Warren Yates - Posted - 12/23/2011:  19:46:26

There was a thread somewhere about the Bow-tie that Ron found that he named Skillet Head.  It had some very special properties built with an odd arrangement or prewar parts.  As Forrest Gump would say, "That's all I got to say about that".  The fact is that it became one bad a** flathead.  We set out to copy it and that we did.  Ron got the new Yates Skillet Head copy in the mail today and did some recording with it only 30 hours old.  See what you think.

The real Skillet Head    yatesbanjos.com/SH_Skillet_Head_Sample.mp3

The Yates Skillet head copy  http://yatesbanjos.com/SH_New_...Sample.mp3

Warren

Edited by - Warren Yates on 12/23/2011 19:51:01

Warren Yates - Posted - 12/23/2011:  19:55:07

Edited by - Warren Yates on 12/23/2011 19:56:30

Darrick - Posted - 12/23/2011:  20:20:11

It's the same!  You're trying to trick us?

Warren Yates - Posted - 12/23/2011:  20:29:35

Same man, same track with the background instruments, same time, same place, same set up, different banjo.

robbyboone - Posted - 12/23/2011:  20:36:55

I think it's so good that I'm on the phone right now ordering one............

Warren Yates - Posted - 12/23/2011:  20:43:06

Edited by - Warren Yates on 12/23/2011 20:44:01

OSCAR82AA - Posted - 12/23/2011:  20:47:22

Sounds great !

  One day soon I hope to be a giving you a call Mr. Yates.

  And a making that order. Happy Holidays !

Warren Yates - Posted - 12/23/2011:  20:48:49

Edited by - Warren Yates on 12/23/2011 20:49:28

Ron Stewart - Posted - 12/23/2011:  20:53:48

Those are not the same banjo, one is SkilletHead, one is new Yates SkilletHead, I promise.

Warren Yates - Posted - 12/23/2011:  20:55:28

Edited by - Warren Yates on 12/23/2011 20:56:07

robbyboone - Posted - 12/23/2011:  21:06:24

That fat explosive sound of the Holy Grails of the 30's combined with the ultra cool art deco looks of the Bowtie.......what more could a person want in a banjo.........I absolutely cannot wait to take delivery of mine. I ain't been this excited about a banjo since I got my PW flathead.

Warren.....could you put in some overtime and get me mine by New Years?? ;)

Warren Yates - Posted - 12/23/2011:  21:19:58

Did I mention that it is made with 100% hide glue? It is. I am not sure how much difference it makes but it is in any case.

By new years? I wish. The fingerboard is ready and one rim, I have few other models in line to get out first and then I have to get it in Ron's hands before it can go out but I am on it. I have also got to cut up a lot of mahogany to find the right piece of neck wood.

Thanks, Warren

Rick Polston - Posted - 12/23/2011:  21:20:33

FINE sounding banjo!

robbyboone - Posted - 12/23/2011:  21:41:15

Just kidding about the New Years thing Warren! I am just simply beside myself in anticipation of getting one......I seriously can't wait and am NOT kidding about being as excited as when I got my flathead. Yates banjos have impressed me since the first time that I heard Ronnie play one and they have never disappointed since......only gotten better and now this.......this in my opinion is the ultimate Yates to date.

Take all the time you need.......it'll be worth it.

Warren Yates - Posted - 12/23/2011:  21:51:28

In the sound samples, if you listen to the triple hammer-on about 1/4th through, you can tell either there is a little different tone or he hits it differently. It took me a while to find a difference. It proves it is not the same recording anyway.

Warren Yates - Posted - 12/23/2011:  21:57:30

Every time I think we can slow the testing and up the production, the bar gets set higher. We haven't had the chance to talk about the new arch top. Ron has played it in shows for a while now. We will get into that one on another thread at some point.

backinthegame - Posted - 12/23/2011:  22:03:19

Robby,
I think you'll be ecstatic when you get it! I've got 3 "Yatesensteins" (at least ring /rim combos, V1, "V3", and V33), and they have probably single-handedly kept me playing when it would have just been easier to quit.
Congrats on the soon-to-be new secret weapon,
John

Goldstarman - Posted - 12/23/2011:  22:03:33

Wow, great sounding banjo but the playing is different for sure, at 12 seconds in the lick is completly different. On SKillet head he hits the 2nd string and then slides on the third, on the new Yates he hits the third twice, and in other spots it different, great playing on both

backinthegame - Posted - 12/23/2011:  22:09:39

BTW Tim,
That TR/Rim combo turned out to be KILLER!
Thanks man,
John Wheat

robbyboone - Posted - 12/23/2011:  22:27:07

quote:

---

Originally posted by backinthegame

Robby,

I think you'll be ecstatic when you get it! I've got 3 "Yatesensteins" (at least ring /rim combos, V1, "V3", and V33), and they have probably single-handedly kept me playing when it would have just been easier to quit.

Congrats on the soon-to-be new secret weapon,

John

---

John,

I know that you're right! I love Bowties and have been wanting another one for a while, BUT after talking to Ronnie tonight and hearing his excitement about this and hearing the result of his and Warren's effort on a banjo that is 30 HOURS OLD.......OMG, I couldn't stand it anymore and spent money that I shouldn't spend, but this is one of those opportunities that only happen rarely so I pulled the trigger and I'm glad I did. The only limitation to this banjo is going to be me, but I'm gonna feel like a gun slinger with a fresh oiled holster with this "weapon"........go ahead make my day.

Darrick - Posted - 12/24/2011:  01:43:05

....nice work Warren and that guy you have playing it is pretty good too.  I'm still working hard to get half as bad as him with a long way to go.

davepicks5 - Posted - 12/24/2011:  05:24:31

Men

Now that just ain't right,, you can't be doing that kind of thing back in the laboratory.......

Pronounced   LA BORE AH TOREY....... evil people, you are..... causing people to part with their hard earned funds LOL.

Congratulations, that is wonderful.

The only difference I get is the Yates has a bit faster decay, the notes are hit, heard and leave just a little bit faster than S*^* HEAD.

That is my new nickname for the owner and the banjo.......... finds it right under my nose in Southern Indiana, What a friend .......YIKES.

David 

chickenpickin - Posted - 12/24/2011:  06:08:27

Wow!!... they sound very close in tone. The only differenece I can hear is in volume....and not much at that.

Great job Warren and Ron!!!....

Tim

Fathand - Posted - 12/24/2011:  06:51:07

They sound very close but slightly different to me, I think I hear more bass response on skillet head than the Yates. They both sound excellent.

Dave1climber - Posted - 12/24/2011:  08:39:25

All you need to do is hear that sound clip and the BAS, (Banjo acquisition syndrome) kicks in!!

I NEED one!

jrmorrow - Posted - 12/24/2011:  08:47:06

Super cool! i want 3.

destring - Posted - 12/24/2011:  08:59:22

Ron.......Warren.........Who is singing on this track? I hear a tiny bit at the end? Where was this recorded?

bcampbe5 - Posted - 12/24/2011:  09:34:14

Ok Warren/Ron, I'm going to take a stab at it and say the first track is the new skillet head.  Either way, they both sound AWESOME!  The house plants don't stand a chance!  

You guys never cease to amaze me...  Merry Christmas!  

BANJOBOB549 - Posted - 12/24/2011:  10:03:34

quote: Ron,,Warren,, I hate to be the one with bad news, Robby Boone and My self Have a registered trademark of the name Skillethead,  We have problems,,,We might be able to interest you in purchasing the trademark name,,,,

---

Originally posted by Ron Stewart

Those are not the same banjo, one is SkilletHead, one is new Yates SkilletHead, I promise.

---

hardcase - Posted - 12/24/2011:  11:30:25

Dang ..... I guess its too late to tell Santa about this one. Dang.........

Warren Yates - Posted - 12/24/2011:  12:43:58

I never judge a banjo just after it is put together. In fact when I finish one up, I set it aside for a few hours and go back; it will even out a lot. Over the next few hours it mates together and parts become relaxed working together better. Over the next few days playing them, they open up, dry up, and start becoming what they are going to be. If they start out with the right stuff, they get better. If they start out with bad stuff they can get worse.



This banjo was put together and I played it for about 30 minutes before having to get it to UPS to ship over night to Ron. Ron unpacked it and recorded the samples after I think an hour. All with fresh paint smell and not broken in at all. Today Ron sent me another sample with anther 24 hours on it and I am sure Ron playing the crap out if it all night. See if you can hear a difference. Don't get me wrong, I don't expect it to ever be better than the real Skillet Head but with playing it as Ron does, it expect it to parallel it.



Don't rip me apart on this statement, but it is "My Opinion", I think Skillet Head is where the prewars were headed had the war not come about. Not better, but another choice with the same properties. Listen to 24 hours later of breaking in.



yatesbanjos.com/SK_Yates_Skill...4_hrs.mp3

Edited by - Warren Yates on 12/24/2011 12:44:50

Warren Yates - Posted - 12/24/2011:  12:55:54

By the way that is John Bowman singing and the tune is one that will be on the new Boxcars CD that they are doing. I have heard some of the rough mix in process. This will be a killer CD. They have out done themselves again!

Darrick - Posted - 12/24/2011:  19:50:46

Everyone that has responded to this thread is will be receiving a new Yates Skillet Head...congratulations to all of us!!!!  The best part...Ron will be coming to our homes to help each of us learn to play it just like him, no matter how long it takes.  The banjo will be a little on the expensive side at $74,000 each.

 Darrick

robbyboone - Posted - 12/24/2011:  21:07:43

If private tutoring from Ronnie comes with the price......it's worth every penny.

rferg - Posted - 12/24/2011:  21:17:55

quote:

---

Originally posted by robbyboone

If private tutoring from Ronnie comes with the price......it's worth every penny.

---

 Robby,

Congratulations on your new Yates Skillethead!  I'm Jealous.  Hope you bring it around to show everyone.  Have a Merry Christmas - I bet you are as anxious to get that thing as my 12-year-old is waiting on Christmas morning.

Warren Yates - Posted - 12/24/2011:  23:01:43

Uh uh uh well uh well uh... You know, the $74,000 each idea is starting to grow on me.

Warren Yates - Posted - 12/24/2011:  23:01:43

Yea I like it.

Edited by - Warren Yates on 12/24/2011 23:02:54

BC - Posted - 12/25/2011:  04:52:14

Fantastic banjo. I see a road trip to Hickory coming up int the near future

Goldstarman - Posted - 12/25/2011:  04:55:05

Warren Is about as nice a guy as you will find and very gracious, and he makes a great banjo.

Bribak - Posted - 12/25/2011:  06:13:51

Warren,

We'll be watching for this model (hopefully with a nice long sound sample) to show up on your webpage.

BANJOBOB549 - Posted - 12/25/2011:  06:35:54

quote: I could toot for Ron, Doubt the lessons would last long, Pen the Dog and cat up, Would hate to buy new curtains,,Could turn ugly,,,

---

Originally posted by robbyboone

If private tutoring from Ronnie comes with the price......it's worth every penny.

---

Ron Stewart - Posted - 12/25/2011:  09:16:08

I get my lessons from Bob, and Bill Anderson when he lets me camp out at his house for a week or 2 with car trouble.

BANJOBOB549 - Posted - 12/25/2011:  09:43:00

quote:  INVITES DON,T LAST LONG AROUND ANDERSONS HOUSE,, COUPLE OF HOURS ARE HIS LIMIT.  HE PUSHES BY HAND INSTEAD OF CALLING TOE TRUCKS,,,,,THEY AINT FAST ENOUGH,,,HE ALSO DONT RETRIEVE BOXES FOR SHIPPING ANY LONGER,,SOMETHING ABOUT STAIRS AND THE LAST TWO STEPS THAT SEEM TO BOTHER HIM,,,,,,,,,

---

Originally posted by Ron Stewart

I get my lessons from Bob, and Bill Anderson when he lets me camp out at his house for a week or 2 with car trouble.

---

lazyarcher - Posted - 12/25/2011:  09:55:40

Holy Smoking Yates banjos!

Warren...your banjos have always sounded good..no doubt. I've had the pleasure of playing a few, and across the board they were great. Ron Stewart can obviously pull tone out of anything...but the tone has gotta be there. This banjo is just incredible. Its big and fat and clear and....it just doesn't sound new. Its so close to the original that I think I like it better.....

You guys are out-of-control-cool.

Barnet in SoCal - Posted - 12/25/2011:  09:56:55

Warren....

As our daughter would say... Wowie Zowie!

It looks and sounds fantastic (of course, Ron Stewart has a lot to do with that right there!)

Will you be at SPBGMA? And.... Well, you know the next question... if so, will you bring one?

Yow, this is great!

Barnet in SoCal

Warren Yates - Posted - 12/25/2011:  10:21:49

Ron can pull tone out of anything for sure. "Tony" we have jokingly called him around the shop. You know like "Tone-e". He is a huge part of the inter workings as well as in all of our banjos. My personal one does not even have paint on it yet. I keep wanting to sneak out to the shop and sand something. I have never painted one with all of the hardware and strings on it but I might try. If I decide to play it while the finish is wet then we are going to have a problem.

I do plan to be at SPBGMA for around 4 hours anyway. Greg Rich is going to teach me to hand engrave at his booth so we can get our Grands going. Yes I will have one with me. You are all welcome to come by and break it in some more for me. Let's wake this monster up for real. Everyone bring your picks. You will want to see if this is real or just a bunch of smoke. Do be warned ahead of time. Banjo addition is not something easily cured.

lazyarcher - Posted - 12/25/2011:  11:23:55

quote:

---

Originally posted by Warren Yates

I do plan to be at SPBGMA for around 4 hours anyway. Greg Rich is going to teach me to hand engrave at his booth so we can get our Grands going.

 

Warren...be VERY CAREFUL.

First its hand engraving lessons

Then its a couple of martinis up in the suite

Then its the Comfy Couch

All of a sudden, you're in a Waffle House at 3 am with Greg wondering...what really happened......

 

robbyboone - Posted - 12/25/2011:  13:21:05

 Robby,

Congratulations on your new Yates Skillethead!  I'm Jealous.  Hope you bring it around to show everyone.  Have a Merry Christmas - I bet you are as anxious to get that thing as my 12-year-old is waiting on Christmas morning.

---

Man that's an understatement.......I've twiddled my thumbs and rubbed my hands together till they're raw.....and I've still got weeks to go! I won't have nothing left except boney nubs by the time it gets here. But, you bet I'll bring it around and let people see it, play it and hopefully have to have one just like it.....my plan is instead of Warren being in the lab trying to turn himself into Ron Stewart, he'll be in there trying to clone himself to keep up with all the orders!

If you haven't already checked out Warren's comedy page....do so, it's hilarious!

Darrick - Posted - 12/25/2011:  13:40:42

Warren, I forwarded my check to you today for the full $74,000.  Please let me know when you arranged for Ron to come here to Oregon to teach me to play my new Yates banjo as good as him.  Tell Ron that I started framing a new house for him and his wife since they will be living here from now on trying to teach me.  I want to thank you for being so quick to, as you said, "throw in" Ron's services as part of the purchase.  You are very kind.  

Darrick