casinojack - Posted - 08/04/2011:  12:03:10

A few months ago I posted on BHO requesting advice on a banjo purchase. I want to thank everyone for their help and guidance. The name that kept coming up was Arthur Hatfield. After listening to recordings and You Tube clips, especially Teddy Bear Revival the Hatfield sound just wouldn't leave my brain.

So a few weeks ago I sent Arthur an e-mail to see when would be a good time to call. Quick response so I gave him a call.

From the moment that Bev answered the phone it was like talking to old friends. Arthur was kind enough to spend as much time as needed to answer all my questions. We talked about the sound and the different woods that I liked. He said he had 3 ready to go, a Buck Creek but it had just sold but the Special and  Aurora  were available. Did I want him to play them for me? I said great, he played the Special that was just finished, it had a great tone. Then the Aurora, from the first note it was Teddy Bear Revival all over again.

I ordered the Aurora with some slight changes (D tuners, RR spikes) and we were on the way.

Last Thursday the Aurora arrived, like a kid at Christmas. It was packed very well and shipped right on schedule.

When I opened the case, WOW it was just beyond my expectations. The fit and finish of this banjo is perfect and the sound will BLOW you away.

Arthur puts his skill,craftsmanship and his passion for excellence into his banjos.

So if you are looking for a great banjo check out Hatfield Banjos. You will get a great banjo and make two new friends Arthur and Bev Hatfield.

Can't beat that

Keith Harper - Posted - 08/04/2011:  12:18:07

Congratulations, Jack!! Arthur makes a fantastic banjo and he and Bev are wonderful people.

casinojack - Posted - 08/04/2011:  12:32:09

Thanks! Thumbs up to both.

eagle32 - Posted - 08/04/2011:  12:36:31

Congrats on the new Hatfield.  Hopefully my next aquisition will be a Hatfield, thinking about making the jump in the next few months.

eagleisland - Posted - 08/04/2011:  12:58:27

Welcome to the Hatfield Clan, Casinojack!

lespik - Posted - 08/04/2011:  13:05:30

Don't forget to put some pictures up

rickshunter1 - Posted - 08/04/2011:  13:13:09

Welcome to the Hatfield club you will enjoy this Banjo for years to come Arthur and Bev are great people that's what swayed me from a Stelling to a Hatfield and I have not been disappointed

John Mark Batchelor - Posted - 08/04/2011:  13:17:06

ah yes the immortal hatfield strikes again

montanamike - Posted - 08/04/2011:  13:38:50

Although I am not likely to add anything that has not already been said about Mr. and Mrs. Hatfield as well as the fine banjos they produce,   congratulations on what I presume to be a superb banjo.

(Post a few pictures sometime!)

chase20 - Posted - 08/04/2011:  14:50:38

Rick i know him personallly i only live a few miles away lol and i can vouch for you as well. The man makes one of the best or the best banjos built today and is even a finer person to be around. Im lucky to live so close to see him often. Rick you will half to play a song or two on it i want to ear it lol.

casinojack - Posted - 08/04/2011:  15:47:19

I'll post some pictures soon, it's beautiful. It's been a long time since I played so it will be a while till I post some tunes.

Having a banjo like this makes you want to do your best to do it justice. The fingers don't work as well as they did 30 years ago but then nothing else does either LOL.

Jack

pickinchik - Posted - 08/04/2011:  16:28:43

Haha.  I know the feeling.  I just got my new banjo in last week.  Enjoy!!! 

Mandy

AKUSfan2 - Posted - 08/04/2011:  16:53:13

Did Arthur happen to make any popcorn for you?

Gary

chase20 - Posted - 08/04/2011:  17:23:13

Naw beings i see him alot i wouldnt want to make beverly cook everytime i seen em lol. I just sit back and watch arthur do his magic lol.

casinojack - Posted - 08/04/2011:  17:25:24

Gary

No popcorn but I did get a very nice ball cap. I'm looking for the magic sawdust in the case.

I want to visit Arthur and Bev someday.

Jack

pipefitter61 - Posted - 08/04/2011:  20:47:40

Oh, if the magic dust was in there, you'd know it for sure! You should get him to send you a small baggie of it, so you can sprinkle it in the case from time to time. Welcome to the gang. Watch for the newsletter. We have turtle races in the back yard every spring. Random possum shootings, and Bev has been going to school in Louisiana part time to learn how to wrangle gators for when they retire! We need to have some sort of Hatfield class picture someday! That would be really cool

SJL - Posted - 08/04/2011:  21:36:46

Welcome to the Clan. I would love to hear an Aurora, I have heard great things about them.

mastertone250 - Posted - 08/05/2011:  00:22:46

Welcome to the club my friend, congrats!

RB100 - Posted - 08/05/2011:  02:37:07

An ever widening circle! Congrats on the new Aurora! And don't forget that with Arthur and Bev it is a package deal - a fine banjo and two great folks for friends!

Bill

casinojack - Posted - 08/05/2011:  07:15:54

Pipefitter61

I live just 18 miles from LA and know were Troy Landry lives. Maybe I could get her a spot on Swamp People next season as the shooter.

pipefitter61 - Posted - 08/05/2011:  08:58:09

Yep, she goes for the eyes! trust me on this one! Those sissy reptiles would take one look at Ma Hatfield, and take their skins off, and just give them to her! To keep her skills sharp, she stalks grasshoppers in the back yard. The look of surprise on their lil faces is priceless!

gospelman97 - Posted - 08/05/2011:  10:46:27

Congratulations! I bought that Buck Creek you mentioned. I am loving it as well. I have heard your Aurora on the phone and almost bought it! Those Hatfield banjos sound great.

TnFrosty - Posted - 08/05/2011:  14:14:30

Congrats and welcome to the clan! You got ya a killer banjo there!

casinojack - Posted - 08/05/2011:  21:23:16

Thanks everyone and it does seem like a real brotherhood. Hope to meet some of you in person as time goes on.

Jack

mike gregory - Posted - 08/06/2011:  02:45:06

It makes me happy to hear how happy you are.

myfavefive - Posted - 08/06/2011:  09:30:22

The Aurora has the Paul Ebbe tone ring in it that gives it a little something extra.  Congratulations

Timron - Posted - 08/07/2011:  06:46:12

Congrats on the new banjo... Arthur is building some of the very best banjos around guess thats why he is so busy these days. Welcome to clan

jayder1985 - Posted - 08/07/2011:  16:49:15

Congrats on a fine new banjo! All i can do is echo what everyone else has already said, you wont find a better five!

dgill - Posted - 08/07/2011:  18:23:26

  Congrats and welcome to the clan.  Arthur builds amazing banjos.

Prewargranada - Posted - 08/08/2011:  08:20:29

Congratulations on getting a top-of-the-line professional banjo.  Pound for pound, Arthur Hatfield makes the best banjo available today and is a GREAT GUY to boot.   You couldn't have made a better choice.

Edited by - Prewargranada on 08/08/2011 08:21:33