zmstelling - Posted - 04/03/2011:  17:30:08

I have heard that there was a very long waiting list for huber banjos. In one case i heard someone had waited 11 months for a banjo. Could someone tell me if that is a true statement or if there is even a waiting list for hubers now.

Thanks

Fred Frank - Posted - 04/03/2011:  17:43:02

Both of mine were quoted at five months. They both ran a month or two over that. Not 11 months. I didn't regret waiting for either one. They are incredible. If you check their web site, they have some finished banjos available. It all depends on whether you want a custom build or if you're looking for one they don't have in stock.

the-fish - Posted - 04/03/2011:  17:48:47

Accoustic vibes in az had a wall of hubers when I was there.

None were of the new combo of rim ring but were great

beegee - Posted - 04/03/2011:  19:20:34

Why don't you call Huber and ask?

plunka5 - Posted - 04/03/2011:  19:34:32

website shows only the "Chris Pandolphi" model in-stock ready-to-ship....

Forrest - Posted - 04/03/2011:  21:05:01

I think it totally depends on which model you want and whether or not one is already on the production schedule. In my opinion, a 5-7 month wait is relatively minor compared to the quality and workmanship that goes into one of these banjos. I also understand that a wait isn't unusual for many makers.

JackieM - Posted - 04/04/2011:  01:33:22

I believe the wait to be between 5 & 7 months, but as has already been suggested, give Steve or Jim a call. Also have a look at the Janet Davis and Mandolin Bros websites, they usually have a few.

Cheers

Jack

Barnet in SoCal - Posted - 04/07/2011:  21:59:28

I've been talking with Jim lately since they have my Kalamazoo for the TruTone upgrade. They've been getting loads and loads of all sorts of orders, for new instruments, TruTone upgrades, and conversions. And it takes a long time because as I understand it, Steve does the final finish work on every rim and ring himself, as well as cuts the rims for every conversion, and all the setup work for every banjo that leaves the shop. I'm guessing that most of their new banjos now are ordered directly by customers. Gone are the early days in which they had time to waltz in the shop, look around at each other, and have Steve say, "Gentlemen, I do declare that since today is such a beautiful day, why, we shall therefore begin making a new Ron Block Signature Model Huber Banjo." 

Bottom line is prepare to wait, and wait some more. You'd have to ask Jim directly, but my guess is that you're looking at seven or even eight months on an order of a banjo. And Jack's suggestion of checking the distributors'  websites is excellent, although it's hard to imagine you'll find a TruTone that way.

Please know that I'm just making all this up based on talking with Jim, so I could well be wrong. And there are lots of folks who are in much closer contact with Steve and the other guys than I, and they may know differently. This is just my hunch and guesstimate.

But you know what?  

Those banjos and upgrades and conversions are worth the wait.

Barnet in SoCal

Edited by - Barnet in SoCal on 04/07/2011 22:00:17

PickinFool - Posted - 04/08/2011:  12:46:31

A couple of weeks ago they had six banjos ready to ship.  I believe five had the new tone ring/rim combo.  The site only show one left.  Oh, I bought the VR-75 Mahogany and absolutely love it!

luezpalace - Posted - 04/08/2011:  13:02:50

I have a three year old lexington being fitted with the new tone ring but not the new rim.  I have three years worth of musical vibrations on that rim and I don't want to lose it.

I'm also haveing the neck made into a speed neck.    I should have my banjo back by the end of next week.

Mary Beth

Majorbanjo - Posted - 04/08/2011:  15:36:21

quote:

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Originally posted by PickinFool

A couple of weeks ago they had six banjos ready to ship.  I believe five had the new tone ring/rim combo.  The site only show one left.  Oh, I bought the VR-75 Mahogany and absolutely love it!

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Congratulations......if I were to buy one it would be that one.....!!!

When I ordered a Mills from them I didn't find their estimate to be particularly accurate.....so calling them and asking isn't very useful in my personal experience......

jcland - Posted - 04/09/2011:  05:13:24

I stopped by Janet Davis last week traveling from Little Rock AR to Springfield, MO and they told me the average waiting time is around 6 months at this time.

ldscott - Posted - 04/09/2011:  06:19:00

I ordered a VRB3 TrueTone last week, ship date Decenber 5 .

Edited by - ldscott on 04/09/2011 06:20:10

lethegoodtimesroll - Posted - 04/09/2011:  06:55:23

Best thing to do. Save your cash and go to IBMA or Spgma and Buy your Huber. Steve will have a wall of Banjos available..that you can play.

Majorbanjo - Posted - 04/09/2011:  15:16:36

quote:

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Originally posted by lethegoodtimesroll

Best thing to do. Save your cash and go to IBMA or Spgma and Buy your Huber. Steve will have a wall of Banjos available..that you can play.

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I couldn't agree with this more......I bought a VRB-3 at IBMA in 05' and had every active Huber model at the time to choose from; I actually went to buy a Mills....but the one they had just didn't do it for me like the VRB-3 did..........