer shafts, duh. But he hid the longneck from Fred because he didn't want him to play that "Seeger" stuff.

This is a road warrior's banjo, notice the bracket band disrepair and different hooks and nuts.

The big green sea turtle is "Goofyfoot" , he's 125 years old, like me. Larry Hill @ Helix, I'm Santa with a shave, no kidding, and Santa Claus is coming to town. Try to be happier.

( ))===='=== ::} Longecks rule, so leave the music in a better place than you found it, lean forward , move ahead.

	Helix Mariner

roadstar75 - Posted - 04/14/2014:  10:31:14

I find the long message above interesting in so many ways, it has Michael Jackson, Thomas Jefferson, zombies, Tony Pass, Goofyfoot and it is absolutely confusing and probably well thought out by the author as any I have read here. I could not resist making a comment even if mine is as pointless.  Will there be pitch forks and torches involved? 

Edited by - roadstar75 on 04/14/2014 10:32:07

Janet Deering - Posted - 04/14/2014:  13:49:46

Chuckle... It sounds like there just might be!
I agree that we all should leave the music better than we found it. Making the world a better place is what we strive to do. You can hear the clear difference in our 2010 tone ring and our Goodtime Special tone ring both which apply the principles in our patent. Compare these sounds to the other rings that have been made before and it is easy to hear why we got our new patent. We all can be the happier as we offer a new voice many banjoists will enjoy for years to come. It's all good.

sctoney - Posted - 04/14/2014:  14:14:27

Roadstar...... let me know when you get it figured out, as I'm at a loss..................