Dexter - Posted - 05/19/2012:  11:14:38

Just got my new (pre-owned) Enoch Tradesman and I have to tell you that I really love this little thing..........so far, the best old time banjo I've played. The craftsmanship is amazing and yet so simple.....it is so light weight that I couldn't believe it when I took it out of the case. I put together a little sound sample of something I made up. Please excuse the playing and the audio visual but I was so excited I had to share....thanks, Rick

VIDEO: Little home-made tune (click to view)

SoundsGoodToMe - Posted - 05/19/2012:  11:19:48

Sounds great! I haven't had the chance to play one yet myself, but I hear nothing but good things about Kevin Enoch's banjos.

greenepickins - Posted - 05/19/2012:  11:27:06

I never got a chance to play on one but I am looking forward to the day when I do. Sounds good by the way.

erikforgod - Posted - 05/19/2012:  12:11:19

I was "chomping at the bit" waiting on your full report Rick about your Tradesmen. I was also surprised that you pulled the trigger on this one. In my quest of "keeping up with the banjo Jonses" I also was considering the Enoch Tradesmen ( but 11" ) as my one day "fancy schmansy" sorta step up banjo. This may just light the fire I need to one day spend the money for a descent professional grade banjo thats at a very reasonable price. And now that I am jealous..I will go to my corner and pout for a little while until I get over myself!! LOL

I like the Dobson heel, walnut neck, simple square peghead and dowel rod...the only thing I dont like ( although its minor with regards to Tradesmens ) is the basic black finish...it hides the grain. I may consider one of these as well when its time to invest in a real nice banjo...they are really reasonable in price and lightweight as well.

Congrats on your new banjo Rick!!!

Edited by - erikforgod on 05/19/2012 12:12:53

erikforgod - Posted - 05/19/2012:  12:15:22

playing is sounding darn good as well Rick!!

jamesd - Posted - 05/19/2012:  12:37:46

Dexter, glad you like your Tradesman.  I bought the same banjo new  about six years ago and  am very satisfied with my Tradesman.  It' s a sturdy and reliable instrument and has a  very good sound.  Very good sound on yours.........................

Dexter - Posted - 05/19/2012:  13:30:03

Thanks to all for the comments....it's funny how the banjo can revert us to childhood again.....hey....look at me....look what I got....I guess that's a big part of the fun....Eric.....I could be wrong but I think Kevin uses the black to try to keep the banjo period correct but I'm sure a light sanding would give you the lighter wood appearance that you like. I think you would really love the fretless model....Regards, Rick

erikforgod - Posted - 05/19/2012:  13:44:21

I am officially envious LOL...no seriously Rick...that could be the reason why...but those walnut necks...they are just beautiful with really nice grain! Does it have Kevins signature behind the peghead?

Edited by - erikforgod on 05/19/2012 13:47:08

Dexter - Posted - 05/19/2012:  14:31:32

quote: Eric, here's the back of mine....no signature on back of peghead.....do you know when he started or stopped doing this or did I end up with the best counterfeit banjo I've ever owned???????????

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Originally posted by erikforgod

I am officially envious LOL...no seriously Rick...that could be the reason why...but those walnut necks...they are just beautiful with really nice grain! Does it have Kevins signature behind the peghead?

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Tradesman

erikforgod - Posted - 05/19/2012:  14:55:22

No no no...its authentic!!! But I heard that Kevin sometimes wood burns his signature in the back of his pegheads. I have seen others with his signature on the dowel rods just like yours.....this banjer is S W E E T!!!!!

This looks like the Walnut neck? You and I have very similar taste in banjos...

Edited by - erikforgod on 05/19/2012 14:55:55

Dexter - Posted - 05/19/2012:  15:02:14

quote: Whew!!!!!!!!!!would be just my luck......yeah we do have similar tastes..I've kind of been following your lead from the beginning.....Goodtime Crow....Kyle Creed book, etc. I listed my Crow to off-set the cost of the Tradesman and I'm really glad it didn't sell right away....because I can't part with it....delisting it today.....Rick

P.S. Walnut is one of my favorite woods and that's one of the reasons I snapped this one up....Cherry is also a beautiful wood but I really wanted the walnut and used ones just don't come up that often.

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Originally posted by erikforgod

No no no...its authentic!!! But I heard that Kevin sometimes wood burns his signature in the back of his pegheads. I have seen others with his signature on the dowel rods just like yours.....this banjer is S W E E T!!!!!

This looks like the Walnut neck? You and I have very similar taste in banjos...

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Edited by - Dexter on 05/19/2012 15:04:53

erikforgod - Posted - 05/19/2012:  15:52:40

quote:

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Originally posted by Dexter

quote: Whew!!!!!!!!!!would be just my luck......yeah we do have similar tastes..I've kind of been following your lead from the beginning.....Goodtime Crow....Kyle Creed book, etc. I listed my Crow to off-set the cost of the Tradesman and I'm really glad it didn't sell right away....because I can't part with it....delisting it today.....Rick

P.S. Walnut is one of my favorite woods and that's one of the reasons I snapped this one up....Cherry is also a beautiful wood but I really wanted the walnut and used ones just don't come up that often.

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Originally posted by erikforgod

No no no...its authentic!!! But I heard that Kevin sometimes wood burns his signature in the back of his pegheads. I have seen others with his signature on the dowel rods just like yours.....this banjer is S W E E T!!!!!

This looks like the Walnut neck? You and I have very similar taste in banjos...

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Yeah if I get one it will have to be the Walnut neck...the figure on some of those Tradesman necks from Elderly..they look almost good enough to eat!! ....dunno about a fretless though...I am kinda wimpin out lately...I just have to play a fretless first to see if I will "like it" before I spring some big bucks for one on a real banjo like a Tradesman.

I like BHO members Richard Browns Mesquite banjos...these definately cause me to salivate quite a bit as well. I love that Texas ebony also:

bordertownbrown.com/index.html

Edited by - erikforgod on 05/19/2012 15:56:57

aeroweenie - Posted - 05/20/2012:  19:25:25

Dexter - congratulations on your new (to you) banjo - it sounds really good!  The Tradesman is a fine banjo and a fantastic value, I was very seriously considering buying one a couple years ago.  There are so many great open back banjos available these days - buyers' heaven!