cripplecreeker - Posted - 05/23/2013:  09:13:53

Just a respectful question regarding Jim Burlile and his long-standing plan to build his own line of banjos - has anyone actually seen a model other than the one Big K is using?  Reason I ask is that many years ago (December 2006) I deposited a not-insignificant sum of money with Jim directly for the first versions of his to-be-introduced banjo line.  To date, I've kept this deposit and arrangement confidential from all but three famous banjo personalities who had an interest in Mr. Burlile's development of a low-volume but high-priced line of banjos.  For years I would receive periodic updates regarding progress and then I personally got hit with a serious health condition that required my full attention and resulted in damage to my left arm and hand, making banjo picking all but impossible and focusing my attention on practicing law and, frankly, staying on this side of the daisies.  But around late 2010 all communications with Mr. Burlile ceased and I feared he himself had become infirm or disabled in light of the shut down in communications.  Thankfully, I later learned from other sources that he was still working, but more slowly and possibly with the assistance of a protege or apprentice.  Can anyone update me on whether Mr. Burlile is still attempting to finish what he started?  Please understand that I've sent a number of e-mail inquiries to Jim that have not been responded to and I have only resorted to asking this question on the Hangout after exploring other options to get this information, including correspondence with famous banjo personalities who know Jim personally.  Note, too, that this inquiry is not intended to cast aspersions or make allegations about Mr. Burlile - I just really want to know what's going on if anyone knows.  Regards.  Todd "Cripplecreeker" Sullivan

kmwaters - Posted - 05/23/2013:  09:22:52

I feel badly about your situation.  While I know nothing I will certainly post if I learn of anything meaningful.  I know his reputation is admirable so this is rather curious.

cripplecreeker - Posted - 05/23/2013:  09:28:43

Don't feel bad for me, Ken - I'm one of the luckiest guys on the planet.  They've told me twice I'm just about to buy the farm and here I am still kicking in the stall!  My post is just to get information, that's all.  Jim Burlile communicated with me a bunch over the years, updating me on rim-bending efforts and piano wood he was working with and so on.  Always honorable and direct.  I've just lost my line of communication, that's all.  Regards.  Todd 

The Pope - Posted - 05/23/2013:  09:49:38

Last time I talked with a banjo player that is good friends with Jim, he said that the Burlile banjo was still in progress but Jim is designing & building everything himself so I guess progress is slow. I'm anxious to see one. This banjo player is, I think, playing a prototype even as we speak. YMMV.

grich - Posted - 05/23/2013:  10:02:49

Who knows maybe he's even growing the trees to make the wood parts from ! 

lethegoodtimesroll - Posted - 05/23/2013:  11:43:30

Greg why don't you help this guy out? you talk with Burlile every week?

ksherrod - Posted - 05/23/2013:  15:47:45

Here is what I know,
The only complete Burlile banjo built to date is the one Kenny has. The apprentice Jim had is no longer working with him. Jim has several banjos partially made for persons who have put deposits on them. I have seen the necks, resonators, rims, and tonerings, all completely made from scratch by Jim. Unfortunately, in my opinion, he has decided to make his own tension hoops, hooks and nuts, tailpieces, armrests and tuners for all of these banjos. I have no doubt he will eventually do it, but it is taking a long time. You might want to try and talk him into using some standard parts if you want to get your banjo anytime soon. I know he won't sell individual rings without a banjo anymore.

Ken Sherrod

scaggs7 - Posted - 05/23/2013:  17:17:33

he is a member here or was at one time.  maybe he will come in and say something

kmwaters - Posted - 05/23/2013:  18:34:07

While I admire banjo builders, I have trouble understanding the need to make the "generics" like the hooks etc.  They really have so little bearing on the overall "character" of the banjo, and there are even various levels of quality available.  So upscale banjos can have ready-made upscale hardware.  Sounds like reinventing the wheel.

Rick Polston - Posted - 05/23/2013:  18:58:52

I guess it will set it completely apart from "cookie cutter" banjo's. I have several parts Mr. Burlile made and he is a master at his work.

Aradobanjo - Posted - 05/24/2013:  04:23:03

Hello,

Prototyping allows for establishing brand, content, style, fit, and finish. When an owner decides what is good for automation, then he/she can talk in terms much easier. The American Pride in a product is because of the personal ownership/guidance/sweat into the product. I hope all small businesses become successful.  

grich - Posted - 05/29/2013:  11:20:15

Greg why don't you help this guy out? you talk with Burlile every week?

I've tried calling and stopping by his shop and have not been able to reach him !

Jim's a good friend but so are some of the people I know that put deposits on his banjos and after 5 years you have to wonder !

lazyarcher - Posted - 05/29/2013:  11:45:19

quote:

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Originally posted by grich

 

Greg why don't you help this guy out? you talk with Burlile every week?

 

I've tried calling and stopping by his shop and have not been able to reach him !

Jim's a good friend but so are some of the people I know that put deposits on his banjos and after 5 years you have to wonder !

 

---

After you burnt Jims nuts in his backyard poring tonerings I didn't think talk to you again.

Has he healed????

grich - Posted - 05/29/2013:  12:10:51

I guess you were right , but damn it was funny ! 

ehamlet6 - Posted - 06/27/2013:  10:31:55

looking for a burlile ring tone can anybody help me