geekinesis - Posted - 08/05/2012:  15:54:37

Its been really good reading your building tips. Even how to push in the 5th peg... I put this off because I was afraid of breaking the peg, but using that wood block against the body of the peg is a great idea.

Ken LeVan - Posted - 08/05/2012:  15:56:49

Thanks, everyone.

I can say that they both sound great. There was a virtuoso clawhammer player here this weekend, who played them both, and I got to hear them in that way - openback.

After all this work, I was a little nervous - I am VERY familiar with the U-tube, and have made many, so I knew what that one would sound like - the "Kone 11" is a new design, as is the beech and cherry steam-bent rim, so there were some unknowns.  All I can say is that they have both exceeded my expectations. Hang in there - I will be posting sound files. as soon as I can.

Dave1climber - Posted - 08/05/2012:  15:58:51

Ken

Whom ever gets one of these fine banjos will be a very lucky person.  Perhaps you might consider a "blind" auction with a minimum price.  

Please keep me on your list for when the soon to be classic book is ready.

Dave

Edited by - Dave1climber on 08/05/2012 16:02:08

BNJOMAKR - Posted - 08/05/2012:  16:11:38

As a friend of mine would say, "Beauty-mous"!

kwl - Posted - 08/05/2012:  16:47:19

Ken, you make Reedsville sound like a metropolis after your description of Shunk. You live a beautiful part of our commonwealth. My wife and I are considering the purchase of a small travel trailer. If we do buy one, we will be visiting the state parks in your area. After all, now that we are both retired we need to get away from the hustle and bustle of a township with almost 4,000 people.

BTW, I have enjoyed all your posts on banjo building. Your beautiful work makes the one banjo I've built so far look pitiful. You give me something to work toward. What an inspiration this has been reading your posts, salivating over the pictures and getting to know you through all of this.

Thank you very much for taking the time to do all of this.

Ken

Ho C Ying - Posted - 08/11/2012:  19:01:16

quote:

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Originally posted by uncle.fogey

Thanks, everyone.

I can say that they both sound great. There was a virtuoso clawhammer player here this weekend, who played them both, and I got to hear them in that way - openback.

After all this work, I was a little nervous - I am VERY familiar with the U-tube, and have made many, so I knew what that one would sound like - the "Kone 11" is a new design, as is the beech and cherry steam-bent rim, so there were some unknowns.  All I can say is that they have both exceeded my expectations. Hang in there - I will be posting sound files. as soon as I can.

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Thank you, Ken. Can't wait to hear them.

taiger - Posted - 08/13/2012:  21:09:53

Ken,

I wanted to send you another big thank you!  Your openness with your techniques and steps is extreamly generous.  Not to mention the inspiration you have provided for countless others.  

Your work is beautiful.   Thanks

Tai

Harreec - Posted - 08/18/2012:  17:09:24

quote:

---

Originally posted by uncle.fogey

Thanks, everyone.

I can say that they both sound great. There was a virtuoso clawhammer player here this weekend, who played them both, and I got to hear them in that way - openback.

After all this work, I was a little nervous - I am VERY familiar with the U-tube, and have made many, so I knew what that one would sound like - the "Kone 11" is a new design, as is the beech and cherry steam-bent rim, so there were some unknowns.  All I can say is that they have both exceeded my expectations. Hang in there - I will be posting sound files. as soon as I can.

I had the pleasure of witnessing the playing of both banjos that day and they are both gems to say the least. As we were driving home Ron came to the conclusion that if he had to choose between the two it just wouldn 't be right and the proper choice would be to have both of them. I think that pretty much says it all! Great work Ken

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Dan Drabek - Posted - 08/18/2012:  17:43:07

I agree. It would be hard to choose between the two. It's doubly nice to see a banjo maker who can think outside the box (to use a hackneyed phrase, but it fits). Every detail has been carefully thought-out, and stock parts have been reduced pretty much to tuning pegs. Such a refreshing change from the endless chain of Gibson clones.

DD

Ken LeVan - Posted - 08/18/2012:  18:25:28

quote:

---

Originally posted by Harreec

quote:

---

Originally posted by uncle.fogey

Thanks, everyone.

I can say that they both sound great. There was a virtuoso clawhammer player here this weekend, who played them both, and I got to hear them in that way - openback.

After all this work, I was a little nervous - I am VERY familiar with the U-tube, and have made many, so I knew what that one would sound like - the "Kone 11" is a new design, as is the beech and cherry steam-bent rim, so there were some unknowns.  All I can say is that they have both exceeded my expectations. Hang in there - I will be posting sound files. as soon as I can.

I had the pleasure of witnessing the playing of both banjos that day and they are both gems to say the least. As we were driving home Ron came to the conclusion that if he had to choose between the two it just wouldn 't be right and the proper choice would be to have both of them. I think that pretty much says it all! Great work Ken

---

 

Thanks, Harry!

I have a new microphone and will actually be making some sound files soon.  I hope I can get Ron to play some of his tunes again.

Ken

 

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Ken LeVan - Posted - 08/18/2012:  18:26:55

quote:

---

Originally posted by Dan Drabek

I agree. It would be hard to choose between the two. It's doubly nice to see a banjo maker who can think outside the box (to use a hackneyed phrase, but it fits). Every detail has been carefully thought-out, and stock parts have been reduced pretty much to tuning pegs. Such a refreshing change from the endless chain of Gibson clones.



DD

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Thanks!